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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 3059 ***
+THE
+ILIAD OF HOMER
+
+
+Done into English Prose
+by
+
+Andrew Lang, M.A.                 Walter Leaf, Litt. D.
+Late fellow of Merton College,    Late fellow of Trinity College,
+Oxford                            Cambridge
+
+and
+
+Ernest Meyers, M.A.
+Late fellow of Wadham College,
+Oxford
+
+_REVISED EDITION_
+
+
+
+
+MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED
+ST. MARTINS STREET, LONDON
+1911
+
+
+Contents
+
+ PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+ THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+ BOOK I.
+ BOOK II.
+ BOOK III.
+ BOOK IV.
+ BOOK V.
+ BOOK VI.
+ BOOK VII.
+ BOOK VIII.
+ BOOK IX.
+ BOOK X.
+ BOOK XI.
+ BOOK XII.
+ BOOK XIII.
+ BOOK XIV.
+ BOOK XV.
+ BOOK XVI.
+ BOOK XVII.
+ BOOK XVIII.
+ BOOK XIX.
+ BOOK XX.
+ BOOK XXI.
+ BOOK XXII.
+ BOOK XXIII.
+ BOOK XXIV.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+
+The execution of this version of the _Iliad_ has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+
+Books I.—IX. . . . . W. LEAF.
+Books X.—XVI. . . . . A. LANG.
+Books XVII.—XXIV. . . . . E. MYERS.
+
+
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the
+whole has been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of
+passages or phrases recurring in more than one portion has been
+determined after deliberation in common. Even in these, however, a
+certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
+translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by
+the third. Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X.—XVI. Would
+have preferred “c” and “us” to “k” and “os” in the spelling of all
+proper names.
+
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except
+where the adoption of a different reading has been specified in a
+footnote. Where the balance of evidence, external and internal, has
+seemed to the Translator to be against the genuineness of the passage,
+such passage has been enclosed in brackets [].
+
+The Translator of Books X.—XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. RAPER, Fellow of
+Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the
+proof-sheets of these Books.
+
+NOTE TO REVISED EDITION
+
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised
+throughout, and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at
+the end of the volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of
+the Translators hopes to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad
+for English readers, which will deal fully with most of the points
+therein referred to.
+
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to
+passages where there is external evidence, such as absence from the
+best MSS., for believing in interpolation. One or two departures from
+this rule are noticed in footnotes.
+
+_November_ 1891
+
+
+
+
+The sacred soil of Ilios is rent
+With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow
+Through plains where Simois and Scamander went
+To war with gods and heroes long ago.
+Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low
+In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;
+The bones of Agamemnon are a show,
+And ruined is his royal monument.
+The dust and awful treasures of the dead
+Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,
+Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,
+And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she
+To know the crown on thine immortal head
+Of indivisible supremacy.
+
+                    A.L.
+
+
+
+
+Athwart the sunrise of our western day
+The form of great Achilles, high and clear,
+Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.
+The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,
+Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,
+Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,
+Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.
+But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,
+More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;
+Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,
+Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.
+What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?
+Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;
+Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death.
+
+                    E.M.
+
+
+
+
+THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles
+withdrew himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong
+should be avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
+
+
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus’ son, the ruinous wrath
+that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into
+Hades many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey
+to dogs and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out
+its accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king
+of men and noble Achilles.
+
+Who then among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Even the
+son of Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague
+upon the host, that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done
+dishonour to Chryses the priest. For he had come to the Achaians’ fleet
+ships to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond
+telling; and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon
+a golden staff; and made his prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of
+all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the host: “Ye sons of Atreus
+and all ye well-greaved Achaians, now may the gods that dwell in the
+mansions of Olympus grant you to lay waste the city of Priam, and to
+fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear child free, and accept the
+ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting Apollo.”
+
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and
+accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern
+charge upon him, saying: “Let me not find thee, old man, amid the
+hollow ships, whether tarrying now or returning again hereafter, lest
+the staff and fillet of the god avail thee naught. And her will I not
+set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on her in our house, in
+Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the loom and serve
+my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the rather go in
+peace.”
+
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared
+silently along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged
+man apart and prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks
+bare: “Hear me, god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and
+holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built
+a temple gracious in thine eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh
+of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil thou this my desire; let the
+Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from
+the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow
+and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath,
+as the god moved; and he descended like to night. Then he sate him
+aloof from the ships, and let an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread
+clanging of the silver bow. First did he assail the mules and fleet
+dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his piercing dart, he smote; and
+the pyres of the dead burnt continually in multitude.
+
+Now for nine days ranged the god’s shafts through the host; but on the
+tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did
+goddess Hera of the white arms put the thought, because she had pity on
+the Danaans when she beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered
+and were met in assembly, then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and
+spake among them: “Son of Atreus, now deem I that we shall return
+wandering home again—if verily we might escape death—if war at once and
+pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But come, let us now
+inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter of
+dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore
+Phoebus Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or
+hecatomb; if perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or
+unblemished goats, and so would take away the pestilence from us.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas
+son of Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that
+were and that should be and that had been before, and guided the ships
+of the Achaians to Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo
+bestowed on him. He of good intent made harangue and spake amid them:
+“Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest me tell the wrath of Apollo, the
+king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I speak; but do thou make
+covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy heart thou wilt
+aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I shall
+provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the
+Achaians obey. For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a
+meaner man; even though for the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth
+he still keep his displeasure thereafter in his breast till he
+accomplish it. Consider thou, then, if thou wilt hold me safe.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: “Yea, be of
+good courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo
+dear to Zeus, him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy
+soothsaying to the Danaans, no man while I live and behold light on
+earth shall lay violent hands upon thee amid the hollow ships, no man
+of all the Danaans, not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now avoweth
+him to be greatest far of the Achaians.”
+
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: “Neither by reason
+of a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest’s
+sake to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and
+accepted not the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes
+upon us, yea, and will bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly
+pestilence from the Danaans till we have given the bright-eyed damsel
+to her father, unbought, unransomed, and carried a holy hecatomb to
+Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our prayer.”
+
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero
+son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark
+heart within him was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like
+flashing fire. To Kalchas first spake he with look of ill: “Thou seer
+of evil, never yet hast thou told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil
+is ever the joy of thy heart to prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell
+any good matter nor bring to pass. And now with soothsaying thou makest
+harangue among the Danaans, how that the Far-darter bringeth woes upon
+them because, forsooth, I would not take the goodly ransom of the
+damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her own self
+within mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded
+wife; in no wise is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor
+stature, nor wit nor skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if
+that is better; rather would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only
+make ye me ready a prize of honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the
+Argives be disprized, which thing beseemeth not; for ye all behold how
+my prize is departing from me.”
+
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: “Most noble son
+of Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted
+Achaians give thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of
+common store, but what spoil soe’er we took from captured cities hath
+been apportioned, and it beseemeth not to beg all this back from the
+folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to the god, and we Achaians will pay
+thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever Zeus grant us to sack some
+well-walled town of Troy-land.”*
+
+Reading with Cobet Τρῳήν for Τροίην.
+
+
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: “Not in this wise, strong
+as thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt
+not outwit me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep
+thy meed of honour, for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me
+give her back? Nay, if the great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed
+suited to my mind, that the recompense be equal—but if they give it
+not, then I myself will go and take a meed of honour, thine be it or
+Aias’, or Odysseus’ that I will take unto me; wroth shall he be to
+whomsoever I come. But for this we will take counsel hereafter; now let
+us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather picked oarsmen, and
+set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair cheeks herself,
+and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or goodly
+Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice
+for us and propitiate the Far-darter.”
+
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: “Ah me,
+thou clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any
+Achaian hearken to thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a
+journey or to fight the foe amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen
+came I hither to fight, for they have not wronged me; never did they
+harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever waste my harvest in deep-soiled
+Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth between us long space of
+shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou shameless one,
+followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at the
+Trojans’ hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this thou
+threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed
+much, and the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like
+unto thine, when the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men;
+my hands bear the brunt of furious war, but when the apportioning
+cometh then is thy meed far ampler, and I betake me to the ships with
+some small thing, yet mine own, when I have fought to weariness. Now
+will I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to return home on my
+beaked ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee thy fill
+of riches and wealth.”
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him “Yea, flee, if thy soul
+be set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I
+have others by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus,
+lord of counsel. Most hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings
+of Zeus; thou ever lovest strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be
+very strong, yet that I ween is a gift to thee of God. Go home with thy
+ships and company and lord it among thy Myrmidons; I reck not aught of
+thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all this shall be my threat
+to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of Chryseis, her with my
+ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self will I go to
+thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
+honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and
+so shall another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival
+me to my face.”
+
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus’ son, and his heart within his
+shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade
+from his thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to
+assuage his anger and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in
+heart and soul, and was drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene
+came to him from heaven, sent forth of the white-armed goddess Hera,
+whose heart loved both alike and had care for them. She stood behind
+Peleus’ son and caught him by his golden hair, to him only visible, and
+of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles marvelled, and turned him
+about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and terribly shone her eyes.
+He spake to her winged words, and said: “Why now art thou come hither,
+thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the insolence of
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall even
+be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
+life.”
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: “I came from
+heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being
+sent forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike
+and careth for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine
+hand draw the sword; yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall
+come to pass. For thus will I say to thee, and so it shall be
+fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come to thee, yea in threefold
+measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine hand, and hearken
+to us.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: “Goddess, needs
+must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very
+wroth at heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods,
+to him they gladly hearken.”
+
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the
+great sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying
+of Athene; and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods
+in the palace of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then Peleus’ son spake again with bitter words to Atreus’ son, and in
+no wise ceased from anger: “Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of dog
+and heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle
+among thy folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that
+to thee were even as death. Far better booteth it, forsooth, to seize
+for thyself the meed of honour of every man through the wide host of
+the Achaians that speaketh contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king!
+seeing thou rulest men of naught; else were this despite, thou son of
+Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to thee, and swear a mighty
+oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no more put forth leaf
+or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the hills,
+neither shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of
+leaves and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise
+judgment bear it in their hands, even they that by Zeus’ command watch
+over the traditions—so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes—verily
+shall longing for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians
+one and all; and then wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all
+thy grief, when multitudes fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then
+shalt thou tear thy heart within thee for anger that thou didst in no
+wise honour the best of the Achaians.”
+
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden
+nails, and himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed
+furious. Then in their midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed
+discourse sweeter than honey. Two generations of mortal men already had
+he seen perish, that had been of old time born and nurtured with him in
+goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He of good intent made
+harangue to them and said: “Alas, of a truth sore lamentation cometh
+upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and Priam’s sons,
+and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were they to hear
+all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the
+Danaans in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are
+younger both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even
+than you, and never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such
+warriors, nor shall behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of
+the host and Kaineus and Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus
+son of Aigeus, like to the immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of
+all men upon the earth; mightiest they were and with the mightiest
+fought they, even the wild tribes of the mountain caves, and destroyed
+them utterly. And with these held I converse, being come from Pylos,
+from a distant land afar; for of themselves they summoned me. So I
+played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that are now
+on earth do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to
+my voice. Even so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither
+do thou, though thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but
+leave her as she was given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to
+be a meed of honour; nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a
+king, might against might; seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a
+sceptred king to whom Zeus apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong,
+and a goddess mother bare thee, yet his is the greater place, for he is
+king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate thy fury; nay, it is even I
+that beseech thee to let go thine anger with Achilles, who is made unto
+all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil war.”
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: “Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all
+others, he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all;
+wherein I deem none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made
+him a spearman, do they therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to
+utter?”
+
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: “Yea, for I should
+be called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
+howsoe’er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
+master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover,
+will I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by
+violence will I strive for the damsel’s sake, neither with thee nor any
+other; ye gave and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine
+beside my fleet black ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or
+bear it away against my will. Yea, go to now, make trial, that all
+these may see; forthwith thy dark blood shall gush about my spear.”
+
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they
+stood up and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides
+went his way to his huts and trim ships with Menoitios’ son* and his
+company; and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and picked
+twenty oarsmen therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god, and
+brought Chryseis of the fair cheeks and set her therein; and Odysseus
+of many devices went to be their captain.
+
+* Patroklos
+
+
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the
+folk purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the
+defilements into the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished
+hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea;
+and the sweet savour arose to heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not
+from the strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake
+to Talthybios and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires:
+“Go ye to the tent of Achilles Peleus’ son, and take Briseis of the
+fair cheeks by the hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not,
+then will I myself go, and more with me, and seize her; and that will
+be yet more grievous for him.”
+
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them.
+Unwillingly went they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came
+to the huts and ships of the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside
+his hut and black ship; nor when he saw them was Achilles glad. So they
+in dread and reverence of the king stood, and spake to him no word, nor
+questioned him. But he knew in his heart, and spake to them: “All hail,
+ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, come near; ye are not guilty in
+my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the sake of the damsel
+Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the damsel, and
+give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be my
+witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and
+of him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of
+me hereafter to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth
+with baleful mind, and hath not knowledge to look before and after,
+that so his Achaians might battle in safety beside their ships.”
+
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth
+from the hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead
+away. So these twain took their way back along the Achaians’ ships, and
+with them went the woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and
+sat him down apart, aloof from his comrades on the beach of the grey
+sea, gazing across the boundless main; he stretched forth his hands and
+prayed instantly to his dear mother: “Mother, seeing thou didst of a
+truth bear me to so brief span of life, honour at the least ought the
+Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that thundereth on high; but now
+doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily Atreus’ son,
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath taken away
+my meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.”
+
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey
+sea, like a mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and
+stroked him with her hand, and spake and called on his name: “My child,
+why weepest thou? What sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it
+forth, hide it not in thy mind, that both may know it.”
+
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: “Thou knowest
+it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to
+Thebe, the holy city of Eëtion, and laid it waste and carried hither
+all the spoils. So the sons of the Achaians divided among them all
+aright; and for Atreides they set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks.
+But Chryses, priest of Apollo the Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships
+of the mail-clad Achaians to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a
+ransom beyond telling, and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
+Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
+host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest
+and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern
+charge upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard
+his prayers, seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the
+Argives his deadly darts. So the people began to perish in multitudes,
+and the god’s shafts ranged everywhither throughout the wide host of
+the Achaians. Then of full knowledge the seer declared to us the oracle
+of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade propitiate the god; but wrath
+gat hold upon Atreus’ son thereat, and anon he stood up and spake a
+threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her the
+glancing-eyed Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and
+bear with them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds
+went and took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons
+of the Achaians gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard
+thine own* son; betake thee to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any deed or
+word whereby thou ever didst make glad his heart. For oft have I heard
+thee proclaiming in my father’s halls and telling that thou alone amid
+the immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord of the storm-cloud,
+from shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would have bound him,
+even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O goddess,
+enter in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to
+high Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all
+men call Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate
+him by Kronion’s side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods
+feared him withal and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his
+remembrance and sit by him and clasp his knees, if perchance he will
+give succour to the Trojans; and for the Achaians, hem them among their
+ships’ sterns about the bay, given over to slaughter; that they may
+make trial of their king, and that even Atreides, wide-ruling
+Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness, in that he honoured not at all
+the best of the Achaians.”
+
+* Reading ἑοῖο.
+
+
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: “Ah me, my child, why reared I
+thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
+griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no
+long while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable
+beyond all men; in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go
+myself to snow-clad Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy
+is in the thunder*, if perchance he may hearken to me. But tarry thou
+now amid thy fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with the Achaians,
+and refrain utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to Okeanos,
+unto the noble Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with
+him; but on the twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I
+fare to Zeus’ palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and
+think to win him.”
+
+* perhaps rather, “hurler of the thunderbolt.”
+
+
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled woman’s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his
+will: and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb.
+When they were now entered within the deep haven, they furled their
+sails and laid them in the black ship, and lowered the mast by the
+forestays and brought it to the crutch with speed, and rowed her with
+oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the mooring stones and made
+fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to the sea-beach, and
+forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo, and forth
+came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
+counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father’s arms,
+and spake unto him: “Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to
+bring thee thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the
+Danaans’ behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought
+sorrow and lamentation on the Argives.”
+
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child;
+and anon they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his
+well-builded altar; next washed they their hands and took up the barley
+meal. Then Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud for them:
+“Hearken to me, god of the silver bow that standest over Chryse and
+holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might; even as erst thou heardest
+my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily afflictest the people of
+the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire: remove thou from
+the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had
+prayed and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims’
+heads and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the
+thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
+collops thereon, and the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made
+libation over them of gleaming wine; and at his side the young men in
+their hands held five-pronged forks. Now when the thighs were burnt and
+they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest and pierced
+it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off
+again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the
+banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair
+banquet. But when they had put away from them the desire of meat and
+drink, the young men crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his
+portion after the drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all
+day long worshipped they the god with music, singing the beautiful
+paean, the sons of the Achaians making music to the Far-darter;* and
+his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down and darkness
+came on them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship’s hawsers; and
+when rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning, then set they
+sail for the wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent
+them a favouring gale. They set up their mast and spread the white
+sails forth, and the wind filled the sail’s belly and the dark wave
+sang loud about the stem as the ship made way, and she sped across the
+wave, accomplishing her journey. So when they were now come to the wide
+camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black ship to land high upon
+the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her; and themselves
+were scattered amid their huts and ships.
+
+* Or, “the Averter” (of pestilence).
+
+
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the
+heaven-sprung son of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him
+neither to the assembly that is the hero’s glory, neither to war, but
+consumed his heart in tarrying in his place, and yearned for the
+war-cry and for battle.
+
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are
+for ever fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis
+forgat not her son’s charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at
+early morn mounted up to great heaven and Olympus. There found she
+Kronos’ son of the far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the
+topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. So she sat before his face and
+with her left hand clasped his knees, and with her right touched him
+beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king Zeus son of Kronos:
+“Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the immortal gods, whether
+by word or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour to my son, that
+is doomed to earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king of men
+done him dishonour, for he hath taken away his meed of honour and
+keepeth her of his own violent deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of
+Olympus, lord of counsel; grant thou victory to the Trojans the while
+until the Achaians do my son honour and exalt him with recompense.”
+
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat
+long time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held
+she by him clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: “Promise me
+now this thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me,
+seeing there is naught for thee to fear; that I may know full well how
+I among all gods am least in honour.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: “Verily it
+is a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene’er
+she provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever
+amid the immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But
+do thou now depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought
+for these things to fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee,
+that thou mayest be of good courage; for that, of my part, is the
+surest token amid the immortals; no word of mine is revocable nor false
+nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath pledged it.”
+
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved
+from the king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the
+deep sea from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All
+the gods in company arose from their seats before their father’s face;
+neither ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him.
+So he sate him there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not
+ignorant how that the daughter of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the
+silver-footed, had devised counsel with him. Anon with taunting words
+spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: “Now who among the gods, thou
+crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is ever thy good
+pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give thy
+judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
+declare unto me the thing thou purposest.”
+
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: “Hera, think not thou
+to know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my
+wife. But whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than
+thou shall know, be he god or man. Only when I will to take thought
+aloof from the gods, then do not thou ask of every matter nor make
+question.”
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have
+not asked thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou
+have been won over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of
+the sea, for she at early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To
+her I deem thou gavest a sure pledge that thou wilt do honour to
+Achilles, and lay many low beside the Achaians’ ships.”
+
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: “Lady, Good lack! ever art
+thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have
+power to fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be
+even the worse for thee. And if it be so, then such must my good
+pleasure be. Abide thou in silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all
+the gods that are in Olympus keep not off from thee my visitation, when
+I put forth my hands unapproachable against thee.”
+
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence,
+curbing her heart; but throughout Zeus’ palace the gods of heaven were
+troubled. Then Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue
+among them, to do kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: “Verily
+this will be a sorry matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain
+thus fight for mortals’ sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods;
+neither will there any more be joy of the goodly feast, seeing that
+evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my mother, though herself is
+wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that our father upbraid
+us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the Olympian,
+the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is
+strongest far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the
+Olympian forthwith be gracious unto us.”
+
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother’s hand the
+twy-handled cup, and spake to her: “Be of good courage, mother mine,
+and endure, though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so
+dear, chastised before mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all
+my sorrow to save thee; for the Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea,
+once ere this, when I was fain to save thee, he caught me by my foot
+and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all day I flew, and at the
+set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me. There did the
+Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.”
+
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the
+cup at her son’s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from
+right to left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter
+unquenchable arose amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling
+through the palace.
+
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul
+aught stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that
+Apollo held, and the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his
+own house to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning
+device by famed Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the
+lord of lightning, departed to his couch where he was wont of old to
+take his rest, whenever sweet sleep visited him. There went he up and
+slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden throne.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the
+Achaians and their marching forth to battle. And of the names and
+numbers of the hosts of the Achaians and the Trojans.
+
+
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only
+Zeus was not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his
+heart how he should do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the
+Achaians’ ships. And this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit,
+to send a baneful dream upon Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and
+uttered to him winged words: “Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the
+Achaians’ fleet ships, enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus,
+and tell him every word plainly as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms
+the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now he may take
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang.”
+
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge.
+With speed he came to the Achaians’ fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber
+poured over him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son
+of Neleus, even Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured;
+in his likeness spake to him the heavenly Dream:
+
+“Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are
+entrusted and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me,
+for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath
+great care for thee and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the
+flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now thou mayest take
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart, not let
+forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave thee.”
+
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his
+mind things that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to
+take Priam’s city that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the
+plans that Zeus had in mind, who was willed to bring yet more grief and
+wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans throughout the course of stubborn
+fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the heavenly voice was in his
+ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft tunic, fair and
+bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his glistering
+feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
+silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires’ sceptre, imperishable for
+ever, wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians’ ships.
+
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus
+and all the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds
+summon to the assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those
+summon, and these gathered with speed.
+
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship
+of king Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed
+his cunning counsel: “Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to
+me in my sleep through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly
+Nestor was very like in shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over
+my head and charged me saying: ‘Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer
+of horses? To sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a
+counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted and so many cares belong. But
+now hearken straightway to me, for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus,
+who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He biddeth
+thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that
+now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the
+immortals that dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and
+over the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep
+this in thy heart.’ So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet
+sleep left me. So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of
+the Achaians. But first I will speak to make trial of them as is
+fitting, and bid them flee with their benched ships; only do ye from
+this side and from that speak to hold them back.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor,
+who was king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them
+and said: “My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any
+other of the Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false
+thing, and rather turn away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of
+all Achaians avoweth himself far greatest. So come, let us call to arms
+as we may the sons of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other
+sceptred chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and
+the people hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees
+issue from the hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly
+clustering among the flowers of spring, and some on this hand and some
+on that fly thick; even so from ships and huts before the low beach
+marched forth their many tribes by companies to the place of assembly.
+And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of Zeus, urging them
+to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was in an
+uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and
+there was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if
+perchance they might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings,
+the fosterlings of Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit,
+and keep them to their benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord
+Agamemnon bearing his sceptre, that Hephaistos had wrought curiously.
+Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to
+the messenger-god the slayer of Argus;* and king Hermes gave it to
+Pelops the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus shepherd of
+the host. And Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich in flocks, and
+Thyestes in his turn left it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many
+islands and all Argos he should be lord. Thereon he leaned and spake
+his saying to the Argives:
+
+* Or, possibly, “the swift-appearing”
+
+
+“My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, Zeus Kronos’ son
+hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart
+is he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not
+till I had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that
+he planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured,
+with the loss of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty
+Zeus, who hath laid low the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay
+low; for his is highest power. Shame is this even for them that come
+after to hear; how so goodly and great a folk of the Achaians thus
+vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier enemies, and no end
+thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both Achaians and
+Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if the
+Trojans should gather together all that have their dwellings in the
+city, and we Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every
+company choose a Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a
+cup-bearer: so much, I say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the
+Trojans that dwell within the city. But allies from many cities, even
+warriors that wield the spear, are therein, and they hinder me
+perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to waste the populous
+citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus passed away,
+and our ships’ timbers have rotted and the tackling is loosed; while
+there our wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet
+is our task utterly unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come,
+even as I bid let us all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear
+native land; for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout
+the multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly
+swayed like high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south
+wind raise, rushing upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even
+as when the west wind cometh to stir a deep cornfield with violent
+blast, and the ears bow down, so was all the assembly stirred, and they
+with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the dust from beneath their
+feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his neighbor to
+seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared out
+the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will
+of fate, but that Hera spake a word to Athene: “Out on it, daughter of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed
+flee homeward to their dear native land over the sea’s broad back? But
+they would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away
+from his dear native land. But go thou now amid the host of the
+mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle words refrain thou every man,
+neither suffer them to draw their curved ships down to the salt sea.”
+
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but
+went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the
+fleet ships of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of
+Zeus in counsel, neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship,
+because grief had entered into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed
+Athene stood by him and said: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus
+of many devices, will ye indeed fling yourselves upon your benched
+ships to flee homeward to your dear native land? But ye would leave to
+Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for whose sake
+many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear native land.
+But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and with
+gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their
+curved ships down to the salt sea.”
+
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and
+set him to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered
+up, even Eurybates of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went
+to meet Agamemnon son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre
+of his sires, imperishable for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by
+his side, and refrained him with gentle words: “Good sir, it is not
+seemly to affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make
+all thy folk sit down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the
+purpose of Atreus’ son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will
+afflict the sons of the Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he
+spake in the council? Beware lest in his anger he evilly entreat the
+sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul of heaven-fostered kings;
+because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of counsel loveth them.”*
+
+Reading διοτρεφέων βασιλήων with Zenodotos.
+
+
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he
+drave with his sceptre and chode him with loud words: “Good sir, sit
+still and hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou
+art no warrior, and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in
+council. In no wise can we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of
+masters is no good thing; let there be one master, one king, to whom
+the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath granted it, [even the
+sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among you”].
+
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly
+from ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea
+roareth on the long beach and the main resoundeth.
+
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only
+Thersites still chattered on, the uncontrolled of speech, whose mind
+was full of words many and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the
+chiefs idly and in no good order, but even as he deemed that he should
+make the Argives laugh. And he was ill-favored beyond all men that came
+to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of one foot, and his two
+shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over them his head
+was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he to
+Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But
+now with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly
+Agamemnon. With him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in
+their souls. But he with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon:
+“Atreides, for what art thou now ill content and lacking? Surely thy
+huts are full of bronze and many women are in they huts, the chosen
+spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all, whene’er we take a
+town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well, such as some one of
+the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his son, whom I
+perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some young
+girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it
+is not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the
+Achaians to ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia
+and men no more, let us depart home with our ships, and leave this
+fellow here in Troy-land to gorge him with meeds of honour, that he may
+see whether our aid avail him aught or no; even he that hath now done
+dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he; for he hath taken away
+his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent deed. Of a very
+surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles’ mind, but he is slack;
+else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.”
+
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with
+hard words rebuked him: “Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator
+though thou art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against
+kings. For I deem that no mortal is baser than thou of all that with
+the sons of Atreus came before Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou
+shouldest not have kings in thy mouth as thou talkest, and utter
+revilings against them and be on the watch for departure. We know not
+yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons of the Achaians
+shall return for good or for ill. Therefore now dost thou revile
+continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the
+Danaan warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly.
+But I will tell thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to
+pass: if I find thee again raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus’
+head no longer abide upon his shoulders, nor may I any more be called
+father of Telemachos, if I take thee not and strip from thee thy
+garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy nakedness, and for
+thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee out of the
+assembly with shameful blows.”
+
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he
+bowed down and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up
+from his back beneath the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was
+amazed, and in pain with helpless look wiped away the tear. But the
+rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly at him, and thus would
+one speak looking at another standing by: “Go to, of a truth Odysseus
+hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing foremost in
+wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing the
+best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he
+hath stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again,
+forsooth, will his proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with
+slanderous words.”
+
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with
+sceptre in his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness
+of a herald bade the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the
+Achaians, both the nearest and the farthest, might hear his words
+together and give heed to his counsel. He of good intent made harangue
+to them and said: “Atreides, now surely are the Achaians for making
+thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will they fulfil
+the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching hither
+from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow
+women do they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is
+toil to make a man depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but
+one single month far from his wife in his benched ship fretteth himself
+when winter storms and the furious sea imprison him; but for us, the
+ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its course. Therefore do I
+not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their beaked ships; yet
+nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty. Be of
+good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether
+Kalchas be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in
+our hearts, and ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates
+of death have not borne away. It was as it were but yesterday or the
+day before that the Achaians’ ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted
+with trouble for Priam and the Trojans; and we round about a spring
+were offering on the holy altars unblemished hecatombs to the
+immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed bright water, when
+there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the back,
+terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light
+of day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now
+there were there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the
+topmost branch, nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the
+mother of the little ones was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these
+cheeping pitifully. And the mother fluttered around wailing for her
+dear little ones; but he coiled himself and caught her by the wing as
+she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the sparrow’s little
+ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him made of him a
+sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to stone,
+and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread
+portent brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas
+forthwith prophesy, and said: ‘Why hold ye your peace, ye
+flowing-haired Achaians? To us hath Zeus the counsellor shown this
+great sign, late come, of late fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never
+perish. Even as he swallowed the sparrow’s little ones and herself, the
+eight wherewith the mother that bare the little ones was the ninth, so
+shall we war there so many years, but in the tenth year shall we take
+the wide-wayed city.’ So spake the seer; and now are all these things
+being fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye well-greaved Achaians, even
+where ye are, until we have taken the great city of Priam.”
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships
+echoed terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying
+of god-like Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia: “Out on it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys
+that have no care for deeds of war. What shall come of our covenants
+and our oaths? Let all counsels be cast into the fire and all devices
+of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
+fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving with words
+nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here. Son
+of Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the
+Argives amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one
+or two Achaians that take secret counsel—though fulfilment shall not
+come thereof—to depart to Argos first, before they know whether the
+promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or no. Yea, for I say that most
+mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day when the Argives embarked
+upon their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans death and fate; for by
+his lightning upon our right he manifested signs of good. Therefore let
+Trojan’s wife and paid back his strivings and groans for Helen’s sake.
+But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards, let him lay
+his hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he may
+encounter death and fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel
+thyself, and hearken to another that shall give it; the word that I
+speak, whate’er it be, shall not be cast away. Separate thy warriors by
+tribes and by clans, Agamemnon, that clan may give aid to clan and
+tribe to tribe. If thou do thus and the Achaians hearken to thee, then
+wilt thou know who among thy captains and who of the common sort is a
+coward, and who too is brave; for they will fight each after their
+sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine command that thou
+shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors and their
+ill skill in battle.”
+
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: “Verily hast thou again
+outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus
+and Athene and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such
+councillors; then would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our
+hands, captive and wasted. But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos,
+hath brought sorrows upon me, in that he casteth my lot amid fruitless
+wranglings and strifes. For in truth I and Achilles fought about a
+damsel with violent words, and I was first to be angry; but if we can
+only be at one in council, then will there no more be any putting off
+the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go ye
+to your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his
+spear and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his
+fleet-footed steeds their meal, and look well to his chariot on every
+side and take thought for battle, that all day long we may contend in
+hateful war. For of respite shall there intervene no, not a whit, only
+that the coming of night shall part the fury of warriors. On each man’s
+breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield be wet with sweat, and
+his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each man’s horse shall
+sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And whomsoever I perceive
+minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him
+shall there be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of prey.”
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep
+shore, when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting
+rock, that is never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise
+from this side and from that. And they stood up and scattered in haste
+throughout the ships, and made fires in the huts and took their meal.
+And they did sacrifice each man to one of the everlasting gods, praying
+for escape from death and the tumult of battle. But Agamemnon king of
+men slew a fat bull of five years to most mighty Kronion, and called
+the elders, the princes of the Achaian host, Nestor first and king
+Idomeneus, and then the two Aiantes and Tydeus’ son, and sixthly
+Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel. And Menelaos of the loud war-cry came
+to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart how his brother toiled. Then
+stood they around the bull and took the barley-meal. And Agamemnon made
+his prayer in their midst and said: “Zeus, most glorious, most great,
+god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest in the heaven, vouchsafe that the
+sun set not upon us nor the darkness come near, till I have laid low
+upon the earth Priam’s palace smirched with smoke, and burnt the
+doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent on Hector’s breast his
+doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may full many of his
+comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.”
+
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he
+accepted the sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew
+back the bull’s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices
+from the thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid
+raw collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of
+leaves, and spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos’ flame.
+Now when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then
+sliced they all the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted
+it carefully and drew all off again. So when they had rest from the
+task and had made ready the banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart
+aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they had put away from them
+the desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor of Gerenia open
+his saying to them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men,
+let us not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay the
+work that god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the
+mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them
+throughout the ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide
+host of the Achaians, that the speedier we may arouse keen war.”
+
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he
+bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired
+Achaians. So those summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the
+kings, the fosterlings of Zeus that were about Atreus’ son, eagerly
+marshalled them, and bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy
+aegis that knoweth neither age nor death, whereon wave an hundred
+tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven and each one an hundred oxen
+worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the Achaian folk, urging
+them forth; and in every man’s heart she roused strength to battle
+without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to them than to
+depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as
+ravaging fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountain’s peaks, and
+the blaze is seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling
+gleam from the innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the
+heavens.
+
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or
+long-necked swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios’ stream, fly hither
+and thither joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever
+onwards, and the mead resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of
+warriors from ships and huts into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth
+echoed terribly beneath the tread of men and horses. So stood they in
+the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as are leaves and flowers in
+their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies that hover about a
+herdsman’s steading in the spring season, when milk drencheth the
+pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon the
+plain in face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as
+the goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they
+mingle in the pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side
+and that, to enter into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon,
+his head and eyes like unto Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his
+waist like unto Ares and his breast unto Poseidon. Even as a bull
+standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for he is pre-eminent amid the
+pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on that day,
+pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that
+ye are goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only
+a rumour and know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and
+their lords. But the common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not
+if ten tongues were mine and ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my
+heart of bronze within me, did not the Muses of Olympus, daughters of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all that came to Ilios. So will I
+tell the captains of the ships and all the ships in order.
+
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoënor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky
+Aulis and Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and
+Graia and Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and
+Eilesion and Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and
+Hyle, Okalea and the stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis
+and Thisbe haunt of doves; and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos,
+and that possessed Plataia and that dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed
+the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes and holy Onchestos, Poseidon’s
+bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich in vineyards, and Mideia and
+sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders. Of these there came
+fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the Boiotians an
+hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos of
+the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom
+Astyoche conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of
+Azeus, having entered her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty
+Ares lay with her privily. And with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of
+great-hearted Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed
+Kyparissos and rocky Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus,
+and they that dwelt about Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that
+lived by the goodly river Kephisos and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos’
+springs. And with them followed forty black ships. So they marshalled
+the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had their station hard by the
+Boiotians on the left.
+
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less,
+that was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small
+was he, with linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the
+Hellenes and Achaians. These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and
+Kalliaros and Bessa and Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and
+Thronion, about the streams of Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty
+black ships of the Lokrians that dwell over against holy Euboia.
+
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis
+and Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and
+the steep fortress of Dios, and they that possessed Karytos, and they
+that dwelt in Styra, all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock
+of Ares, even the son of Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes.
+And with him followed the fleet Abantes with hair flowing behind,
+spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched to tear the corslets on
+the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships followed.
+
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of
+Erechtheus the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered
+when Earth, the grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a
+resting-place in Athens in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons
+of the Athenians worship him with bulls and rams as the years turn in
+their courses—these again were led of Menestheus son of Peteos. And
+there was no man upon the face of earth that was like him for the
+marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield. Only Nestor
+rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled him,
+for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them
+where the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione
+and Asine that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eïonai and Epidauros
+full of vines, and the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and
+Mases, these were led of Diomedes of the loud war-cry and Sthenelos,
+dear son of famous Kapaneus. And the third with them came Euryalos, a
+godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus son of Talaos. But Diomedes
+of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with them eighty black ships
+followed.
+
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and
+wealthy Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely
+Araithyrea and Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of
+them that possessed Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt
+about Aigion and through all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of
+them did lord Agamemnon son of Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him
+followed most and goodliest folk by far; and in their midst himself was
+clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was pre-eminent amid all
+warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far greatest in number.
+
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills,
+and Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in
+Bryseiai and lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and
+the sea-coast fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt
+about Oitylos, of these was the king’s brother leader, even Menelaos of
+the loud war-cry, leader of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart.
+And himself marched among them confident in his zeal, urging his men to
+battle: and his heart most of all was set to take vengeance for his
+strivings and groans for Helen’s sake.*
+
+* Or, “for Helen’s searchings of heart and groans.”
+
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the
+fording-place of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were
+inhabitants of Kyparisseis and Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and
+Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the Thracian, and made an end of
+his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from Eurytos the
+Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even did
+the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing
+Zeus; but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him
+the high gift of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these
+was knightly Nestor of Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety
+hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of
+Kyllene, beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand
+to hand; and of them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in
+flocks, and Rhipe and Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed
+Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in
+Parrhasie, of these was Ankaios’ son lord Agapenor leader, even of
+sixty ships; and in each ship embarked many Arkadian warriors skilled
+in fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them benched ships
+wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus; for
+matters of seafaring concerned them not.
+
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof
+as Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and
+Aleision bound between them, of these men there were four captains, and
+ten swift ships followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon.
+So some were led of Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor,
+sons one of Kteatos and one of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores
+captain, son of Amarynkes; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos
+was captain, son of king Agasthenes Augeias’ son.
+
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond
+the sea over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares,
+Phyleides to wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus,
+him that erst changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against
+his father. And with him followed forty black ships.
+
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed
+Ithaka and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and
+rugged Aigilips, and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in
+Samos, and possessed the mainland and dwelt in the parts over against
+the isles. Them did Odysseus lead, the peer of Zeus in counsel, and
+with him followed twelve ships with vermillion prow.
+
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of
+them that dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the
+sea-shore and rocky Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were
+no more, neither did he still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was
+dead, to whose hands all had been committed, for him to be king of the
+Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed forty black ships.
+
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of
+them that possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and
+Miletos and chalky Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities
+all; and of all others that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of
+these men was Idomeneus the famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer
+of the man-slaying war-god. With these followed eighty black ships.
+
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles’ son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
+ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold
+ordering, in Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of
+Tlepolemos the famous spearman, that was born to great Herakles by
+Astyocheia, whom he had brought away from Ephyre by the river Selleëis,
+when he laid waste many cities of strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now
+when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood within the strong palace walls,
+anon he slew his own father’s dear uncle, an old man now, Likymnios of
+the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships and gathered much
+folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the other sons
+and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes a
+wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
+tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and
+Kronion poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
+
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia
+and king Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under
+Ilios of all the Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was
+a weakling, and a scanty host followed him.
+
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
+city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
+Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
+With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos
+and Alope and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair
+women, and were called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all
+these, even fifty ships, Achilles was captain. But these took no
+thought of noisy war; for there was no man to array them in line of
+battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle amid the ships, wroth
+for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair, whom he had won
+from Lyrnessos with much travail, what time he laid waste Lyrnessos and
+the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and Epistrophos, warriors that
+bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos’ son. For her sake lay
+Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
+
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter’s
+sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and
+Pteleos couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader
+while yet he lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His
+wife with marred visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal
+chamber half builded; for a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from
+his ship far first of the Achaians. Yet neither were his men
+leaderless, though they sorrowed for their leader; for Podarkes of the
+stock of Ares marshalled them, son of Phylakos’ son Iphiklos was he,
+the lord of many flocks, own brother of great-hearted Protesilaos, and
+younger-born than he: but the other was alike the elder and the braver,
+even Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not the host lack at
+all a leader, only they yearned for the noble dead. With him followed
+forty black ships.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
+Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos’
+dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
+Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
+Pelias.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia
+and rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader,
+the cunning archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to
+fight amain with the bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in
+the isle of goodly Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaians left him sick
+of a grievous wound from a deadly water-snake. There lay he pining; yet
+were the Argives soon to bethink them beside their ships of king
+Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless, only they sorrowed
+for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus’ bastard son, whom
+Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced Ithome and that
+possessed Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again
+Asklepios’ two sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and
+Machaon. And with them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and
+possessed Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was
+Eurypylos leader, Euaimon’s glorious son; and with him forty black
+ships followed.
+
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and
+Elone and the white city of Oloosson, of these was captain unflinching
+Polypoites, son of Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites
+did famed Hippodameia conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took
+vengeance of the shaggy wild folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion
+and drave them to the Aithikes. And Polypoites ruled not alone, but
+with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son of high-hearted Koronos
+Kaineus’s son. And with them forty black ships followed.
+
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed
+the Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes
+about wintry Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios
+that poureth his fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not
+mingle with the silver eddies of Peneios, but floweth on over him like
+unto oil, seeing that he is an offspring from the water of Styx, the
+dread river of the oath.
+
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that
+dwelt about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet
+Prothoos lead, and with him forty black ships followed.
+
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell
+me, O Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike
+and horses that followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres’
+son were far goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like
+of coat, like of age, matched to the measure of a levelling line across
+their backs. These were reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow,
+two mares carrying onward the terror of battle. But of warriors far
+best was the Telamonian Aias, while the wrath of Achilles yet endured;
+for he was greatest of all, he and his horses that bore him, even
+Peleus’ noble son. But he lay idle among his seafaring ships, in sore
+wrath against Agamemnon Atreus’ son, shepherd of the host; and his folk
+along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins
+and archery; and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,
+champing clover and parsley of the marsh, and their lords’ chariots lay
+well covered up within the huts, while the men yearned for their
+warrior chief, and wandered hither and thither through the camp and
+fought not.
+
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire;
+and the earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is
+in the thunder, when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country
+of the Arimoi, where men say is Typhoeus’ couch. Even so groaned the
+earth aloud at their tread as they went: and with speed advanced they
+across the plain.
+
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding
+assembly at Priam’s gate, being gathered all together both young men
+and old. And fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she
+made her voice like to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the
+sentinel of the Trojans and was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness
+upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old, and on the top thereof wait the
+sallying of the Achaians forth from their ships. Even in his likeness
+did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: “Old man, words beyond number are
+still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace; but war without
+respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered into
+battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so
+great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the
+sands of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the
+city. But Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall
+say. Seeing that the allies are very many throughout Priam’s great
+city, and diverse men, being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues;
+therefore let each one give the word to those whose chieftain he is,
+and them let him lead forth and have the ordering of his countrymen.”
+
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess,
+and straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And
+the gates were thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and
+horsemen, and mighty din arose.
+
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain,
+with a clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call
+this “Batieia,” but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe Myrine.”
+There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son
+of Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were
+arrayed, eager warriors of the spear.
+
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias,
+whom bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a
+goddess wedded to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were
+Antenor’s two sons, Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the
+ways of war.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida,
+the men of substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the
+Troes; of these Lykaon’s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom
+Apollo himself gave the bow.
+
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and
+possessed Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was
+captain, and Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of
+Perkote, that beyond all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered
+his children marching to murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for
+the fates of black death led them on.
+
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and
+Abydos and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios, a
+prince of men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds
+brought from Arisbe, from the river Selleëis.
+
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
+them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos
+and Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
+Teutamos.
+
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they
+that the strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was
+captain of the Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos’ son,
+fosterling of Zeus.
+
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in
+Amydon, from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the
+fairest that floweth over the face of the earth.
+
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of
+the Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that
+possessed Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed
+dwellings round the river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty
+Erythini.
+
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
+Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
+
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all
+his auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by
+the hand of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of
+the Trojans there and of the rest.
+
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania,
+and these were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes’
+two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the
+Maionians, whose birthplace was under Tmolos.
+
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos
+and the mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of
+Maiandros and the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos
+and Nastes: Nastes and Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And
+he came, forsooth, to battle with golden attire like a girl—fond man:
+that held not back in any wise grievous destruction, but he was
+vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, and
+wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
+Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+
+How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued
+Paris. And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls
+of Troy.
+
+
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the
+Trojans marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as
+when there goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from
+the coming of winter and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the
+streams of ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in
+early morn offer cruel battle. But on the other side marched the
+Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at heart to give succour
+man to man.
+
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a
+mountain, mist unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than
+night, and a man can see no further than he casteth a stone; even so
+thick arose the gathering dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and
+with all speed they advanced across the plain.
+
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike
+Alexandros played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders
+panther-skin and curved bow and sword; and he brandished two
+bronze-headed spears and challenged all the chieftains of the Argives
+to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But when Menelaos dear to
+Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude with long
+strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
+carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an
+hungered; and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds
+and lusty youths set upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his
+eyes beheld godlike Alexandros; for he thought to take vengeance upon
+the sinner. So straightway he leapt in his armour from his chariot to
+the ground.
+
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his
+heart was smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades,
+avoiding death. And even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a
+mountain glade starteth backward and trembling seizeth his feet beneath
+him, and he retreateth back again, and paleness hath hold of his
+cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of Atreus’ son shrink
+back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector beheld and upbraided
+him with scornful words: “Ill Paris, most fair in semblance, thou
+deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed. Yea,
+that were my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our shame
+and looked at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired
+Achaians laugh, deeming that a prince is our champion only because a
+goodly favour is his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any
+courage. Art thou indeed such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou
+didst sail over the deep with the company of thy trusty comrades, and
+in converse with strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a far
+country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the
+spear, that she might be a sore mischief to thy father and city and all
+the realm, but to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the
+head? And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou
+mightest see what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast.
+Thy lyre will not avail thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy
+locks and fair favour, when thou grovellest in the dust. But the
+Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst thou donned a robe of
+stone* for all the ill thou hast wrought.”
+
+* _i.e_., been stoned by the people.
+
+
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: “Hector, since in
+measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—thy heart is ever keen,
+even as an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a
+ship’s timber with skill, and thereby is the man’s blow strengthened;
+even such is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth
+the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the
+gods’ glorious gifts that of their own good will they give; for by his
+desire can no man win them. But now if thou wilt have me do battle and
+fight, make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians, and set ye
+me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to fight for Helen and all
+her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let
+him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home. And
+let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
+deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses,
+and Achaia home of fair women.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went
+into the midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his
+spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down. But the
+flowing-haired Achaians kept shooting at him, aiming with arrows and
+casting stones. But Agamemnon king of men cried aloud: “Refrain, ye
+Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the Achaians; for Hector of the glancing
+helm hath set himself to say somewhat.”
+
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily.
+And Hector spake between the two hosts, “Hear of me, Trojans and
+well-greaved Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
+hath come about. He biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to
+lay down their goodly armour on the bounteous earth, and himself in the
+midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to fight alone for Helen and all her
+wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him
+take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home; but let
+all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
+
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their
+midst spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Hearken ye now to me, too;
+for into my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the
+parting of Argives and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have
+endured many ills because of my quarrel and the first sin of
+Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and fate are prepared, let
+him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye two lambs, one
+white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring one
+for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath
+himself, seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest
+any by transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young men’s
+hearts are ever lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he
+looketh both before and after, whereby the best issue shall come for
+either side.”
+
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they
+should have rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to
+the ranks, and themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these
+they laid upon the earth each close to each, and there was but small
+space between. And Hector sent two heralds to the city will all speed,
+to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And lord Agamemnon sent forth
+Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him bring a ram; and he
+was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of
+her husband’s sister, the spouse of Antenor’s son, even her that lord
+Helikaon Antenor’s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of Priam’s
+daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web
+of double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at
+the hands of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said:
+“Come hither, dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of
+horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged
+tearful war upon each other in the plain, eager for deadly battle, even
+they sit now in silence, and the tall spears are planted by their
+sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their
+tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him
+that conquereth.”
+
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her
+former husband and her city and parents.
+
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her
+chamber, letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed
+with her two handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed
+Klymene. Then came she straightway to the place of the Skaian gates.
+And they that were with Priam and Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of Ares, Oukalegon withal and
+Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people, sat at the Skaian
+gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were they
+right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree
+and utter their lily-like* voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans
+upon the tower. Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly
+spake winged words one to the other: “Small blame is it that Trojans
+and well-greaved Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer
+hardships; marvellously like is she to the immortal goddesses to look
+upon. Yet even so, though she be so goodly, let her go upon their ships
+and not stay to vex us and our children after us.”
+
+* Supposed to mean “delicate” or “tender”.
+
+
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: “Come
+hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former
+husband and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame;
+nay, I hold the gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the
+Achaians—so mayest thou now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian
+warrior so goodly and great. Of a truth there are others even taller by
+a head; yet mine eyes never behold a man so beautiful nor so royal; for
+he is like unto one that is a king.”
+
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: “Reverend art thou
+to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been
+my pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my
+kinsfolk and my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine
+age-fellows. But that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now
+will I tell thee that whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is
+Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, one that is both a goodly king and
+mighty spearman. And he was my husband’s brother to me, ah shameless
+me; if ever such an one there was.”
+
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: “Ah, happy
+Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons
+of the Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the
+land of vines, and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the
+nimble steeds, were very many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike
+Mygdon, that were then encamped along the banks of Sangarios. For I too
+being their ally was numbered among them on the day that the Amazons
+came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they so many as are the
+glancing-eyed Achaians.”
+
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me of
+this man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His
+armour lieth upon the bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether
+rangeth the ranks of warriors. Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram
+ordering a great flock of ewes.”
+
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: “Now this is Laertes’
+son, crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged
+though it be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
+
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: “Lady, verily the thing thou
+sayest is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an
+embassage for thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave
+them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect
+of both and their wise devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans
+in the assembly, while all stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the
+measure of his broad shoulders; but when both sat down, Odysseus was
+the more stately. And when they began to weave the web of words and
+counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued fluently, in few
+words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech, neither
+random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
+of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the
+ground, and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held
+it stiff, like to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be
+churlish, and naught but a fool. But when he uttered his great voice
+from his chest, and words like unto the snowflakes of winter, then
+could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then marvelled we not thus
+to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
+
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other
+Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the
+measure of his head and broad shoulders?”
+
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: “This is huge Aias,
+bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans
+standeth Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains
+of the Cretans. Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our
+house whene’er he came from Crete. And now behold I all the other
+glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and tell their names;
+but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer of horses
+and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same
+mother bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely
+Lakedaimon; or they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but
+now will not enter into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the
+many scornings and revilings that are mine.”
+
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
+Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
+
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy
+oath-offerings, two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the
+earth, in a goat-skin bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining
+bowl and golden cups; and came to the old man and summoned him and
+said: “Rise, thou son of Laomedon. The chieftains of the horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee to go down into the plain,
+that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to
+Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady’s sake; and let
+lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that are
+left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy,
+and they shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home
+of fair women.”
+
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the
+horses; and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back
+the reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the
+two drave the fleet horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And
+when they had come even to the Trojans and Achaians, they went down
+from the chariots upon the bounteous earth, and marched into the midst
+of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose up Agamemnon king of men,
+and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly heralds gathered
+together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the wine in a
+bowl, and poured water over the princes’ hands. And Atreides put forth
+his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword’s great
+sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs’ heads; and then the
+heralds portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then
+in their midst Atreus’ son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud:
+“Father Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou
+Sun that seest all things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and
+thou Earth, and ye that in the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever
+sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses, and watch over the faithful oath. If
+Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him have Helen to himself and all
+her possessions; and we will depart on our seafaring ships. But if
+golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the Trojans give back
+Helen and all her possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that
+is seemly, such as shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if
+so be that Priam and Priam’s sons will not pay the recompense unto me
+when Alexandros falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for the price
+of sin, and abide here till I compass the end of war.”
+
+So said he, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
+laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had
+taken their strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the
+bowl into the cups, and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that
+live for ever. And thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans:
+“Zeus most glorious, most great, and all ye immortal gods, which folk
+soe’er be first to sin against the oaths, may their brains be so poured
+forth upon the earth even as this wine, theirs and their children’s;
+and let their wives be made subject unto strangers.”
+
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And
+in their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return
+back to windy Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with
+mine eyes my dear son fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus
+knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for whether of the twain the doom
+of death is appointed.”
+
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and
+entered in himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor
+mounted the splendid chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and
+Hector son of Priam and goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and
+then they took the lots, and shook them in a bronze-bound helmet, to
+know whether of the twain should first cast his spear of bronze. And
+the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the gods; and thus would
+say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Father Zeus, that rulest from
+Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe’er it be that brought this
+trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and enter the
+house of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty oaths.”
+
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet,
+looking behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the
+people sat them down by ranks where each man’s high-stepping horses and
+inwrought armour lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned
+his beauteous armour, even he that was lord to Helen of the lovely
+hair. First upon his legs set he his greaves, beautiful, fastened with
+silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he donned the corslet of his
+brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over his shoulders cast
+he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield great and
+sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
+crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong
+spear fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his
+armour.
+
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they
+strode between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came
+on them that beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then took they their stand near together in the
+measured space, brandishing their spears in wrath each against other.
+First Alexandros hurled his far shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides’
+round shield; but the bronze brake not through, for its point was
+turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos son of Atreus lifted up his
+hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus: “King Zeus, grant me
+revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly
+Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of men
+that shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown
+him kindness.”
+
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote
+on the round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went
+the ponderous spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed
+on; and straight beside his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he
+swerved and escaped black death. Then Atreides drew his silver-studded
+sword, and lifted up his hand and smote the helmet-ridge; but the sword
+shattered upon it into three, yea four, and fell from his hand. Thereat
+Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried: “Father Zeus, surely
+none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I thought to have gotten
+vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my sword breaketh
+in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have not
+smitten him.”
+
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest,
+and swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians;
+and he was strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat,
+drawn tight below his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have
+dragged him away and won glory unspeakable, but that Zeus’ daughter
+Aphrodite was swift to mark, and tore asunder for him the strap of
+slaughtered ox’s hide; so the helmet came away empty in his stalwart
+hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a swing toward the well-greaved
+Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and himself sprang back
+again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite snatched up
+Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness, and
+sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to
+summon Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan
+women thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and
+shook it and spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a woolcomber
+that was wont to work for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon,
+whom too she greatly loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake:
+“Come hither; Alexandros summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in
+his chamber and inlaid bed, radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst
+thou deem him to be come from fighting his foe, but rather to be faring
+to the dance, or from the dance to be just resting and set down.”
+
+So said she, and stirred Helen’s soul within her breast; and when now
+she marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the
+goddess, she marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her
+name: “Strange queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily
+thou wilt lead me further on to some one of the people cities of
+Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if there too thou hast perchance some other
+darling among mortal men, because even now Menelaos hath conquered
+goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me, to his home.
+Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou by
+his side, and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet
+ever bear thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and
+guard him till he make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But
+thither will I not go— that were a sinful thing—to array the bed of
+him; all the women of Troy will blame me hereafter; and I have griefs
+untold within my soul.”
+
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: “Provoke me not, rash
+woman, lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I
+love thee beyond measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between
+both, even betwixt Trojans and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil
+wise.”
+
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in
+her bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her
+not; and the goddess led the way.
+
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the
+handmaidens turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went
+to the high-roofed chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her
+a chair and brought it, even she the goddess, and set it before the
+face of Paris. There Helen took her seat, the child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and chode her lord: “Thou
+comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished there, vanquished of
+that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it was once thy
+boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in the
+might of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear
+to Ares to fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee
+refrain, nor fight a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man,
+neither attack him recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear
+anon.”
+
+And Paris made answer to her and said: “Chide not my soul, lady, with
+cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene’s
+aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with
+us. But come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet
+hath love so enwrapped my heart—not even then when first I snatched
+thee from lovely Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my seafaring ships,
+and in the isle of Kranaë had converse with thee upon thy couch in
+love—as I love thee now and sweet desire taketh hold upon me.” So
+saying he led the way to the couch, and the lady followed with him.
+
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while
+strode through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set
+eyes on godlike Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed
+allies could discover Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely
+did they in no wise hide him for kindliness, could any have seen him;
+for he was hated of all even as black death. So Agamemnon king of men
+spake among them there: “Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and
+allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to Ares; give ye back
+Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the recompense
+such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter.” So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his
+chief captains to battle.
+
+
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in
+the midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden
+goblets pledged one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans.
+Then did Kronos’ son essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake
+maliciously: “Twain goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera
+of Argos and Alalkomenean Athene. Yet these sit apart and take their
+pleasure in beholding; but beside that other ever standeth
+laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from him, and now hath
+she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the victory is to
+Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things shall
+be; whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din,
+or put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to
+all and well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation,
+and Menelaos take back Helen of Argos.”
+
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by
+him and devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and
+said not anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold
+upon her: But Hera’s breast contained not her anger, and she spake:
+“Most dread son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast
+thou the will to make my labour void and of none effect, and the sweat
+of my toil that I sweated, when my horses were wearied with my
+summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam and his sons? Do as
+thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve thee.”
+
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: “Good lack,
+how have Priam and Priam’s sons done thee such great wrong that thou
+art furiously minded to sack the stablished citadel of Ilios? Perchance
+wert thou to enter within the gates and long walls and devour Priam
+raw, and Priam’s sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage
+thine anger. Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel hereafter
+be to me and thee a sore strife between us both. And this moreover will
+I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart; whene’er I too be of
+eager mind to lay waste a city where is the race of men that are dear
+to thee, hinder thou not my wrath, but let me be, even as I yield to
+thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling. For of all cities beneath
+sun and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal men, holy Ilios
+was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the
+good ashen spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even
+drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.”
+
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: “Of a surety three
+cities are there that be dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and
+wide-wayed Mykene; these lay thou waste whene’er they are found hateful
+to thy heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee
+them. For even if I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them,
+yet will my jealousy not avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than
+I. Still must my labour too not be made of none effect; for I also am a
+god, and my lineage is even as thine, and Kronos the crooked counsellor
+begat me to the place of honour in double wise, by birthright, and
+because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among all the
+immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
+to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do
+thou with speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of
+Trojans and Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon
+them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the
+oaths.”
+
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith
+he spake to Athene winged words: “Betake thee with all speed to the
+host, to the midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans
+may first take upon them to do violence to the Achaians in their
+triumph, despite the oaths.”
+
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
+Olympus’ heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
+counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of
+men, bright shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude;
+even in such guise sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their
+midst; and astonishment came on them that beheld, on horse-taming
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And thus would many an one say,
+looking at his neighbor: “Of a surety either shall sore war and the
+fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth stablish peace
+between the foes, even he that is men’s dispenser of battle.”
+
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess
+entered the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor’s
+son Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if
+haply she might find him. Lykaon’s son found she, the noble and
+stalwart, standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from the streams of Aisepos. So
+she came near and spake winged words: “Wilt thou now hearken to me,
+thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou take heart to shoot a swift
+arrow at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory before all the
+Trojans, and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him first
+of any wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see
+Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to
+the grievous pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to
+Apollo, the son of light,* the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly
+hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to thy home, in the
+city of holy Zeleia.”
+
+* Or, perhaps, “the Wolf-born.”
+
+
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool’s heart. Forthwith he
+unsheathed his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had
+erst smitten beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while
+he awaited in a lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that
+it fell backward on the rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of
+sixteen palms; these the artificer, even the worker in horn, joined
+cunningly together, and polished them all well and set the top of gold
+thereon. So he laid it down when he had well strung it, by resting it
+upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held their shields before
+him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first set on them,
+ere Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, were smitten. Then opened he the lid
+of his quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a
+source of grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the
+string and vowed to Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to
+sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when he should have
+returned to his home in the city of holy Zeleia. Then he took the notch
+and string of oxes’ sinew together, and drew, bringing to his breast
+the string, and to the bow the iron head. So when he had now bent the
+great bow into a round, the horn twanged, and the string sang aloud,
+and the keen arrow leapt eager to wing his way amid the throng.
+
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all
+the daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee
+and warded off the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the
+flesh, even as a mother driveth a fly from her child that lieth in
+sweet slumber; and with her own hand guided it where the golden buckles
+of the belt were clasped and the doubled breastplate met them. So the
+bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through the inwrought belt it
+sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it pressed on and
+through the taslet* he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against
+darts; and this best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this.
+Then did the arrow graze the warrior’s outermost flesh, and forthwith
+the dusky blood flowed from the wound.
+
+* An apron or belt set with metal, worn below the corslet.
+
+
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to
+make a cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure
+chamber, and many a horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up
+to be a king’s boast, alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for
+his charioteer; even in such wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs
+stained with blood and thy legs and thy fair ankles beneath.
+
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood
+flowing from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered;
+but when he saw how thread* and barbs were without, his spirit was
+gathered in his breast again. Then lord Agamemnon moaned deep, and
+spake among them, holding Menelaos by the hand; and his comrades made
+moan the while: “Dear brother, to thy death, meseemeth, pledged I these
+oaths, setting thee forth to fight the Trojans alone before the face of
+the Achaians; seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden
+under foot the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect,
+and the blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
+fellowship wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about
+the fulfilment forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear
+amends, even with their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea
+of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy
+Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
+spear; and Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned on high, that dwelleth in
+the heaven, himself shall brandish over them all his lowring aegis, in
+indignation at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void; yet shall
+I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot
+of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing
+that the Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and
+so should we leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos. And the earth shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy
+task unfinished: and thus shall many an overweening Trojan say as he
+leapeth upon the tomb of glorious Menelaos: ‘Would to God Agamemnon
+might so fulfil his wrath in every matter, even as now he led hither
+the host of the Achaians for naught, and hath gone home again to his
+dear native land with empty ships, and hath left noble Menelaos
+behind.’ Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let the wide earth
+gape for me.”
+
+* By which the iron head was attached to the shaft.
+
+
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: “Be of good
+courage, neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart
+lighted not upon a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it,
+and the kirtle of mail beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths
+fashioned.”
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: “Would it may be so, dear
+Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs
+that shall assuage thy dire pangs.”
+
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: “Talthybios, with
+all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble
+leech, to see Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, whom one well skilled in
+archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his
+glory and our grief.”
+
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his
+way through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon.
+Him he found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from Trike, pasture land of
+horses. So he came near and spake his winged words: “Arise, thou son of
+Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth thee to see Menelaos, captain of the
+Achaians, whom one well skilled in archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath
+wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief.”
+
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way
+amid the throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they
+were now come where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many
+as were chieftains gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero
+came and stood in their midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the
+clasped belt; and as it was drawn forth the keen barbs were broken
+backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt and kirtle of mail
+beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when he saw the
+wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood and
+cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good
+will had imparted to his sire.
+
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms
+again, and bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble
+Agamemnon slumbering, nor cowering, nor unready to fight, but very
+eager for glorious battle. He left his horses and his chariot adorned
+with bronze; and his squire, even Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios
+Peiraieus’ son, kept apart the snorting steeds; and he straitly charged
+him to have them at hand whenever weariness should come upon his limbs
+with marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he through the ranks
+of warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans he found
+eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: “Ye Argives,
+relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be no
+helper of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the
+oaths, so shall their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we
+shall bear away their dear wives and little children in our ships, when
+once we take the stronghold.”
+
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode
+sore with angry words: “Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of
+dishonour, have ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that
+are weary with running over the long plain and so stand still, and no
+valour is found in their hearts at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and
+fight not. Is it that ye wait for the Trojans to come near where your
+good ships’ sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey sea, to see if
+Kronion will stretch his arm over you indeed?”
+
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to
+the Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were
+taking arms around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant
+as a wild boar, and Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost
+battalions. Then Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to see them, and anon
+spake to Idomeneus with kindly words: “Idomeneus, more than all the
+fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee, whether in war or in task of
+other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of the Argives mingle
+in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even though all
+the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet thy
+cup standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul
+biddeth thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest
+thyself to be of old.”
+
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: “Atreides,
+of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
+promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
+Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have
+disannulled the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter
+shall be their lot, because they were the first to transgress against
+the oaths.”
+
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the
+Aiantes as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were
+arming, and a cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a
+goatherd from a place of outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep
+before the blast of the west wind; and to him being afar it seemeth
+ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along the deep, and bringeth a
+great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and driveth his flock
+beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried battalions of young
+men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes into furious
+war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears. And
+lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
+said: “Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing
+it is not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves
+ye do indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene
+and Apollo, would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would
+king Priam’s city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands.”
+
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor,
+the clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and
+urging them to fight, around great Pelagon and Alastor and Chromios and
+lord Haimon and Bias shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the
+horsemen with horses and chariots, and behind them the footmen many and
+brave, to be a bulwark of battle; but the cowards he drave into the
+midst, that every man, even though he would not, yet of necessity must
+fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen; these he bade hold in
+their horses nor be entangled in the throng. “Neither let any man,
+trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager to fight the Trojans
+alone before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for so will ye be
+enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car can
+come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even
+so is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low
+cities and walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their
+breasts.”
+
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words,
+and said: “Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine
+own breast, thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the
+common lot of age is heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some
+other man, and thou wert amid the young.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Atreides, I verily, even
+I too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion.
+But the gods in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a
+youth, so doth old age now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the
+horsemen and urge them by counsel and words; for that is the right of
+elders. But the young men shall wield the spear, they that are more
+youthful than I and have confidence in their strength.”
+
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus
+the charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were
+the Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty
+Odysseus, and round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble
+folk, stood still; for their host had not yet heard the battle-cry,
+seeing the battalions of horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just
+bestirred them to move; so these stood still tarrying till some other
+column of the Achaians should advance to set upon the Trojans and begin
+the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw it, he upbraided them,
+and spake to them winged words, saying: “O son of king Peteos
+fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
+mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth
+it to stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery
+battle; for ye are the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as
+we Achaians prepare a feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to
+eat roast meat and drink your cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye
+will. But now would ye gladly behold it, yea, if ten columns of
+Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless sword.”
+
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said:
+“Atreides, what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips?
+How sayest thou that we are slack in battle? When once our* Achaians
+launch furious war on the Trojans, tamers of horses, then shalt thou,
+if thou wilt, and if thou hast any care therefor, behold Telemachos’
+dear father mingling with the champions of the Trojans, the tamers of
+horses. But that thou sayest is empty as air.”
+
+* Or, “that we are slack in battle, when once we Achaians,” putting the
+note of interrogation after “tamers of horses.”
+
+
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and
+took back his saying: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of
+devices, neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I
+know that thy heart within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy
+thoughts are as my thoughts. Go to, we will make amends hereafter, if
+any ill word hath been spoken now; may the gods bring it all to none
+effect.”
+
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus
+found he, high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot
+well compact; and by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord
+Agamemnon saw and upbraided, and spake to him winged words, and said:
+“Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou,
+why gazest thou at the highways of the battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont
+to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far in front of his dear
+comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for never did I meet
+him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid all. Of a
+truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying
+against the holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that
+valiant allies might be given them, and our folk were fain to grant
+them and made assent to their entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill
+and turned their minds. So when these were departed and were come on
+their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in rushes, that maketh his
+bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to be their
+ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
+feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus,
+even though a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of
+the Kadmeians, but challenged them all to feats of strength, and in
+every one vanquished he them easily; so present a helper was Athene
+unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers of horses, were wroth, and as
+he fared back again they brought and set a strong ambush, even fifty
+young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon, like to the
+immortals, and Autophonos’ son Polyphontes staunch in battle. Still
+even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one
+that he sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the
+omens of heaven. Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in
+battle is worse than he; only in harangue is he the better.”
+
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to
+the chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus
+answered him: “Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how
+to speak truly. We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our
+fathers were: we did take the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we
+led a scantier host against a stronger wall, because we followed the
+omens of the gods and the salvation of Zeus; but they perished by their
+own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any wise have our fathers in
+like honour with us.”
+
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: “Brother, sit
+silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the
+host should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the
+glory will attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy
+Ilios; and his will be the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go
+to now, let us too bethink us of impetuous valour.”
+
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and
+terribly rang the bronze upon the chieftain’s breast as he moved;
+thereat might fear have come even upon one stout-hearted.
+
+As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close
+array before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it
+first raise its head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth
+aloud and goeth with arching crest about the promontories, and speweth
+the foaming brine afar; even so in close array moved the battalions of
+the Danaans without pause to battle. Each captain gave his men the
+word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest not deem that all the
+great host following them had any voice within their breasts; in
+silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
+inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like
+sheep beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great
+substance, to be milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing
+to hear their lambs’ cry, even so arose the clamour of the Trojans
+through the wide host. For they had not all like speech nor one
+language, but their tongues were mingled, and they were brought from
+many lands. These were urged on of Ares, and those of bright-eyed
+Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury wearieth not, sister
+and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at the first, but
+afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk upon the
+earth. She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared through
+the throng and made the lamentation of men to wax.
+
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
+they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed
+shields pressed each on each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the
+voice of groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and
+the slain, and the earth streamed with blood. As when two winter
+torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and join their furious
+flood within the deep ravine from their great springs, and the shepherd
+heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the joining
+of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew
+a Trojan warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos
+son of Thalysios; him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his
+crested helmet, and he drave the spear into his brow and the point of
+bronze passed within the bone; darkness clouded his eyes, and he
+crashed like a tower amid the press of fight. As he fell lord Elephenor
+caught him by the foot, Chalkodon’s son, captain of the great-hearted
+Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts, eager with all speed
+to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured his essay;
+great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his side
+was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he
+him with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life
+departed from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians
+grew hot; like wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
+
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemion’s son, the lusty stripling
+Simoeisios, whose erst his mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on
+the way down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see
+their flocks. Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not
+his dear parents the recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of
+life by reason of the spear of great-hearted Aias that laid him low.
+For as he went he first was smitten on his right breast beside the pap;
+straight through his shoulder passed the spear of bronze, and he fell
+to the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath grown up smooth
+in the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the top
+thereof; this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him
+a felloe for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river’s
+banks. In such a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of
+Anthemion; then at him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam’s son,
+made a cast with his keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but
+smote Odysseus’ valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the
+corpse his way, so that he fell upon it and the body dropped from his
+hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth at heart for the slaying of him,
+and strode through the forefront of the battle harnessed in flashing
+bronze, and went and stood hard by and glanced around him, and cast his
+bright javelin; and the Trojans shrank before the casting of the hero.
+He sped not the dart in vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam’s bastard son
+that had come to him from tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him
+Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade’s sake, smote with his javelin on
+one temple; and through both temples passed the point of bronze, and
+darkness clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his armour
+clanged upon him. Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded,
+and the Argives shouted aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and
+pressed yet further onward. But Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and
+had indignation, and with a shout called to the Trojans: “Arise, ye
+Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not to the Argives in fight; not of
+stone nor iron is their flesh, that it should resist the piercing
+bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son of Thetis of the
+fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his bitter
+anger.”
+
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were
+urged on of Zeus’ daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she
+passed through the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he
+was smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and
+the caster thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peiroös son of
+Imbrasos that had come from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly
+the two sinews and the bones; back fell he in the dust, and stretched
+out both his hands to his dear comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he
+that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at him and pierced him with a
+spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed forth upon the ground,
+and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos departed from him
+Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap, and the
+point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
+his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he
+smote his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not
+off his armour; for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the
+top-knot, stood around, their long spears in their hands, and albeit he
+was great and valiant and proud they drave him off from them and he
+gave ground reeling. So were the two captains stretched in the dust
+side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad Epeians; and
+around them were many others likewise slain.
+
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it
+be that a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam
+in the midst, being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her
+guarded from the flying shafts. For many Trojans that day and many
+Achaians were laid side by side upon their faces in the dust.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded
+even Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+
+
+But now to Tydeus’ son Diomedes Pallas Athene gave might and courage,
+for him to be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown.
+She kindled flame unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the
+star of summer that above all others glittereth bright after he hath
+bathed in the ocean stream. In such wise kindled she flame from his
+head and shoulders and sent him into the midst, where men thronged the
+thickest.
+
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of
+Hephaistos; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in
+all the art of battle. These separated themselves and assailed him face
+to face, they setting on him from their car and he on foot upon the
+ground. And when they were now come near in onset on each other, first
+Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over Tydeides’ left
+shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body. Then next
+Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
+vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
+chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared
+not to bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped
+black fate: but Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of
+darkness, that he might not have his aged priest all broken with
+sorrow. And the son of great-hearted Tydeus drave away the horses and
+gave them to his men to take to the hollow ships. But when the
+great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was fled, and
+one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
+bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and
+said: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of
+walls, can we not now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on
+whichsoever it be that father Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain
+give place, and escape the wrath of Zeus.”
+
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit
+down beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
+Each one of the captains slew his man; first Agamemnon king of men
+thrust from his chariot the lord of the Halizonians, great Odios; for
+as he first turned to flight Agamemnon thrust his dart into his back
+between his shoulders, and drave it through his breast. And he fell
+with a crash, and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+And Idomeneus slew Phaistos son of Boros the Maionian, that came from
+deep-soiled Tarne. Him in the act to mount upon his car spear-famed
+Idomeneus pierced with his long dart through his right shoulder; and he
+fell from the car and hateful darkness gat hold of him.
+
+Him then Idomeneus’ squires despoiled; and Skamandrios, son of
+Strophios, cunning in the chase, fell to the keen-pointed spear of
+Menelaos son of Atreus; even he the mighty hunter, whom Artemis herself
+had taught to shoot all manner of wild things that the mountain forest
+breedeth. But now did Archer Artemis avail him naught nor all his
+marksmanship wherein of old time he excelled; but spear-famed Menelaos
+son of Atreus smote him with his dart as he fled before him, in his
+back [between his shoulders, and pierced through his breast]. So he
+fell prone and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+And Meriones slew Phereklos, son of Tekton Harmon’s son, whose hands
+were cunning to make all manner of curious work; for Pallas Athene
+loved him more than all men. He likewise built Alexandros the trim
+ships, source of ills, that were made the bane of all the Trojans and
+of himself, because he knew not the oracles of heaven. Him Meriones
+pursued, and overtaking him smote him in the right buttock, and right
+through passed the point straight to the bladder beneath the bone; and
+he fell to his knees with a cry, and death overshadowed him.
+
+Then Meges slew Pedaios Antenor’s son, that was a bastard; yet goodly
+Theano nurtured him carefully like to her own children, to do her
+husband pleasure. To him Phyleus’ spear-famed son came near, and with
+keen dart smote him upon the sinew of the head; and right through amid
+the teeth the point of bronze cleft the tongue’s root. So he fell in
+the dust, and bit the cold bronze with his teeth.
+
+And by Eurypylos, Euaimon’s son, noble Hypsenor son of high-hearted
+Dolopion that was appointed Skamandros’ priest and like to a god was
+held in honour of the folk—by Eurypylos Euaimon’s glorious son, he as
+he fled before him was pursued and smitten on the shoulder with a
+sword-thrust, and his heavy arm was shorn away. All bleeding the arm
+fell upon the earth; and over his eyes came gloomy death and forceful
+fate.
+
+So laboured these in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not
+tell with whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or
+with Achaians. For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at
+the full, that in swift course scattereth the causeys; neither can the
+long lines of* causeys hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful orchards
+stay its sudden coming when the rain of heaven driveth it; and so
+before it perish in multitudes the fair works of the sons of men. Thus
+before Tydeides the serried battalions of the Trojans were overthrown,
+and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+
+* Reading ἐερμέναι, with Aristarchos.
+
+
+But when Lykaon’s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow
+against Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his
+right shoulder the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through
+and held straight upon its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood.
+Over him then loudly shouted Lykaon’s glorious son: “Bestir you,
+great-hearted Trojans, urgers of horses; the best man of the Achaians
+is wounded, and I deem that he shall not for long endure the violent
+dart, if verily the king, the son of Zeus,* sped me on my way from
+Lykia.”
+
+* Apollo
+
+
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift
+dart, only he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot
+and spake to Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: “Haste thee, dear son of
+Kapaneus; descend from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the
+bitter arrow.”
+
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood
+beside him and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder;
+and the blood darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the
+loud war-cry prayed thereat: “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+unwearied maiden! If ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in
+the heat of battle, even so now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene.
+Grant me to slay this man, and bring within my spear-cast him that took
+advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me, deeming that not for long
+shall I see the bright light of the sun.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs
+nimble, his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged
+words: “Be of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in
+thy breast I have set thy father’s courage undaunted, even as it was in
+knightly Tydeus, wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from
+thine eyes the mist that erst was on them, that thou mayest well
+discern both god and man. Therefore if any god come hither to make
+trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any of the immortal
+gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the battle,
+her smite thou with the keen bronze.”
+
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and
+entered the forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was
+eager to do battle with the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come
+upon him, as upon a lion whom some shepherd in the field guarding his
+fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung into the fold, yet hath not
+vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then cannot beat him
+back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
+affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the
+lion in his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled
+mighty Diomedes with the Trojans.
+
+There slew he Astynoos and Hypeiron shepherd of the host; the one he
+pierced above the nipple with his bronze-shod dart, the other with his
+great sword upon the collar-bone beside the shoulder he smote, and
+severed the shoulder from neck and back. Them left he there, and
+pursued after Abas and Polyidos, sons of old Eurydamas dreamer of
+dreams; yet discerned he no dreams for them when they went,* but
+stalwart Diomedes despoiled them. Then went he after Xanthos and Thoon,
+sons of Phainops, striplings both; but their father was outworn of
+grievous age, and begat no other son for his possessions after him.
+Then Diomedes slew them and bereft the twain of their dear life, and
+for their father left only lamentation and sore distress, seeing he
+welcomed them not alive returned from battle; and kinsmen divided his
+substance.
+
+* Or, “yet came they not home for him to discern dreams for them.”
+
+
+Then caught he two sons of Priam of the seed of Dardanos, riding in one
+chariot, Echemmon and Chromios. As a lion leapeth among the kine and
+breaketh the neck of cow or heifer grazing in a woodland pasture, so
+Tydeus’ son thrust in ill wise from their chariot both of them
+unwilling, and thereafter despoiled them of their arms; and the horses
+gave he to his comrades to drive them to the ships.
+
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his
+way along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike
+Pandaros, if haply he might find him. Lykaon’s son he found, the noble
+and stalwart, and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him.
+“Pandaros, where now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame
+wherein no man of this land rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth
+to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot
+thy dart at this fellow, whoe’er he be that lordeth it here and hath
+already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing he hath unstrung the
+knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god wroth with the
+Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a sore
+thing to fall on men.”*
+
+* Or, “and the wrath of gods be heavy upon us.”
+
+
+And Lykaon’s glorious son made answer to him: “Aineias, counsellor of
+the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of
+Tydeus; I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the
+aspect of his horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if
+it be the man I deem, even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without
+help of a god is he thus furious, but some immortal standeth beside him
+with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders and turned aside from him my
+swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I shot my dart at him
+and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate of his
+corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
+vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. And I have no
+steeds at hand nor any chariot whereon to mount—yet in Lykaon’s halls
+are eleven fair chariots, new wrought, with gear all fresh, and cloths
+spread over them; and beside each standeth a yoke of horses, champing
+white barley and spelt. Moreover Lykaon the aged spearman at my
+departing laid instant charge upon me in our well-builded house; he
+bade me mount horse and chariot to lead the Trojans in the violent
+mellay; but I obeyed him not—far better had that been!—but spared the
+horses lest in the great crowd of men they should lack fodder that had
+been wont to feed their fill. Therefore I left them and am come on foot
+to Ilios, trusting to my bow; and now must my bow not help me! Already
+have I aimed at two princes, Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons, and both I smote
+and surely drew forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore
+in an evil hour I took from the peg my curved bow on that day when I
+led my Trojans to lovely Ilios, to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I
+return and mine eyes behold my native land and wife and great palace
+lofty-roofed, then may an alien forthwith cut my head from me if I
+break not this bow with mine hands and cast it upon the blazing fire;
+worthless is its service to me as air.”
+
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: “Nay, talk not thus;
+naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone
+to face this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon
+my car that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly
+across the plain; they will e’en bring us to the city safe and sound,
+even though Zeus hereafter give victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come
+therefore, take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will stand upon
+the car to fight;* or else withstand thou him, and to the horses will I
+look.”
+
+* Reading ἐπιβήσομαι, with Zenodotos.
+
+
+To him made answer Lykaon’s glorious son: “Aineias, take thou thyself
+the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car
+for their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
+Tydeus’ son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
+fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus
+attack us and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So
+drive thou thyself thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his
+onset with my keen spear.” So saying mounted they upon the well-dight
+chariot, and eagerly drave the fleet horses against Tydeides. And
+Sthenelos, the glorious son of Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to
+Tydeides winged words: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I
+behold two stalwart warriors eager to fight against thee, endued with
+might beyond measure. The one is well skilled in the bow, even
+Pandaros, and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaon’s son; and Aineias
+boasteth himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and his
+mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot,
+neither rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest
+perchance thou lose thy life.”
+
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: “Speak to me no
+word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not
+in my blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is
+steadfast still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am
+will I go to face them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as
+for these, their fleet horses shall not take both back from us again,
+even if one or other escape. And this moreover tell I thee, and lay
+thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel grant me this glory, to
+slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet horses, and bind
+the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap upon
+Aineias’ horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the
+well-greaved Achaians. For they are of that breed whereof farseeing*
+Zeus gave to Tros recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were
+the best of all horses beneath the daylight and the sun. That blood
+Anchises king of men stole of Laomedon, privily putting mares to them.
+Thereof a stock was born him in his palace, even six; four kept he
+himself and reared them at the stall, and the other twain gave he to
+Aineias deviser of rout.** Them could we seize, we should win us great
+renown.”
+
+* Or, “Zeus of the far-borne voice.”
+
+
+** Reading μήστωρι.
+
+
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain
+came near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaon’s
+glorious son: “O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus,
+verily my swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will
+I make trial with my spear if I can hit thee.”
+
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides’ shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
+the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaon’s glorious son:
+“Thou art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not
+long hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown.”
+
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: “Thou hast missed, and
+not hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall
+have fallen and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.”
+
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside
+the eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut
+through his tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base
+of the chin. He fell from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming
+clanged upon him, and the fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there
+his soul and strength were unstrung.
+
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest
+perchance the Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over
+him like a lion confident in his strength, and held before him his
+spear and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoe’er should come
+to face him, crying his terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand
+a stone—a mighty deed—such as two men, as men now are, would not avail
+to lift; yet he with ease wielded it all alone. Therewith he smote
+Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the hip-joint, and this
+men call the “cup-bone.” So he crushed his cup-bone, and brake both
+sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the skin. Then the hero
+stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon the earth;
+and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias king
+of men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
+mark, even his mother that conceived him by Anchises as he tended the
+kine. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before
+his face a fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the
+darts, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into
+his breast and take away his life.
+
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of
+Kapaneus forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had
+laid upon him; he refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the
+tumult, binding the reins tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the
+sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and drave them from the Trojans to the
+well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to Deïpylos his dear comrade whom
+he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows, because he was
+like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow ships.
+Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly.
+Now Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris,*
+knowing how she was a coward goddess and none of those that have
+mastery in battle of the warriors—no Athene she nor Enyo waster of
+cities. Now when he had pursued her through the dense throng and come
+on her, then great-hearted Tydeus’ son thrust with his keen spear, and
+leapt on her and wounded the skin of her weak hand; straight through
+the ambrosial raiment that the Graces themselves had woven her pierced
+the dart into the flesh, above the springing of the palm. Then flowed
+the goddess’s immortal blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed
+gods; for they eat no bread neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore
+they are bloodless and are named immortals. And she with a great cry
+let fall her son: him Phoebus Apollo took into his arms and saved him
+in a dusky cloud, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the
+spear into his breast and take away his life. But over her Diomedes of
+the loud war-cry shouted afar: “Refrain thee, thou daughter of Zeus,
+from war and fighting. Is it not enough that thou beguilest feeble
+women? But if in battle thou wilt mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt
+shudder at the name of battle, if thou hear it even afar off.”
+
+* Aphrodite.
+
+
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and
+wind-footed Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with
+her pain, and her fair skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares
+sitting, on the battle’s left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and
+his fleet steeds. Then she fell on her knees and with instant prayer
+besought of her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds: “Dear
+brother, save me and give me thy steeds, that I may win to Olympus,
+where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am I afflicted with a
+wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now would fight
+even with father Zeus.”
+
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she
+mounted on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in
+her hands grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and
+they flew onward nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of
+the gods, even steep Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the
+horses from the chariot and stabled them, and set ambrosial forage
+before them; but fair Aphrodite fell upon Dione’s knees that was her
+mother. She took her daughter in her arms and stroked her with her
+hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Who now of the sons of
+heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as though thou
+wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?”
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: “Tydeus’ son wounded
+me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
+son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the
+fierce battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are
+fighting even the immortals.”
+
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: “Be of good heart, my child,
+and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions
+of Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one
+upon another. So suffered Ares, when Otos and stalwart Ephialtes, sons
+of Aloeus, bound him in a strong prison-house; yea in a vessel of
+bronze lay he bound thirteen months. Then might Ares insatiate of
+battle have perished, but that the step-mother of Aloeus’ sons, fair
+Eëriboia, gave tidings to Hermes, and he stole away Ares, already
+pining; for the grievous prison-house was wearing him out. So suffered
+Hera when Amphitryon’s stalwart son smote her on the right breast with
+a three-barbed arrow, so that pain unassuageable gat hold of her
+likewise. So suffered awful Hades a swift arrow like the rest, when
+this same man, the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, smote him in Pylos* amid
+the dead and gave him over to anguish. And he went to the mansion of
+Zeus and to high Olympus, grieved at heart, pierced through with
+anguish; for the arrow was driven into his stout shoulder, and vexed
+his soul. But Paieon spread soothing drugs upon the wound and healed
+him; seeing that verily he was of no mortal substance. Headstrong man
+and violent of deed, that recked not of his evil doings, and with his
+archery vexed the gods that dwell in Olympus! So upon thee was this man
+sent by the bright-eyed goddess Athene; fond man—for the heart of
+Tydeus’ son knoweth not this, that he of a surety is not long-lived
+that fighteth with immortals, nor ever do his children prattle upon his
+knees at his returning from war and terrible fray. Therefore now let
+Tydeides, though he be very mighty, beware lest one better than thou
+encounter him; and so Aigialeia, wise daughter of Adrestos, wake from
+sleep with lamentations all her household, bewailing her wedded lord,
+the best man of the Achaians, even she that is the brave wife of
+horse-taming Diomedes.”
+
+* Or, “at the gate of hell.” according to Aristarchos.
+
+
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld,
+and with bitter words provoked Zeus the son of Kronos. Of them was the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene first to speak: “Father Zeus, wilt thou
+indeed be wroth with me whate’er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was
+urging some woman of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so
+marvellously loveth; and stroking such an one of the fair-robed women
+of Achaia, she tore upon the golden brooch her delicate hand.”
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto
+him golden Aphrodite and said: “Not unto thee, my child, are given the
+works of war; but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to
+all these things shall fleet Ares and Athene look.”
+
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of
+the loud war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo
+himself had spread his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the
+great god, but still was eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his
+glorious armour. So thrice he leapt on him, fain to slay him, and
+thrice Apollo beat back his glittering shield. And when the fourth time
+he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the Far-darter spake to him
+with terrible shout: “Think, Tydeides, and shrink, nor desire to match
+thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison of the race of
+immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.”
+
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the
+wrath of Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the
+throng in holy Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer
+Artemis healed him in the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but
+Apollo of the silver bow made a wraith like unto Aineias’ self, and in
+such armour as his; and over the wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians
+each hewed the others’ bucklers on their breasts, their round shields
+and fluttering targes.
+
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this
+man and withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would
+fight even with father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in
+her hand hard by the wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a
+god.”
+
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares
+entered among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of
+fleet Akamas, captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of
+Priam he called saying: “O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king,
+how long will ye yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians?
+Shall it be even until they fight about our well-builded gates? Low
+lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like unto goodly Hector, even
+Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let us save from the
+tumult our valiant comrade.”
+
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon
+sorely chode noble Hector: “Hector, where now is the spirit gone that
+erst thou hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies
+thou wouldest hold the city, alone with thy sisters’ husbands and thy
+brothers; but now can I not see any of these neither perceive them, but
+they are cowering like hounds about a lion; and we are fighting that
+are but allies among you. Yea I being an ally am come from very far;
+far off is Lykia upon eddying Xanthos, where I left my dear wife and
+infant son, and left my great wealth that each one coveteth that is in
+need. Yet for all that I urge on my Lykians, and myself am eager to
+fight my man, though here is naught of mine such as the Achaians might
+plunder or harry. But thou standest, nay thou dost not even urge all
+thine hosts to abide and guard their wives. Only beware lest, as though
+tangled in meshes of all-ensnaring flax, ye be made unto your foemen a
+prey and a spoil; and they will soon lay waste your well-peopled city.
+Thee it behoveth to give thought to all these things both by night and
+day, and to beseech the captains of thy far-famed allies to hold on
+unflinchingly; and so shalt thou put away their sore rebuking from
+thee.”
+
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he
+leapt from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two
+keen spears went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and
+roused the dread battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the
+Achaians: and the Argives withstood them in close array and fled not.
+Even as a wind carrieth the chaff about the sacred threshing-floors
+when men are winnowing, what time golden-haired Demeter in rush of wind
+maketh division of grain and chaff, and so the chaff-heaps grow
+white—so now grew the Achaians white with falling dust which in their
+midst the horses’ hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as fight was
+joined again, and the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they forward
+the fury of their hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of
+night to aid the Trojans in the battle,* ranging everywhere; so
+fulfilled he the behest of Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who bade
+him rouse the Trojans’ spirit when he beheld Pallas Athene departed;
+for she was helper to the Danaans. And Apollo himself sent forth
+Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of him,
+shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his comrades, and
+they were glad to see him come among them alive and sound and full of
+valiant spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all the toil
+forbade them that the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares bane
+of men and Strife raging insatiably.
+
+* Or, drew round the battle a veil of night to help the Trojans.
+
+
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred
+the Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the
+Trojans’ violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos’ son
+setteth in windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might
+of the north wind sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with
+keen breath and scatter apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans
+withstood the Trojans steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged
+through the throng exhorting instantly: “My friends, quit you like men
+and take heart of courage, and shun dishonour in one another’s eyes
+amid the stress of battle. Of men that shun dishonour more are saved
+than slain, but for them that flee is neither glory found nor any
+safety.”
+
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost
+warrior, even great-hearted Aineias’ comrade Deïkoon son of Pergasos,
+whom the Trojans held in like honour with Priam’s sons, because he was
+swift to do battle amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his
+dart upon the shield, and it stayed not the spear, but the point passed
+through, so that he drave it through the belt into his nethermost
+belly: and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of
+Diokles, Krethon and Orsilochos, whose father dwelt in stablished
+Phere, a man full of substance, whose lineage was of the river
+Alpheios, that floweth in broad stream through the land of the Pylians;
+Alpheios begat Orsilochos to be king of many men, and Orsilochos begat
+great-hearted Diokles, and of Diokles were born twin sons, even Krethon
+and Orsilochos, well skilled in all the ways of war. Now when these
+were of full age, they bare the Argives company on their black ships to
+Ilios home of horses, to win recompense for Atreus’ sons, Agamemnon and
+Menelaos; but now the issue of death shrouded them about. Like them,
+two lions on the mountain tops are nurtured by their dam in the deep
+forest thickets; and these harry the kine and goodly sheep and make
+havoc of the farmsteads of men, till in their turn they too are slain
+at men’s hands with the keen bronze; in such wise were these twain
+vanquished at Aineias’ hands and fell like tall pine-trees.
+
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode
+through the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his
+spear; and Ares stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall
+beneath Aineias’ hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor’s son,
+beheld him, and strode through the forefront; because he feared
+exceedingly for the shepherd of the host, lest aught befall him and
+disappoint them utterly of their labour. So those two were now holding
+forth their hands and sharp spears each against the other, eager to do
+battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd of the
+host. But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he
+beheld two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to
+the Achaians’ host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades’ arms,
+and themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
+
+Then slew they Pylaimenes, peer of Ares, captain of the great-hearted
+Paphlagonians bearers of the shield. Him as he stood still Atreus’ son,
+spear-famed Menelaos, pierced with his javelin, smiting upon the
+collar-bone; and Antilochos hurled at Mydon, his squire and charioteer,
+Atymnios’ brave son, even as he was wheeling the whole-hooved horses,
+and with a stone smote his elbow in the midst; so the reins white with
+ivory fell from his hands to earth, even into the dust. Then Antilochos
+sprang on him and drave the sword into his temple, and he fell gasping
+from the well-wrought chariot headlong in the dust on crown and
+shoulders. A while he stood there, being lighted on deep sand, until
+his horses spurned him and cast him to earth, even in the dust; and
+them Antilochos lashed, and drave them to the Achaians’ host.
+
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a
+shout, and the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might:
+and Ares led them on and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of
+war, the while Ares wielded in his hands his monstrous spear, and
+ranged now before Hector’s face, and now behind.
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as
+a shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming
+river flowing on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth
+backwards, even so now Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host:
+“Friends, how marvel we that noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of
+war! Yet ever is there beside him some god that wardeth off
+destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in likeness of a mortal
+man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground backwards,
+neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.”
+
+So said he, and the Trojans came very close upon them. Then Hector slew
+two that knew well the battle joy, riding in one chariot, even
+Menesthes and Anchialos. And the great Telamonian Aias had pity of them
+in their fall, and came hard by and darted with his bright javelin, and
+smote Amphios son of Selagos, that dwelt in Paisos, a man rich in
+substance, rich in meadow land; but fate led him to bring succour to
+Priam and his sons. Him Telamonian Aias smote upon the belt, and in his
+nether belly the far-shadowing spear stuck and he fell with a crash.
+Then glorious Aias ran at him to strip him of his armour, and the
+Trojans rained on him keen javelins glittering, and his shield caught
+many thereof. But he set his heel upon the corpse and plucked forth the
+spear of bronze; only he could not strip from his shoulders all the
+fair armour therewith, being overwhelmed of spears. Moreover he feared
+the haughty Trojans’ stout defence, they being many and brave that with
+their spears pressed on him, so that for all he was so great and
+valiant and proud they thrust him from them; and he was shaken and
+shrank back.
+
+Thus toiled these in violent battle; and Tlepolemos son of Herakles,
+valiant and tall, was driven of forceful fate against godlike Sarpedon.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, even the son
+and grandson of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, then first to the other spake
+Tlepolemos: “Sarpedon, counsellor of the Lykians, why must thou be
+skulking here, being a man unskilled in battle? Falsely do men say that
+thou art offspring of aegis-bearing Zeus, seeing thou art found lacking
+greatly beside those men that in days of old were born of Zeus. Ah,
+what an one do men say* was mighty Herakles, even my father the
+steadfast lion-heart, who erst came hither for Laomedon’s mares with
+but six ships and a scantier host, yet sacked the city of Ilios and
+made her highways desolate. But thine is a base spirit, and thy folk
+are minishing. I ween that thou art in no wise come from Lykia to be a
+bulwark unto the Trojans, for all thy great strength, but that thou
+shalt be vanquished at my hand and pass the gates of Hades.”
+
+* Or, “of other sort, men say,” if we read ἀλλοῖον for ἀλλ’ οῖον.
+
+
+Then Sarpedon captain of the Lykians answered him: “Tlepolemos, he
+verily overthrew holy Ilios by the folly of the proud man Laomedon,
+that rewarded his good deed with harsh upbraiding, and paid him not the
+steeds wherefor he came from afar. And for thee I say that slaughter
+and black death shall come about here at my hands; vanquished by my
+spear thou shalt yield to me my glory, and thy life to Hades of the
+goodly steeds.”
+
+So spake Sarpedon, and Tlepolemos lifted his ashen spear, and both
+their long javelins sped from their hands together. Sarpedon smote the
+midst of his neck, and the grievous point past right through, and the
+darkness of night fell on his eyes and shrouded him: and Tlepolemos
+with long spear smote the other’s left thigh, and the point sped
+through furiously, grazing the bone; but his father yet warded off
+destruction.
+
+So his goodly comrades bare away godlike Sarpedon from the battle, but
+the long spear dragging was heavy upon him, and no man marked it or
+took thought in their haste to draw the ashen spear out from his thigh
+that he might stand upright; such labour had they in tending him. And
+over against them the well-greaved Achaians bare Tlepolemos from the
+battle. And noble Odysseus of the patient soul marked it, and his heart
+was stirred within him. Then doubted he in mind and soul whether first
+to pursue the son of Zeus the loud thunderer, or take the lives of the
+common sort of the Lykians. But it was not destined to great-hearted
+Odysseus to slay with his keen blade the mighty son of Zeus; so Athene
+turned his fury upon the multitude of the Lykians. Then slew he
+Koiranos and Alastor and Chromios and Alkandros and Halios and Noëmon
+and Prytanis; and yet more Lykians had noble Odysseus slain but that
+great Hector of the glancing helm was swift to mark him, and strode
+through the forefront of battle, harnessed in flashing bronze, and
+brought terror to the Danaans; but Sarpedon the son of Zeus was glad at
+his coming, and spake to him a word of pain: “O son of Priam, let me
+not now be left a prey unto the Danaans, but bring me succour; howbeit
+thereafter let my life depart from me in your city, seeing it might not
+be that I should return home to my dear native land, to make glad my
+dear wife and infant son.”
+
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm spake no word to him, but
+hastened on, desirous with all speed to thrust back the Argives and
+take the lives of many. So his goodly comrades made godlike Sarpedon to
+sit beneath a fair oak-tree of aegis-bearing Zeus, and valiant Pelagon
+that was his dear comrade thrust forth from his thigh the ashen spear;
+and his spirit failed him and mist overspread his eyes. Then breathed
+he again, and the breath of the north wind blew round about him and
+brought him to life from the grievous swoon of his soul.
+
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither
+turned them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward
+in battle, but still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the
+Trojans. And now who first was slaughtered, and who last, by Hector son
+of Priam and brazen Ares? Even godlike Teuthras, and thereafter Orestes
+the charioteer, and Trechos spearman of Aitolia, and Oinomaos and
+Helenos son of Oinops and Oresbios with gleaming taslets, who dwelt in
+Hyle and had great care of his substance, lying beside the Kephisian
+mere; and near him dwelt all the Boiotians, inhabiters of a full rich
+domain.
+
+Now when the white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc of the
+Argives in the press of battle, anon she spake winged words to Athene:
+“Out on it, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Was
+it for naught we pledged our word to Menelaos, that he should not
+depart till he had laid waste well-walled Ilios,—if thus we let baleful
+Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain also take thought of impetuous
+valour.”
+
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So
+Hera the goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the
+gold-frontleted steeds; and Hebe quickly put to the car the curved
+wheels of bronze, eight-spoked, upon their axle-tree of iron. Golden is
+their felloe, imperishable, and tires of bronze are fitted thereover, a
+marvel to look upon; and the naves are of silver, to turn about on
+either side. And the car is plaited tight with gold and silver thongs,
+and two rails run round about it. And the silver pole stood out
+therefrom; upon the end bound she the fair golden yoke, and set thereon
+the fair breaststraps of gold, and Hera led beneath the yoke the horses
+fleet of foot, and hungered for strife and the battle-cry. And Athene,
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down at her father’s threshold her
+woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had wrought and her hands had
+fashioned, and put on her the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and
+arrayed her in her armour for dolorous battle. About her shoulders cast
+she the tasselled aegis terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown all round
+about, and Strife is therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught withal,
+and therein is the dreadful monster’s Gorgon head, dreadful and grim,
+portent of aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested
+golden helm with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred
+cities. Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her
+heavy spear, great and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of
+men, even of heroes with whom she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera
+swiftly smote the horses with the lash; self-moving groaned upon their
+hinges the gates of heaven whereof the Hours are warders, to whom is
+committed great heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick
+cloud or set it to. There through the gates guided they their horses
+patient of the lash. And they found the son of Kronos sitting apart
+from all the gods on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the
+white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses and questioned the most high
+Zeus, the son of Kronos, and said: “Father Zeus, hast thou no
+indignation with Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a
+company of Achaians hath he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise,
+unto my sorrow. But here in peace Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow
+take their pleasure, having set on this mad one that knoweth not any
+law. Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth with me if I smite Ares and
+chase him from the battle in sorry plight?”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: “Go to now, set
+upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore
+pain upon him.”
+
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and
+lashed her horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry
+heaven. As far as a man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance
+as he sitteth on a place of outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea,
+so far leap the loudly neighing horses of the gods. Now when they came
+to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even to where Simoeis and
+Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed goddess Hera
+stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick mist
+round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to
+graze. So the goddesses went their way with step like unto
+turtle-doves, being fain to bring succour to the men of Argos. And when
+they were now come where the most and most valiant stood, thronging
+about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the semblance of ravening
+lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then stood the
+white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
+Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty
+other men: “Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in
+semblance! While yet noble Achilles entered continually into battle,
+then issued not the Trojans even from the Dardanian gate; for they had
+dread of his terrible spear. But now fight they far from the city at
+the hollow ships.”
+
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to
+Tydeides’ side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she
+found beside his horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros
+with his dart had pierced, for his sweat vexed it by reason of the
+broad baldrick of his round shield; therewith was he vexed and his arm
+grew weary, so he was lifting up the baldrick and wiping away the dusky
+blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his horses’ yoke, and said:
+“Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after his own likeness. Tydeus
+was short of stature, but a man of war; yea even when I would not have
+him fight nor make display—what time he came apart from the Achaians on
+an embassage to Thebes, to the midst of the multitude of the Kadmeians,
+I bade him feast in their halls at peace; but he, possessing his
+valiant soul as of old time, challenged the young men of the Kadmeians
+and in everything vanquished them [easily; so sure a helper was I unto
+him]. But for thee, beside thee stand I and guard thee and with all my
+heart bid thee fight the Trojans; yet either hath weariness of much
+striving entered into thy limbs, or disheartening terror hath taken
+hold of thee. If that be so, no offspring art thou of Tydeus, the wise
+son of Oineus.”
+
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: “I know thee,
+goddess daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart
+will I tell thee my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening
+terror taken hold upon me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of
+thy behest that thou didst lay upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face
+to face with all the blessed gods, save only if Zeus’ daughter
+Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to wound her with the keen
+bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have bidden all the
+Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares lording it
+in the fray.”
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: “Diomedes son of
+Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor
+any other of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now,
+at Ares first guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to
+hand, nor have any awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse
+incarnate, the renegade that of late in converse with me and Hera
+pledged him to fight against the Trojans and give succour to the
+Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath forgotten these.”
+
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from
+the chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess
+mounted the car by noble Diomedes’ side right eagerly. The oaken axle
+creaked loud with its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of
+might. Then Pallas Athene grasped the whip and reins; forthwith against
+Ares first guided she the whole-hooved horses. Now he was stripping
+huge Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians, Ochesios’ glorious
+son. Him was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene donned the helm
+of Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when Ares
+scourge of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying
+there, where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and
+made straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh
+in onset on one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse’s
+reins with spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene with her hand seized the spear and thrust it
+up over* the car, to spend itself in vain. Next Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry attacked with spear of bronze; and Pallas Athene drave it home
+against Ares’ nethermost belly, where his taslets were girt about him.
+There smote he him and wounded him, rending through his fair skin, and
+plucked forth the spear again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as nine
+thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they join in strife
+and fray. Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear,
+so mightily bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+
+Reading ὑπέρ with the best MS. for ὐπ’ ἐκ.
+
+
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after heat a stormy
+wind ariseth, even so to Tydeus’ son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
+clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods’ dwelling,
+steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart,
+and shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously
+spake to him winged words: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to
+behold these violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one
+another’s devices, in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at
+variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful,
+whose thought is ever of iniquitous deeds. For all the other gods that
+are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are subject every one; only her
+thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on,
+because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she urged
+on Tydeus’ son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously against
+the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist
+of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god.
+Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish
+there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless
+from the smitings of the spear.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: “Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all
+gods that dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and
+battles. Truly thy mother’s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even
+Hera’s; her can I scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her
+prompting thou art in this plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see
+thee in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to me thy mother bare
+thee. But wert thou born of any other god unto this violence, long ere
+this hadst thou been lower than the sons of Heaven.”*
+
+* The Titans, imprisoned in Tartaros. Others explain “lower than the
+heavenly gods.” Zenodotos read ἐνέρτατος, “lowest of the sons of
+heaven.”
+
+
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs
+upon the wound [and healed him; seeing he was verily of no mortal
+substance]. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that
+is liquid but curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly
+healed he impetuous Ares. And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in
+gracious raiment, and he sate him down by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying
+in his might.
+
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera of
+Argos and Alalkomenean Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals
+from his man-slaying.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+
+How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each
+other, and parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city
+bade farewell to Andromache his wife.
+
+
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the
+battle swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed
+against each other their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the
+streams of Xanthos.
+
+First Aias son of Telamon, bulwark of the Achaians, brake a battalion
+of the Trojans and brought his comrades salvation, smiting a warrior
+that was chiefest among the Thracians, Eussoros’ son Akamas the goodly
+and great. Him first he smote upon his thick-crested helmet-ridge and
+drave into his forehead, so that the point of bronze pierced into the
+bone; and darkness shrouded his eyes.
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud wrar-cry slew Axylos Teuthranos’ son that
+dwelt in stablished Arisbe, a man of substance dear to his fellows; for
+his dwelling was by the roadside and he entertained all men. Howbeit of
+all these was there then not one to meet the foe before his face and
+save him from fell destruction; but Diomedes took the life of both of
+them, even of him and Kalesios his squire that now was the driver of
+his chariot; so passed both below the earth.
+
+And Euryalos slew Dresos and Opheltios, and followed after Aisepos and
+Pedasos whom erst the fountain-nymph Abarbarea bare to noble Boukolion.
+Now Boukolion was son of proud Laomedon, his eldest born, begotten of a
+mother unwedded; and as he tended his flocks he had converse with the
+nymph in love, and she conceived and bare twin sons. And lo, the
+strength of these and their glorious limbs Mekisteus’ son unstrung, and
+stripped the armour from their shoulders. And stubborn Polypoites slew
+Astyalos, and Odysseus with spear of bronze laid low Pidytes of
+Perkote, and so did Teukros to goodly Aretaon. Then was Ableros killed
+by the glistening spear of Antilochos, Nestor’s son, and Elatos by
+Agamemnon king of men; beside the banks of fair-flowing Satnioeis dwelt
+he in steep Pedasos. And Leïtos the warrior caught Phylakos, as he
+fled; and Eurypylos slew Melanthios.
+
+Now did Menelaos of the loud war-cry take Adrestos alive; for his
+horses took flight across the plain, and stumbling in a tamarisk bough
+brake the curved car at the pole’s foot; so they themselves fared
+towards the city where the rest were fleeing in rout, and their lord
+rolled from out the car beside the wheel, prone in the dust upon his
+face. Then came Atreus’ son Menelaos to his side bearing his far-
+shadowing spear. Thereat Adrestos caught him by his knees and besought
+him: “Take me captive, thou son of Atreus, and accept a worthy ransom;
+many a treasure is stored up in my father’s rich palace, bronze and
+gold and smithied iron; thereof would my father yield thee ransom
+beyond the telling, if he but heard that I am alive at the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+
+So spake he, and moved the spirit in his breast. And now had he
+forthwith given him to his squire to lead him to the Achaians’ fleet
+ships, but that Agamemnon came running to meet him, and spake a word of
+chiding to him: “Good Menelaos, why art thou so careful of the foemen?
+Have then such good deeds been wrought thee in thy house by Trojans? Of
+them let not one escape sheer destruction at our hands, not even the
+man-child that the mother beareth in her womb; let not even him escape,
+but all perish together out of Ilios, uncared for and unknown.”
+
+So spake the hero and turned his brother’s mind with righteous
+persuasion; so with his hand he thrust the hero Adrestos from him, and
+lord Agamemnon smote him in the flank, and he was overthrown, and
+Atreus’ son set his heel upon his chest and plucked forth his ashen
+spear.
+
+Then Nestor called to the Argives with far-reaching shout: “My friends,
+Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, let no man now take thought of
+spoils to tarry behind, that he may bring the greatest burden to the
+ships; but let us slay the foemen. Thereafter shall ye at your ease
+also strip of their spoil the dead corpses about the plain.”
+
+So spake he and stirred the spirit and soul of every man. Now had the
+Trojans been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up into Ilios,
+in their weakness overcome, but that Priam’s son Helenos, far best of
+augurs, stood by Aineias’ side and Hector’s, and spake to them:
+“Aineias and Hector, seeing that on you lieth the task of war in chief
+of Trojans and Lykians, because for every issue ye are foremost both
+for fight and counsel, stand ye your ground, and range the host
+everywhither to rally them before the gates, ere yet they fall fleeing
+in their women’s arms, and be made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye
+have aroused all our battalions we will abide here and fight the
+Danaans, though in sore weariness; for necessity presseth us hard: but
+thou, Hector, go into the city, and speak there to thy mother and mine;
+let her gather the aged wives to bright-eyed Athene’s temple in the
+upper city, and with her key open the doors of the holy house; and let
+her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the most gracious and greatest in
+her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the knees of
+beauteous-haired Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple
+twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy
+on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little children. So may she
+perchance hold back Tydeus’ son from holy Ilios, the furious spearman,
+the mighty deviser of rout, whom in good sooth I deem to have proved
+himself mightiest of the Achaians. Never in this wise feared we
+Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a goddess; nay, but he
+that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him for might.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother’s word, but leapt
+forthwith from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two
+sharp spears passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to
+battle, and stirred the dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood
+to face the Achaians, and the Argives gave ground and ceased from
+slaughter, and deemed that some immortal had descended from starry
+heaven to bring the Trojans succour, in such wise rallied they. Then
+Hector called to the Trojans with far-reaching shout: “O high-souled
+Trojans and ye far-famed allies, quit you like men, my friends, and
+take thought of impetuous courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid the
+elders of the council and our wives pray to the gods and vow them
+hecatombs.”
+
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat
+on either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran
+uttermost about his bossed shield.
+
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus’ son met in the mid-space of
+the foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in
+onset on each other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry:
+“Who art thou, noble sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee
+in glorious battle ere this, yet now hast thou far outstripped all men
+in thy hardihood, seeing thou abidest my far-shadowing spear. Luckless
+are the fathers whose children face my might. But if thou art some
+immortal come down from heaven, then will not I fight with heavenly
+gods. Nay moreover even Dryas’ son mighty Lykurgos was not for long
+when he strove with heavenly gods, he that erst chased through the
+goodly land of Nysa the nursing-mothers of frenzied Dionysos; and they
+all cast their wands upon the ground, smitten with murderous Lykurgos’
+ox-goad. Then Dionysos fled and plunged beneath the salt sea-wave, and
+Thetis took him to her bosom, affrighted, for a mighty trembling had
+seized him at his foe’s rebuke. But with Lykurgos the gods that live at
+ease were wroth, and Kronos’ son made him blind, and he was not for
+long, because he was hated of all the immortal gods. So would neither I
+be fain to fight the blessed gods. But if thou art of men that eat the
+fruit of the field, come nigh, that anon thou mayest enter the toils of
+destruction.”
+
+Then Hippolochos’ glorious son made answer to him: “Great-hearted
+Tydeides, why enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the
+generations of leaves such are those likewise of men; the leaves that
+be the wind scattereth on the earth, and the forest buddeth and putteth
+forth more again, when the season of spring is at hand; so of the
+generations of men one putteth forth and another ceaseth. Yet if thou
+wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well know our lineage,
+whereof many men have knowledge. There is a city Ephyre in the heart of
+Argos, pasture land of horses, and there dwelt Sisyphos that was
+craftiest of men, Sisyphos son of Aiolos; and he begat a son, even
+Glaukos, and Glaukos begat noble Bellerophon. To him the gods granted
+beauty and lovely manhood; but Proitos in his heart devised ill for
+him, and being mightier far drave him from the land of the Argives,
+whom Zeus had made subject to his sceptre.* Now Proitos’ wife, goodly
+Anteia, lusted after him, to have converse in secret love, but no whit
+prevailed she, for the uprightness of his heart, on wise Bellerophon.
+Then spake she lyingly to king Proitos: “Die, Proitos, or else slay
+Bellerophon, that would have converse in love with me against my will.”
+So spake she, and anger gat hold upon the king at that he heard. To
+slay him he forbare, for his soul had shame of that; but he sent him to
+Lykia, and gave him tokens of woe, graving in a folded tablet many
+deadly things, and bade him shew these to Anteia’s father, that he
+might be slain. So fared he to Lykia by the blameless convoy of the
+gods. Now when he came to Lykia and the stream of Xanthos, then did the
+king of wide Lykia honour him with all his heart; nine days he
+entertained him and killed nine oxen. And when on the tenth day
+rosy-fingered dawn appeared, then he questioned him and asked to see
+what token he bare from his son-in-law, even Proitos. Now when he had
+received of him Proitos’ evil token, first he bade him slay Chimaira
+the unconquerable. Of divine birth was she and not of men, in front a
+lion, and behind a serpent, and in the midst a goat; and she breathed
+dread fierceness of blazing fire. And her he slew, obedient to the
+signs of heaven. Next fought he with the famed Solymi; this, said he,
+was the mightiest battle of warriors wherein he entered. And thirdly he
+slew the Amazons, women peers of men. And as he turned back therefrom,
+the king devised another cunning wile; he picked from wide Lykia the
+bravest men, and set an ambush. But these returned nowise home again;
+for noble Bellerophon slew them all. So when the king now knew that he
+was the brave offspring of a god, he kept him there, and plighted him
+his daughter, and gave him the half of all the honour of his kingdom;
+moreover the Lykians meted him a domain preeminent above all, fair with
+vineyards and tilth to possess it.** And his wife bare wise Bellerophon
+three children, Isandros and Hippolochos and Laodameia. With Laodameia
+lay Zeus the lord of counsel, and she bare godlike Sarpedon, the
+warrior with arms of bronze. But when even Bellerophon came to be hated
+of all the gods, then wandered he alone in the Aleian plain, devouring
+his own soul, and avoiding the paths of men; and Isandros his son was
+slain by Ares insatiate of battle, as he fought against the famed
+Solymi, and his daughter was slain in wrath of gold-gleaming***
+Artemis. But Hippolochos begat me, and of him do I declare me to be
+sprung; he sent me to Troy and bade me very instantly to be ever the
+best and to excel all other men, nor put to shame the lineage of my
+fathers that were of noblest blood in Ephyre and in wide Lykia. This is
+the lineage and blood whereof I avow myself to be.”
+
+* Or, “for Zeus had brought him [Bellerophon] under his sceptre’s
+sway.”
+
+
+** Or, if we read πυροφόροιο, “tilth of wheat-land.”
+
+
+*** Or, “Artemis of the golden reins.”
+
+
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his
+spear in the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd
+of the host: “Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times
+through my father: for goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble
+Bellerophon in his halls and kept him twenty days. Moreover they gave
+each the other goodly gifts of friendship; Oineus gave a belt bright
+with purple, and Bellerophon a gold twy-handled cup, the which when I
+came I left in my palace. But of Tydeus I remember naught, seeing I was
+yet little when he left me, what time the Achaian host perished at
+Thebes. Therefore now am I to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost
+Argos, and thou in Lykia, whene’er I fare to your land. So let us shun
+each other’s spears, even amid the throng; Trojans are there in
+multitudes and famous allies for me to slay, whoe’er it be that God
+vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake; and for thee are there Achaians in
+multitude, to slay whome’er thou canst. But let us make exchange of
+arms between us, that these also may know how we avow ourselves to be
+guest-friends by lineage.”
+
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other
+by his hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took
+from Glaukos his wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus’
+son of golden armour for bronze, the price of five score oxen for the
+price of nine.
+
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak-tree, there
+came running round about him the Trojans’ wives and daughters,
+enquiring of sons and brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade
+them thereat all in turn pray to the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+
+But when he came to Priam’s beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades—and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded
+hard by one another, wherein Priam’s sons slept beside their wedded
+wives; and for his daughters over against them on the other side within
+the courtyard were twelve roofed chambers of polished stone builded
+hard by one another, wherein slept Priam’s sons-in-law beside their
+chaste wives—then came there to meet him his bountiful mother, leading
+with her Laodike, fairest of her daughters to look on; and she clasped
+her hand in his, and spake, and called upon his name: “My son, why hast
+thou left violent battle to come hither? Surely the sons of the
+Achaians—name of evil!—press thee hard in fight about thy city, and so
+thy spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth thy
+hands to Zeus from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet
+wine, that thou mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals
+first, and then shalt thou thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt
+drink. When a man is awearied wine greatly maketh his strength to wax,
+even as thou art awearied in fighting for thy fellows.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bring me no
+honey-hearted wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage
+and I be forgetful of my might.* Moreover I have awe to make libation
+of gleaming wine to Zeus with hands unwashen; nor can it be in any wise
+that one should pray to the son of Kronos, god of storm-cloud, all
+defiled with blood and filth. But go thou to the temple of Athene,
+driver of the spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged wives
+together; and the robe that seemeth to thee the most gracious and
+greatest in thy palace, and dearest unto thyself, that lay thou upon
+the knees of beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to her to sacrifice in
+her temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will
+have mercy on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little children. So
+may she perchance hold back Tydeus’ son from holy Ilios, the furious
+spearman, the mighty deviser of rout. So go thou to the temple of
+Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will go after Paris, to summon him,
+if perchance he will hearken to my voice. Would that the earth
+forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian fostered him to be a sore
+bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and to Priam’s sons. If
+I but saw him going down to the gates of death, then might I deem that
+my heart had forgotten its sorrow.”**
+
+* Omitting δ’ after μένεος, with the best MSS. and probably
+Aristarchos. So also Plato, Crat. 415 A.
+
+
+** Reading with Zenodotos φίλον for φρέν’ ἀτέρπου.
+
+
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens,
+and they gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself
+went down to her fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the
+work of Sidonian women, whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from
+Sidon, when he sailed over the wide sea, that journey wherein he
+brought home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe took one to bear for an
+offering to Athene, the one that was fairest for adornment and
+greatest, and shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then went
+she her way and the multitude of aged wives hasted after her.
+
+Now when they came to the temple of Athene in the citadel, fair-cheeked
+Theano opened them the doors, even Kisseus’ daughter, wife of
+horse-taming Antenor; for her the Trojans had made priestess of Athene.
+Then lifted they all their hands to Athene with lamentation: and
+fair-cheeked Theano took the robe and laid it on the knees of
+beauteous-haired Athene, and lifted up her voice and prayed to the
+daughter of great Zeus: “Lady Athene, saviour of the city, fair among
+goddesses, break now Diomedes’ spear, and grant moreover that himself
+may fall prone before the Skaian gates; that we may sacrifice thee now
+forthwith in thy temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad,
+if thou wilt have mercy on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little
+children.” So spake she praying, but Pallas Athene denied the prayer.
+
+So were these praying to the daughter of great Zeus; and Hector was
+come to Alexandros’ fair palace, that himself had builded with them
+that were most excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled Troy-land;
+these made him his chamber and hall and courtyard hard by to Priam and
+Hector, in the upper city. There entered in Hector dear to Zeus, and
+his hand bare his spear, eleven cubits long: before his face glittered
+the bronze spear-point, and a ring of gold ran round about it. And he
+found Paris in his chamber busied with his beauteous arms, his shield
+and breastplate, and handling his curved bow; and Helen of Argos sate
+among her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork for her
+handmaidens. Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful
+words: “Good sir, thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy
+heart. The folk are perishing about the city and high wall in battle,
+and for thy sake the battle-cry is kindled and war around this city;
+yea thyself wouldest thou fall out with another, didst thou see him
+shrinking from hateful war. Up then, lest the city soon be scorched
+with burning fire.”
+
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: “Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou
+it to thine heart and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the
+Trojans, for wrath and indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain
+would I yield me to my sorrow. Even now my wife hath persuaded me with
+soft words, and urged me into battle; and I moreover, even I, deem that
+it will be better so; for victory shifteth from man to man. Go to then,
+tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of war; or else fare thou forth,
+and I will follow; and I think to overtake thee.”
+
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word.
+But Helen spake to him with gentle words: “My brother, even mine that
+am a dog, mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my
+mother bare me at the first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a
+mountain or a billow of the loud-sounding sea, where the billow might
+have swept me away before all these things came to pass. Howbeit,
+seeing the gods devised all these ills in this wise, would that then I
+had been mated with a better man, that felt dishonour and the multitude
+of men’s reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he now sound heart,
+nor ever will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap the
+fruit. But now come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my
+brother, since thy heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake
+of me, that am a dog, and for Alexandros’ sin; on whom Zeus bringeth
+evil doom, that even in days to come we may be a song in the ears of
+men that shall be hereafter.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bid me not sit,
+Helen, of thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set
+to succour the men of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not
+with them. But rouse thou this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to
+overtake me yet within the city. For I shall go into mine house to
+behold my housefolk and my dear wife, and infant boy; for I know not if
+I shall return home to them again, or if the gods will now overthrow me
+at the hands of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to
+his well stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in
+the halls; she with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her
+stand upon the tower, weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not
+his noble wife within, he came and stood upon the threshold and spake
+amid the serving women: “Come tell me now true, my serving women.
+Whither went white-armed Andromache forth from the hall? Hath she gone
+out to my sisters or unto my brothers’ fair-robed wives, or to Athene’s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women propitiate the awful
+goddess?”
+
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: “Hector, seeing thou
+straitly chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any
+of thy sisters or thy brothers’ fair-robed wives, neither to Athene’s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the
+awful goddess; but she went to the great tower of Ilios, because she
+heard the Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory was for the
+Achaians. So hath she come in haste to the wall, like unto one
+frenzied; and the nurse with her beareth the child.”
+
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the
+same way down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the
+great city and was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to
+issue upon the plain, then came his dear-won* wife, running to meet
+him, even Andromache daughter of great-hearted Eëtion, Eëtion that
+dwelt beneath wooded Plakos, in Thebe under Plakos, and was king of the
+men of Kilikia; for his daughter was wife to bronze-harnessed Hector.
+So she met him now, and with her went the handmaid bearing in her bosom
+the tender boy, the little child, Hector’s loved son, like unto a
+beautiful star. Him Hector called Skamandrios, but all the folk
+Astyanax; for only Hector guarded Ilios.** So now he smiled and gazed
+at his boy silently, and Andromache stood by his side weeping, and
+clasped her hand in his, and spake and called upon his name. “Dear my
+lord, this thy hardihood will undo thee, neither hast thou any pity for
+thine infant boy, nor for me forlorn that soon shall be thy widow; for
+soon will the Achaians all set upon thee and slay thee. But it were
+better for me to go down to the grave if I lose thee; for never more
+will any comfort be mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met thy fate,
+but only sorrow. Moreover I have no father nor lady mother: my father
+was slain of goodly Achilles, for he wasted the populous city of the
+Kilikians, even high-gated Thebe, and slew Eëtion; yet he despoiled him
+not, for his soul had shame of that, but he burnt him in his inlaid
+armour and raised a barrow over him; and all about were elm-trees
+planted by the mountain nymphs, daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus. And
+the seven brothers that were mine within our halls, all these on the
+selfsame day went within the house of Hades; for fleet-footed goodly
+Achilles slew them all amid their kine of trailing gait and
+white-fleeced sheep. And my mother, that was queen beneath wooded
+Plakos, her brought he hither with the other spoils, but afterward took
+a ransom untold to set her free; but in her father’s halls was she
+smitten by the Archer Artemis. Nay, Hector, thou art to me father and
+lady mother, yea and brother, even as thou art my goodly husband. Come
+now, have pity and abide here upon the tower, lest thou make thy child
+an orphan and thy wife a widow. And stay thy folk beside the fig-tree,
+where best the city may be scaled and the wall is assailable. Thrice
+came thither the most valiant that are with the two Aiantes and famed
+Idomeneus and the sons of Atreus and Tydeus’ valiant son, and essayed
+to enter; whether one skilled in soothsaying revealed it to them, or
+whether their own spirit urgeth and biddeth them on.”
+
+* Or, “bounteous.”
+
+
+** Astyanax = “City King.”
+
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Surely I take
+thought for all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of
+the Trojans and Trojan dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I
+shrink away from battle. Moreover mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I
+have learnt ever to be valiant and fight in the forefront of the
+Trojans, winning my father’s great glory and mine own. Yea of a surety
+I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be
+laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear. Yet
+doth the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so much trouble me,
+neither Hekabe’s own, neither king Priam’s, neither my brethren’s, the
+many and brave that shall fall in the dust before their foemen, as doth
+thine anguish in the day when some mail-clad Achaian shall lead thee
+weeping and rob thee of the light of freedom. So shalt thou abide in
+Argos and ply the loom at another woman’s bidding, and bear water from
+fount Messeis or Hypereia, being grievously entreated, and sore
+constraint shall be laid upon thee. And then shall one say that
+beholdeth thee weep: ‘This is the wife of Hector, that was foremost in
+battle of the horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.’ Thus
+shall one say hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such
+an husband as thou hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in
+death may the heaped-up earth be covering, ere I hear thy crying and
+thy carrying into captivity.”
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the
+child shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at
+his dear father’s aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair
+crest that he beheld nodding fiercely from the helmet’s top. Then his
+dear father laughed aloud, and his lady mother; forthwith glorious
+Hector took the helmet from his head, and laid it, all gleaming, upon
+the earth; then kissed he his dear son and dandled him in his arms, and
+spake in prayer to Zeus and all the gods, “O Zeus and all ye gods,
+vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise prove even as I, pre-eminent
+amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be a great king of
+Ilios. Then may men say of him, ‘Far greater is he than his father’ as
+he returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him blood-stained
+spoils from the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother’s heart be
+glad.”
+
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife’s arms; and she took him
+to her fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to
+see her, and caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her
+name: “Dear one, I pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man
+against my fate shall hurl me to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man
+hath escaped, be he coward or be he valiant, when once he hath been
+born. But go thou to thine house and see to thine own tasks, the loom
+and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their work; but for war
+shall men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in Ilios.”
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet;
+and his dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting
+fall big tears. Anon she came to the well-stablished house of
+man-slaying Hector, and found therein her many handmaidens, and stirred
+lamentation in them all. So bewailed they Hector, while yet he lived,
+within his house: for they deemed that he would no more come back to
+them from battle, nor escape the fury of the hands of the Achaians.
+
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his
+brave armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city,
+trusting to his nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at
+the manger, breaketh his tether and speedeth at the gallop across the
+plain, being wont to bathe him in the fair-flowing stream, exultingly;
+and holdeth his head on high, and his mane floateth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his limbs bear him
+to the haunts and pasturages of mares; even so Priam’s son Paris,
+glittering in his armour like the shining sun, strode down from high
+Pergamos laughingly, and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook
+his brother noble Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away
+from the spot where he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake
+godlike Alexandros: “Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine
+haste by my tarrying, and came not rightly as thou badest me.”
+
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: “Good brother,
+no man that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight,
+seeing thou art strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care;
+and for this my heart is grieved within me, that I hear shameful words
+concerning thee in the Trojans’ mouths, who for thy sake endure much
+toil. But let us be going; all this will we make good hereafter, if
+Zeus ever vouchsafe us to set before the heavenly gods that are for
+everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls, when we have chased
+out of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians.”
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+
+Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the burying of the
+dead, and the building of a wall about the Achaian ships.
+
+
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went
+his brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and
+battle. Even as God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have
+grown weary of beating the main with polished oars, and their limbs are
+fordone with toil, even so appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+
+Then the one of them slew king Areïthoös’ son, Menesthios dwelling in
+Arne, whom Areïthoös the Mace-man and ox-eyed Phylomedusa begat; and
+the other, even Hector, with his sharp spear smote Eïoneus’ neck
+beneath his bronze helmet-rim, and unstrung his limbs. And Glaukos son
+of Hippolochos, captain of the men of Lykia, cast his spear at Iphinoos
+through the press of battle, even at the son of Dexios, as he sprang up
+behind his fleet mares, and smote his shoulder; so fell he from his
+chariot to earth and his limbs were unstrung.
+
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the
+Argives in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of
+Olympus to holy Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her
+from Pergamos, and would have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met
+each the other by the oak-tree. To her spake first king Apollo son of
+Zeus: “Why now art thou come thus eagerly from Olympus, thou daughter
+of great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart sent thee? Surely it is to
+give the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing thou hast no mercy
+on the Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to me—and it
+were far better so—let us now stay battle and warring for the day;
+hereafter shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios,
+since thus it seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay
+waste this city.”
+
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: “So be it,
+Far-darter; in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of
+Trojans and Achaians. But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of
+the warriors?”
+
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: “Let us arouse the
+stalwart spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some
+one of the Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly
+combat. So shall the bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one
+to fight singly with goodly Hector.”
+
+So spake he and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. Now
+Helenos Priam’s dear son understood in spirit their resolve that the
+gods in counsel had approved; and he went to Hector and stood beside
+him, and spake a word to him: “Hector son of Priam, peer of Zeus in
+counsel, wouldest thou now hearken at all to me? for I am thy brother.
+Make the other Trojans sit, and all the Achaians, and thyself challenge
+him that is best of the Achaians to meet thee man to man in deadly
+combat. It is not yet thy destiny to die and meet thy doom; for thus
+heard I the voice of the gods that are from everlasting.”
+
+So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went
+into the midst and refrained the battalions of the Trojans with his
+spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down: and Agamemnon
+made the well-greaved Achaians sit. And Athene withal and Apollo of the
+silver bow, in the likeness of vulture birds, sate them upon a tall oak
+holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus, rejoicing in their warriors; and the
+ranks of all of them sate close together, bristling with shields and
+plumes and spears. Even as there spreadeth across the main the ripple
+of the west wind newly risen, and the sea grows black beneath it, so
+sate the ranks of Achaians and Trojans upon the plain. And Hector spake
+between both hosts: “Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians,
+that I may speak what my mind within my breast biddeth me. Our oaths of
+truce Kronos’ son, enthroned on high, accomplished not; but evil is his
+intent and ordinance for both our hosts, until either ye take
+fair-towered Troy or yourselves be vanquished beside your seafaring
+ships. But in the midst of you are the chiefest of all the Achaians;
+therefore now let the man whose heart biddeth him fight with me come
+hither from among you all to be your champion against goodly Hector.
+And this declare I, and be Zeus our witness thereto; if that man slay
+me with the long-edged sword, let him spoil me of my armour and bear it
+to the hollow ships, but give back my body to my home, that Trojans and
+Trojans’ wives may give me my due of burning in my death. But if I slay
+him and Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I will spoil him of his armour and
+bear it to holy Ilios and hang it upon the temple of far-darting
+Apollo, but his corpse will I render back to the well-decked ships,
+that the flowing-haired Achaians may entomb him, and build him a barrow
+beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say even of men that be late born,
+as he saileth in his benched ship over the wine-dark sea: ‘This is the
+barrow of a man that died in days of old, a champion whom glorious
+Hector slew.’ So shall a man say hereafter, and this my glory shall
+never die.”
+
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him
+they were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up
+Menelaos and spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned
+deep at heart: “Ah me, vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more
+men, surely all this shall be a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the
+Danaans now goeth to meet Hector. Nay, turn ye all to earth and water,
+sitting there each man disheartened, helplessly inglorious; against him
+will I myself array me; and from on high the threads of victory are
+guided of the immortal gods.”
+
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the
+end of life appeared for thee at Hector’s hands, seeing he was stronger
+far, but that the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee.
+And Atreus’ son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right
+hand and spake a word and called upon his name: “Thou doest madly,
+Menelaos fosterling of Zeus; yet is it no time for this thy madness.
+Draw back, though it be with pain, nor think for contention’s sake to
+fight with one better than thou, with Hector Priam’s son, whom others
+beside thee abhor. Yea, this man even Achilles dreadeth to meet in
+battle, wherein is the warrior’s glory; and Achilles is better far than
+thou. Go therefore now and sit amid the company of thy fellows; against
+him shall the Achaians put forth another champion. Fearless though he
+be and insatiate of turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to rest his
+knees, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother’s heart with just counsel;
+and he obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour
+from his shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives:
+“Fie upon it, verily sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia.
+Verily old Peleus driver of chariots would groan sore, that goodly
+counsellor of the Myrmidons and orator, who erst questioned me in his
+house, and rejoiced greatly, inquiring of the lineage and birth of all
+the Argives. If he heard now of those that all were cowering before
+Hector, then would he lift his hands to the immortals, instantly
+praying that his soul might depart from his limbs down to the house of
+Hades. Ah would to father Zeus and Athene and Apollo I were young as
+when beside swift-flowing Keladon the Pylians gathered together to
+battle and the Arkadians that bear the spear, beneath the walls of
+Pheia, about the streams of Iardanos. Then stood up for their champion
+Ereuthalion, a man the peer of gods, bearing upon his shoulders the
+armour of king Areïthoös, goodly Areïthoös that by men and fair-girdled
+women was surnamed the Mace-man, because he fought not with bow and
+long spear, but with an iron mace clave the battalions. Him Lykurgos
+slew by guile, and not by strength, in a narrow way, where his mace of
+iron saved him not from destruction: ere that, Lykurgos came on him
+unawares and pierced him through the midst with his dart, and he was
+hurled backward upon the earth. Then Lykurgos despoiled him of his arms
+that brazen Ares had given him; and these himself he bare thereafter
+into the mellay of war. But when Lykurgos grew old within his halls he
+gave them to Ereuthalion his dear squire to wear. So with his arms upon
+him he challenged all our best; but they trembled sore and were afraid,
+and no man took heart. But me my hardy spirit aroused to meet him in my
+confidence;* yet was I youngest in years of all. So fought I with him
+and Athene vouchsafed me glory. Tallest was he and strongest of men
+that I have slain; as one of huge bulk he lay spread this way and that.
+Would to God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then would
+Hector of the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of you
+that be chieftains of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man of
+good heart to meet Hector face to face.”
+
+* Or, “to meet his might,” according to the usual interpretation of ᾦ.
+
+
+So the old man upbraided them, and there stood up nine in all. Far
+first arose Agamemnon king of men, and after him rose Tydeus’ son
+stalwart Diomedes, and after them the Aiantes clothed with impetuous
+might, and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms
+Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos
+Euaimon’s glorious son; and up rose Thoas Andraimon’s son and goodly
+Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight with goodly Hector. And among
+them spake again knightly Nestor of Gerenia: “Now cast ye the lot from
+the first unto the last, for him that shall be chosen; for he shall in
+truth profit the well-greaved Achaians, yea and he shall have profit of
+his own soul, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the
+helmet of Agamemnon Atreus’ son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up
+their hands to the gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide
+heaven: “O father Zeus, vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or
+Tydeus’ son, or else on the king of Mykene rich in gold.”
+
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and
+there leapt forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of
+Aias. The herald bare it everywhither through the throng, shewing it
+from right to left to all the princes of the Achaians; but they knew it
+not, and every man denied it. But when he came, bearing it everywhither
+through the throng, to him that had marked it and cast it in the helm,
+even glorious Aias, then he held forth his hand, and the herald stood
+by him and put it therein. And Aias saw and knew the token upon the
+lot, and rejoiced in heart. He cast it by his foot upon the earth, and
+spake: “My friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself am glad at
+heart, because I deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come
+now, while I clothe me in my armour of battle, pray ye the while to
+Kronos’ son king Zeus, in silence to yourselves, that the Trojans hear
+you not—nay rather, openly if ye will, for we have no fear of any man
+soever. For none by force shall chase me, he willing me unwilling,
+neither by skill; seeing I hope that not so skill-less, either, was I
+born in Salamis nor nurtured.”
+
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos’ son, king Zeus; and thus would
+one speak, looking up to wide heaven: “O father Zeus that rulest from
+Ida, most glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the
+winning of great glory. But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest
+for him, grant unto either equal prowess and renown.”
+
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he
+had now clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge
+Ares coming forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos’ son
+setteth to fight in fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge
+Aias, bulwark of the Achaians, with a smile on his grim face: and went
+with long strides of his feet beneath him, shaking his far-shadowing
+spear. Then moreover the Argives rejoiced to look upon him, but sore
+trembling came upon the Trojans, on the limbs of every man, and
+Hector’s own heart beat within his breast. But in no wise could he now
+flee nor shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing he had
+challenged him to battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like
+shield of bronze, with sevenfold ox-hide, that Tychios had wrought him
+cunningly; Tychios far best of curriers, that had his home in Hyle, who
+made him his glancing shield, of sevenfold hides of stalwart bulls, and
+overlaid the seven with bronze. This bare Telamonian Aias before his
+breast, and stood near to Hector, and spake to him threatening:
+“Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man to man, what manner of
+princes the Danaans likewise have among them, even after Achilles,
+render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his beaked seafaring ships
+lieth in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of the host; yet are we
+such as to face thee, yea and many of us. But make thou beginning of
+war and battle.”
+
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: “Aias of the seed
+of Zeus, son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like
+some puny boy or woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well
+know wars and slaughterings. To right know I, to left know I the
+wielding of my tough targe; therein I deem is stalwart soldiership. And
+I know how to charge into the mellay of fleet chariots, and how in
+close battle to join in furious Ares’ dance. Howbeit, I have no mind to
+smite thee, being such an one as thou art, by spying thee unawares; but
+rather openly, if perchance I may hit thee.”
+
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote
+Aias’ dread shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the
+eighth layer that was thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn
+bronze cleaving, but in the seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung
+Aias hurled next his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the circle of
+the shield of Priam’s son. Through the bright shield passed the violent
+spear, and through the curiously wrought corslet pressed it on; and
+straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his doublet; but he
+swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with their
+hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions
+or wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam’s son smote the
+shield’s midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the
+point turned back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and
+straight through went the spear and staggered him in his onset, and
+cleft its way unto his neck, so that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even
+then did not Hector of the glancing helm cease from fight, but yielded
+ground and with stout hand seized a stone lying upon the plain, black
+and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and smote Aias’ dread shield
+of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss, and the bronze
+resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and hurled
+it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and
+burst it inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his
+knees; and he was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but
+Apollo straightway raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to
+hand with swords, but that the heralds, messengers of gods and men,
+came, one from the Trojans, one from the mail-clad Achaians, even
+Talthybios and Idaios, both men discreet. Between the two held they
+their staves, and herald Idaios spake a word, being skilled in wise
+counsel: “Fight ye no more, dear sons, neither do battle; seeing Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are men of war; that
+verily know we all. But night already is upon us: it is well withal to
+obey the hest of night.”
+
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: “Idaios, bid ye Hector
+to speak those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our
+best. Let him be first, and I will surely follow as he saith.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: “Aias, seeing God
+gave thee stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art
+excellent above all the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and
+battle for the day; but hereafter will we fight until God judge between
+us, giving to one of us the victory. But night already is upon us; it
+is well withal to obey the hest of night; that so thou mayest rejoice
+all the Achaians beside their ships, and chiefly the kinsmen and
+fellows that are thine; and I throughout the great city of king Priam
+will rejoice the Trojan men and Trojan dames with trailing robes, that
+with prayer I ween will enter the holy assemblage. But come, let us
+give each the other famous gifts, that men may thus say, Achaians alike
+and Trojans: ‘These, having fought for sake of heart-consuming strife,
+parted again reconciled in friendship.’”
+
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and
+well-cut baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they
+parted, and one went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the
+throng of Trojans. And these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive
+and sound, escaped from the fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable;
+and they brought him to the city saved beyond their hope. And Aias on
+their side the well-greaved Achaians brought to noble Agamemnon,
+exulting in his victory.
+
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon
+king of men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most
+mighty son of Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it
+all, and minced it cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and
+roasted it carefully, and drew all off again. Then as soon as they had
+rest from the task and had made ready the meal, they began the feast,
+nor was their soul aught stinted of the equal banquet. And the hero son
+of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias slices of the chine’s
+full length for his honour. And when they had put from them the desire
+of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave the web of
+counsel, even Nestor whose rede of old time was proved most excellent.
+He of good intent made harangue among them and said: “Son of Atreus and
+ye other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired
+Achaians are dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about
+fair-flowing Skamandros, and their souls have gone down to the house of
+Hades; therefore it behoveth thee to make the battle of the Achaians
+cease with daybreak; and we will assemble to wheel hither the corpses
+with oxen and mules; so let us burn them [a little way from the ships,
+that each man may bear their bones home to their children, whene’er we
+return again to our native land]; and let us heap one barrow about the
+pyre, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto build with
+speed high towers, a bulwark for our ships and for ourselves. In the
+midst thereof let us make gates well compact, that through them may be
+a way for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep foss hard by,
+to be about it and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle of the
+lordly Trojans be heavy on us hereafter.”
+
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in
+the high town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused,
+beside Priam’s gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give
+Helen of Argos and the wealth with her for the sons of Atreus to take
+away. Now fight we in guilt against the oaths of faith; therefore is
+there no profit for us that I hope to see fulfilled, unless we do
+thus.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble
+Alexandros, lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and
+spake winged words: “Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my
+pleasure; yet thou hast it in thee to devise other sayings more
+excellent than this. But if indeed thou sayest this in earnest, then
+verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy wit. But I will speak
+forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare outright; my wife will
+I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to our home, all
+that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own substance.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of
+the seed of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to
+them, and said: “Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that
+I may tell you that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat
+your supper throughout the city as of old, and take thought to keep
+watch, and be wakeful every man. And at dawn let Idaios fare to the
+hollow ships to tell to Atreus’ sons Agamemnon and Menelaos the saying
+of Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come about: and likewise to ask
+them this wise word, whether they are minded to refrain from noisy war
+till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight again, till
+heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed; [then
+took they their supper throughout the host by ranks,] and at dawn
+Idaios fared to the hollow ships. He found the Danaans in assembly, the
+men of Ares’ company, beside the stern of Agamemnon’s ship; and so the
+loud-voiced herald stood in their midst and said unto them: “Atreides
+and ye other princes of the Achaians, Priam and all the noble Trojans
+bade me tell you—if perchance it might find favour and acceptance with
+you—the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about.
+The wealth that Alexandros brought in his hollow ships to Troy—would he
+had perished first!—all that he hath a mind to give, and to add more
+thereto of his substance. But the wedded wife of glorious Menelaos he
+saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid him do it. Moreover
+they bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are minded to refrain
+from noisy war until we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight
+again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: “Let no man now
+accept Alexandros’ substance, neither Helen’s self; known is it, even
+to him that hath no wit at all, how that the issues of destruction hang
+already over the Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to
+Idaios: “Idaios, thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how
+they answer thee; and the like seemeth good to me. But as concerning
+the dead, I grudge you not to burn them; for dead corpses is there no
+stinting; when they once are dead, of the swift propitiation of fire.
+And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the loud-thundering lord of
+Hera.”
+
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and
+Idaios departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in
+assembly, gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he
+came and stood in their midst and declared his message. Then they made
+them ready very swiftly for either task, some to bring the dead, and
+some to seek for wood. And on their part the Argives hasted from their
+well-decked ships, some to bring the dead and some to seek for wood.
+
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from
+the deep stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together.
+Then was it a hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them
+with water clean of clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted
+them upon the wains. But great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in
+silence heaped they the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart; and
+when they had burned them with fire departed to holy Ilios. And in like
+manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians heaped the corpses on
+the pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned them with fire
+departed to the hollow ships.
+
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the
+chosen folk of the Achaians gathered together* around the pyre, and
+made one barrow about it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and
+thereto built they a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships
+and for themselves. In the midst thereof made they gates
+well-compacted, that through them might be a way for chariot-driving.
+And without they dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great, and
+planted a palisade therein.
+
+Reading ἤγρετο for ἔγρετο.
+
+
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the
+lord of lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad
+Achaians. And Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: “O father
+Zeus, is there any man throughout the boundless earth that will any
+more declare to the immortals his mind and counsel? Seest thou not how
+the flowing-haired Achaians have now again built them a wall before
+their ships, and drawn a foss around it, but gave not excellent
+hecatombs to the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall reach as far as
+the dawn spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and Phoebus
+Apollo built with travail for the hero Laomedon.”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: “Out on it,
+far-swaying Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might
+some other god fear this device, one that were far feebler than thou in
+the might of his hands: but thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn
+spreadeth. Go to now, hereafter when the flowing-haired Achaians be
+departed upon their ships to their dear native land, then burst thou
+this wall asunder and scatter it all into the sea, and cover the great
+sea-beach over with sand again, that the great wall of the Achaians be
+brought to naught.”
+
+Such converse held these one with the other, and the sun went down, and
+the work of the Achaians was accomplished; and they slaughtered oxen
+amid the huts, and took supper. And many ships from Lemnos, bearing
+wine, were at hand, sent of Jason’s son Euneos, whom Hypsipyle bare to
+Jason shepherd of the host. And specially for Atreus’ sons, Agamemnon
+and Menelaos, Jason’s son gave a freight of wine, even a thousand
+measures. So the flowing-haired Achaians bought them wine thence, some
+for bronze and some for gleaming iron, and some with hides and some
+with whole kine, and some with captives; and they set a rich feast
+before them. Then all night long feasted the flowing-haired Achaians,
+and in the city the Trojans and allies; and all night long Zeus the
+lord of counsel devised them ill with terrible thunderings. Then pale
+fear gat hold upon them, and they spilt wine from their cups upon the
+earth, neither durst any drink till he had made libation to most mighty
+Kronion. Then laid they them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+
+How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles’ wrong on
+Agamemnon: and therefore bade the gods refrain from war, and gave
+victory to the Trojans.
+
+
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus
+whose joy is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the
+topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them
+and all the gods gave ear: “Hearken to me, all gods and all ye
+goddesses, that I may tell you what my heart within my breast
+commandeth me. One thing let none essay, be it goddess or be it god, to
+wit, to thwart my saying; approve ye it all together, that with all
+speed I may accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive minded
+to go, apart from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in
+no seemly wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him
+into misty Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath
+the earth; there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far
+beneath Hades as heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how
+far I am mightiest of all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye
+all may know. Fasten ye a rope of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay
+hold thereof and all goddesses; yet could ye not drag from heaven to
+earth Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye toiled sore. But once I
+likewise were minded to draw with all my heart, then should I draw you
+up with very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind the rope
+about a pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in
+air. By so much am I beyond gods and beyond men.”
+
+So said he, and they all kept silence and were still, marvelling at his
+saying; for he spake very masterfully. But at the last there spake to
+them the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O our father Kronides, supreme of
+lords, well we know, even we, that thy might is unyielding; yet still
+have we pity for the Danaan spearmen, that now shall perish and fulfil
+a grievous fate. Yet will we refrain from battle as thou biddest us,
+but counsel will we offer to the Argives for their profit, that they
+perish not all at thy wrath.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer smiled at her and said: “Be of good
+comfort, dear child, Trito-born; I speak not at all of earnest purpose,
+but I am minded to be kindly to thee”
+
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet
+of foot, with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold
+upon his flesh, and grasped the whip of gold, well-wrought, and mounted
+upon his car, and lashed the horses to start them; they nothing loth
+sped on between earth and starry heaven. So fared he to many-fountained
+Ida, mother of wild beasts, even unto Gargaros, where is his demesne
+and fragrant altar. There did the father of men and gods stay his
+horses, and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist about them;
+and himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to behold
+the city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and
+thereafter arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed
+them throughout the town—a smaller host, yet for all that were they
+eager to fight in battle, of forceful need, for their children’s sake
+and their wives’. And the gates were opened wide and the host issued
+forth, footmen and horsemen; and mighty din arose.
+
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
+they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed
+shields pressed each on each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the
+voice of groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and
+the slain, and the earth streamed with blood.
+
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either
+side lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun
+bestrode mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and
+put therein two fates of death that layeth men at their length,* one
+for horse-taming Trojans, one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the
+scale-yard by the midst and lifted it, and the Achaians’ day of destiny
+sank down. So lay the Achaians’ fates on the bounteous earth, and the
+Trojans’ fates were lifted up towards wide heaven. And the god
+thundered aloud from Ida, and sent his blazing flash amid the host of
+the Achaians; and they saw and were astonished, and pale fear gat hold
+upon all.
+
+* Perhaps rather “death that bringeth long woe.”
+
+
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood
+the twain Aiantes, men of Ares’ company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood
+his ground, he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but
+his horse was fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helen’s
+lord, had smitten with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the
+foremost hairs of horses grow upon the skull; and there is the most
+deadly spot. So the horse leapt up in anguish and the arrow sank into
+his brain, and he brought confusion on the steeds as he writhed upon
+the dart. While the old man leapt forth and with his sword began to hew
+the traces, came Hector’s fleet horses through the tumult, bearing a
+bold charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the old man lost his life,
+but that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark. Terribly
+shouted he, summoning Odysseus: “Heaven-born son of Laertes, Odysseus
+of many wiles, whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward
+in the throng? Beware lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy
+shoulders. Nay, stand thy ground, till we thrust back from the old man
+his furious foe.”
+
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but
+hastened by to the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though
+but one, mingled amid the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand
+before the steeds of the old man, Neleus’ son, and spake to him winged
+words, and said: “Old man, of a truth young warriors beset thee hard;
+and thy force is abated, and old age is sore upon thee, and thy squire
+is but a weakling, and thy steeds are slow. Come then, mount upon my
+car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across
+the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of fear.*
+Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also
+rageth in my hands.”
+
+* Reading μήστωρα. See Book V. 272.
+
+
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the
+two squires tended Nestor’s horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and
+kindly Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes’ car.
+And Nestor took into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the
+horses; and soon they drew nigh Hector. Then Tydeus’ son hurled at him
+as he charged straight upon them: him missed he, but his squire that
+drave his chariot, Eniopeus, high-hearted Thebaios’ son, even him as he
+held the reins, he smote upon the breast beside the nipple. So he fell
+from out the car, and his fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there
+his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed Hector’s
+soul for sake of his charioteer. Yet left he him there lying, though he
+sorrowed for his comrade, and drave in quest of a bold charioteer; and
+his horses lacked not long a master, for anon he found Iphitos’ son,
+bold Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his fleet horses, and
+gave the reins into his hands.
+
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so
+had they been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods
+and men been swift to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his
+white lightning and hurled it before Diomedes’ steeds to earth; and
+there arose a terrible flame of sulphur burning, and the two horses
+were affrighted and cowered beneath the car. And the shining reins
+dropped from Nestor’s hands, and he was afraid at heart and spake to
+Diomedes: “Come now Tydeides, turn back thy whole-hooved horses to
+flight: seest thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth not on thee?
+Now doth Kronos’ son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the day;
+hereafter shall he grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at
+all ward off the will of Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he
+verily is mightier far.”
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: “Yea verily, old man,
+all this thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore
+grief that entereth my heart and soul; Hector some day shall say as he
+maketh harangue amid the Trojans: ‘Tydeides betook him to the ships in
+flight before my face.’ So shall he boast—in that day let the wide
+earth yawn for me.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Ah me, thou son of wise
+Tydeus, that thou shouldest speak on this wise! Even though Hector call
+thee a base man and coward, yet will not the Trojans hearken to him nor
+the Dardanians, neither the wives of the great-hearted men of Troy,
+bearers of the shield, the wives whose lusty bedfellows thou hast laid
+low in the dust.”
+
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through
+the tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon
+them their dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of
+the glancing helm: “Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to
+honour thee with the highest place, and meats, and cups brimful, but
+now will they disdain thee; thou art after all no better than a woman.
+Begone, poor puppet; not for my flinching shalt thou climb on our
+towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy ships; ere that will I
+deal thee thy fate.”
+
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his
+horses and fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul,
+and thrice from Ida’s mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and
+gave to the Trojans a sign, the turning of the course of battle. And
+Hector with loud shout called to the Trojans: “Trojans and Lykians and
+Dardanians that love close fight, be men, my friends, and bethink you
+of impetuous valour. I perceive that of good will Kronion vouchsafest
+me victory and great glory, and to the Danaans destruction. Fools, that
+devised these walls weak and of none account; they shall not withhold
+our fury, and lightly shall our steeds overleap the delved foss. But
+when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then be thought taken of
+consuming fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and slay the men,
+even the Argives amid their ships, in confusion beneath the smoke.”
+
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: “Xanthos, and thou
+Podargos, and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending,
+even the abundance that Andromache, great-hearted Eëtion’s daughter,
+set before you of honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the
+heart’s bidding, sooner than for me, that verily avow me to be her
+lusty spouse. Pursue ye now and haste, that we may seize Nestor’s
+shield, the fame whereof now reacheth unto heaven, how that it is of
+gold throughout, armrods and all; and may seize moreover from
+horse-taming Diomedes’ shoulders his richly dight breastplate that
+Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could we but take these, then might I
+hope this very night to make the Achaians to embark on their fleet
+ships.”
+
+So spake he boastfully, and queen Hera had indignation, and stirred her
+upon her throne and made high Olympus quake, and answered and said to
+the great god Poseidon: “Out on it, far-swaying Shaker of Earth; not
+even thine heart within thy breast hath pity on the Danaans perishing.
+Yet bring they to thee in Helike and Aigai offerings many and gracious:
+wish thou them victory. Did we but will, we that are confederate with
+the Danaans, to drive the Trojans back and withhold far-seeing Zeus,
+then would he vex himself that he should sit there alone in Ida.”
+
+Then was the lord the Shaker of earth sore troubled and made answer:
+“Hera headstrong in speech, what is this thing thou sayest? I am not he
+that would fain see us all at strife with Zeus Kronion, for he verily
+is mightier far.”
+
+Thus spake they to each other; and now was all the space that from the
+ships the moat enclosed, even unto the wall, filled full of horses
+together and shield-bearing warriors pent: so pent them Hector Priam’s
+son, peer of fleet Ares, now that Zeus vouchsafed him glory. And now
+had he burned the trim ships with blazing fire, but that queen Hera put
+it in Agamemnon’s heart himself to bestir him and swiftly arouse the
+Achaians. So he went his way along the huts and ships of the Achaians,
+holding a great cloak of purple in his stalwart hand, and stood by
+Odysseus’ black ship of mighty burden, that was in the midst, so that a
+voice could be heard to either end, whether to the huts of Aias son of
+Telamon, or of Achilles; for these had drawn their trim ships up at the
+uttermost ends, trusting to their valour and to the might of their
+hands. Then shouted he in a piercing voice, and called to the Danaans
+aloud: “Fie upon you, Argives, ye sorry things of shame, so brave in
+semblance! Whither are gone our boastings when we said that we were
+bravest, the boasts ye uttered vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate
+your fill of flesh of tall-horned oxen and drank goblets crowned with
+wine, and said that every man should stand in war to face fivescore yea
+tenscore Trojans? yet now can we not match one, even this Hector that
+anon will burn our ships with flame of fire. O Father Zeus, didst ever
+thou blind with such a blindness any mighty king, and rob him of great
+glory? Yet I ween that never in my benched ship passed I by a fair
+altar of thine on my mad way hither, but upon all I burnt fat and
+thighs of oxen, being eager to lay waste well-walled Troy. Nay, Zeus,
+this hope fulfil thou me; suffer that we ourselves at least flee and
+escape, neither suffer that the Achaians be thus vanquished of the
+Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed
+him that his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an
+eagle—surest sign among winged fowl—holding in his claws a fawn, the
+young of a fleet hind; beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall
+the fawn, where the Achaians did sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all
+oracles. So when they saw that the bird was come from Zeus, they sprang
+the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the joy of battle.
+
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast
+that he before Tydeus’ son had guided his fleet horses forth, and
+driven them across the trench and fought man to man; first by far was
+Tydeides to slay a warrior of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos
+son of Phradmon. Now he had turned his steeds to flee; but as he
+wheeled the other plunged the spear into his back between his
+shoulders, and drave it through his breast. So fell he from his
+chariot, and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+And after him came Atreus’ sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after
+them the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them
+Idomeneus and Idomeneus’ brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios
+slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos, Euaimon’s glorious son. And
+ninth came Teukros, stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand
+beneath the shield of Aias son of Telamon. And so Aias would stealthily
+withdraw the shield, and Teukros would spy his chance; and when he had
+shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell such an one and gave up
+the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child beneath his mother,
+so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+
+Now who first of the Trojans was slain of noble Teukros? Orsilochos
+first and Ormenos and Ophelestes and Daitor and Chromios and godlike
+Lykophontes and Amopaon Polyaimon’s son and Melanippos; all these in
+turn laid he upon the bounteous earth. And Agamemnon king of men
+rejoiced to behold him making havoc with his stalwart bow of the
+battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood by his side and spake
+to him, saying: “Teukros, dear heart, thou son of Telamon, prince of
+the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou mayest be found the
+salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father Telamon; who nurtured
+thee when thou wast little, and reared thee, though a bastard, in his
+house; exalt thou him to honour, though he be afar. Moreover I will say
+to thee that which shall indeed be fulfilled. If aegis-bearing Zeus and
+Athene vouchsafe me to lay waste the stablished city of Ilios, in thine
+hand first, after myself, will I bestow the meed of honour, be it a
+tripod or two steeds with their chariot, or a woman that shall go up
+into thy bed.”
+
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, why urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such
+strength as is in me forbear I not, but ever since we drave them
+towards Ilios I watch with my bow to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed
+arrows have I now sped, and all are buried in the flesh of young men
+swift in battle; only this mad dog can I not smite.”
+
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector;
+and his heart was fain to smite him. Yet him he missed, but noble
+Gorgythion, Priam’s good son, he smote with an arrow in the breast, him
+born of a mother wedded from Aisyme, even fair Kastianeira, of favour
+like unto the gods. Even as in a garden a poppy droopeth its head
+aside, being heavy with fruit and the showers of spring; so bowed he
+aside his head laden with his helm.
+
+And Teukros shot another arrow from the string, right against Hector,
+and his heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for
+Apollo turned the dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector’s bold
+charioteer, he smote on the breast beside the nipple as he hasted into
+battle: so he fell from his car and his fleet-footed horses swerved
+aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief
+encompassed Hector’s soul for his charioteer’s sake; yet left he him,
+though he sorrowed for his comrade, and bade Kebriones his own brother,
+being hard by, take the chariot reins; and he heard and disregarded
+not. And himself he leapt to earth from the resplendent car, with a
+terrible shout; and in his hand he caught a stone, and made right at
+Teukros, and his heart bade him smite him. Now Teukros had plucked
+forth from his quiver a keen arrow, and laid it on the string; but even
+as he drew it back, Hector of the glancing helm smote him with the
+jagged stone, as he aimed eagerly against him, even beside his
+shoulder, where the collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where
+is the most deadly spot; and he brake the bowstring,* and his hand from
+the wrist grew numb, and he stayed fallen upon his knee, and his bow
+dropped from his hand. But Aias disregarded not his brother’s fall, but
+ran and strode across him and hid him with his shield. Then two trusty
+comrades bent down to him, even Mekisteus son of Echios and goodly
+Alastor, and bare him, groaning sorely, to the hollow ships. And once
+again the Olympian aroused the spirit of the Trojans. So they drove the
+Achaians straight toward the deep foss, and amid the foremost went
+Hector exulting in his strength. And even as when a hound behind wild
+boar or lion, with swift feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or
+buttock, and watcheth for him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on
+the flowing-haired Achaians, slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled
+on. But when they were passed in flight through palisade and foss, and
+many were fallen beneath the Trojans’ hands, then halted they and
+tarried beside the ships, calling one upon another, and lifting up
+their hands to all the gods prayed each one instantly. But Hector
+wheeled round his beauteous-maned steeds this way and that, and his
+eyes were as the eyes of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+
+* νευρήν may mean “the sinew of his arm.”
+
+
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion,
+and anon spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou child of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, shall not we twain any more take thought for the
+Danaans that perish, if only for this last time? Now will they fill up
+the measure of evil destiny and perish by one man’s onslaught; seeing
+that he is furious now beyond endurance, this Hector son of Priam, and
+verily hath wrought many a deed of ill.”
+
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, “Yea in good
+sooth, may this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the
+Argives’ hands in his native land; only mine own sire is furious, with
+no good intent, headstrong, ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes.
+Neither remembereth he at all those many times and oft that I saved his
+son fordone with Eurystheus’ tasks. For he would make lament toward
+heaven, and me would Zeus speed forth from heaven to succour him. Had I
+but known all this in my prudent heart, what time Eurystheus sent him
+forth to the house of Hades the Warder of the Gate, to bring from
+Erebos the hound of loathed Hades, then had he not escaped the sheer
+stream of the water of Styx. But now Zeus hateth me, and fulfilleth the
+purposes of Thetis, that kissed his knees and with her hand touched his
+beard, beseeching him to do honour to Achilles waster of cities. Verily
+the day shall come when he shall call me again his bright-eyed darling.
+But now make thou ready our whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the
+palace of aegis-bearing Zeus and gird me in my armour for battle, that
+I may see if Priam’s son, Hector of the glancing helm, shall be glad at
+the appearing of us twain amid the highways of the battle. Surely shall
+many a Trojan likewise glut dogs and birds with fat and flesh, fallen
+dead at the ships of the Achaians.”
+
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. So Hera,
+the goddess queen, daughter of great Kronos, went her way and harnessed
+the golden-frontleted steeds; and Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, cast down at her father’s threshold her woven vesture
+many-coloured, that herself had wrought and her hands had fashioned;
+and put on her the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in
+her armour for dolorous battle. Upon the flaming chariot set she her
+foot, and grasped her heavy spear great and stout, wherewith she
+vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of heroes with whom she of the awful
+sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly smote the horses with the lash;
+self-moving groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven whereof the
+Hours are warders, to whom is committed great heaven and Olympus,
+whether to throw open the thick cloud or set it to. There through the
+gates guided they their horses patient of the lash.
+
+But when father Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris
+golden-winged to bear a message: “Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them
+back neither suffer them to face me; for in no happy wise shall we join
+in combat. For thus will I declare, and even so shall the fulfilment
+be; I will maim their fleet horses in the chariot, and them will I hurl
+out from the car, and will break in pieces the chariot; neither within
+the courses of ten years shall they heal them of the wounds the
+thunderbolt shall tear; that the bright-eyed one may know the end when
+she striveth against her father. But with Hera have I not so great
+indignation nor wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart me,
+whate’er I have decreed.”
+
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and
+departed from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the
+entrance of the gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed
+them, and told them the saying of Zeus: “Whither hasten ye? Why are
+your hearts furious within your breasts? Kronides forbiddeth you to
+give the Argives succour. For thus the son of Kronos threateneth, even
+as he will fulfil; to wit, to maim your fleet horses in the chariot,
+and you will he hurl out from the car, and break the chariot in pieces;
+neither within the courses of ten years shall ye heal you of the wounds
+that the thunderbolt shall tear; that thou, bright-eyed goddess, mayst
+know the end when thou strivest against thy father. But with Hera hath
+he not so great indignation nor wrath; seeing it ever is her wont to
+thwart him, whate’er he have decreed. But most fell art thou, reckless
+vixen! if thou indeed wilt dare to lift thy huge spear against the face
+of Zeus.”
+
+So said fleet-footed Iris, and departed; but Hera spake to Athene and
+said: “Out on it, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, I verily would no
+more have us war against Zeus for mortals’ sake. Of them let one man
+perish and another live, even as the lot falleth; and for him, let him
+take counsel for himself in his heart, and give judgment for Trojans
+and for Danaans, as is meet.”
+
+So saying she turned back her whole-hooved horses. Then the Hours
+unyoked them their beauteous-maned horses, and tethered them to their
+ambrosial mangers, and leant the chariots against the shining faces of
+the gateway; and the goddesses sate them upon their golden thrones amid
+the throng of all the gods, and were grieved at heart.
+
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble
+Shaker of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and
+spread a cloth thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his
+golden throne, and beneath his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene
+and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and spake no word to him neither
+questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his heart, and said, “Why
+are ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are not wearied of making
+havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye cherish bitter
+hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for
+you twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye
+beheld war and war’s fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so
+had the fulfilment been—never had ye, once smitten with the
+thunderbolt, fared on your chariots back unto Olympus where is the
+habitation of the immortals.”
+
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her;
+but Hera’s heart contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread
+son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we,
+that thy might is no wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan
+spearmen, that now shall perish and fill up the measure of grievous
+fate. Yet will we refrain from battle, if thou biddest us; but counsel
+will we offer to the Argives, such as shall profit them, that they
+perish not all at thy wrath.”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: “At morn shalt thou
+behold most mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed
+queen, making yet more havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for
+headlong Hector shall not refrain from battle till that Peleus’ son
+fleet of foot have arisen beside the ships, that day when these shall
+fight amid the sterns in most grievous stress, around Patroklos fallen.
+Such is the doom of heaven. And for thine anger reck I not, not even
+though thou go to the nethermost bounds of earth and sea, where sit
+Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of Hyperion the
+Sun-god, neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about them.
+Though thou shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I
+not of thy vexation, seeing there is no thing more unabashed than
+thou.”
+
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sun’s
+bright light dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the
+grain-giver. Against the Trojans’ will daylight departed, but welcome,
+thrice prayed for, to the Achaians came down the murky night.
+
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart
+from the ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was
+found a spot clear of dead. And they came down from their chariots to
+the ground to hear the word that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He
+in his hand held his spear eleven cubits long; before his face gleamed
+the spear-head of bronze, and a ring of gold ran round about it.
+Thereon he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying: “Hearken to me,
+Trojans and Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to make havoc of
+the ships and all the Achaians and depart back again to windy Ilios;
+but dusk came too soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives
+and the ships beside the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black
+night, and make our supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your
+fair-maned horses, and set fodder beside them. And from the city bring
+kine and goodly sheep with speed; and provide you with honey-hearted
+wine, and corn from your houses, and gather much wood withal, that all
+night long until early-springing dawn we may burn many fires, and the
+gleam may reach to heaven; lest perchance even by night the
+flowing-haired Achaians strive to take flight over the broad back of
+the sea. Verily must they not embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease:
+but see ye that many a one of them have a wound to nurse even at home,
+being stricken with arrow or keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his
+ship; that so many another man may dread to wage dolorous war on the
+horse-taming men of Troy. And let the heralds dear to Zeus proclaim
+throughout the city that young maidens and old men of hoary heads camp
+round the city on the battlements builded of the gods; and let the
+women folk burn a great fire each in her hall; and let there be a sure
+watch set, lest an ambush enter the city when the host is absent. Thus
+be it, great-hearted Trojans, as I proclaim; the counsel that now is
+sound, let that stand spoken; further will I proclaim at dawn amid the
+horse-taming men of Troy. I pray with good hope to Zeus and all the
+gods, to drive from hence these dogs borne onward by the fates, them
+that the fates bear on in the black ships. Howbeit for the night will
+we guard our own selves, and at morn by daybreak, arrayed in our
+armour, let us awake keen battle at the hollow ships. I will know
+whether Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from the ships
+back to the wall, or I shall lay him low with my spear and bear away
+his gory spoils. Tomorrow shall he prove his valour, whether he can
+abide the onslaught of my spear. But he amid the foremost, I ween,
+shall lie stricken, and many comrades round about their lord at the
+rising of tomorrow’s sun. Would that I were immortal and ageless all my
+days and honoured like as Athene is honoured and Apollo, so surely as
+this day bringeth the Argives ill.”
+
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they
+loosed their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with
+thongs, each man beside his chariot; and from the city they brought
+kine and goodly sheep with speed, and provided them with honey-hearted
+wine and corn from their houses, and gathered much wood withal; and
+sacrificed to the immortals unblemished hecatombs. And from the plain
+the winds bare into heaven the sweet savour. But the blessed gods
+regaled not themselves nor would they aught thereof; for sore was holy
+Ilios hated of them, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
+spear. But these with high hopes sate them all night along the highways
+of the battle, and their watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when
+in heaven the stars about the bright moon shine clear to see, when the
+air is windless, and all the peaks appear and the tall headlands and
+glades, and from heaven breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars
+are seen, and the shepherd’s heart is glad; even in like multitude
+between the ships and the streams of Xanthos appeared the watchfires
+that the Trojans kindled in front of Ilios. A thousand fires burned in
+the plain and by the side of each sate fifty in the gleam of blazing
+fire. And the horses champed white barley and spelt, and standing by
+their chariots waited for the throned Dawn.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+
+How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him to be
+appeased; and how Achilles denied him.
+
+
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of
+heaven-sent panic, handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were
+stricken to the heart with grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up
+the main, the home of fishes, even the north wind and the west wind
+that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly; and the dark billow straightway
+lifteth up its crest and casteth much tangle out along the sea; even so
+was the Achaians’ spirit troubled in their breast.
+
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about
+bidding the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the
+assembly, but not to shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the
+foremost. So they sat sorrowful in assembly, and Agamemnon stood up
+weeping like unto a fountain of dark water that from a beetling cliff
+poureth down its black stream; even so with deep groaning he spake amid
+the Argives and said: “My friends, leaders and captains of the Argives,
+Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of
+soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised and gave his
+pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I
+depart, but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in
+dishonour to Argos with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is
+the good pleasure of most mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of
+many cities, yea and shall lay low; for his is highest power. So come,
+even as I shall bid let us all obey; let us flee with our ships to our
+dear native land, for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time
+were the sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid them and said: “Atreides: with
+thee first in thy folly will I contend, where it is just, O king, even
+in the assembly; be not thou wroth therefor. My valour didst thou blame
+in chief amid the Danaans, and saidst that I was no man of war but a
+coward; and all this know the Argives both young and old. But the son
+of crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee but by halves; he
+granted thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men, but
+valour he gave thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou
+that the sons of the Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as
+thou sayest? If thine own heart be set on departing, go thy way; the
+way is before thee, and thy ships stand beside the sea, even the great
+multitude that followed thee from Mykene. But all the other
+flowing-haired Achaians will tarry here until we lay waste Troy. Nay,
+let them too flee on their ships to their dear native land; yet will we
+twain, even I and Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of Ilios;
+for in God’s name are we come.”
+
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding
+the saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and
+said amid them: “Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in
+council art thou best among thine equals in years; none of all the
+Achaians will make light of thy word nor gainsay it; but thou hast not
+made a full end of thy words. Moreover thou art a young man indeed, and
+mightest even be my son, my youngest-born; yet thou counsellest
+prudently the princes of the Achaians, because thou speakest according
+unto right. But lo, I that avow me to be older than thou will speak
+forth and expound everything; neither shall any man despise my saying,
+not even the lord Agamemnon. A tribeless, lawless, homeless man is he
+that loveth bitter civil strife. Howbeit now let us yield to black
+night and make ready now let us yield to black night and make ready our
+meal; and let the sentinels bestow them severally along the deep-delved
+foss without the wall. This charge give I to the young men; and thou,
+Atreides, lead then the way, for thou art the most royal. Spread thou a
+feast for the councillors; that is thy place and seemly for thee. Thy
+huts are full of wine that the ships of the Achaians bring thee by day
+from Thrace across the wide sea; all entertainment is for thee, being
+king over many. In the gathering of many shalt thou listen to him that
+deviseth the most excellent counsel; sore need have all the Achaians of
+such as is good and prudent, because hard by the ships our foemen are
+burning their watch-fires in multitude; what man can rejoice thereat?
+This night shall either destroy or save the host.”
+
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied
+the sentinels in their harness, around Thrasymedes Nestor’s son,
+shepherd of the host, and Askalaphos and Ialmenos sons of Ares, and
+Meriones and Aphareus and Deïpyros and Kreion’s son noble Lykomedes.
+Seven were the captains of the sentinels, and with each went fivescore
+young men bearing their long spears in their hands; and they took post
+midway betwixt foss and wall, and kindled a fire and made ready each
+man his meal.
+
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to
+his hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth
+their hands to the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had
+put away from them the desire of meat and drink, then the old man first
+began to weave his counsel, even Nestor, whose rede of old time was
+approved the best. He of good intent spake to them and said: “Most
+noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, in thy name will I end and
+with thy name begin, because thou art king over many hosts, and to thy
+hand Zeus hath entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest take counsel
+for thy folk. Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to speak
+and hearken, and to accomplish what another than thou may say, when his
+heart biddeth him speak for profit: wheresoever thou leadest all shall
+turn on thee, so I will speak as meseemeth best. No other man shall
+have a more excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old
+time even until now, since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king,
+didst go and take the damsel Briseis from angry Achilles’ hut by no
+consent of ours. Nay, I right heartily dissuaded thee; but thou
+yieldedst to thy proud spirit, and dishonouredst a man of valour whom
+even the immortals honoured; for thou didst take and keepest from him
+his meed of valour. Still let us even now take thought how we may
+appease him and persuade him with gifts of friendship and kindly
+words.”
+
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: “Old sir, in no
+false wise hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it
+not. Worth many hosts is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now
+he honoureth this man and destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But
+seeing I was a fool in that I yielded to my sorry passion, I will make
+amends and give a recompense beyond telling. In the midst of you all I
+will name the excellent gifts; seven tripods untouched of fire, and ten
+talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and twelve stalwart
+horses, winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their speed. No
+lackwealth were that man, neither undowered of precious gold, whose
+substance were as great as the prizes my whole-hooved steeds have borne
+me off. And seven women will I give, skilled in excellent handiwork,
+Lesbians whom I chose me from the spoils the day that he himself took
+stablished Lesbos, surpassing womankind in beauty. These will I give
+him, and with them shall be she whom erst I took from him, even the
+daughter of Briseus; moreover I will swear a great oath that never I
+went up into her bed nor had with her converse as is the wont of
+mankind, even of men and women. All these things shall be set
+straightway before him; and if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste
+the great city of Priam, then let him enter in when we Achaians be
+dividing the spoil, and lade his ship full of gold and bronze, and
+himself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that there be after
+Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands, even Achaian
+Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold him in like honour with
+Orestes, my stripling boy that is nurtured in all abundance. Three
+daughters are mine in my well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike
+and Iphianassa; let him take of them which he will, without gifts of
+wooing, to Peleus’ house; and I will add a great dower such as no man
+ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven well-peopled cities will I
+give him, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and holy Pherai and
+Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of vines. And
+all are nigh to the salt sea, on the uttermost border of sandy Pylos;
+therein dwell men abounding in flocks and kine, men that shall worship
+him like a god with gifts, and beneath his sway fulfil his prosperous
+ordinances. All this will I accomplish so he but cease from wrath. Let
+him yield; Hades I ween is not to be softened neither overcome, and
+therefore is he hatefullest of all gods to mortals. Yea, let him be
+ruled by me, inasmuch as I am more royal and avow me to be the elder in
+years.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be
+esteemed that thou offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed
+forth picked men to go with all haste to the hut of Peleus’ son
+Achilles. Lo now, whomsoever I appoint let them consent. First let
+Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the way, and after him great Aias and noble
+Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and Eurybates be their companions.
+And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep holy silence, that we
+may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he will have mercy
+upon us.”
+
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith
+the heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the
+bowls with drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured
+the libation in the cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as
+their heart desired, they issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus. And knightly Nestor of Gerenia gave them full charge, with many
+a glance to each, and chiefest to Odysseus, how they should essay to
+prevail on Peleus’ noble son.
+
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making
+instant prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that
+they might with ease prevail on Aiakides’ great heart. So they came to
+the huts and ships of the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his
+pleasure of a loud lyre, fair, of curious work, with a silver cross-bar
+upon it; one that he had taken from the spoils when he laid Eëtion’s
+city waste. Therein he was delighting his soul, and singing the glories
+of heroes. And over against him sate Patroklos alone in silence,
+watching till Aiakides should cease from singing. So the twain came
+forward, and noble Odysseus led the way, and they stood before his
+face; and Achilles sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand, and left
+the seat where he was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he
+beheld the men arose. Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and
+said: “Welcome; verily ye are friends that are come—sore indeed is the
+need—even ye that are dearest of the Achaians to me even in my wrath.”
+
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on
+settles and carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being
+near: “Bring forth a greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle
+stronger drink, and prepare each man a cup, for dearest of men are
+these that are under my roof.”
+
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade. He cast down a
+great fleshing-block in the fire-light, and laid thereon a sheep’s back
+and a fat goat’s, and a great hog’s chine rich with fat. And Automedon
+held them for him, while Achilles carved. Then he sliced well the meat
+and pierced it through with spits, and Menoitios’ son, that godlike
+hero, made the fire burn high. Then when the fire was burned down and
+the flame waned, he scattered the embers and laid the spits thereover,
+resting them on the spit-racks, when he had sprinkled them with holy
+salt. Then when he had roasted the meat and apportioned it in the
+platters, Patroklos took bread and dealt it forth on the table in fair
+baskets, and Achilles dealt the meat. And he sate him over against
+godlike Odysseus by the other wall, and bade his comrade Patroklos do
+sacrifice to the gods; so he cast the first-fruits into the fire. Then
+put they forth their hands to the good cheer lying before them. And
+when they had put from them the desire of meat and drink, Aias nodded
+to Phoinix. But noble Odysseus marked it, and filled a cup with wine
+and pledged Achilles: “Hail, O Achilles! The fair feast lack we not
+either in the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in thine; for
+feasting is there abundance to our heart’s desire, but our thought is
+not for matters of the delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore
+destruction, thou fosterling of Zeus, and are afraid. Now is it in
+doubt whether we save the benched ships or behold them perish, if thou
+put not on thy might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the high-hearted
+Trojans and famed allies pitched their camp, and kindled many fires
+throughout their host, and ween that they shall no more be withheld but
+will fall on our black ships. And Zeus son of Kronos sheweth them signs
+upon the right by lightning, and Hector greatly exulteth in his might
+and rageth furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not of god nor man,
+for mighty madness hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn to shine
+forth with all speed, for he bath passed his word to smite off from the
+ships the ensigns’ tops, and to fire the hulls with devouring flame,
+and hard thereby to make havoc of the Achaians confounded by the smoke.
+Therefore am I sore afraid in my heart lest the gods fulfil his
+boastings, and it be fated for us to perish here in Troy-land, far from
+Argos pasture-land of horses. Up then! if thou art minded even at the
+last to save the failing sons of the Achaians from the war-din of the
+Trojans. Thyself shalt have grief hereafter, and when the ill is done
+is there no way to find a cure therefor; in good time rather take thou
+thought to ward the evil day from the Danaans. Friend, surely to thee
+thy father Peleus gave commandment the day he sent thee to Agamemnon
+forth from Phthia: ‘My son, strength shall Athene and Hera give thee if
+they will; but do thou refrain thy proud soul in thy breast, for
+gentlemindedness is the better part; and withdraw from mischievous
+strife, that so the Argives may honour thee the more, both young and
+old.’ Thus the old man charged thee, but thou forgettest. Yet cease now
+at the last, and eschew thy grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee
+worthy gifts, so thou wilt cease from anger. Lo now, hearken thou to
+me, and I will tell thee all the gifts that in his hut Agamemnon
+promised thee: seven tripods untouched of fire, and ten talents of gold
+and twenty gleaming caldrons and twelve stalwart horses, winners in the
+race, that have taken prizes by their speed. No lackwealth were that
+man, neither undowered of precious gold, whose substance were as great
+as the prizes Agamemnon’s steeds have borne him off. And seven women
+will he give, skilled in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom he chose
+him from the spoils the day that thou thyself tookest Lesbos,
+surpassing womankind in beauty. These will he give thee, and with them
+shall be she whom erst he took from thee, even the daughter of Briseus;
+moreover he will swear a great oath that never he went up into her bed
+nor had with her converse as is the wont of mankind, O king, even of
+men and women. All these things shall be set straightway before thee;
+and if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of
+Priam, then enter thou in when we Achaians be dividing the spoil, and
+lade thy ship full of gold and bronze, and thyself choose twenty Trojan
+women, the fairest that there be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to
+the richest of lands, even Achaian Argos, thou shalt be his son and he
+will hold thee in like honour with Orestes, his stripling boy that is
+nurtured in all abundance. Three daughters are his in his well-builded
+hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike and Iphianassa; take thou of them which
+thou wilt, without gifts of wooing, to Peleus’ house; and he will add a
+great dower such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven
+well-peopled cities will he give thee, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy
+Hire and holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and
+Pedasos land of vines. And all are nigh to the sea, on the uttermost
+border of sandy Pylos; therein dwell men abounding in flocks and kine,
+men that shall worship thee like a god with gifts, and beneath thy sway
+fulfil thy prosperous ordinances. All this will he accomplish so thou
+but cease from wrath. But and if Agamemnon be too hateful to thy heart,
+both he and his gifts, yet have thou pity on all the Achaians that
+faint throughout the host; these shall honour thee as a god, for verily
+thou wilt earn exceeding great glory at their hands. Yea now mightest
+thou slay Hector, for he would come very near thee in his deadly
+madness, because he deemeth that there is no man like unto him among
+the Danaans that the ships brought hither.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: “Heaven-sprung
+son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare
+unto you my saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof
+shall be, that ye may not sit before me and coax this way and that. For
+hateful to me even as the gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in
+his heart and uttereth another: but I will speak what meseemeth best.
+Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of Atreus persuade, nor the other
+Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for battling with the foemen
+ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath equal share with him
+that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both the coward and
+the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that hath
+toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation
+of soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her
+unfledged chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it
+goeth hard, even so I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and
+pass through many bloody days of battle, warring with folk for their
+women’s sake. Twelve cities of men have I laid waste from ship-board,
+and from land eleven, I do you to wit, throughout deep-soiled
+Troy-land; out of all these took I many goodly treasures and would
+bring and give them all to Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying
+behind amid the fleet ships would take them and portion out some few
+but keep the most. Now some he gave to be meeds of honour to the
+princes and the kings, and theirs are left untouched; only from me of
+all the Achaians took he my darling lady and keepeth her—let him sleep
+beside her and take his joy! But why must the Argives make war on the
+Trojans? why hath Atreides gathered his host and led them hither? is it
+not for lovely-haired Helen’s sake? Do then the sons of Atreus alone of
+mortal men love their wives? surely whatsoever man is good and sound of
+mind loveth his own and cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine with
+all my heart, though but the captive of my spear. But now that he hath
+taken my meed of honour from mine arms and hath deceived me, let him
+not tempt me that know him full well; he shall not prevail. Nay,
+Odysseus, let him take counsel with thee and all the princes to ward
+from the ships the consuming fire. Verily without mine aid he hath
+wrought many things, and built a wall and dug a foss about it wide and
+deep, and set a palisade therein; yet even so can he not stay murderous
+Hector’s might. But so long as I was fighting amid the Achaians, Hector
+had no mind to array his battle far from the wall, but scarce came unto
+the Skaian gates and to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone
+and scarce escaped my onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight
+with noble Hector, I will to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the
+gods, and store well my ships when I have launched them on the salt
+sea—then shalt thou see, if thou wilt and hast any care therefor, my
+ships sailing at break of day over Hellespont, the fishes’ home, and my
+men right eager at the oar; and if the great Shaker of the Earth grant
+me good journey, on the third day should I reach deep-soiled Phthia.
+There are my great possessions that I left when I came hither to my
+hurt; and yet more gold and ruddy bronze shall I bring from hence, and
+fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at least that were mine by lot;
+only my meed of honour hath he that gave it me taken back in his
+despitefulness, even lord Agamemnon son of Atreus. To him declare ye
+everything even as I charge you, openly, that all the Achaians likewise
+may have indignation, if haply he hopeth to beguile yet some other
+Danaan, for that he is ever clothed in shamelessness. Verily not in my
+face would he dare to look, though he have the front of a dog. Neither
+will I devise counsel with him nor any enterprise, for utterly he hath
+deceived me and done wickedly; but never again shall he beguile me with
+fair speech—let this suffice him. Let him begone in peace; Zeus the
+lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me are his gifts,
+and I hold him at a straw’s worth. Not even if he gave me ten times,
+yea twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him
+otherwhence, even all the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes
+where the treasure-houses are stored fullest—Thebes of the hundred
+gates, whence sally forth two hundred warriors through each with horses
+and chariots—nay, nor gifts in number as sand or dust; not even so
+shall Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back all the
+bitter despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not
+wed, not were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for
+handiwork matched bright-eyed Athene—not even then will I wed her; let
+him choose him of the Achaians another that is his peer and is more
+royal than I. For if the gods indeed preserve me and I come unto my
+home, then will Peleus himself seek me a wife. Many Achaian maidens are
+there throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of princes that ward
+their cities; whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear lady. Very
+often was my high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help
+meet for me, and have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus
+possesseth. For not of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth
+that men say was possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of
+peace gone by, before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the
+treasure that the stone threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo
+encompasseth in rocky Pytho. For kine and goodly flocks are to be had
+for the harrying, and tripods and chestnut horses for the purchasing;
+but to bring back man’s life neither harrying nor earning availeth when
+once it hath passed the barrier of his lips. For thus my goddess mother
+telleth me, Thetis the silver-footed, that twain fates are bearing me
+to the issue of death. If I abide here and besiege the Trojans’ city,
+then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall be
+imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is
+taken from me, but my life shall endure long while, neither shall the
+issue of death soon reach me. Moreover I would counsel you all to set
+sail homeward, seeing ye shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of
+a surety far-seeing Zeus holdeth his hand over her and her folk are of
+good courage. So go your way and tell my answer to the princes of the
+Achaians, even as is the office of elders, that they may devise in
+their hearts some other better counsel, such as shall save them their
+ships and the host of the Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this
+counsel availeth them naught that they have now devised, by reason of
+my fierce wrath. But let Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest,
+that he may follow with me on my ships to our dear native land
+to-morrow, if he will; for I will not take him perforce.”
+
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and
+marvelled at his saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the
+last spake to them the old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because
+he was sore afraid for the ships of the Achaians: “If indeed thou
+ponderest departure in thy heart, glorious Achilles, and hast no mind
+at all to save the fleet ships from consuming fire, because that wrath
+hath entered into thy heart; how can I be left of thee, dear son, alone
+thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus send me the day he sent
+thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet unskilled in equal
+war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore sent he me to
+teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a doer
+of deeds. So would I not be left alone of thee, dear son, not even if
+god himself should take on him to strip my years from me, and make me
+fresh and young as in the day when first I left Hellas the home of fair
+women, fleeing from strife against my father Amyntor son of Ormenos:
+for he was sore angered with me by reason of his lovely-haired
+concubine, whom he ever cherished and wronged his wife my mother. So
+she besought me continually by my knees to go in first unto the
+concubine, that the old man might be hateful to her. I hearkened to her
+and did the deed; but my sire was ware thereof forthwith and cursed me
+mightily, and called the dire Erinyes to look that never should any
+dear son sprung of my body sit upon my* knees: and the gods fulfilled
+his curse, even Zeus of the underworld and dread Persephone. [Then took
+I counsel to slay him with the keen sword; but some immortal stayed
+mine anger, bringing to my mind the people’s voice and all the
+reproaches of men, lest I should be called a father-slayer amid the
+Achaians.] Then would my soul no more be refrained at all within my
+breast to tarry in the halls of mine angered father. Now my fellows and
+my kinsmen came about me with many prayers, and refrained me there
+within the halls, and slaughtered many goodly sheep and shambling kine
+with crooked horns; and many swine rich with fat were stretched to
+singe over the flames of Hephaistos, and wine from that old man’s jars
+was drunken without stint. Nine nights long slept they all night around
+my body; they kept watch in turn, neither were the fires quenched, one
+beneath the colonnade of the fenced courtyard and another in the porch
+before the chamber doors. But when the tenth dark night was come upon
+me, then burst I my cunningly fitted chamber doors, and issued forth
+and overleapt the courtyard fence lightly, unmarked of watchmen and
+handmaidens. Then fled I far through Hellas of wide lawns, and came to
+deep-soiled Phthia, mother of flocks, even unto king Peleus; and he
+received me kindly and cherished me as a father cherisheth his only
+son, his stripling heir of great possessions; and he made me rich and
+gave much people to me, and I dwelt in the uttermost part of Phthia and
+was king over the Dolopians. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou
+godlike Achilles, with my heart’s love; for with none other wouldest
+thou go unto the feast, neither take meat in the hall, till that I had
+set thee upon my knees and stayed thee with the savoury morsel cut
+first for thee, and put the wine-cup to thy lips. Oft hast thou stained
+the doublet on my breast with sputtering of wine in thy sorry
+helplessness. Thus I suffered much with thee and much I toiled, being
+mindful that the gods in nowise created any issue of my body; but I
+made thee my son, thou godlike Achilles, that thou mayest yet save me
+from grievous destruction. Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit;
+neither beseemeth it thee to have a ruthless heart. Nay, even the very
+gods can bend, and theirs withal is loftier majesty and honour and
+might. Their hearts by incense and reverent vows and drink-offering and
+burnt-offering men turn with prayer, so oft as any transgresseth and
+doeth sin. Moreover Prayers of penitence are daughters of great Zeus,
+halting and wrinkled and of eyes askance, that have their task withal
+to go in the steps of Sin. For Sin is strong and fleet of foot,
+wherefore she far outrunneth all prayers, and goeth before them over
+all the earth making men fall, and Prayers follow behind to heal the
+harm. Now whosoever reverenceth Zeus’ daughters when they draw near,
+him they greatly bless and hear his petitions; but when one denieth
+them and stiffly refuseth, then depart they and make prayer unto Zeus
+the son of Kronos that sin may come upon such an one, that he may fall
+and pay the price. Nay, Achilles, look thou too that there attend upon
+the daughters of Zeus the reverence that bendeth the heart of all men
+that be right-minded. For if Atreides brought thee not gifts and
+foretold thee not more hereafter, but were ever furiously wroth, then I
+were not he that should bid thee cast aside thine anger and save the
+Argives, even in their sore need of thee. But now he both offereth thee
+forthwith many gifts, and promiseth thee more hereafter, and hath sent
+heroes to beseech thee, the best men chosen throughout the host of the
+Achaians and that to thyself are dearest of the Argives; dishonour not
+thou their petition nor their journey hither; though erst it were no
+wrong that thou wast wroth. Even in like manner have we heard the fame
+of those heroes that were of old, as oft as furious anger came on any;
+they might be won by gifts and prevailed upon by speech. This tale have
+I in mind of old time and not of yesterday, even as it was; and I will
+tell it among you that all are friends. The Kuretes** fought and the
+staunch Aitolians about the city of Kalydon, and slew one another, the
+Aitolians defending lovely Kalydon, the Kuretes eager to lay it waste
+in war. For Artemis of the golden throne had brought a plague upon
+them, in wrath that Oineus offered her not the harvest first-fruits on
+the fat of his garden land; for all the other gods had their feast of
+hecatombs, and only to the daughter of great Zeus offered he not,
+whether he forgat or marked it not; and therein sinned he sore in his
+heart. So the Archer-goddess was wroth and sent against him a creature
+of heaven, a fierce wild boar, white-tusked, that wrought sore ill
+continually on Oineus’ garden land; many a tall tree laid he low
+utterly, even root and apple blossom therewith. But him slew Meleagros
+the son of Oineus, having gathered together from many cities huntsmen
+and hounds; for not of few men could the boar be slain, so mighty was
+he; and many an one brought he to the grievous pyre. But the goddess
+made much turmoil over him and tumult concerning the boar’s head and
+shaggy hide, between the Kuretes and great-hearted Aitolians. Now so
+long as Meleagros dear to Ares fought, so long it went ill with the
+Kuretes, neither dared they face him without their city walls, for all
+they were very many. But when Meleagros grew full of wrath, such as
+swelleth the hearts of others likewise in their breasts, though they be
+wise of mind, then in anger of heart at his dear mother Althaia he
+tarried beside his wedded wife, fair Kleopatra, daughter of Marpessa
+fair-ankled daughter of Euenos, and of Ides that was strongest of men
+that were then upon the earth; he it was that took the bow to face the
+king Phoebus Apollo for sake of the fair-ankled damsel***. And she was
+called Alkyone of her father and lady mother by surname in their hall,
+because her mother in the plight of the plaintive halcyon-bird wept
+when the far-darter Phoebus Apollo snatched her away. By her side lay
+Meleagros, brooding on his grievous anger, being wroth by reason of his
+mother’s curses: for she, grieved for her brethren’s death, prayed
+instantly to the gods, and with her hands likewise beat instantly upon
+the fertile earth, calling on Hades and dread Persephone, while she
+knelt upon her knees and made her bosom wet with tears, to bring her
+son to death; and Erinnys that walketh in darkness, whose heart knoweth
+not ruth, heard her from Erebos, Now was the din of foemen about their
+gates quickly risen, and a noise of battering of towers; and the elders
+of the Aitolians sent the best of the gods’ priests and besought him to
+come forth and save them, with promise of a mighty gift; to wit, they
+bade him, where the plain of lovely Kalydon was fattest, to choose him
+out a fair demesne of fifty plough-gates, the half thereof vine-land
+and the half open plough-land, to be cut from out the plain. And old
+knightly Oineus prayed him instantly, and stood upon the threshold of
+his high-roofed chamber, and shook the morticed doors to beseech his
+son; him too his sisters and his lady mother prayed instantly—but he
+denied them yet more—instantly too his comrades prayed, that were
+nearest him and dearest of all men. Yet even so persuaded they not his
+heart within his breast, until his chamber was now hotly battered and
+the Kuretes were climbing upon the towers and firing the great city.
+Then did his fair-girdled wife pray Meleagros with lamentation, and
+told him all the woes that come on men whose city is taken; the
+warriors are slain, and the city is wasted of fire, and the children
+and the deep-girdled women are led captive of strangers. And his soul
+was stirred to hear the grievous tale, and he went his way and donned
+his glittering armour. So he saved the Aitolians from the evil day,
+obeying his own will; but they paid him not now the gifts many and
+gracious; yet nevertheless he drave away destruction. But be not thine
+heart thus minded, neither let heaven so guide thee, dear son; that
+were a hard thing, to save the ships already burning. Nay, come for the
+gifts; the Achaians shall honour thee even as a god. But if without
+gifts thou enter into battle the bane of men, thou wilt not be held in
+like honour, even though thou avert the fray.”
+
+* Or “his knees,” according to the more usual interpretation of οῖσιν.
+
+
+** Note 2.
+
+
+*** Note 3.
+
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Phoinix my
+father, thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise;
+for I deem that I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which
+shall abide upon me amid my beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in
+my body and my limbs are strong. Moreover I will say this thing to thee
+and lay thou it to thine heart; trouble not my soul by weeping and
+lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior Atreides; neither beseemeth
+it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me that cherish thee. It
+were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth me. Be thou
+king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear my
+message. So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and
+with break of day will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or
+to abide.”
+
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for
+Phoinix a thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart
+from the hut with speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamon’s godlike
+son, and said: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles,
+let us go hence; for methinks the purpose of our charge will not by
+this journey be accomplished; and we must tell the news, though it be
+no wise good, with all speed unto the Danaans, that now sit awaiting.
+But Achilles hath wrought his proud soul to fury within him—stubborn
+man, that recketh naught of his comrades’ love, wherein we worshipped
+him beyond all men amid the ships—unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept
+recompense of his brother’s murderer or for his dead son; and so the
+man-slayer for a great price abideth in his own land, and the kinsman’s
+heart is appeased, and his proud soul, when he hath taken the
+recompense. But for thee, the gods have put within thy breast a spirit
+implacable and evil, by reason of one single damsel. And now we offer
+thee seven damsels, far best of all, and many other gifts besides;
+entertain thou then a kindly spirit, and have respect unto thine home;
+because we are guests of thy roof, sent of the multitude of Danaans,
+and we would fain be nearest to thee and dearest beyond all other
+Achaians, as many as there be.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Aias sprung of
+Zeus, thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak
+all this almost after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath
+as oft as I bethink me of those things, how Atreides entreated me
+arrogantly among the Argives, as though I were some worthless
+sojourner. But go ye and declare my message; I will not take thought of
+bloody war until that wise Priam’s son, noble Hector, come to the
+Myrmidons’ huts and ships, slaying the Argives, and smirch the ships
+with fire. But about mine hut and black ship I ween that Hector, though
+he be very eager for battle, shall be refrained.”
+
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation
+and went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And
+Patroklos bade his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a
+thick couch for Phoinix; and they obeyed and spread a couch as he
+ordained, fleeces and rugs and fine flock of linen. Then the old man
+laid him down and tarried for bright Dawn. And Achilles slept in the
+corner of the morticed hut, and by his side lay a woman that he brought
+from Lesbos, even Phorbas’ daughter fair-cheeked Diomede. And on the
+other side Patroklos lay, and by his side likewise fair-girdled Iphis,
+whom noble Achilles gave him at the taking of steep Skyros, the city of
+Enyeus.
+
+
+Now when those were come unto Atreides’ huts, the sons of the Achaians
+stood up on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold,
+and questioned them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: “Come
+now, tell me, Odysseus full of praise, thou great glory of the
+Achaians; will he save the ships from consuming fire, or said he nay,
+and hath wrath yet hold of his proud spirit?”
+
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but
+is yet more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth
+thee take counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships
+and folk of the Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break
+of day he will launch upon the sea his trim well-benched ships.
+Moreover he said that he would counsel all to sail for home, because ye
+now shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus
+holdeth his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. Even so
+said he, and here are also these to tell the tale that were my
+companions, Aias and the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old
+man Phoinix laid him there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he
+may follow with him on his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if
+he will; for he will not take him perforce.”
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at
+his saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the
+Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of
+men, would thou hadst never besought Peleus’ glorious son with offer of
+gifts innumerable; proud is he at any time, but now hast thou yet far
+more encouraged him in his haughtiness. Howbeit we will let him bide,
+whether he go or tarry; hereafter he shall fight, whenever his heart
+within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come now, even as I shall say
+let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your hearts’ desire of meat
+and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but when fair rosy-fingered
+Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the ships thy folk and
+horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the foremost.”
+
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of
+Diomedes tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every
+man to his hut, and there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK X.
+
+
+How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans, and
+themselves spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses of Rhesos, the
+Thracian king.
+
+
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were
+sleeping all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, shepherd of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he
+debated in his mind. And even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera
+lighteneth, fashioning either a mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or
+snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the ploughed lands, or fashioning
+perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so oft in his breast
+groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his spirits
+trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at
+the sound of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to
+the ships he glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a
+lock clean forth from his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly
+groaned his noble heart.
+
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all
+to Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some
+right device that should be for the warding off of evil from all the
+Danaans.
+
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+shining feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the
+tawny skin of a lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet,
+and he grasped his spear.
+
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for
+neither on his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should
+befall the Argives, who verily for his sake over wide waters were come
+to Troy-land, with fierce war in their thoughts.
+
+With a dappled pard’s skin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he
+raised and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his
+strong hand. Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that
+mightily ruled over all the Argives, and as a god was honoured by the
+people. Him found he harnessing his goodly gear about his shoulders, by
+the stern of the ship, and glad to his brother was his coming. Then
+Menelaos of the loud war-cry first accosted him: “Wherefore thus, dear
+brother, art thou arming? Wilt thou speed forth any of thy comrades to
+spy on the Trojans? Nay, terribly I fear lest none should undertake for
+thee this deed, even to go and spy out the foeman alone through the
+ambrosial night; needs must he be a man right hardy of heart.”
+
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: “Need of good counsel
+have I and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help
+and save the Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned
+again. Surely on the sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather
+than on ours. For never did I see, nor heard any tell, that one man
+devised so many terrible deeds in one day, as Hector, dear to Zeus,
+hath wrought on the sons of the Achaians, unaided; though no dear son
+of a goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath done deeds that methinks will
+be a sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long, such evils hath he
+devised against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the ships, and
+summon Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and
+bid him arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company
+of the sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others
+would they listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and
+the brother in arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all
+we entrusted this charge.”
+
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: “How meanest thou this
+word wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there
+with them, waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I
+have well delivered to them thy commandment?”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “There do thou
+abide lest we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through
+the camp. But call aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake,
+naming each man by his lineage, and his father’s name, and giving all
+their dues of honour, nor be thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us
+ourselves be labouring, for even thus did Zeus from our very birth
+dispense to us the heaviness of toil.”
+
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the
+host, whom he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside
+him lay his fair dight arms, a shield, and two spears, and a shining
+helmet. Beside him lay his glittering girdle wherewith the old man was
+wont to gird himself when he harnessed him for war, the bane of men,
+and led on the host, for he yielded not to grievous old age. Then he
+raised him on his elbow, lifting his head, and spake to the son of
+Atreus, inquiring of him with this word: “Who art thou that farest
+alone by the ships, through the camp in the dark night, when other
+mortals are sleeping? Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy
+comrades? speak, and come not silently upon me. What need hast thou?”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “O Nestor, son of
+Neleus, great glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of
+Atreus, whom above all men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours,
+while my breath abides within my breast, and my knees move. I wander
+thus, for that sweet sleep rests not on mine eyes, but war is my care,
+and the troubles of the Achaians. Yea, greatly I fear for the sake of
+the Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am tossed to and fro, and my
+heart is leaping from my breast, and my good knees tremble beneath me.
+But if thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh sleep, let us
+go thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be fordone
+with toil and drowsihead, and so are slumbering, and have quite
+forgotten to keep watch. And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at
+all but that they are keen to do battle in the night.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Most renowned son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, assuredly not all his designs will
+wise-counselling Zeus fulfil for Hector, even all that now he thinketh;
+nay methinks he will contend with even more troubles if but Achilles
+turn back his heart from grievous anger. And verily will I follow after
+thee, but let us also rouse others again, both the son of Tydeus,
+spearman renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and the strong son of
+Phyleus. But well it would be if one were to go and call those also,
+the godlike Aias, and Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are
+furthest of all, and nowise close at hand. But Menelaos will I blame,
+dear as he is and worshipful, yea, even if thou be angry with me, nor
+will I hide my thought, for that he slumbereth, and to thee alone hath
+left the toil; now should he be toiling among all the chiefs and
+beseeching them, for need no longer tolerable is coming upon us.”
+
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “Old man, another
+day I even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not
+to labour, yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart,
+but looking toward me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke
+far before me, and came to me, and him I sent forward to call those
+concerning whom thou inquirest. But let us be gone, and them shall we
+find before the gates, among the sentinels, for there I bade them
+gather.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “So will none of the
+Argives be wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any
+one, and give him his commands.”
+
+So spake he and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+bright feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple
+cloak, with double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went
+among the ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the
+peer of Zeus in counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of
+sleep, with his voice, and quickly the cry came all about his heart,
+and he came forth from the hut and spake to them saying: “Wherefore
+thus among the ships and through the camp do ye wander alone, in the
+ambrosial night; what so great need cometh upon you?”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Laertes’ son, of the
+seed of Zeus, Odysseus of many a wile, be not wroth, for great trouble
+besetteth the Achaians. Nay follow, that we may arouse others too, even
+all that it behoveth to take counsel, whether we should fly, or fight.”
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and
+cast a shield  bedight about his shoulders, and went after them.
+
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found
+outside his hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were
+sleeping with their shields beneath their heads, but their spears were
+driven into the ground erect on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone
+the bronze, like the lightning of father Zeus. Now that hero was
+asleep, and under him was strewn the hide of an ox of the field, but
+beneath his head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside him went and
+stood knightly Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of his
+foot, and aroused him, chiding him to his face, saying: “Wake, son of
+Tydeus, why all night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the
+Trojans on the high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and
+but a little space holdeth them apart?”
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to
+him winged words: “Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never
+ceasest. Now are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who
+might rouse when there is need each of the kings, going all around the
+host? but thou, old man, art indomitable.”
+
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, “Nay verily, my son,
+all this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I,
+and there be many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the
+others. But a right great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to
+all of us it standeth on a razor’s edge, either pitiful ruin for the
+Achaians, or life. But come now, if indeed thou dost pity me, rouse
+swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for thou art younger than I.”
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great
+fiery lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and
+started on his way, and roused the others from their place and led them
+on.
+
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not
+the leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with
+their arms. And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in
+a fold, having heard a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood
+among the hills, and much clamour riseth round him of hounds and men,
+and sleep perisheth from them, even so sweet sleep did perish from
+their eyes, as they watched through the wicked night, for ever were
+they turning toward the plains, when they heard the Trojans moving.
+
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his
+saying, and calling out to them he spake winged words: “Even so now,
+dear children, do ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we
+become a cause of rejoicing to them that hate us.”
+
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the
+kings of the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them
+went Meriones, and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to
+share their counsel. So they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat
+down in the open, where the mid-space was clear of dead men fallen,
+where fierce Hector had turned again from destroying the Argives, when
+night covered all. There sat they down, and declared their saying each
+to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia began discourse:
+“O friends, is there then no man that would trust to his own daring
+spirit, to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might
+take some straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour
+among the Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves,
+whether they are fain to abide there by the ships, away from the city,
+or will retreat again to the city, now that they have conquered the
+Achaians? All this might such an one learn, and back to us come
+scathless: great would be his fame under heaven among all men, and a
+goodly gift will be given him. For all the best men that bear sway by
+the ships, each and all of them will give him a black ewe, with her
+lamb at her foot,—no chattel may compare with her,—and ever will he be
+present at feasts and clan-drinkings.”
+
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but
+to them spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Nestor, my heart and
+manful spirit urge me to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of
+the Trojans: but and if some other man will follow with me, more
+comfort and more courage will there be. If two go together, one before
+another perceiveth a matter, how there may be gain therein; but if one
+alone perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter, and weak his device.”
+
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two
+Aiantes were willing, men of Ares’ company, and Meriones was willing,
+and right willing the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos,
+spearman renowned, yea and the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into
+the throng of Trojans, for always daring was his heart within him. But
+among them spake the king of men, Agamemnon: “Diomedes son of Tydeus,
+joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily shalt thou choose, whomsoever
+thou wilt, the best of them that be here, for many are eager. But do
+not thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man behind, and give
+thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and looking to
+their lineage, even if one be more kingly born.”
+
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But
+to them again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “If indeed ye bid
+me choose myself a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike
+Odysseus, whose heart is passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all
+manner of toils; and Pallas Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with
+me, even out of burning fire might we both return, for he excelleth in
+understanding.”
+
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: “Son of Tydeus,
+praise me not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus
+among the Argives that themselves know all. But let us be going, for
+truly the night is waning, and near is the dawn, and the stars have
+gone onward, and the night has advanced more than two watches, but the
+third watch is yet left.”
+
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of
+Tydeus did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his
+own was left by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm
+of bull’s hide, without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and
+keeps the heads of stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow
+and a quiver, and a sword, and on his head set a helm made of leather,
+and with many a thong was it stiffly wrought within, while without the
+white teeth of a boar of flashing tusks were arrayed thick set on
+either side, well and cunningly, and in the midst was fixed a cap of
+felt. This casque Autolykos once stole from Amyntor son of Ormenos, out
+of Eleon, breaking into his well-builded house; and he gave it to
+Amphidamas of Kythera to take to Skandeia and Amphidamas gave it for a
+guest-gift to Molos, who gave it to his own son Meriones to wear, and
+now it was set to cover the head of Odysseus.
+
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set
+forth to go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did
+Pallas Athene send forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way,
+and they beheld it not with their eyes, through the dark night, but
+they heard its shrill cry. And Odysseus was glad in the omen of the
+bird, and prayed to Athene: “Listen to me, thou child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, that ever in all toils dost stand by me, nor doth any motion of
+mine escape thee: but now again above all be thou friendly to me,
+Athene, and grant that we come back with renown to the ships, having
+wrought a great work, that shall be sorrow to the Trojans.”
+
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Listen now likewise to
+me, thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when
+with my father thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when
+he went forth as a messenger from the Achaians. And them he left by the
+Asopos, the mail-clad Achaians, and a honeyed word he bare to the
+Kadmeians in that place; but on his backward way he devised right
+terrible deeds, with thee, fair goddess, for eager didst thou stand by
+him. Even so now stand thou by me willingly, and protect me. And to
+thee will I sacrifice a yearling heifer, broad of brow, unbroken, that
+never yet hath man led below the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to thee,
+and gild her horns with gold.”
+
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when
+they had prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on
+their way, like two lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter,
+amid the slain men, through the arms and the black blood.
+
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he
+called together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders
+of the Trojans, them did he call together, and contrived a crafty
+counsel: “Who is there that would promise and perform for me this deed,
+for a great gift? yea his reward shall be sufficient. For I will give
+him a chariot, and two horses of arching neck, the best that be at the
+swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever shall dare the deed, and for
+himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to go near the
+swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded,
+as of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the
+foes are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch
+through the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there
+was among the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald,
+and he was rich in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill
+favoured to look upon, but swift of foot; now he was an only son among
+five sisters. So he spake then a word to the Trojans and to Hector:
+“Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me to go near the swift-faring
+ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray thee, hold up the staff, and
+swear to me, that verily thou wilt give me the horses and the chariots
+bedight with bronze that bear the noble son of Peleus. But to thee I
+will prove no vain spy, nor disappoint thy hope. For I will go straight
+to the camp, until I may come to the ship of Agamemnon, where surely
+the chiefs are like to hold council, whether to fight or flee.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him:
+“Now let Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera,
+that no other man of the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I
+declare, shalt rejoice in them for ever.”
+
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to
+go. And straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did
+on thereover the skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of
+ferret-skin, and took a sharp javelin, and went on his way to the ships
+from the host. But he was not like to come back from the ships and
+bring word to Hector.
+
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth
+eagerly on the way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as
+he approached, and said unto Diomedes: “Lo, here is some man, Diomedes,
+coming from the camp, I know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to
+strip certain of the dead men fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by
+us a little way on the plain, and thereafter may we rush on him and
+take him speedily, and if it chance that he outrun us by speed of foot,
+ever do thou hem him in towards the ships and away from the camp,
+rushing on him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape towards the
+city.”
+
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the
+bodies of the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness.
+But when he was as far off as is the length of the furrow made by
+mules, (for better far are they than kine, tho drag the jointed plough
+through the deep fallow,) these twain ran after him, and he stood still
+when he heard the sound, supposing in his heart that they were friends
+come from among the Trojans to turn him back, at the countermand of
+Hector. But when they were about a spear-cast off, or even less, he
+knew them for foemen, and stirred his swift limbs to fly, and speedily
+they started in pursuit.
+
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press
+ever hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs
+screaming before them, even so Tydeus’ son and Odysseus the sacker of
+cities cut Dolon off from the host, and ever pursued hard after him.
+But when he was just about to come among the sentinels, in his flight
+towards the ships, then Athene poured strength into the son of Tydeus,
+that none of the mail-clad Achaians might boast himself the first to
+smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes leaped upon him with the
+spear, and said: “Stand, or I shall overtake thee with the spear, and
+methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer destruction at my hand.”
+
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the
+man, and passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished
+spear stuck fast in the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread
+and trembling, and the teeth chattered in his mouth, and he was green
+with fear. Then the twain came up with him, panting, and gripped his
+hands, and weeping he spake: “Take me alive, and I will ransom myself,
+for within our house there is bronze, and gold, and smithied iron,
+wherefrom my father would do you grace with ransom untold, if he should
+learn that I am alive among the ships of the Achaians.”
+
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “Take
+courage, let not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly
+all the tale, why thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the
+ships, through the black night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest
+thou to strip certain of the dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee
+forth to spy out everything at the hollow ships, or did thine own
+spirit urge thee on?”
+
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: “With many a
+blind hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the
+whole-hooved horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight
+with bronze: and he bade me fare through the swift black night, and
+draw nigh the foemen, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded,
+as of old, or whether, already, being subdued beneath our hands, they
+are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch
+through the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer:
+“Verily now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the
+wise son of Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and
+hard to drive, for any but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare.
+But come, tell me all this truly, all the tale: where when thou camest
+hither didst thou leave Hector, shepherd of the host, and where lie his
+warlike gear, and where his horses? And how are disposed the watches,
+and the beds of the other Trojans? And what counsel take they among
+themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh the ships, afar from the
+city, or will they return to the city again, seeing that they have
+subdued unto them the Achaians?”
+
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: “Lo, now all these
+things will I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are
+counsellors holdeth council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from
+the din, but as for the guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen
+watch nor guard keepeth the host. As for all the watch fires of the
+Trojans—on them is necessity, so that they watch and encourage each
+other to keep guard; but, for the allies called from many lands, they
+are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep watch, for no
+wise near dwell the children and wives of the allies.”
+
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “How stands
+it now, do they sleep amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell
+me clearly, that I may know.”
+
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: “Verily all this likewise will
+I recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians
+of the bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi.
+And towards Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty
+Mysians, and the Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians
+lords of chariots. But wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly
+concerning all these things? for if ye desire to steal into the throng
+of Trojans, lo, there be those Thracians, new comers, at the furthest
+point apart from the rest, and among them their king Rhesos, son of
+Eïoneus. His be the fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the
+greatest, whiter than snow, and for speed like the winds. And his
+chariot is fashioned well with gold and silver, and golden is his
+armour that he brought with him, marvellous, a wonder to behold; such
+as it is in no wise fit for mortal men to bear, but for the deathless
+gods. But bring me now to the swift ships, or leave me here, when ye
+have bound me with a ruthless bond, that ye may go and make trial of me
+whether I have spoken to you truth, or lies.”
+
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: “Put no thought of
+escape, Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast
+brought, since once thou hast come into our hands. For if now we
+release thee or let thee go, on some later day wilt thou come to the
+swift ships of the Achaians, either to play the spy, or to fight in
+open war, but if subdued beneath my hands thou lose thy life, never
+again wilt thou prove a bane to the Argives.”
+
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin,
+and implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck,
+rushing on him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the
+head of him still speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped
+him of the casque of ferret’s skin from off his head, and of his
+wolf-skin, and his bended bow, and his long spear, and these to Athene
+the Giver of Spoil did noble Odysseus hold aloft in his hand, and he
+prayed and spake a word: “Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for to thee
+first of all the Immortals in Olympus will we call for aid; nay, but
+yet again send us on against the horses and the sleeping places of the
+Thracian men.”
+
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them
+on a tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see,
+gathering together reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they
+should miss the place as they returned again through the swift dark
+night.
+
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and
+quickly they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were
+slumbering, fordone with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on
+the ground, all orderly, in three rows, and by each man his pair of
+steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses
+were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of the chariot. Him Odysseus
+spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes: “Lo, Diomedes, this is
+the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon that we slew did give
+us tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength; it doth not
+behove thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses; or
+do thou slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed.”
+
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and
+he began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their
+groaning, as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was
+reddened with blood. And like as a lion cometh on flocks without a
+herdsman, on goats or sheep, and leaps upon them with evil will, so set
+the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace, till he had slain twelve. But
+whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote with the sword, him
+did Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from behind, and
+drag him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the
+fair-maned horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit,
+when they trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men.
+But when the son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth
+from whom he took sweet life away, as he was breathing hard, for an
+evil dream stood above his head that night, even the seed of Oineus,
+through the device of Athene. Meanwhile the hardy Odysseus loosed the
+whole-hooved horses, and bound them together with thongs, and drave
+them out of the press, smiting them with his bow, since he had not
+taken thought to lift the shining whip with his hands from the
+well-dight chariot: then he whistled for a sign to noble Diomedes.
+
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do,
+whether he should take the chariot, where lay the fair-dight armour,
+and drag it out by the pole, or lift it upon high, and so bear it
+forth, or whether he should take the life away from yet more of the
+Thracians. And while he was pondering this in his heart, then Athene
+drew near, and stood, and spake to noble Diomedes: “Bethink thee of
+returning, O son of great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow ships, lest
+perchance thou come thither in flight, and perchance another god rouse
+up the Trojans likewise.”
+
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the
+goddess, and swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them
+with his bow, and they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld
+Athene caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole
+among the crowded press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the
+Thracians, Hippokoon, the noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out
+of sleep, when he beheld the place desolate where the swift horses had
+stood, and beheld the men gasping in the death struggle; then he
+groaned aloud, and called out by name to his comrade dear. And a
+clamour arose and din unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together, and
+they marvelled at the terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had
+wrought, and had gone thereafter to the hollow ships.
+
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of
+Hector, there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and
+Tydeus’ son, leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands
+of Odysseus, and again mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped
+onward nothing loth. [to the hollow ships, for there they fain would
+be]. But Nestor first heard the sound, and said: “O friends, leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, shall I be wrong or speak sooth? for my
+heart bids me speak. The sound of swift-footed horses strikes upon mine
+ears. Would to god that Odysseus and that strong Diomedes may even
+instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses from among the Trojans;
+but terribly I fear in mine heart lest the bravest of the Argives
+suffer aught through the Trojans’ battle din.”
+
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and
+leaped down to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with
+hand-clasping, and with honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia make question: “Come, tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great
+glory of the Achaians, how ye twain took those horses? Was it by
+stealing into the press of Trojans? Or did some god meet you, and give
+you them? Wondrous like are they to rays of the sun. Ever with the
+Trojans do I mix in fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the ships, old
+warrior as I am. But never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of such.
+Nay, methinks some god must have encountered you and given you these.
+For both of you doth Zeus the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, bright-eyed Athene.”
+
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: “O Nestor, son of
+Neleus, great glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he
+would, give even better steeds than these, for the gods are far
+stronger than we. But as for these new come horses, whereof, old man,
+thou askest me, they are Thracian, but their lord did brave Diomedes
+slay, and beside him all the twelve best men of his company. The
+thirteenth man was a spy we took near the ships, one that Hector and
+the other haughty Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp.”
+
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the fosse,
+laughing; and the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they
+had come to the well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the
+horses with well-cut thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of
+Diomedes stood eating honey-sweet barley.
+
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the
+ship, that they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for
+themselves, they went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from
+shins, and neck, and thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed
+the thick sweat from their skin, and their hearts revived again, they
+went into polished baths, and were cleansed.
+
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat
+down at supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the
+honey-sweet wine, and poured it forth to Athene.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XI.
+
+
+Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press hard on the
+Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on Patroklos.
+
+
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to
+the Immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord
+unto the fleet ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the
+signal of war. And she stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that
+was in the midst, to make her voice heard on either side, both to the
+huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to the huts of Achilles, for these
+twain, trusting in their valour and the might of their hands, had drawn
+up their trim ships at the two ends of the line. There stood the
+goddess and cried shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and mighty
+strength she set in the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight
+unceasingly. And straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in
+the hollow ships to their dear native land.
+
+Then the son of Atreus cried aloud, and bade the Argives arm them, and
+himself amid them did on the flashing bronze. First he fastened fair
+greaves about his legs, fitted with ankle-clasps of silver; next again
+he did his breastplate about his breast, the breastplate that in time
+past Kinyras gave him for a guest-gift. For afar in Cyprus did Kinyras
+hear the mighty rumour how that the Achaians were about to sail forth
+to Troy in their ships, wherefore did Kinyras give him the breastplate,
+to do pleasure to the king. Now therein were ten courses of black
+cyanus, and twelve of gold, and twenty of tin, and dark blue snakes
+writhed up towards the neck, three on either side, like rainbows that
+the son of Kronos hath set in the clouds, a marvel of the mortal tribes
+of men. And round his shoulders he cast his sword, wherein shone studs
+of gold, but the scabbard about it was silver, fitted with golden
+chains. And he took the richly-dight shield of his valour that covereth
+all the body of a man, a fair shield, and round about it were ten
+circles of bronze, and thereon were twenty white bosses of tin, and one
+in the midst of black cyanus. And thereon was embossed the Gorgon fell
+of aspect glaring terribly, and about her were Dread and Terror. And
+from the shield was hung a baldric of silver, and thereon was curled a
+snake of cyanus; three heads interlaced had he, growing out of one
+neck. And on his head Agamemnon set a two-crested helm with fourfold
+plate, and plume of horse-hair, and terribly the crest nodded from
+above. And he grasped two strong spears, shod with bronze and keen, and
+far forth from him into the heaven shone the bronze; and thereat Hera
+and Athene thundered, honouring the king of Mykene rich in gold.
+
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them
+in by the fosse, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms
+were hasting about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the
+cry arose into the Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they
+arrayed at the fosse, but after them a little way came up the drivers.
+And among them the son of Kronos aroused an evil din, and from above
+rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper air, for that he was
+about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain,
+gathered them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias
+that as a god was honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three
+sons of Antenor, Polybos, and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto
+the Immortals. And Hector in the foremost rank bare the circle of his
+shield. And as from amid the clouds appeareth glittering a baneful
+star, and then again sinketh within the shadowy clouds, even so Hector
+would now appear among the foremost ranks, and again would be giving
+command in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the lightning of
+aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths
+through a rich man’s field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the
+handfuls, even so the Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other,
+destroying, and neither side took thought of ruinous flight; and equal
+heads had the battle, and they rushed on like wolves. And woful Discord
+was glad at the sight, for she alone of the gods was with them in the
+war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in peace they sat
+within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded in the
+folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of
+the storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But
+of them took the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat
+apart, glad in his glory, looking toward the city of the Trojans, and
+the ships of the Achaians, and the glitter of bronze, and the slayers
+and the slain.
+
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the
+shafts of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when
+a woodman maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he
+hath tired his hands with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on
+his soul, and desire of sweet food taketh his heart, even then the
+Danaans by their valour brake the battalions, and called on their
+comrades through the lines. And in rushed Agamemnon first of all, and
+slew a man, even Bienor, shepherd of the hosts, first himself, and next
+his comrade Oïleus, the charioteer. He verily leaped from the chariot
+and stood and faced Agamemnon, but the king smote the brow of him with
+the sharp spear as he came eagerly on, and his vizor heavy with bronze
+held not off the spear, but through vizor and bone it sped, and the
+brain within was all scattered, and so was Oïleus overcome despite his
+eagerness.
+
+And them did Agamemnon king of men leave in that place, with their
+breasts gleaming, when he had stripped them of their corslets, and he
+went on to destroy Isos and Antiphos, two sons of Priam, one born in
+wedlock, the other a bastard, and both were in one chariot: the bastard
+held the reins, but renowned Antiphos was fighting by him. These twain
+did Achilles on the spurs of Ida once bind with fresh withes, taking
+them as they herded the sheep, and he ransomed them for a price. But
+now Agamemnon, son of Atreus, of the wide domain, smote Isos on the
+breast, above the nipple, with his spear, but Antiphos he struck hard
+by the ear, with the sword, and dashed him from the chariot. Then made
+he haste, and stripped from them their goodly harness, well knowing who
+they were, for he had seen them before beside the fleet ships when
+swift-footed Achilles led them from Ida. And as a lion easily crusheth
+the young fawns of a swift hind, when that he hath seized them in his
+strong teeth, and hath come to their lair, and taketh their tender life
+away,—and the hind, even if she chance to be near at hand, cannot help
+them, for on herself too cometh dread terror, and swiftly she speedeth
+through the thick coppice and the woodland, hasting and sweating before
+the onslaught of the mighty beast,—even so not one of the Trojans did
+avail to save them from their bane, but themselves were fleeing in fear
+before the Argives.
+
+Next took he Peisandros and Hippolochos, steadfast in fight. These were
+sons of wise-hearted Antimachos, who chiefly had taken the gold of
+Alexandros, goodly gifts, and therefore never would consent to give
+Helen to fair-haired Menelaos. His two sons then lord Agamemnon took,
+both being in one car, and together they were driving the swift steeds;
+for the shining reins had fallen from their hands, and the horses were
+all distraught with dread, and he set on against them, like a
+lion,—even the son of Atreus,—but from their chariot the twain did
+supplicate him: “Take us alive, O son of Atreus, and receive worthy
+ransom, for in the halls of Antimachos lie many possessions, bronze,
+and gold, and smithied iron; out of these could our father do thee
+grace with ransom past telling, if he heard that we twain were alive by
+the ships of the Achaians.”
+
+So did the twain weeping beseech the king with soft words, but they
+heard a voice wherein was no softness at all: “If indeed ye be the sons
+of wise Antimachos, who once in the assembly of the Trojans bade slay
+Menelaos there, when he came on an embassy with godlike Odysseus, nor
+ever let him return to the Achaians, now verily shall ye pay the price
+of your father’s foul shame.”
+
+He spake and dashed Peisandros from his chariot to the earth, smiting
+him with the spear upon the breast, and he lay supine on the ground.
+But Hippolochos rushed away, and him too he smote to earth, and cut off
+his arms and his neck with the sword, then tossed him like a ball of
+stone to roll through the throng. Then left he them, and where thickest
+clashed the battalions, there he set on, and with him all the
+well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as they were driven
+in flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and from
+beneath them rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering
+hooves of horses. And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after,
+calling on the Argives. And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense
+woodland, and the whirling wind beareth it everywhere, and the thickets
+fall utterly before it, being smitten by the onset of the fire, even so
+beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus fell the heads of the Trojans as they
+fled; and many strong-necked horses rattled empty cars along the
+highways of the battle, lacking their noble charioteers; but they on
+the earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures than to their
+wives.
+
+But Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the dust, from the
+man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus followed
+on, crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos,
+son of Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of the wild
+fig-tree they sped, making for the city, and ever the son of Atreus
+followed shouting, and his invincible hands were defiled with gore. But
+when they were come to the Skaian gates, and the oak-tree, there then
+they halted, and awaited each other. But some were still in full flight
+through the mid plain, like kine that a lion hath scattered, coming on
+them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered, but to one sheer
+death appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck first, seizing her
+with strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth greedily the blood and all
+the guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of Atreus followed hard on the
+Trojans, ever slaying the hindmost man, and they were scattered in
+flight, and on face or back many of them fell from their chariots
+beneath the hands of Agamemnon, for mightily he raged with the spear.
+But when he was now about coming below the city, and the steep wall,
+then did the father of men and gods sit him down on the crests of
+many-fountained Ida, from heaven descending, with the thunderbolt in
+his hands.
+
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: “Up and
+go, swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees
+Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters,
+and ruining the ranks of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the
+rest of the host war with the foe in strong battle. But when, or
+smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow shot, Agamemnon leapeth
+into his chariot, then will I give Hector strength to slay till he come
+even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and sacred
+darkness draw on.”
+
+So spake he, and wind-footed swift Iris disobeyed him not, but she went
+down from the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios, and she found the son of
+wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector, standing among the horses, and
+firm-bound chariots, and swift-footed Iris drew near and spake to him:
+“Hector, son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel; lo, Zeus the father
+hath sent me forth, to bear thee this command: So long as thou seest
+Agamemnon, the shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost
+fighters, and ruining the ranks of men, so long hold back from the
+fight, but bid the rest of the host war with the foe in strong battle.
+But when, or smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow shot,
+Agamemnon leapeth into his chariot, then will Zeus give thee strength
+to slay till thou come even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go
+down and sacred darkness draw on.”
+
+So spake swift-footed Iris and departed, but Hector with his harness
+leaped from the chariot to the ground, and, shaking his sharp spears
+went through all the host, stirring up his men to fight, and he roused
+the dread din of battle. And they wheeled round, and stood and faced
+the Achaians, while the Argives on the other side strengthened their
+battalions. And battle was made ready, and they stood over against each
+other, and Agamemnon first rushed in, being eager to fight far in front
+of all.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that
+first encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of
+their allies renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and
+mighty, who was nurtured in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep,
+and Kisses his mother’s father reared him in the halls, while he was
+but a little child,—even the father of Theano fair of face. Then when
+he came to the measure of glorious youth, he tried to keep him there,
+and offered him his own daughter; but a bridegroom new wed, he went
+from his bridal chamber after the tidings of the coming of the
+Achaians, with twelve beaked ships that followed after him. These trim
+ships he left in Perkote, but himself came by land to Ilios; he it was
+that then encountered Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they were come
+near in onset against each other, Atreus’ son missed, and his spear was
+turned aside, but Iphidamas smote him on the girdle, below the corslet,
+and himself pressed on, trusting to his heavy hand, but pierced not the
+gleaming girdle, for long ere that the point struck on the silver, and
+was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon caught the spear with
+his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like a lion, and snatched it
+out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with the sword, and
+unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a sleep of bronze
+most piteously, far from his wedded wife, helping the folk of the
+city,—far from his bride, of whom he had known no joy, and much had he
+given for her: first a hundred kine he gave, and thereafter promised a
+thousand, goats and sheep together, whereof he had herds unspeakable.
+Then did Agamemnon son of Atreus strip him, and went bearing his goodly
+harness into the throng of the Achaians.
+
+Now when Koön beheld him, Koön Antenor’s eldest son, illustrious among
+men, strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother’s
+fall: and he stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble
+Agamemnon smote him on the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean
+through went the point of the shining spear. Then Agamemnon king of men
+shuddered, yet not even so did he cease from battle and war, but rushed
+against Koön, grasping his wind-nurtured spear. Verily then Koön seized
+right lustily by the foot Iphidamas, his brother, and his father’s son,
+and called to all the best of his men; but him, as he dragged the dead
+through the press, beneath his bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a
+bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his limbs, and drew near and cut off
+his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, at the hands of
+Agamemnon the king, filled up the measure of their fate, and went down
+within the house of Hades.
+
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and
+great stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his
+wound. But when the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then
+keen pangs came on the might of the son of Atreus. And even as when the
+keen shaft cometh upon a woman in her travail, the piercing shaft that
+the goddesses of the birth-pangs send, even the Eilithyiai, the
+daughters of Hera that have hitter pangs in their gift, even so keen
+pains sank into the might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped he into his
+chariot, and bade his charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he was
+sore vexed at heart. And he called in a piercing voice, and shouted to
+the Danaans: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do ye
+now ward from the seafaring ships the harsh din of battle, for Zeus the
+counsellor suffers me not all day to war with the Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the
+hollow ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were
+covered with foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they
+bore the wounded king away from the war.
+
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and
+Lykians with a loud shout: “Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that
+war in close fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your
+impetuous valour. The best man of them hath departed and to me hath
+Zeus, the son of Kronos, given great renown. But straightway drive ye
+the whole-hooved horses against the mighty Danaans, that ye may be the
+masters and bear away the higher glory.”
+
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. And even as
+when some hunter tars on his white-toothed hounds against a boar of the
+wild, or a lion, even so did Hector, son of Priam, like unto Ares the
+bane of men, tar on the great-hearted Trojans against the Achaians.
+Himself with high thoughts he fared among the foremost, and fell upon
+the fight; like a roaring blast, that leapeth down and stirreth the
+violet-coloured deep. There whom first, whom last did he slay, even
+Hector, son of Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed him renown?
+
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast
+in the fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter
+smote the multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of
+the white South Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth
+huge, rolling onward, and the spray is scattered on high beneath the
+rush of the wandering wind; even so many heads of the host were smitten
+by Hector.
+
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would
+all the Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had
+not called to Diomedes, son of Tydeus: “Tydeus’ son, what ails us that
+we forget our impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy
+stand by me, for verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm
+take the ships.”
+
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: “Verily will I abide and
+endure, but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer,
+clearly desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.”
+
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting
+him with the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the
+god-like squire of that prince. These then they let be, when they had
+made them cease from war, and then the twain fared through the crowd
+with a din, as when two boars full of valour fall on the hunting
+hounds; so rushed they on again, and slew the Trojans, while gladly the
+Achaians took breath again in their flight from noble Hector.
+
+There took they a chariot and two of the best men of the people, two
+sons of Merops of Perkote, who above all men was skilled in
+soothsaying, nor would he suffer his children to go to ruinous war; but
+in nowise did the twain obey him, for the Fates of black death led them
+on. Them did the son of Tydeus, Diomedes, spearman renowned, deprive of
+life and spirit, and took away their glorious harness. And Odysseus
+stripped Hippodamos and Hypeirochos. Then Kronion stretched for them
+the line of battle level, as he looked down from Ida, and they kept
+slaying each other. Then Tydeus’ son smote the hero Agastrophos, son of
+Paion, on the hip-joint, with his spear; nor were his horses near, for
+him to flee, and great blindness was on his spirit; for the squire held
+them aloof, but on foot he was charging through the foremost fighters,
+till he lost his life. But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks,
+and rushed upon them shouting, and with him followed the battalions of
+the Trojans. And beholding him, Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered,
+and straightway spake to Odysseus that was hard by: “Lo, on us this
+ruin, even mighty Hector, is rolling: let us stand, and await him, and
+ward off his onset.”
+
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and
+smote him nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the
+crest, and bronze by bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for
+it was stopped by the threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus
+Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector sprang back a wondrous way, and
+mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen on his knee, and leaned
+on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night veiled his eyes.
+
+But while Tydeus’ son was following after his spear-cast, far through
+the foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat
+breath again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the
+throng, and avoided black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty
+Diomedes spake to him: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet
+came ill very nigh thee: but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is
+helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may
+seize.”
+
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at
+Tydeides, shepherd of the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on
+the barrow, by men fashioned, of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the
+people in time gone by. Now Diomedes was stripping the shining corslet
+of strong Agastrophos from about his breast, and the shield from his
+shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the centre of his
+bow; nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the flat
+of the right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and
+stood fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up
+from his lair, and boasted, and said: “Thou art smitten, nor vainly
+hath the dart flown forth; would that I had smitten thee in the nether
+belly, and taken thy life away. So should the Trojans have breathed
+again from their trouble, they that shudder at thee, as bleating goats
+at a lion.”
+
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: “Bowman, reviler,
+proud in thy bow of horn*, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou
+madest trial in full harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts
+would nothing avail thee, but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou
+hast grazed the sole of my foot. I care not, more than if a woman had
+struck me or a senseless boy, for feeble is the dart of a craven man
+and a worthless. In other wise from my hand, yea, if it do but touch,
+the sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its man, and torn
+are the cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he,
+reddening the earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than
+women round him.”
+
+* Or, rather, “resplendent with thy lovelock.”
+
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in
+front of him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp
+arrow from his foot, and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then
+sprang he into his car, and bade his charioteer drive back to the
+hollow ships, for he was hurt at heart. Then Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, was left alone, nor did one of the Argives abide by him, for
+fear had fallen on them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own
+great-hearted spirit: “Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil
+it is if I flee, in dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be
+taken all alone, for the other Danaans hath Kronion scattered in
+flight. But wherefore doth my heart thus converse with herself? for I
+know that they are cowards, who flee the fight, but whosoever is a hero
+in war, him it mainly behoves to stand stubbornly, whether he be
+smitten, or whether he smite another.”
+
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the
+Trojans under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them
+their own bane. And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom
+press round a boar, and he cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting
+his white tusk between crooked jaws, and round him they rush, and the
+sound of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and straightway they await his
+assault, so dread as he is, even so then round Odysseus, dear to Zeus,
+rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble Deïopites, from above,
+in the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and next he slew
+Thoon and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his
+chariot, he smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield,
+and he fell in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his
+hand. These left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the
+spear, the brother of high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a
+godlike man, and stood hard by him, and spake saying: “O renowned
+Odysseus, insatiable of craft and toil, to-day shalt thou either boast
+over two sons of Hippasos, as having slain two such men of might, and
+stripped their harness, or smitten by my spear shalt lose thy life.”
+
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the
+shining shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight
+corslet it was thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but
+Pallas Athene did not suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero,
+and Odysseus knew that the dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot,
+and drawing backward, he spake unto Sokos: “Ah, wretched one, verily
+sheer destruction is come upon thee. Surely thou hast made me to cease
+from warring among the Trojans, but here to thee I declare that slaying
+and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and beneath my spear
+overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades of the
+noble steeds.”
+
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as
+he turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it
+through the breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus
+boasted over him: “Ah, Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of
+horses, the end of death hath come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou
+avoided. Ah, wretch, thy father and lady mother shall not close thine
+eyes in death, but birds that eat flesh raw shall tear thee, shrouding
+thee in the multitude of their wings. But to me, if I die, the noble
+Achaians will yet give due burial.”
+
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from
+his flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when
+the spear was drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the
+great-hearted Trojans when they beheld the blood of Odysseus, with
+clamour through the throng came all together against him. But he gave
+ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he shouted then, as loud
+as man’s mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos dear to Zeus hear his
+call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him: “Aias, of the
+seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the shout of
+Odysseus of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans
+were oppressing him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong
+battle. Nay, let us speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue
+him. I fear lest he suffer some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so
+brave as he is, and lest great sorrow for his loss come upon the
+Danaans.”
+
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike
+man. Then found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him
+like tawny jackals from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a
+man hath smitten with an arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath
+fled from him by speed of foot, as long as the blood is warm and his
+limbs are strong, but when the swift arrow hath overcome him, then do
+the ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a dark wood, and then
+god leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee before him,
+but he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the crafty
+counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew
+near, bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the
+Trojans fled from him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led
+Odysseus out of the press, holding him by the hand, till the squire
+drave up the horses.
+
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of
+Priam, and thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros,
+and Pyrasos, and Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down
+upon the plain, in winter flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of
+Zeus, and many dry oaks and many pines it sucketh in, and much soil it
+casteth into the sea, even so renowned Aias charged them, pursuing
+through the plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist Hector thereof at
+all, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle, by the banks of
+the river Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and an
+unquenchable cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And
+Hector with them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the
+spear and in horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young
+men. Nor would the noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path,
+if Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon
+shepherd of the host in his valorous deeds, and smitten him on the
+right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow. Therefore were the Achaians,
+breathing valour, in great fear, lest men should seize Machaon in the
+turning of the fight.
+
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with
+thee let Machaon go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved
+horses. For a leech is worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and
+spread soothing medicaments.”
+
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but
+straightway gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of
+Asklepios the good leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew
+they forward to the hollow ships, where they desired to be.
+
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in
+flight, and spake to him, and said: “Hector, here do we contend with
+the Danaans, at the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other
+Trojans are driven in flight confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son
+of Telamon is driving them; well I know him, for wide is the shield
+round his shoulders. Nay, let us too urge thither the horses and
+chariot, there where horsemen and footmen thickest in the forefront of
+evil strife are slaying each other, and the cry goes up unquenchable.”
+
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding
+whip, and they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among
+the Trojans and Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and
+with blood was sprinkled all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round
+the car with the drops from the hooves of the horses, and with drops
+from the tires about the wheels. And Hector was eager to enter the
+press of men, and to leap in and break through, and evil din of battle
+he brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he from smiting
+with the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men, with
+spear, and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of
+Aias son of Telamon, [for Zeus would have been wroth with him, if he
+fought with a better man than himself].
+
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he
+stood in amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull’s
+hide, and gazed round in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast,
+turning this way and that, and slowly retreating step by step. And as
+when hounds and country folk drive a tawny lion from the mid-fold of
+the kine, and suffer him not to carry away the fattest of the herd; all
+night they watch, and he in great desire for the flesh maketh his
+onset, but takes nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from strong
+hands against him, and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all
+his fury, and in the dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at
+that time departed Aias, vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right
+unwillingly, for he feared sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as
+when a lazy ass going past a field hath the better of the boys with
+him, an ass that hath had many a cudgel broken about his sides, and he
+fareth into the deep crop, and wasteth it, while the boys smite him
+with cudgels, and feeble is the force of them, but yet with might and
+main they drive him forth, when he hath had his fill of fodder, even so
+did the high-hearted Trojans and allies, called from many lands, smite
+great Aias, son of Telamon, with darts on the centre of his shield, and
+ever followed after him. And Aias would now be mindful of his impetuous
+valour, and turn again, and hold at bay the battalions of the
+horse-taming Trojans, and once more he would turn him again to flee.
+Yet he hindered them all from making their way to the fleet ships, and
+himself stood and smote between the Trojans and the Achaians, and the
+spears from strong hands stuck some of them in his great shield, fain
+to win further, and many or ever they reached his white body stood fast
+halfway in the earth, right eager to sate themselves with his flesh.
+
+But when Eurypylos, the glorious son of Euaimon, beheld him oppressed
+by showers of darts, he went and took his stand by him, and cast with
+his shining spear, and smote Apisaon, son of Phausios, shepherd of the
+host, in the liver, below the midriff, and straightway loosened his
+knees; and Eurypylos sprang on him, and stripped the harness from his
+shoulders.
+
+But when godlike Alexandros beheld him stripping the harness from
+Apisaon, straightway he drew his bow against Eurypylos, and smote him
+with a shaft on the right thigh, and the reed of the shaft brake, and
+weighed down the thigh. Then Eurypylos withdrew back into the host of
+his comrades, avoiding fate, and with a piercing voice he shouted to
+the Danaans: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, turn
+and stand and ward off the pitiless day from Aias, that is oppressed
+with darts, nor methinks will he escape out of the evil din of battle.
+Nay, stand ye the rather at bay round great Aias, son of Telamon.”
+
+So spake Eurypylos being wounded, and they stood close together beside
+him, sloping the shields on their shoulders, and holding up their
+spears, and Aias came to meet them, and turned and stood when he
+reached the host of his comrades.
+
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and
+also carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble
+Achilles, swift of foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was
+standing by the stern of his great ship, watching the dire toil, and
+the woful rout of battle. And straightway he spake to his own comrade,
+Patroklos, calling to him from beside the ship, and he heard, and from
+the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to him was the beginning of
+evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to Achilles: “Why
+dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of me?”
+
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: “Noble son of
+Menoitios, dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand
+in prayer about my knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon
+them. But go now, Patroklos dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this
+that he bringeth wounded from the war. Verily from behind he is most
+like Machaon, that child of Asklepios, but I beheld not the eyes of the
+man, for the horses sped past me, straining forward eagerly.”
+
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran
+past the ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down
+on the bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of
+that old man from the car, and they dried the sweat from their
+doublets, standing before the breeze, by the shore of the sea, and
+thereafter came they to the hut, and sat them down on chairs. And
+fair-tressed Hekamede mixed for them a mess, Hekamede that the old man
+won from Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, and she was the daughter of
+great-hearted Arsinoos, and her the Achaians chose out for him, because
+always in counsel he excelled them all. First she drew before them a
+fair table, polished well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of
+bronze, with onion, for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the
+grain of sacred barley, and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old
+man brought from home, embossed with studs of gold, and four handles
+there were to it, and round each two golden doves were feeding, and to
+the cup were two feet below. Another man could scarce have lifted the
+cup from the table, when it was full, but Nestor the Old raised it
+easily. In this cup the woman, like unto the goddesses, mixed a mess
+for them, with Pramnian wine, and therein grated cheese of goats’ milk,
+with a grater of bronze, and scattered white barley thereover, and bade
+them drink, whenas she had made ready the mess.
+
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took
+their pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos
+stood at the doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he
+arose from his shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in,
+and bade him be seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for
+refusing, and spake and said: “No time to sit have I, old man,
+fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou persuade me. Revered and dreaded is
+he that sent me forth to ask thee who this man is that thou bringest
+home wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see Machaon, shepherd of
+the host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to speak a word to
+Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus, how
+terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is
+blameless.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: “Wherefore is
+Achilles thus sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are
+wounded with darts? He knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the
+camp: for the best men lie in the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by
+spear. Wounded with the shaft is strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and
+smitten is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon, [and Eurypylos
+hath been shot with an arrow in the thigh], and this other have I but
+newly carried out of battle, wounded with an arrow from the bowstring.
+But Achilles, for all his valiance, careth not for the Danaans, nor
+pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet ships hard by the shore
+shall burn, maugre the Archives, in the consuming fire, and till we be
+slain one upon another? For my strength is no longer what it was before
+in my supple limbs. Would that I were in such youth, and my might as
+steadfast, as when a strife was set between the Eleians and ourselves,
+about a raid on the kine; what time I slew Itymoneus, the brave son of
+Hypeirochos, a dweller in Elis, when I was driving the spoil. And in
+fighting for his kine was he smitten in the foremost rank by a spear
+from my hand, and he fell, and about him were the country folk in great
+fear. And a prey exceeding abundant did we drive together out of the
+plain, fifty herds of kine, and as many flocks of sheep, and as many
+droves of swine, and as many wide flocks of goats, and chestnut horses
+a hundred and fifty, all mares, and many with their foals at their
+feet. And these by night we drave within Neleian Pylos to the citadel,
+and Neleus was glad at heart, for that so much wealth came to me, the
+first time I went to war. And the heralds cried aloud, with the coming
+of the dawn, that all men should meet that had a debt owing to them in
+goodly Elis. And the men that were leaders of the Pylians gathered
+together and divided all, for to many did the Epeians owe a debt, for
+few we were, and oppressed, that dwelt in Pylos. For the mighty
+Herakles had come and oppressed us, in the former years, and all our
+best men were slain. For twelve sons were we of noble Neleus, whereof I
+alone was left, and all the others perished. And being lifted up with
+pride because of these things, the mail-clad Epeians did us despite,
+and devised deeds of violence. And out of the spoil that old man, even
+Neleus, took him a herd of kine, and a great flock of sheep, choosing
+three hundred, and the shepherds with them. For to him was a great debt
+owing in goodly Elis: four horses, winners of prizes, with their
+chariot had gone to the games, and were to run for a tripod; but these
+did Augeias, king of men, hold in bond in that place, but sent away the
+driver sorrowing for the horses. By which words and deeds was the old
+man angered, so he chose out much booty, uncountable, and the rest he
+gave to the people to divide, lest any man should depart deprived by
+him of his equal share. So we ordered each thing, and offered victims
+to the gods about the city; and on the third day all the Eleians came
+together, many men and whole-hooved horses in full array, and with them
+the two Moliones in their harness, being still but lads, nor yet well
+skilled in impetuous valour. Now there is a certain city, Thryoessa, a
+steep burg, far off on Alpheios, the uttermost city of sandy Pylos,
+round this they pitched their camp, being eager to raze it utterly. But
+when they had passed through all the plain, to us came Athene by night
+rushing down from Olympus, with the message that we should arm us. Nor
+were the folk unwilling that she gathered in Pylos, but right eager for
+war. Now Neleus would not suffer me to arm myself, but hid my horses
+away, for he deemed that I knew naught as yet of the deeds of war. Yet
+even so did I shine among our horsemen, on foot though I was, for so
+Athene led the fight. There is a river Minyeïos, that falleth into the
+sea near Arene, where the horsemen of us Pylians waited the fair dawn,
+and thither those ranks of footmen flowed onward. Thence in full array,
+and harnessed in our gear, we came at midday to the sacred stream of
+Alpheios. There to Zeus pre-eminent in might we sacrificed goodly
+victims, and a bull to Alpheios, and a bull to Poseidon, but to
+bright-eyed Athene a heifer of the herd, and thereafter took we supper
+in ranks throughout the camp, and lay down to sleep each man in his
+arms, about the streams of the river. Now the great-hearted Epeians
+were gathered round the citadel, being eager to sack it utterly. But
+ere that might be, there appeared unto them a great deed of war. For
+when the bright sun came up above the earth, we joined battle, with
+prayer to Zeus, and Athene. But when the strife of the Pylians and
+Epeians began, I was the first that slew a man, and got me his
+whole-hooved steeds,—the warrior Mulios was he, who had to wife
+fair-haired Agamede, the eldest daughter of Augeias, and she knew all
+drugs that the wide earth nourisheth. Him as he came on I smote with a
+bronze-shod spear, and he fell in the dust and I leaped into the car,
+and stood among the foremost fighters. But the great-hearted Epeians
+fled this way and that when they saw the man fall, even the leader of
+the horsemen, who excelled in battle. But I sprang upon them, like a
+black tempest, and fifty chariots I took, and beside each chariot two
+men bit the earth with their teeth, subdued beneath my spear. And now
+should I have overthrown the twin Moliones, sons of Aktor, if their
+sire, the Earthshaker of wide sway, had not saved them out of the
+battle, and covered them with a thick mist.* There Zeus gave great
+might to the Pylians, for we followed through the wide plain, slaying
+the foe and gathering their goodly arms, even till we brought our
+horses to Bouprasion, rich in wheat, and the rock Olenian, and where is
+the hill called the hill of Alision, whence Athene turned the people
+again. There slew I the last man and left him there, but the Achaians
+drave back their swift horses from Bouprasion to Pylos, and all gave
+praise, among the gods to Zeus, and among men to Nestor. Such was I, if
+ever among men I was such an one. But Achilles is for reaping alone the
+reward of his valour; surely methinks that he will repent, and lament
+sore when the host perisheth. O friend, surely Menoitios thus gave thee
+command, on that day when he sent thee out of Phthia to Agamemnon. And
+we twain were within the house, I and goodly Odysseus, and in the halls
+heard we all things even as he commanded thee. For we had come to the
+fair-set halls of Peleus, gathering the host throughout Achaia of the
+fair dames. There then we found the hero Menoitios within, and thee,
+and with thee Achilles. And Peleus the Old, the lord of horses, was
+burning the fat thighs of kine to Zeus, whose joy is in the thunder, in
+the precinct of his court, and held in his hand a chalice of gold,
+pouring forth the bright wine upon the burning offerings. And ye were
+busy about the flesh of the ox, and then stood we in the doorway, and
+Achilles leaped up in amazement, and took us by the hand, and led us
+in, and bade us be seated, and set before us well the entertainment of
+strangers, all that is their due. But when we had taken delight in
+eating and drinking, I began the discourse, and bade you follow with
+us, and ye were right eager, and those twain laid on you many commands.
+Peleus the Old bade his son Achilles be ever the boldest in fight, and
+pre-eminent over others, but to thee did Menoitios thus give command,
+the son of Aktor: ‘My child, of lineage is Achilles higher than thou,
+and thou art elder, but in might he is better far. But do thou speak to
+him well a word of wisdom, and put it to him gently, and show him what
+things he should do, and he will obey thee to his profit.’ So did the
+old man give thee command, but thou art forgetful. Nay, but even now
+speak thou thus and thus to wise-hearted Achilles, if perchance he will
+obey thee. Who knows but that, God helping, thou mightst stir his
+spirit with thy persuading? and good is the persuasion of a friend. But
+if in his heart he be shunning some oracle of God, and his lady mother
+hath told him somewhat from Zeus, natheless let him send forth thee,
+and let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow with thee, if
+perchance any light shall arise from thee to the Danaans; and let him
+give thee his fair harness, to bear into the war, if perchance the
+Trojans may take thee for him, and withhold them from the strife, and
+the warlike sons of the Achaians might take breath, being wearied; for
+brief is the breathing time in battle. And lightly might ye, being
+unwearied, drive men wearied in the war unto the city, away from the
+ships and the huts.”
+
+* Aktor was the putative, Poseidon the real father of the Moliones.
+
+
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and
+ran by the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos. But when Patroklos
+came in his running to the ships of godlike Odysseus, where was their
+assembly and place of law, and whereby also were their altars of the
+gods established, there did Eurypylos meet him, Euaimon’s son, of the
+seed of Zeus, wounded in the thigh with an arrow, and limping out of
+the battle. And sweat ran down streaming from his head and shoulders,
+and from his cruel wound the black blood was welling, but his mind was
+unshaken. And the strong son of Menoitios had pity on him when he
+beheld him, and lamenting he spake winged words: “Ah, wretched men, ye
+leaders and counsellors of the Danaans. How are ye now doomed, far from
+your friends and your own country, to feed full with your white fat the
+swift hounds in Troia! But come, tell me this, Eurypylos, hero and
+fosterling of Zeus, will the Achaians yet in any wise restrain mighty
+Hector, or will they perish even now, subdued beneath his spear?”
+
+And to him again did the wounded Eurypylos make answer: “No more,
+Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, will there be any defence of the
+Achaians, but they will fall among the black ships. For verily all of
+them, that afore were bravest, are lying in the ships wounded and
+smitten by the hands of the Trojans, whose strength is waxing always.
+But me do thou succour, and lead me to the black ship, and cut the
+arrow out of my thigh, and wash away the black blood from it with warm
+water, and smear soft healing drugs thereover, these good herbs whereof
+they say that thou hast learned from Achilles, whom Cheiron taught, the
+most righteous of the Centaurs. For of the leeches, Podaleirios and
+Machaon, one methinks, is wounded in the huts, and himself hath need of
+a good leech, and the other on the plain abideth the keen battle of the
+Trojans.”
+
+Then the strong son of Menoitios answered him again: “How should these
+things be? what shall we do, hero Eurypylos? I am on my way to carry a
+saying to wise-hearted Achilles, even the command of Nestor of Gerenia,
+warden of the Achaians; nay, but not even so will I be heedless of thee
+that art wounded.”
+
+So spake he, and clasped the shepherd of the host below the breast, and
+led him to the hut; and the squire when he beheld them cast on the
+ground the skins of oxen. There he stretched him at length, and cut
+with a knife the sharp arrow from his thigh, and washed from it the
+black blood with warm water. And thereon he cast a bitter root rubbing
+it between his hands, a root that took pain away, and ended all his
+anguish, and the wound began to dry, and the blood ceased.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XII.
+
+
+How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the Achaians.
+
+
+So in the huts the strong son of Menoitios was tending the wounded
+Eurypylos, but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans.
+Nor were the fosse of the Danaans and their wide wall above, long to
+protect them, the wall they had builded for defence of the ships, and
+the fosse they had drawn round about; for neither had they given goodly
+hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard with its bounds their swift
+ships, and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless gods was it builded,
+wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While Hector yet lived,
+and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of Priam the
+king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode steadfast.
+But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,—some were taken, and some were left,—and the city of Priam was
+sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships
+to their own dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo take
+counsel to wash away the wall, bringing in the might of the rivers, of
+all that flow from the hills of Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and
+Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios, Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly
+Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields and helms fell in the
+dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths of all these
+waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he drave
+their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker
+of the earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader,
+and sent forth into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones
+that the Achaians had laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong
+current of the Hellespont, and covered again the great beach with sand,
+when he had swept away the wall, and turned the rivers back to flow in
+their channel, where of old they poured down their fair flow of water.
+
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and
+the din of war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of
+the towers rang beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the
+scourge of Zeus, were penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in
+dread of Hector, the mighty maker of flight, but he, as aforetime,
+fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among hounds and hunting men, a
+boar or lion wheeleth him about, raging in his strength, and these
+array themselves in fashion like a tower, and stand up against him,
+casting many javelins from their hands; but never is his stout heart
+confused nor afraid, and his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth
+him about, and maketh trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he
+maketh onset there the ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and
+besought his comrades through the press, and spurred them on to cross
+the dyke. But his swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed,
+standing by the sheer edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither
+easy to leap from hard by, nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood
+round about it all on either hand, and above it was furnished with
+sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaians had planted there, thick set
+and great, a bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not lightly might a
+horse enter, drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen were
+eager, if they might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant
+Hector, and spake to him: “Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans
+and allies, foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke;
+nay right hard it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over
+against them the wall of the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and
+fight in chariots, for strait is the place wherein, methinks, we might
+come by a mischief. For if Zeus that thunders on high is utterly to
+destroy them in his evil will, and is minded to help the Trojans,
+verily then I too would desire that even instantly this might be, that
+the Achaians should perish here nameless far from Argos: but and if
+they turn again, and we flee back from among the ships, and rush into
+the delved ditch, then methinks that not even one from among us to bear
+the tidings will win back to the city before the force of the Achaians
+when they rally. But come as I declare, let us all obey. Let our
+squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we being harnessed in our
+gear as foot soldiers follow all together with Hector, and the Achaians
+will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of death be made fast upon
+them.”
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and
+straightway in his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground.
+Nor were the other Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all
+leaped forth, when they beheld goodly Hector. There each gave it into
+the charge of his own charioteer, to keep the horses orderly there by
+the fosse. And they divided, and arrayed themselves, and ordered in
+five companies they followed with the leaders.
+
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most,
+and bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the
+hollow ships; and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for
+Hector had left another man with his chariot, a weaker warrior than
+Kebriones. The second company Paris led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and
+the third company Helenos led, and godlike Deiphobos,—two sons of
+Priam,—the third was the warrior Asios, Asios Hyrtakos’ son, whom his
+tall sorrel steeds brought out of Arisbe, from the river Selleëis. And
+of the fourth company was the brave son of Anchises leader, even
+Aineias; and with him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and Akamas,
+both well skilled in all warfare.
+
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose
+Glaukos and warlike Asteropaios, for they seemed to him to be
+manifestly the bravest of all after himself but he was excellent, yea,
+above all the host. And these when they had arrayed one another with
+well-fashioned shields of bulls’ hide, went straight and eager against
+the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer resist them, but that
+themselves should fall on the black ships.
+
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the
+counsel of blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of
+men, willed not to leave his horses there, and his squire the
+charioteer, but with them he drew near the swift ships, fond man! for
+never was he, avoiding evil Fates, to return, rejoicing in his horses
+and chariot, back from the ships to windy Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate
+of ill name overshadowed him, by the spear of Idomeneus, the haughty
+son of Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank of the ships,
+whereby the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and
+horses: there he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the
+doors shut on the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them
+open if perchance they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of
+the battle towards the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with
+unswerving aim, and his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they
+deemed that the Achaians could no longer hold them off, but that
+themselves would fall on the black ships: fools, for in the gates they
+found two men of the bravest, the high-hearted sons of the warrior
+Lapithae, one the son of Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and one
+Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These twain stood in front of
+the lofty gates, like high-crested oak trees in the hills, that for
+ever abide the wind and rain, firm fixed with roots great and long;
+even so these twain, trusting to the mightiness of their hands, abode
+the coming of great Asios, and fled not. But straight came the Trojans
+against the well-builded wall, holding their shields of dry bulls’ hide
+on high, with mighty clamour, round the prince Asios, and Iamenos, and
+Orestes, and Adamas, son of Asios, and Thoon, and Oinomaos. But the
+other twain for a while, being within the wall, urged the well-greaved
+Achaians to fight for the ships; but when they saw the Trojans
+assailing the wall, while the Danaans cried and turned in flight, then
+forth rushed the twain, and fought in front of the gates like wild
+boars that in the mountains abide the assailing crew of men and dogs,
+and charging on either flank they crush the wood around them, cutting
+it at the root, and the clatter of their tusks waxes loud, till one
+smite them and take their life away: so clattered the bright bronze on
+the breasts of the twain, as they were smitten in close fight, for
+right hardily they fought, trusting to the host above them, and to
+their own strength.
+
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded towers
+in defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the swift-faring
+ships. And like snowflakes the stones fell earthward, flakes that a
+tempestuous wind, as it driveth the dark clouds, rains thickly down on
+the bounteous earth: so thick fell the missiles from the hands of
+Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms rang harsh and their bossy
+shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily then Asios, son of
+Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and indignantly he spake:
+“Father Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie, for I deemed not
+that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and our hands
+invincible. But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that have made
+their dwellings in a rugged path, and leave not their hollow hold, but
+abide and keep the hunters at bay for the sake of their little ones,
+even so these men have no will to give ground from the gates, though
+they are but two, ere they slay or be slain.”
+
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for
+his will was to give renown to Hector.
+
+[But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were
+for me like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the
+wall of stone rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow,
+defending the ships of necessity; and all the gods were grieved at
+heart, as many as were defenders of the Danaans in battle. And together
+the Lapithae waged war and strife.]
+
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the
+spear, through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the
+bronze helm stay the spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through
+the bone, and all the brain within was scattered, and the spear
+overcame him in his eagerness. Thereafter he slew Pylon and Ormenos.
+And Leonteus of the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos, son of Antimachos,
+with the spear, striking him on the girdle. Then again he drew his
+sharp sword from the sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close fight,
+rushing on him through the throng, that he fell on his back on the
+ground; and thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes
+one after the other, to the bounteous earth.
+
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men
+who followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number
+and bravest, and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on
+fire, these still stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager
+to pass over a bird had appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight,
+skirting the host on the left hand. In its talons it bore a blood-red
+monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still; yea, not yet had it
+forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote the bird
+that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the
+throng; then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the
+Trojans shuddered when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst
+of them; an omen of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: “Hector, ever
+dost thou rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since
+it by no means beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee,
+in council or in war, but always to increase thy power; but now again
+will I say all that seemeth to me to be best. Let us not advance and
+fight with the Danaans for the ships. For even thus, methinks, the end
+will be, if indeed this bird hath come for the Trojans when they were
+eager to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host
+on the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red monstrous snake,
+yet living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he reached his
+own nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings.
+Even so shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall
+of the Achaians, and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return
+in disarray from the ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans
+shall we leave behind, whom the Achaians will slay with the sword, in
+defence of the ships. Even so would a soothsayer interpret that in his
+heart had clear knowledge of omens, and whom the people obeyed.”
+
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: “Polydamas,
+that thou speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how
+to conceive another counsel better than this. But if thou verily
+speakest thus in earnest, then the gods themselves have utterly
+destroyed thy wits; thou that bidst us forget the counsels of
+loud-thundering Zeus, that himself promised me, and confirmed with a
+nod of his head! But thou bidst us be obedient to birds long of wing,
+whereto I give no heed, nor take any care thereof, whether they fare to
+the right, to the dawn and to the sun, or to the left, to mist and
+darkness. Nay, for us, let us trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who
+is king over all mortals and immortals. One omen is best, to fight for
+our own country. And wherefore dost thou fear war and battle? For if
+all the rest of us be slain by the ships of the Argives, yet needst
+thou not fear to perish, for thy heart is not warlike, nor enduring in
+battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from the fight, or winnest any
+other with thy words to turn him from war, straightway by my spear
+shalt thou be smitten, and lose thy life.”
+
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and
+Zeus that joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida a blast of
+wind, which bare the dust straight against the ships; and he made weak
+the heart of the Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to
+Hector. Trusting then in his omens, and their might, they strove to
+break the great wall of the Achaians. They dragged down the
+machicolations of the towers, and overthrew the battlements, and heaved
+up the projecting buttresses, that the Achaians set first in the earth,
+to be the props of the towers. These they overthrew, and hoped to break
+the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now did the Danaans give ground from
+the path, but closed up the battlements with shields of bulls’ hides,
+and cast from them at the foemen as they went below the walls.
+
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and
+arousing the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with
+honeyed words, another with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever
+they saw utterly giving ground from the fight: “O friends, whosoever is
+eminent, or whosoever is of middle station among the Argives, ay, or
+lower yet, for in no wise are all men equal in war, now is there work
+for all, and this yourselves well know. Let none turn back to the
+ships, for that he hath heard one threatening aloud; nay, get ye
+forward, and cheer another on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, will grant us to drive back the assault, and push the foe to
+the city.”
+
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the
+Achaians. But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus
+the Counsellor hath begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his to
+men, and he hath lulled the winds, and he snoweth continually, till he
+hath covered the crests of the high hills, and the uttermost headlands,
+and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of men; and the snow is
+scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and only the wave
+as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are swathed
+over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides their
+stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the Trojans
+against the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over all the
+wall the din arose.
+
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the
+gates of the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not
+roused his son Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the
+kine of crooked horn. Straightway he held forth his fair round shield,
+of hammered bronze, that the bronze-smith had hammered out, and within
+had stitched many bulls’ hides with rivets of gold, all round the
+circle, this held he forth, and shook two spears; and sped on his way,
+like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh meat, and his brave
+spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come even against a
+well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby, guarding
+the sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven
+without an effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep,
+and seizeth it, or himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart
+from a strong hand. So did his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon
+to rush against the wall, and break through the battlements. And
+instantly he spake to Glaukos, son of Hippolochos: “Glaukos, wherefore
+have we twain the chiefest honour,—seats of honour, and messes, and
+full cups in Lykia, and all men look on us as gods? And wherefore hold
+we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a fair demesne of
+orchard-land, and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it behoveth us to
+take our stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter fiery
+battle, that certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, ‘Verily our
+kings that rule Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep,
+and drink the choice wine honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of
+excellent might, for they war in the foremost ranks of the Lykians.’
+Ah, friend, if once escaped from this battle we were for ever to be
+ageless and immortal, neither would I fight myself in the foremost
+ranks, nor would I send thee into the war that giveth men renown, but
+now—for assuredly ten thousand fates of death do every way beset us,
+and these no mortal may escape nor avoid—now let us go forward, whether
+we shall give glory to other men, or others to us.”
+
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they
+twain went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for
+against his tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked
+along the tower of the Achaians if perchance he might see any of the
+leaders, that would ward off destruction from his comrades, and he
+beheld the two Aiantes, insatiate of war, standing there, and Teukros
+hard by, newly come from his hut; but he could not cry to be heard of
+them, so great was the din, and the noise went up unto heaven of
+smitten shields and helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates, for
+they had all been shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove
+by force to break them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the
+herald Thoötes: “Go, noble Thoötes, and run, and call Aias: or rather
+the twain, for that will be far the best of all, since quickly here
+will there be wrought utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the
+Lykians, who of old are fierce in strong battle. But if beside them too
+war and toil arise, yet at least let the strong Telamonian Aias come
+alone, and let Teukros the skilled bowman follow with him.”
+
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started
+and ran by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by
+the Aiantes, and straightway spake: “Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the
+mail-clad Achaians, the dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth
+you go thither, that, if it be but for a little while, ye may take your
+part in battle: both of you he more desireth, for that will be far the
+best of all, since quickly there will there be wrought utter ruin. For
+thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce in
+strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at least
+let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly
+spake winged words to the son of Oileus: “Aias, do ye twain stand here,
+thyself and strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all
+their might; but I go thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly
+will I come again, when I have well aided them.”
+
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his
+brother by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow
+of Teukros.
+
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing
+within the wall,—and to men sore pressed they came,—the foe were
+climbing upon the battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong
+leaders and counsellors of the Lykians; and they hurled together into
+the war and the battle-cry arose. Now first did Aias Telamon’s son slay
+a man, Epikles great of heart, the comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged
+stone he smote him, a great stone that lay uppermost within the wall,
+by the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it in both hands,
+however strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but Aias
+lifted it, and cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold
+crest, and broke the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from
+the lofty tower, and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote
+Glaukos, the strong son of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow
+from the lofty wall; even where he saw his shoulder bare he smote him,
+and made him cease from delight in battle. Back from the wall he leapt
+secretly, lest any of the Achaians should see him smitten, and speak
+boastfully. But sorrow came on Sarpedon when Glaukos departed, so soon
+as he was aware thereof, but he forgot not the joy of battle. He aimed
+at Alkmaon, son of Thestor, with the spear, and smote him, and drew out
+the spear. And Alkmaon following the spear fell prone, and his
+bronze-dight arms rang round him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong
+hands the battlement, and dragged, and it all gave way together, while
+above the wall was stripped bare, and made a path for many.
+
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an
+arrow, on the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast,
+but Zeus warded off the Fates from his son, that he should not be
+overcome beside the ships’ sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his
+shield, nor did the spear pass clean through, yet shook he Sarpedon in
+his eagerness. He gave ground a little way from the battlement, yet
+retreated not wholly, since his heart hoped to win renown. Then he
+turned and cried to the godlike Lykians: “O Lykians, wherefore thus are
+ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is for me, stalwart as I am,
+alone to break through, and make a path to the ships, nay, follow hard
+after me, for the more men, the better work.”
+
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on
+the harder around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other
+side made strong their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil
+began for them. For neither could the strong Lykians burst through the
+wall of the Danaans, and make a way to the ships, nor could the warlike
+Danaans drive back the Lykians from the wall, when once they had drawn
+near thereto. But as two men contend about the marches of their land,
+with measuring rods in their hands, in a common field, when in narrow
+space they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements divided
+them, and over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the
+breasts of either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were
+wounded in the flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of
+any of the warriors was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean
+through the very shield. Yea, everywhere the towers and battlements
+swam with the blood of men shed on either side, by Trojans and
+Achaians. But even so they could not put the Argives to rout, but they
+held their ground, as an honest woman that laboureth with her hands
+holds the balance, and raises the weight and the wool together,
+balancing them, that she may win scant wages for her children; so
+evenly was strained their war and battle, till the moment when Zeus
+gave the greater renown to Hector, son of Priam, who was the first to
+leap within the wall of the Achaians. In a piercing voice he cried
+aloud to the Trojans: “Rise, ye horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of
+the Argives, and cast among the ships fierce blazing fire.”
+
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears,
+and in one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears
+in their hands climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And
+Hector seized and carried a stone that lay in front of the gates, thick
+in the hinder part, but sharp at point: a stone that not the two best
+men of the people, such as mortals now are, could lightly lift from the
+ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it alone, for the son of
+crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as when a
+shepherd lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand,
+and little doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it
+straight against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set
+portals, double gates and tall, and two cross bars held them within,
+and one bolt fastened them. And he came, and stood hard by, and firmly
+planted himself, and smote them in the midst, setting his legs well
+apart, that his cast might lack no strength. And he brake both the
+hinges, and the stone fell within by reason of its weight, and the
+gates rang loud around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this
+way and that beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped
+in, with face like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was
+clad about his body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met
+him could have held him back when once he leaped within the gates: none
+but the gods, and his eyes shone with fire. Turning towards the throng
+he cried to the Trojans to overleap the wall, and they obeyed his
+summons, and speedily some overleaped the wall, and some poured into
+the fair-wrought gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear among the
+hollow ships, and a ceaseless clamour arose.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XIII.
+
+
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of
+Idomeneus.
+
+
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the
+ships, left them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere
+again he turned his shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the
+Thracian horsebreeders, and the Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand,
+and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the
+most righteous of men. To Troy no more at all he turned his shining
+eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the Immortals would
+draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+
+But the mighty Earthshaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled
+on the war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace,
+for thence all Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of
+Priam, and the ships of the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea
+and sate him down, and he had pity on the Achaians, that they were
+subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his anger against Zeus.
+
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift
+steps, and the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the
+immortal footsteps of Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and
+with the fourth he reached his goal, even Aigae, and there was his
+famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his glistering golden mansions
+builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and let harness to the
+car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with their
+golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized
+the well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he
+drove across the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on
+all sides out of the deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with
+gladness the sea stood asunder, and swiftly they sped, and the axle of
+bronze was not wetted beneath, and the bounding steeds bare him on to
+the ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between
+Tenedos and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth,
+stay his horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before
+them ambrosial food to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about
+their hooves, tethers neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the
+horses might continually await their lord’s return. And he went to the
+host of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array,
+with fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries
+they came, and thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay
+thereby all the bravest of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the
+world, the Shaker of the earth, was urging on the Argives, and forth he
+came from the deep salt sea, in form and untiring voice like unto
+Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that themselves were eager
+for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the people of the
+Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill fear.
+For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the
+Trojans, that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the
+well-greaved Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I
+greatly dread lest some evil befall us, even here where that furious
+one is leading like a flame of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son
+of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may some god put it into the hearts of
+you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and urge others to do the
+like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring ships, despite
+his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him to
+war.”
+
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the
+twain with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their
+limbs he made light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even
+as a swift-winged hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall
+sheer rock, and swoops to chase some other bird across the plain, even
+so Poseidon sped from them, the Shaker of the world. And of the twain
+Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias, was the first to know the god, and
+instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon: “Aias, since it is one of
+the gods who hold Olympus, that in the semblance of a seer commands us
+now to fight beside the ships—not Kalchas is he, the prophet and
+soothsayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and knees as he
+turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own heart
+within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.”
+
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within
+me, and both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even
+in single fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which
+the god put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up
+the Achaians that were in the rear and were renewing their strength
+beside the swift ships. Their limbs were loosened by their grievous
+toil, yea, and their souls filled with sorrow at the sight of the
+Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in their multitude. And
+they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows, thinking that
+never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth right
+easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leïtos, and the hero Peneleos,
+and Thoas, and Deïpyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the
+war-cry, all these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you,
+Argives, shame, ye striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the
+salvation of our ships. But if you are to withdraw from grievous war,
+now indeed the day doth shine that shall see us conquered by the
+Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this that mine eyes
+behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to pass, the
+Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and
+wolves, and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle.
+Even so the Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and
+the hands of the Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting
+far from the town, by the hollow ships, all through the baseness of our
+leader and the remissness of the people, who, being at strife with the
+chief, have no heart to defend the swift-faring ships, nay, thereby
+they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the hero Agamemnon, the
+wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for that he did
+dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we refrain in
+any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for easily
+righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I
+myself would not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained
+from war, but with you I am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye
+make the mischief more through this remissness,—but let each man
+conceive shame in his heart, and indignation, for verily great is the
+strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the loud war-cry is
+fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath burst in
+sunder.”
+
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians.
+And straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands
+that Ares himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that
+marshals the host. Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the
+Trojans and goodly Hector, and spear on spear made close-set fence, and
+shield on serried shield, buckler pressed on buckler, and helm on helm,
+and man on man. The horse-hair crests on the bright helmet-ridges
+touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood each by other,
+and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their hearts
+were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them,
+pressing straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the
+winter-swollen water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken
+the foundations of the stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping
+aloft it flies, and the wood echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its
+course, till it reaches the level plain, and then it rolls no more for
+all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a while threatened lightly to win
+to the sea through the huts and the ships of the Achaians, slaying as
+he came, but when he encountered the serried battalions, he was stayed
+when he drew near against them. But they of the other part, the sons of
+the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed spears, and
+drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the
+Achaians will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed
+themselves in fashion like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee
+back before the spear, if verily the chief of gods has set me on, the
+loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and
+Deïphobos, the son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and
+held in front of him the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped
+with his feet, advancing beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones
+aimed at him with a shining spear, and struck, and missed not, but
+smote the circle of the bulls’-hide shield, yet no whit did he pierce
+it; nay, well ere that might be, the long spear-shaft snapped in the
+socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the bulls’-hide shield,
+and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that hero shrunk
+back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for the
+loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set
+forth to go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long
+spear, that he had left in his hut.
+
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an
+inextinguishable cry. First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the
+spearman Imbrios, the son of Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he
+dwelt, before the coming of the sons of the Achaians, and he had for
+wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock, Medesikaste; but when
+the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again to Ilios, and
+was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who honoured
+him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the ear
+with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an
+ash that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of
+bronze, and brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell,
+and round him rang his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed
+forth, most eager to strip his armour, and Hector cast at him as he
+came with his shining spear. But Teukros, steadily regarding him,
+avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so Hector struck Amphimachos,
+son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the spear, as he was
+returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour rang upon
+him.
+
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted
+Amphimachos the helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at
+Hector as he came, with a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his
+body, for he was all clad in dread armour of bronze; but he smote the
+boss of his shield, and drave him back by main force, and he gave place
+from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians drew them out of the
+battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the Athenians,
+conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but Imbrios
+the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and
+carry it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the
+ground in their jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and
+spoiled his arms. Then the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate
+neck, in wrath for the sake of Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a
+ball through the throng, and it dropped in the dust before the feet of
+Hector.
+
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his son’s son fell in the
+terrible fray.* So he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the
+Achaians, to spur on the Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the
+Trojans. Then Idomeneus, spearman renowned, met him on his way from his
+comrade that had but newly returned to him out of the battle, wounded
+on the knee with the sharp bronze. Him his comrades carried forth, and
+Idomeneus gave charge to the leeches, and so went on to his hut, for he
+still was eager to face the war. Then the mighty Shaker of the earth
+addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon, that ruled over
+the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was honoured
+like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the Cretans,
+say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the Achaians
+threatened the Trojans?”
+
+* Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidon’s son.
+
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos,
+now is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in
+war. Neither is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any
+that gives place to cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even
+thus, methinks, must it have seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that
+the Achaians should perish nameless here, far away from Argos. But
+Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and dost spur on some
+other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground, therefore
+slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the
+sport of dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come,
+take thy weapons and away: herein we must play the man together, if any
+avail there may be, though we are no more than two. Ay, and very
+cowards get courage from company, but we twain know well how to battle
+even with the brave.”
+
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but
+Idomeneus, so soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair
+armour about his body, and grasped two spears, and set forth like the
+lightning that Kronion seizes in his hand and brandishes from radiant
+Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal men, and far seen are the
+flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the breast of Idomeneus
+as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he was still
+near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest
+of my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and
+strife? Art thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost
+thou come with a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have
+no desire to sit in the huts, but to fight.”
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “[Idomeneus, thou
+counsellor of the mail-clad Cretans,] I have come to fetch a spear, if
+perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which before I
+carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut,
+against the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have
+spoiled their slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with
+foemen from afar, wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and
+helms, and corslets of splendid sheen.”
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand.
+Nay, for methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand
+forth among the foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth
+the strife of battle. Any other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians
+should sooner forget my prowess, but thou art he that knoweth it.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what
+a man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay,
+if now beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an
+ambush—wherein the valour of men is best discerned; there the coward,
+and the brave man most plainly declare themselves: for the colour of
+the coward changes often, and his spirit cannot abide firm within him,
+but now he kneels on one knee, now on the other, and rests on either
+foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as he thinks of doom,
+and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave man does not
+change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters the
+ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woful war.
+Were we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any
+man reckon lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if
+thou wert stricken in battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the
+dart would not strike thee in the hinder part of the neck, nor in the
+back, but would encounter thy breast or belly, as thou dost press on,
+towards the gathering of the foremost fighters. But come, no more let
+us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man be vehemently
+wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the
+spear of bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high
+thoughts of battle. And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into
+the war, and with him follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless,
+that terrifies even the hardy warrior; and these twain leave Thrace,
+and harness them for fight with the Ephyri, or the great-hearted
+Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but give honour to one
+only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, set
+forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager
+to enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the
+centre, or on the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the
+flowing-haired Achaians so like to fail in fight.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two
+Aiantes, and Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good
+man in close fight; these will give Hector Priam’s son toil enough,
+howsoever keen he be for battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart.
+Hard will he find it, with all his lust for war, to overcome their
+strength and their hands invincible, and to fire the ships, unless
+Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning brand. But not
+to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man that is
+mortal and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be cloven with the sword of
+bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles the
+breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but
+for speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide
+us twain, as thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily
+we may learn whether we are to win glory from others, or other men from
+us.”
+
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till
+they came to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire
+with him, and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him
+through the press. Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships.
+And as the gusts speed on, when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust
+lies thickest on the roads, and the winds raise together a great cloud
+of dust, even so their battle clashed together, and all were fain of
+heart to slay each other in the press with the keen bronze. And the
+battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears, the piercing
+spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming helmets
+dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would
+he have been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of
+battle.
+
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were
+contriving sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for
+the Trojans and Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he
+did not wish the Achaian host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only
+to give renown to Thetis and her strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went
+among the Argives and stirred them to war, stealing secretly forth from
+the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that they were overcome by the
+Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus. Verily both were of the
+same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was the elder and
+the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness
+of a man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong
+strife and equal war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and
+Achaians, a knot that none might break nor undo, for the loosening of
+the knees of many.
+
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on
+the Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he
+slew Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had
+followed after the rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of
+the daughters of Priam, Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with
+promise of mighty deed, namely that he would drive perforce out of
+Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him the old man Priam promised
+and appointed that he would give her, so he fought trusting in his
+promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright spear, and cast and
+smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet of bronze
+that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and
+lifted up his voice, saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above
+all mortal men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast
+promised to Priam, son of Dardanos, that promised thee again his own
+daughter. Yea, and we likewise would promise as much to thee, and
+fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest daughter of the son of
+Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee, if only thou
+wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us that
+we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are
+no hard exacters of gifts of wooing.”
+
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce
+mellay. But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the
+charioteer guided so that still their breath touched the shoulders of
+Asios. And the desire of his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was
+beforehand with him, and smote him with the spear in the throat, below
+the chin, and drove the point straight through. And he fell as an oak
+falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that craftsmen have felled on
+the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s timber, even so he lay
+stretched out before the horses and the chariot, groaning, and
+clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and kept not
+his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of the
+hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and
+pierced the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the
+corslet of bronze he was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in
+the midst of his belly. Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought
+chariot, and Antilochos, the son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the
+horses out from the Trojans, among the well-greaved Achaians. Then
+Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh Idomeneus, and cast at
+him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily watching him,
+avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of his
+shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that
+he always bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched
+together, and the spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang
+sharply, as the spear grazed thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the
+heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the
+shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the midriff, and instantly
+unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him terribly, crying
+aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay, methinks, that even
+on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will rejoice at
+heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and
+stirred above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite
+his sorrow, he was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood
+over him, and covered him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions,
+Mekisteus, son of Echios, and goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted
+him, and with heavy groaning bare him to the hollow ships.
+
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving,
+either to cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to
+fall in warding off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of
+Aisyetes, fosterling of Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who
+was son-in-law of Anchises, and had married the eldest of his
+daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her lady mother dearly
+loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her age in
+beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus,
+throwing a spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs;
+so that he might neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but
+stood steady as a pillar, or a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when
+the hero Idomeneus smote him in the midst of the breast with the spear,
+and rent the coat of bronze about him, that aforetime warded death from
+his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the spear. And he fell
+with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still beating,
+shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud:
+“Deiphobos, are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three
+men for one, since thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also
+thyself against me, that thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am
+I that have come hither! For Zeus first begat Minos, the warden of
+Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble Deukalion, and Deukalion
+begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and now have the ships
+brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all the Trojans.”
+
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he
+should retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted
+Trojans, or should try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his
+mind it seemed the better, to go after Aineias, whom he found standing
+the last in the press, for Aineias was ever wroth against goodly Priam,
+for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his valour among men. So
+Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him: “Aineias, thou
+counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need that thou
+shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth touch
+thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband, who
+of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one,
+and now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went
+to seek Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold
+upon Idomeneus, as though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at
+bay, like a boar on the hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides
+the great assailing throng of men in a lonely place, and he bristles up
+his back, and his eyes shine with fire, while he whets his tusks, and
+is right eager to keep at bay both men and hounds. Even so stood
+spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came to the rescue,
+and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos,
+all masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake
+winged words: “Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and
+terribly I dread the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is
+assailing me; for he is right strong to destroy men in battle, and he
+hath the flower of youth, the greatest avail that may be. Yea, if he
+and I were of like age, and in this spirit whereof now we are, speedily
+should he or I achieve high victory.”
+
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood
+hard by each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the
+other side, cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris,
+and noble Agenor, that with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then
+the hosts followed them, as sheep follow their leader to the water from
+the pasture, and the shepherd is glad at heart; even so the heart of
+Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw the hosts of the people
+following to aid him.
+
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long
+spears, and round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed
+at each other in the press, while two men of war beyond the rest,
+Aineias and Idomeneus, the peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the
+flesh of the other with the pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at
+Idomeneus, who steadily watching him avoided the spear of bronze, and
+the point of Aineias went quivering in the earth, since vainly it had
+flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote Oinomaos in the midst
+of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the bronze let
+forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the
+far-shadowing spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the
+rest of the fair armour from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard
+on him. Nay, and his feet no longer served him firmly in a charge, nor
+could he rush after his own spear, nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in
+close fight he still held off the pitiless day of destiny, but in
+retreat his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the battle. And as he
+was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining spear,
+for, verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalaphos, the son of
+Enyalios, with his dart, and the strong spear passed through his
+shoulder, and he fell in the dust, and clutched the earth in his
+outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful Ares was not yet aware at all
+that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he was reclining on the
+peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held there by the
+design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods, restrained
+from the war.
+
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos
+tore from Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift
+Ares, leaped forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and
+from his hand the vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And
+Meriones sprang forth instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong
+spear from the shoulder of Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of
+his comrades. But the own brother of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his
+hands round his waist, and led him forth from the evil din of war, even
+till he came to the swift horses, that waited for him behind the battle
+and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight chariot. These
+bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and the
+blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched.
+There Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his
+throat, that chanced to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his
+head dropped down and his shield and helm fell with him, and death that
+slays the spirit overwhelmed him. And Antilochos watched Thoon as he
+turned the other way, and leaped on him, and wounded him, severing all
+the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the neck; this he
+severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching out
+both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the
+Trojans gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining
+shield, yet did not avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate
+flesh of Antilochos with the pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the
+Shaker of the earth, did guard on every side the son of Nestor, even in
+the midst of the javelins. And never did Antilochos get free of the
+foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was his spear at rest,
+but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart was to smite
+a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he was
+aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of
+Asios, who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting
+on nigh at hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no
+avail, grudging him the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode
+there, like a burned stake, in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay
+on the earth, and back retreated Adamas to the ranks of his comrades,
+avoiding Fate. But Meriones following after him as he departed, smote
+him with a spear between the privy parts and the navel, where a wound
+is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he fixed the spear in
+him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull that
+herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long,
+till the hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body.
+And darkness covered his eyes.
+
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great
+Thracian sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged,
+fell on the ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up
+as it rolled between his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of
+Deipyros.
+
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud
+war-cry, and he went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the
+prince, shaking his sharp spear, while the other drew the centre-piece
+of his bow. And both at once were making ready to let fly, one with his
+sharp spear, the other with the arrow from the string. Then the son of
+Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his arrow, on the plate of the
+corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from a broad shovel in
+a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and pulse, before
+the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s shovel, even so
+from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far aside the
+bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into
+the bow, clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back
+he withdrew to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand
+hanging down at his side, for the ashen spear dragged after him. And
+the great-hearted Agenor drew the spear from his hand, and himself
+bound up the hand with a band of twisted sheep’s-wool, a sling that a
+squire carried for him, the shepherd of the host.
+
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate
+was leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome
+in the dread strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in
+onset upon each other, the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was
+turned aside, but Peisandros smote the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet
+availed not to drive the bronze clean through, for the wide shield
+caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet Peisandros rejoiced
+in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of Atreus drew his
+silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And Peisandros, under
+his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long and
+polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close
+below the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came
+forward, on the brow, above the base of the nose, and the bones
+cracked, and the eyes, all bloody, fell at his feet in the dust. Then
+he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot on his breast, and
+stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even thus then
+surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds, ye
+Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye
+shall not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me
+ashamed, ye hounds of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong
+wrath of loud-thundering Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day
+will destroy your steep citadel. O ye that wantonly carried away my
+wedded wife and many of my possessions, when ye were entertained by
+her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the seafaring
+ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain you
+from battle, for as eager as ye be. O father Zeus, verily they say that
+thou dost excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these
+things are from thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of
+violence, even the Trojans, whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can
+they have their fill of the din of equal war. Of all things there is
+satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of sweet song, and dance
+delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than of war, but
+the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body,
+and gave them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again,
+and mingled in the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of
+king Pylaimenes, leaped out against him, Harpalion that followed his
+dear father to Troy, to the war, nor ever came again to his own
+country. He then smote the middle of the shield of Atreus’ son with his
+spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding Fate,
+glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod
+arrow, and smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right
+through the bladder and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even
+there, in the arms of his dear comrades, he breathed away his soul,
+lying stretched like a worm on the earth, and out flowed the black
+blood, and wetted the ground. And the Paphlagonians great of heart,
+tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and drove him to sacred
+Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding tears, and
+there was no atonement for his dead son.
+
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had
+been his host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his
+sake, he let fly a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor,
+the son of Polyidos the seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was
+in Corinth. And well he knew his own ruinous fate, when he went on
+ship-board, for often would the old man, the good Polyidos, tell him,
+that he must either perish of a sore disease in his halls, or go with
+the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the Trojans. Wherefore he
+avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and the hateful
+disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit
+departed from his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus, had not
+heard nor knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was
+being subdued by the Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won
+renown, so mighty was the Holder and Shaker of the earth that urged on
+the Argives; yea, and himself mightily defended them. But Hector kept
+where at first he had leaped within the walls and the gate, and broken
+the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even where were the ships
+of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the hoary sea, while
+above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the heroes and
+their horses were raging in battle.
+
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught
+on the ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector,
+like a flame of fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians;
+among them Menestheus son of Peteos was the leader; and there followed
+with him Pheidas and Stichios, and brave Bias, while the Epeians were
+led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion and Drakios, and in front of
+the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in war. Now the one,
+Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of Aias, and he
+dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain a
+man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the
+other, Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in
+their armour, in the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending
+the ships, and fighting among the Boiotians.
+
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the
+side of Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in
+fallow land two wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen
+plough, and round the roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat,
+and nought sunders them but the polished yoke, as they labour through
+the furrow, till the end of the furrow brings them up, so stood the two
+Aiantes close by each other. Now verily did many and noble hosts of his
+comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and bore his shield when
+labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians followed not
+with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of
+bronze, shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen
+spears, but trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool,
+they followed with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick
+and fast, and brake the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in
+front, with their well-dight arms contended with the Trojans, and with
+Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind kept shooting
+from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the joy of
+battle, for the arrows confounded them.
+
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans
+have withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant
+Hector and said: “Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that
+would counsel thee; for that god has given thee excellence in the works
+of war, therefore in council also thou art fain to excel other men in
+knowledge. But in nowise wilt thou be able to take everything on
+thyself. For to one man has god given for his portion the works of war,
+[to another the dance, to another the lute and song,] but in the heart
+of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent understanding,
+whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and himself best
+knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me. Behold
+all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being
+scattered among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the
+best of the warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully,
+whether we should fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god
+willeth to give us victory, or after counsel held, should return
+unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear lest the Achaians repay
+their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there tarrieth a man
+insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand aloof from
+battle.”
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who
+[straightaway sprang to earth from the chariot with his arms, and]
+spake to him winged words and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all
+the best of the host, but I will go thither to face the war, and
+swiftly will return again, when I have straitly laid on them my
+commands.”
+
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and
+shouting aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all
+sped to Polydamas, the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the
+voice of Hector. But he went seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince
+Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the
+warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he might find them. But them
+he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but, lo, some among the
+sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by the hands of
+the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or cast.
+But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with
+words of shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest
+for women, thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong
+prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and
+where is Othryoneus? Now hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now,
+too, thou seest, is sheer destruction sure.”
+
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather
+withdraw me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a
+coward. For from the time that thou didst gather the battle of thy
+comrades about the ships, from that hour do we abide here, and war with
+the Danaans ceaselessly; and our comrades concerning whom thou
+inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the strong prince Helenos have
+both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the hand with long
+spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have
+strength; but beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he
+be.”
+
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went
+forth where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble
+Polydamas, and Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and
+Palmys, and Askanios, and Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in
+their turn, out of deep-soiled Askanie, on the morn before, and now
+Zeus urged them to fight. And these set forth like the blast of violent
+winds, that rushes earthward beneath the thunder of father Zeus, and
+with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and therein are many
+swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white with
+foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in
+van and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders. And
+Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of
+men. In front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and
+plates of beaten bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm.
+And everywhere he went in advance and made trial of the ranks, if
+perchance they would yield to him as he charged under cover of his
+shield. But he could not confound the heart within the breast of the
+Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged him first:
+“Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the Argives?
+We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus are
+we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your
+peopled city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked.
+But for thee, I tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt
+pray in thy flight to father Zeus, and the other immortal gods, that
+thy fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than falcons: thy steeds that are
+to bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust across the plain.”
+
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of
+lofty flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged
+by the omen, but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering
+boaster, what sayest thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely
+the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and
+that I were held in such honour as Apollo and Athene, as verily this
+day is to bring utter evil on all the Argives! And thou among them
+shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my long spear, which
+shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat and flesh
+the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and
+the whole host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side
+answered with a shout, and forgot not their valiance, but abode the
+onslaught of the bravest of the Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts
+went up through the higher air, to the splendour of Zeus.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XIV.
+
+
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and
+Poseidon spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was
+wounded.
+
+
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he
+spake winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble
+Machaon, what had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong
+warriors by the ships. Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the
+bright wine, till Hekamede of the fair tresses shall heat warm water
+for the bath, and wash away the clotted blood, but I will speedily go
+forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming
+Thrasymedes, which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze,
+for the son had the shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear,
+with a point of keen bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway
+beheld a deed of shame, the Achaians fleeing in rout, and the
+high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the wall of the Achaians was
+overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with a dumb wave, and
+dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still unmoved
+nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way
+and that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the
+swift steeds, or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the
+host. And thus as he pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to
+go to the son of Atreus. Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each
+other, and the stout bronze rang about their bodies as they were thrust
+with swords and double-pointed spears.
+
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they
+went up from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze,
+Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart
+from the battle were their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey
+sea, for these were the first they had drawn up to the plain, but had
+builded the wall in front of the hindmost. For in no wise might the
+beach, for as wide as it was, hold all the ships, and the host was
+straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row, and filled
+up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between
+them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears,
+to look on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his
+breast. And the old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to
+fail within the breasts of the Achaians.
+
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast
+deserted the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the
+word that dread Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened
+us, speaking in the assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would
+he return to Ilios from the ships, till he had burned the ships with
+fire, and slain the men. Even so he spake, and, lo, now all these
+things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the other well-greaved
+Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like Achilles, and
+have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could
+Zeus himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the
+wall is overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken
+bulwark of the ships and of our own bodies. And these men by the swift
+ships have endless battle without sparing, and no more couldst thou
+tell, howsoever closely thou mightst spy, from what side the Achaians
+are driven in rout, so confusedly are they slain, and the cry of battle
+goeth up to heaven. But let us take counsel, how these things may best
+be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we
+should go down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.”
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they
+are warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath
+availed not, nor the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much
+labour, hoping in their hearts that it should be the unbroken bulwark
+of the ships, and of their own bodies—such it seemeth must be the will
+of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians should perish here nameless far
+from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward to aid the Danaans, and
+now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like that of the
+blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come, as I
+declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up
+in the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt
+sea divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night
+comes, if even at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then
+might we drag down all the ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from
+ruin, yea, even in the night. Better doth he fare who flees from
+trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels: “Atreus’
+son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of mischief, sure
+thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among us, to
+whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to
+leave the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure
+with sorrow so many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians
+hear this word, that no man should so much as suffer to pass through
+his mouth, none that understandeth in his heart how to speak fit
+counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath hosts obeying him so
+many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I wholly scorn thy
+thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the midst of
+war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire,
+albeit they win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon
+us. For the Achaians will not make good the war, when the ships are
+drawn down to the salt sea, but will look round about to flee, and
+withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel work a mischief, O marshal
+of the host!”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid
+the sons of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered
+ships to the salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a
+wiser counsel than this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would
+it be to me.”
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of
+me, and each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the
+youngest among you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a
+noble sire, Tydeus, whom in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For
+Portheus had three well-born children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and
+steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas, and the third was Oineus the
+knight, the father of my father, and in valour he excelled the others.
+And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither he had
+wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full
+of livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of
+trees apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he
+excelled all the Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak
+sooth. Therefore ye could not say that I am weak and a coward by
+lineage, and so dishonour my spoken counsel, that well I may speak. Let
+us go down to the battle, wounded as we are, since we needs must; and
+then might we hold ourselves aloof from the battle, beyond the range of
+darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the others will we spur on,
+even them that aforetime gave place to their passion, and stand apart,
+and fight not.”
+
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they
+set forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in
+the guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus’ son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+“Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since
+he hath no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise,
+and god mar him. But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth,
+nay, even yet methinks the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover
+the wide plain with dust, and thyself shalt see them fleeing to the
+city from the ships and the huts.”
+
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud
+as nine thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the
+strife of war, so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the
+earth sent forth from his breast, and great strength he put into the
+heart of each of the Achaians, to strive and war unceasingly.
+
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw
+with her eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s
+going to and fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her
+heart. And she beheld Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of
+many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he was hateful. Then she took
+thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might beguile the mind of
+aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to be the best
+counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself, if
+perchance he would desire to sleep beside her and embrace her body in
+love, and a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eyelids and
+his crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son
+Hephaistos had fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the
+pillars, with a secret bolt, that no other god might open. There did
+she enter in and closed the shining doors. With ambrosia first did she
+cleanse every stain from her winsome body, and anointed her with olive
+oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour; if it were but shaken, in
+the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour thereof went right forth
+to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair body, and combed
+her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair and
+ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set
+many things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with
+clasps of gold. And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred
+tassels, and she set earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three
+drops, and glistering, therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a
+veil over all the peerless goddess veiled herself, a fair new veil,
+bright as the sun, and beneath her shining feet she bound goodly
+sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her array, she went
+forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other gods,
+and spake to her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that which
+I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?”
+
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart
+bids me fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal
+men. For I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and
+Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and
+nourished me in their halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing
+Zeus imprisoned Kronos beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them
+am I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, apart from love and the
+marriage bed, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. If with words I
+might persuade their hearts, and bring them back to love and the
+marriage bed, ever should I be called dear to them and worshipful.”
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor
+seemly were it to deny that thou askest, for thou sleepest in the arms
+of Zeus, the chief of gods.”
+
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle,
+fair-wrought, wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and
+desire, and loving converse, that steals the wits even of the wise.
+This girdle she laid in her hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take
+this girdle and lay it up in thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle,
+wherein all things are fashioned; methinks thou wilt not return with
+that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou desirest.”
+
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the
+zone within her breast.
+
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera,
+rushing down, left the peak of Olympus, and touched on Pieria and
+pleasant Emathia, and sped over the snowy hills of the Thracian
+horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the ground with her
+feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea, and came to
+Lemnos, the city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of
+Death, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called him by name:
+“Sleep, lord of all gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear my
+word, obey me again even now, and I will be grateful to thee always.
+Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes of Zeus beneath his brows, so
+soon as I have laid me down by him in love. And gifts I will give to
+thee, even a fair throne, imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that
+Hephaistos the Lame, mine own child, shall fashion skilfully, and will
+set beneath it a footstool for the feet, for thee to set thy shining
+feet upon, when thou art at a festival.”
+
+Then sweet Sleep answered her and said: “Hera, goddess and queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, another of the eternal gods might I lightly
+lull to slumber, yea, were it the streams of Okeanos himself, that is
+the father of them all. But to Zeus the son of Kronos might I not draw
+near, nor lull him to slumber, unless himself commanded it. For ere now
+did a behest of thine teach me a lesson, on the day when that famed
+high-hearted son of Zeus sailed from Ilios, when he had sacked the city
+of the Trojans. Then verily I lulled the soul of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+with my sweet influence poured about him, and thou didst contrive evil
+against him in thy heart, and didst rouse over the sea the blasts of
+violent winds, and Herakles thou then didst bear to well-peopled Kos,
+far from all his friends. But Zeus, when he wakened, was wrathful, and
+dashed the gods about his mansion, and me above all he sought, and he
+would have cast me from the upper air to perish in the deep, if Night
+had not saved me, Night, that subdues both gods and men. To her I came
+as a suppliant in my flight, and he ceased from pursuing, wrathful as
+he was, for he was in awe of doing aught displeasing to swift Night.
+And now again thou biddest me accomplish this other task that may not
+be accomplished.”
+
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera answered him again: “Sleep, wherefore dost
+thou consider these things in thy heart? dost thou deem that Zeus of
+the far-borne voice will succour the Trojans even as he was wroth for
+the sake of Herakles, his own child? Nay come, and I will give thee one
+of the younger of the Graces, to wed and to be called thy wife [even
+Pasithea, that ever thou longest for all thy days].”
+
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said: “Come now,
+swear to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands
+grasp the bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all
+may be witnesses to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos,
+that verily thou wilt give me one of the younger of the Graces, even
+Pasithea, that myself do long for all my days.”
+
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she
+sware as he bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below
+Tartaros that are called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that
+oath, the twain left the citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on
+in mist, and swiftly they accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida
+they came, the mother of wild beasts, to Lekton, where first they left
+the sea, and they twain fared above the dry land, and the topmost
+forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep halted, ere the eyes of
+Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the loftiest pine
+that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air. Therein
+sat he, hidden by the branches of the pine, in the likeness of the
+shrill bird that on the mountains the gods call _chalkis_, but men
+_kymindis_.* But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the
+highest crest of Ida, and Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he
+saw her, so love came over his deep heart, even as when first they
+mingled with each other in delight, and went together to the couch,
+their dear parents knowing it not. And he stood before her, and spoke,
+and said: “Hera, with what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus,
+and thy horses and chariot are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?”
+
+* The names of Night-jar, Goat-sucker, Doehawk, and Fern-owl are given
+in Bewick for this bird, which is really a kind of swift.—R. W. R.
+
+
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit
+the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and
+mother Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them
+am I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, from love and the
+marriage bed, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. But my horses
+are standing at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall
+bear me over wet and dry. And now it is because of thee that I am thus
+come hither, down from Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth
+with me hereafter, if silently I were gone to the mansion of
+deep-flowing Okeanos.”
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. But come let us twain take
+pleasure in the bed of love. For never once as thus did the love of
+goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart within my
+breast. Not when I loved the wife of Ixion, who bore Pirithoos, the
+peer of gods in counsel, nor when I loved Danae of the fair ankles,
+daughter of Akrisios, who bore Perseus, most renowned of all men, nor
+when I loved the famed daughter of Phoinix, who bore me Minos, and
+godlike Rhadamanthys, nay, nor even when I loved Semele, nor Alkmene in
+Thebes, and she bore Herakles, a child hardy of heart, but Semele bore
+Dionysos, a delight to mortals, nay, nor when I loved the fair-tressed
+queen, Demeter, nor renowned Leto, nay, nor thy very self, as now I
+love thee, and sweet desire possesses me.”
+
+And him the lady Hera answered with crafty purpose: “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what a word thou hast spoken! If now thou dost long to be
+couched in love on the crests of Ida, and all stands plain to view, how
+would it be if someone of the eternal gods should see us slumbering,
+and go and tell it to all the gods? It is not I that could arise from
+the couch and go again to thy house, nay, it would be a thing for
+righteous anger. But if thou wilt, and it is dear to thy heart, thou
+hast a chamber that thine own son Hephaistos builded, and fastened
+strong doors to the pillars, thither let us go and lie down, if the
+couch be thy desire.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered her and said: “Hera, fear not
+lest any god, or any man should spy the thing, so great a golden cloud
+will I cast all over thee. Nay, methinks not even the sun might see
+through it, the sun, whose light is keenest of all to behold.”
+
+So spake he, and the son of Kronos clasped his consort in his arms. And
+beneath them the divine earth sent forth fresh new grass, and dewy
+lotus, and crocus, and hyacinth, thick and soft, that raised them aloft
+from the ground. Therein they lay, and were clad on with a fair golden
+cloud, whence fell drops of glittering dew.
+
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and
+love overcome, with his bedfellow in his arms. But sweet Sleep started
+and ran to the ships of the Achaians, to tell his tidings to the god
+that holdeth and shaketh the earth. And he stood near him, and spake
+winged words: “Eagerly now, Poseidon, do thou aid the Danaans, and give
+them glory for a little space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for over him
+have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath beguiled him to couch in love.”
+
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the
+more did he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang
+far afront of the foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again
+to yield the victory to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our
+ships and win renown? Nay, even so he saith and declareth that he will
+do, for that Achilles by the hollow ships abides angered at heart. But
+for him there will be no such extreme regret, if we spur us on to aid
+each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us all obey. Let us harness
+us in the best shields that are in the host, and the greatest, and
+cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears in our
+hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness.
+And whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on
+his shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a
+larger shield.”
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the
+kings themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and
+Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host,
+and made exchange of weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior
+harness him in, the worse he gave to the worse. But when they had done
+on the shining bronze about their bodies, they started on the march,
+and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the earth, with a dread sword of
+fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning; wherewith it is not
+permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear holds men afar
+therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even
+dark-haired Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans,
+the other with the Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships
+of the Argives, and they gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so
+loudly bellows the wave of the sea against the land, stirred up from
+the deep by the harsh breath of the north wind, nor so loud is the roar
+of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when it springs to burn up
+the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high leafy tresses of
+the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was the cry of
+the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon each
+other.
+
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him
+full, and did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched
+across his breast, the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded
+sword; these guarded his tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because
+his swift spear had flown vainly from his hand, and he retreated into
+the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a
+huge stone; for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled
+among the feet of the fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote
+Hector on the breast, over the shield-rim, near the neck, and made him
+spin like a top with the blow, that he reeled round and round. And even
+as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the stroke of father Zeus, and a
+dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and whoso stands near and
+beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of great Zeus,
+even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear fell
+from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to
+drag him away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to
+wound or smite the shepherd of the host, before that might be the
+bravest gathered about him, Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor,
+and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians, and noble Glaukos, and of the rest
+not one was heedless of him, but they held their round shields in front
+of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms, and bare him out of
+the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were standing waiting
+for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the rear of
+the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying
+Xanthos, that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the
+chariot to the ground, and poured water over him, and he gat back his
+breath, and looked up with his eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling,
+he vomited black blood. Then again he sank back on the ground, and
+black night covered his eyes, the stroke still conquering his spirit.
+
+Now the Argives when they saw Hector departed rushed yet the more upon
+the Trojans, and were mindful of the delight of battle. There far the
+foremost did swift Aias, son of Oileus, leap on Satnios, son of Enops,
+and wounded him with his sharp spear; Satnios whom the fair Naiad-nymph
+bore to Enops as he herded his flocks by the banks of Satnioeis. Him
+did the spear-famed son of Oileus draw nigh, and wounded him on the
+flank, and he fell, and round him did Trojans and Danaans join in
+strong battle. Then to his aid came Polydamas, the wielder of the
+spear, son of Panthoos, and smote Prothoenor on the right shoulder,
+Prothoenor, son of Areïlykos, and through his shoulder went the mighty
+spear, and he fell in the dust, and clutched the earth with his palm.
+And Polydamas boasted over him terribly, crying aloud: “Verily methinks
+that again from the strong hand of the high-hearted son of Panthoos,
+the spear hath not leaped in vain. Nay, one of the Argives hath caught
+it in his flesh, and leaning thereon for a staff, methinks that he will
+go down within the house of Hades.”
+
+So spake he, and sorrow came on the Argives by reason of his boasting.
+And chiefly he roused the wrath of the wise son of Telamon, Aias, for
+the man fell close by him. Swiftly he cast at the other, as he
+departed, with his shining spear. And Polydamas himself avoided black
+Fate, starting to one side, but Archelochos, son of Antenor, received
+the spear, for the gods had willed his death. Him the spear struck at
+the meeting of the head and neck, on the last joint of the spine, and
+cut in twain both the tendons. And his head, and mouth, and nose, as he
+fell, reached the earth long before his legs and knees, and Aias again
+shouted to noble Polydamas: “Consider, Polydamas, and tell me truly,
+whether thou sayst not that this man is worth slaying in place of
+Prothoenor: he seems to me no coward, nor born of cowards, but a
+brother of horse-taming Antenor, or a child, for he most closely
+favoureth his house.”
+
+So he spake, knowing the truth right well, and sorrow seized the hearts
+of the Trojans. Then Akamas wounded Promachos the Boiotian with his
+spear, from where he stood above his brother, that Promachos was
+dragging away by the feet. Over him Akamas boasted terribly, shouting
+aloud: “Ye Argive bowmen, insatiate of threats, verily not for us alone
+shall there be struggle and toil, nay, but even as we shall ye likewise
+perish. Consider how your Promachos sleepeth, vanquished by my spear,
+that my brother’s blood-price may not be long unpaid. Even for this it
+is that a man may well pray to leave some kinsman in his halls, that
+will avenge his fall.”
+
+So he spake, and sorrow came on the Argives at his boast. And chiefly
+he stirred the heart of the wise Peneleos, who made for Akamas, and
+Akamas abode not the onset of the prince Peneleos. But Peneleos wounded
+Ilioneus, the son of Phorbas, rich in herds, that Hermes loved most
+dearly of all the Trojans, and gave him wealth. Now his mother bare
+Ilioneus, an only child, to Phorbas. Him did Peneleos wound beneath the
+brows, at the bases of the eye, and drave out the eyeball, and the
+spear went clean through the eye and through the nape of the neck, and
+he fell back, stretching out both his hands. And Peneleos, drawing
+forth his sharp sword, smote him on the middle of the neck, and smote
+off even to the ground the head with the helmet, and still the strong
+spear stood in the eye, and lifting it up like a poppy head, he showed
+it to the Trojans, and spoke his boastful words: “Ye Trojans, I pray
+you bid the dear father and the mother of proud Ilioneus to wail in
+their halls, for neither will the wife of Promachos, son of Alegenor,
+rejoice in her dear husband’s coming, in that hour when we youths of
+the Achaians return with our ships out of Troy-land.”
+
+So he spake, and fear fell on the limbs of all of them; and each man
+looked about to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses, that dwell in the mansions of Olympus, who was
+the first of the Achaians to lift the bloody spoils, when once the
+renowned Shaker of the earth turned the battle.
+
+Verily it was Aias, son of Telamon, that first wounded Hyrtios, the son
+of Gyrtias, the leader of the Mysians strong of heart, and Antilochos
+stripped the spoils from Phalkes and Mermeros, and Meriones slew Morys
+and Hippotion, and Teukros slew Prothoon and Periphetes, and next
+Atreus’ son wounded in the flank Hyperenor, the shepherd of the host,
+and the bronze point tore through and let out the entrails, and the
+soul through the stricken wound fled hastily, and darkness covered his
+eyes. But most men did Aias slay, the swift-footed son of Oileus, for
+there was none so speedy of foot as he, to follow when men fled, when
+Zeus sent terror among them.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XV.
+
+
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes
+of the Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+
+
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and
+many were overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed,
+and abode beside the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and
+Zeus awoke, on the peaks of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then
+he leaped up, and stood, and beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in
+flight, and these driving them on from the rear, even the Argives, and
+among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector he saw lying on the plain,
+and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping with difficult
+breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it was not
+the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera,
+with fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy
+crafty wile that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has
+terrified the host. Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be
+the first to reap the fruits of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with
+stripes. Dost thou not remember, when thou wert hung from on high, and
+from thy feet I suspended two anvils,* and round thy hands fastened a
+golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst hang in the clear
+air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus, but they
+could not come round and unloose thee.” Nay, whomsoever I might take, I
+would clutch, and throw from the threshold, to come fainting to the
+earth, yd verily not even so did the ceaseless sorrow leave my soul
+free: sorrow for godlike Herakles. Him didst thou drive, when thou
+hadst suborned the tempest, with the help of the North Wind, over the
+unvintaged deep, out of thine evil counsel, and then didst carry him
+away to well-peopled Kos. Him did I rescue thence, and lead again to
+Argos, the pastureland of horses, after his much labour. Of these
+things will I mind thee again, that thou mayst cease from thy wiles,
+that thou mayst know if it profit thee at all, the dalliance and the
+love, wherein thou didst lie with me, when thou hadst come from among
+the gods, and didst beguile me.”
+
+* Or, “thunderbolts”; _i.e._ meteoric stones.
+
+
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him
+winged words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven
+above, and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most
+terrible to the blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own
+bridal bed, whereby never would I forswear myself, that not by my will
+does earth-shaking Poseidon trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour
+them of the other part. Nay, it is his own soul that urgeth and
+commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians, when he beheld them
+hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him also to go even
+where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her
+he spake winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera,
+wouldst hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods,
+thereon would Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise,
+quickly turn his mind otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if
+indeed thou speakest the truth and soothly, go thou now among the
+tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, the
+renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of mail-clad Achaians
+and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get him unto
+his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that
+now wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he
+hath stirred in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the
+many-benched ships of Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his
+own comrade, Patroklos; and him shall renowned Hector slay with the
+spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has slain many other youths,
+and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath therefor shall goodly
+Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause a new pursuit
+from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the Achaians
+take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the
+Immortals to help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of
+the son of Peleus, as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the
+same with a nod of my head, on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped
+my knees, imploring me to honour Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she
+sped down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus. And even as when the
+mind of a man darts speedily, of one that hath travelled over far
+lands, and considers in his wise heart, “Would that I were here or
+there,” and he thinketh him of many things, so swiftly fled she in her
+eagerness, the lady Hera, and came to steep Olympus, and went among the
+gathering of the immortal gods in the house of Zeus, and when they
+beheld her they all rose up together, and held out their cups to her in
+welcome. The others she left alone, but took the cup of Themis of the
+fair cheeks, for she was the first that came running to meet her, and
+speaking winged words accosted her: “Hera, wherefore hast thou come?
+thou seemest like one confounded; verily the son of Kronos hath made
+thee adread, thine own husband.”
+
+Then the white-armed goddess Hera answered her, saying: “Ask me not
+concerning this, O goddess Themis; thyself knowest it, how overweening
+is his heart, and unyielding. But do thou begin the equal banquet of
+the gods in the halls, and thus shalt thou hear among all the
+Immortals, even what evil deeds Zeus declareth. Nay, methinks, not
+equally will it delight the minds of all, neither of gods nor mortals,
+if even now any still sit with pleasure at the feast.”
+
+So spake the lady Hera, and sat her down, while the gods were heavy at
+heart in the hall of Zeus. And she laughed with her lips, but her
+forehead above her dark brows was not gladdened, and indignantly she
+spake among them all: “Witless that we are to be wroth in our folly
+against Zeus! Even still we are eager to draw nigh to him, and let him
+from his will, by word or deed, but he sits apart and careth not, nor
+takes any thought thereof, for he deems that among the immortal gods he
+is manifestly pre-eminent in force and might. Wherefore do ye content
+yourselves with whatsoever sorrow he sends on each of you. Already,
+methinks, has sorrow been wrought for Ares, for his son has fallen in
+the fight, even the dearest of men, Askalaphos, that dread Ares deemeth
+to be verily his own.”
+
+So spake she, but Ares smote his strong thighs with his hands
+flatlings, and sorrowing he spake: “Hold me not now to blame, ye that
+keep the mansions of Olympus, if I avenge the slaying of my son, and go
+to the ships of the Achaians, even if it be my doom to be smitten with
+the bolt of Zeus, and lie among the dead, in the dust and blood.”
+
+So spake he, and bade yoke his horses, Fear and Dread, and himself did
+on his shining harness. Thereby would yet a greater and more implacable
+wrath and anger have been caused between Zeus and the Immortals, had
+not Athene, in terror for the sake of all the gods, leaped out through
+the doorway, and left the throne wherein she sat, and taken from Ares’
+head the helmet, and the shield from his shoulders, and drawn the spear
+of bronze from his stalwart hand, and set it apart, and then with words
+she rebuked the impetuous Ares: “Mad that thou art, and distraught of
+wit—this is thy bane! Verily thou hast ears and hearest not, and
+perished have thine understanding and thine awe. Hearest thou not what
+she saith, the white-armed goddess Hera, that even now is come from
+Olympian Zeus? Dost thou wish both thyself to fill up the measure of
+mischief and so return to Olympus ruefully, of necessity, and for all
+the other gods to sow the seed of a great wrong? For straightway will
+he leave the high-hearted Trojans and the Achaians, and to us will he
+come to make tumult in Olympus: and he will clutch us each in turn, the
+blameless with the guilty. Wherefore now again I bid thee to abate
+thine anger for thy son, for already many a man stronger than he, and
+more hardy of his hands, has fallen, or yet will fall; and a hard thing
+it is to save the lineage and offspring of all men.”
+
+So spake she, and made impetuous Ares sit down on his throne. But Hera
+called Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the messenger of the
+immortal gods, and she spake winged words, and addressed them, saying:
+“Zeus bids you go to Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have gone,
+and looked on the face of Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and
+command.”
+
+So spake she, and returned again, the lady Hera, and sat down on her
+throne, and they flew forward speedily, and came to many-fountained
+Ida, mother of wild beasts, and found far-seeing Zeus seated on topmost
+Gargaros, and round him a fragrant cloud was circled like a crown. And
+these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and stood
+there, and he was no wise displeased at heart when he beheld them, for
+that speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris
+first he spake winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the prince
+Poseidon, and tell him all these things, nor be a false messenger.
+Command him to cease from war and battle, and to go among the tribes of
+the gods, or into the bright sea. But if he will not obey my words, but
+will hold me in no regard, then let him consider in his heart and mind,
+lest he dare not for all his strength to abide me when I come against
+him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and elder born. But
+this his heart feareth not,—to call himself the peer of me whom even
+the other gods do hold in dread.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went
+down the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail
+fleets from the clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the
+clear air, so fleetly she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew
+near the renowned Earth-shaker and spake to him, saying: “A certain
+message to thee, O dark-haired embracer of the earth, have I come
+hither to bring from aegis-bearing Zeus. He biddeth thee cease from the
+battle and war, and go among the tribes of the gods, or into the bright
+sea. And if thou wilt not obey his word, but wilt hold him in no
+regard, he threatens that even himself will come hither against thee in
+battle, and he biddeth thee avoid thee out of his hands since he
+deemeth him far mightier than thou, and elder born, but thy heart
+feareth not to call thyself the peer of him whom even the other gods do
+hold in dread.”
+
+Then, in great displeasure the renowned Shaker of the earth answered
+her: “Out on it, verily now, for as strong as he is, he hath spoken
+over-haughtily, if indeed he will subdue by force, against my will, me
+that am his equal in honour. For three brethren are we, and sons of
+Kronos, whom Rhea bare, Zeus, and myself, and Hades is the third, the
+ruler of the folk in the under-world. And in three lots are all things
+divided, and each drew a domain of his own, and to me fell the hoary
+sea, to be my habitation for ever, when we shook the lots: and Hades
+drew the murky darkness, and Zeus the wide heaven, in clear air and
+clouds, but the earth and high Olympus are yet common to all. Wherefore
+no whit will I walk after the will of Zeus, but quietly let him abide,
+for all his strength, in his third portion. And with the might of his
+hands let him not strive to terrify me withal, as if I were a coward.
+Better for him were it to threaten with terrible words his daughters
+and his sons, that himself begat, who will perforce listen to whatso he
+enjoins.”
+
+Then the fleet wind-footed Iris answered him: “Is it indeed thy will, O
+dark-haired embracer of the earth, that even thus I shall carry to Zeus
+this message, hard and froward, or wilt thou turn thee at all, for the
+hearts of the good may be turned? Thou knowest how the Erinyes do
+always follow to aid the elder-born.”
+
+Then he answered her again, Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth: “Goddess
+Iris, most duly hast thou spoken this word. Yea, an excellent thing is
+this, when the bearer of a message has a prudent wit. Yet this is a
+terrible grief that cometh on heart and spirit, whenso any desireth to
+upbraid with angry words his peer to whom fate hath assigned an equal
+share with himself. But verily now will I yield, for all mine anger;
+but another thing will I tell thee, and make this threat in my heart,
+that if against my will, and the will of Athene, the driver of the
+prey, and of Hera and Hermes, and prince Hephaistos, Zeus shall spare
+steep Ilios, nor choose utterly to destroy it, and give great might to
+the Argives, let him know this, that our wrath will be inappeasable.”
+
+So spake the Shaker of the earth, and left the host of the Achaians,
+and passed to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes
+of the Achaians.
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go
+now, dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze, for, lo, already
+the embracer of the world, the Earthshaker, is gone to the bright sea,
+shunning our utter wrath, ay, and had he not done so, even the others
+would have heard of our strife, even the gods of the nether world, that
+are with Kronos. But better far is this, both for me, and for him,
+that, despite his wrath, he should yield to my hands, for not without
+sweat would this strife have been accomplished. But do thou take in thy
+hands the tasselled aegis, and shake it fiercely and affright the
+Achaian heroes. But, thou Archer-God, let glorious Hector be thy care,
+and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their
+flight to the ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I
+devise word and deed wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again
+from their toil.”
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went
+down the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is
+the swiftest of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted
+Priam, noble Hector, sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late
+got back his life, and knew the comrades around him, and his gasping
+and his sweat had ceased, from the moment when the will of
+aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then far-darting Apollo stood
+near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of Priam, why dost thou sit
+fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that some trouble
+cometh upon thee?”
+
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face?
+Dost thou not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the
+Achaians, Aias of the loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone,
+as I was slaying his comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous
+might? And verily I deemed that this very day I should pass to the
+dead, and the house of Hades, when I had gasped my life away.”
+
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage
+now, so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to
+stand by thee and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword,
+me who of old defend thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now
+bid thy many charioteers drive their swift steeds against the hollow
+ships, and I will go before and make smooth all the way for the
+chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian heroes.”
+
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host,
+and even as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his
+tether and speedeth at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont
+to bathe in the fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and
+the mane floweth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and
+nimbly his knees bear him to the haunts and pasture of the mares, even
+so Hector lightly moved his feet and knees, urging on his horsemen,
+when he heard the voice of the god. But as when hounds and country folk
+pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock and shady wood
+save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their clamour a
+bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them all
+despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on
+always in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed
+spears, but when they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men,
+then were they afraid, and the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the
+Aitolians, skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and
+in council did few of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were
+striving in debate; with good intent he made harangue and spake among
+them: “Alas, and verily a great marvel is this I behold with mine eyes,
+how he hath again arisen, and hath avoided the Fates, even Hector.
+Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he had died beneath the hand
+of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath delivered
+and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the
+Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for
+battle. But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng
+turn back to the ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in
+the host, take our stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold
+him off with outstretched spears, and he, methinks, for all his
+eagerness, will fear at heart to enter into the press of the Danaans.”
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were
+with Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Meriones, and
+Meges the peer of Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and
+sustained the fight with Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the
+multitude returned to the ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides
+Hector led them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his
+shoulders wrapped in cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread,
+circled with a shaggy fringe, and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith
+gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of men; with this in his hands did
+he lead the host.
+
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on
+both sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears
+from stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men
+swift in fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white
+flesh, stuck in the ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now
+so long as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long
+the darts smote either side amain, and the folk fell. But when he
+looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift steeds, and shook the
+aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their heart in their
+breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two wild
+beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman
+is not by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless,
+for Apollo sent a panic among them, but still gave renown to the
+Trojans and Hector.
+
+Then man fell upon man, when the close fight was scattered. Hector slew
+Stichios, and Arkesilaos, one a leader of the mail-clad Boiotians, the
+other the true comrade of great-hearted Menestheus. And Aineias slew
+Medon and Iasos, whereof one was the bastard son of divine Oileus, even
+Medon, brother of Aias, but he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own
+country, for that he had slain a man the brother of his stepmother
+Eriopis, the wife of Oileus. But Iasos was a leader of the Athenians,
+and was called the son of Sphelos, the son of Boukolos. And Polydamas
+slew Mekisteus, and Polites Echios in the forefront of the battle, and
+noble Agenor overcame Klonios. And Deïochos as he was flying among the
+fighters in the foremost rank Paris smote behind the lower part of the
+shoulder, and drave the bronze clean through.
+
+Now while they were stripping the spoil from these, even then the
+Achaians were dashing into the delved fosse, and against the palisade,
+fleeing hither and thither in their terror, and were driven perforce
+within the wall, but Hector called with a loud shout to the Trojans:
+“Make ye against the ships, and leave the bloody spoils. Whomsoever I
+shall see apart from the ships on the other side, his death will I
+there devise, nor forthwith shall his kinsmen and kinswomen lay him
+dead on the funeral fire, but dogs shall tear him in front of our
+citadel.”
+
+So speaking he smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and
+called aloud on the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out,
+and level with his held the steeds that drew their chariots, with a
+marvellous din, and in front of them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down
+with his feet the banks of the deep ditch, and cast them into the midst
+thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide as is a spear-cast, when a
+man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby the Trojans poured
+forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held the
+splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the
+Achaians, as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making
+sand buildings for sport in his childishness, and then again, in his
+sport, confounding them with his feet and hands; even so didst thou,
+archer Apollo, confound the long toil and labour of the Argives, and
+among them rouse a panic fear.
+
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other;
+and lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently,
+and chiefly prayed Gerenian Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians,
+stretching his hand towards the starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever
+any one of us in wheat-bearing Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of
+bull or sheep, and prayed that he might return, and thou didst promise
+and assent thereto, of these things be thou mindful, and avert,
+Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to overcome the
+Achaians.”
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered
+loudly, hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+rushed yet the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the
+joy of battle. And as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the
+bulwarks of a ship, the might of the wind constraining it, which
+chiefly swells the waves, even so did the Trojans with a great cry
+bound over the wall, and drave their horses on, and at the hindmost row
+of the ships were fighting hand to hand with double-pointed spears, the
+Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing up aloft, from the
+black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships for battle
+at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+
+Now Patroklos, as long as the Achaians and Trojans were fighting about
+the wall, without the swift ships, sat in the hut of kindly Eurypylos,
+and was making him glad with talk, and on his cruel wound was laying
+herbs, to medicine his dark pain. But when he perceived the Trojans
+rushing over the wall, and the din and flight of the Danaans began,
+then did he groan, and smote his two thighs with his hands flatlings,
+and sorrowing he spake: “Eurypylos, no longer at all may I abide with
+thee here, though great thy need, for verily a great strife has arisen.
+But thee let thy squire comfort, while I hasten to Achilles, that I may
+urge him to join the battle. Who knows but with god’s help I may arouse
+his spirit with my persuasion? and a good thing is the persuasion of a
+friend.”
+
+Even as he spake, his feet were bearing him away, but the Achaians abode the
+onset of the Trojans steadfastly, yet availed not to drive them, though fewer
+they were, from the ships: neither at all could the Trojans break the ranks of
+the Danaans and pour among the huts and the ships. But even as the carpenter’s
+line doth straighten the timber of a ship, in the hands of a cunning shipwright
+that is well skilled in all craft, by the inspiration of Athene, so equally was
+strained their war and battle, and divers of them were fighting about divers
+ships. Now Hector made for renowned Aias, and they twain were warring about the
+same ship, nor could the one drive back the other and set fire to the ship, nor
+could the other thrust him away, since the god urged him on. There did glorious
+Aias smite Kaletor son of Klytios in the breast with a spear, as he was
+carrying fire against the ship, and he fell with a crash, and the torch dropped
+from his hand. But Hector, when he beheld with his eyes his cousin fallen in
+the dust, in front of the black ship, called with a loud cry to the Trojans and
+Lykians: “Ye Trojans, and Lykians, and Dardanians that fight hand to hand,
+slacken not at all from the battle in this strait, but save the son of Klytios;
+lest the Achaians spoil him of his harness, now that he hath fallen in the
+precinct of the ships.”
+
+So spake he, and hurled at Aias with a shining spear and Aias he
+missed, but Lykophron, the son of Mastor, the Kytherian squire of Aias,
+who dwelt with him, having slain a man in divine Kythera, him Hector
+smote on the head above the ear with the sharp bronze, even as he stood
+near Aias; and backward in the dust he fell to earth from the stern of
+the ship, and his limbs were loosened. And Aias shuddered, and spake to
+his brother: “Dear Teukros, lo our true comrade hath been slain, even
+the son of Mastor out of Kythera whom we honoured at home in the halls
+like our own parents. Him hath great-hearted Hector slain. Where now
+are thy swift shafts of doom, and the bow that Phoebus Apollo gave
+thee?”
+
+So spake he, and the other marked him, and ran, and came and stood
+close by him, with the bended bow in his hand, and the quiver with the
+arrows, and right swiftly he showered his shafts upon the Trojans. And
+he smote Kleitos, the splendid son of Peisenor, the comrade of
+Polydamas, the haughty son of Panthoos, with the reins in his hand, as
+he was busy with the horses, for thither was he driving them where far
+the most of the companies were broken in confusion, and he was showing
+a favour to Hector and the Trojans. But swiftly on himself came his
+bane, that not one of them could ward off from him, despite their
+desire. For the woful arrow lighted on the back of his neck, and he
+fell from the chariot, and back started his horses, shaking the empty
+car. But straightway the prince Polydamas beheld it, and was the first
+to come over against the horses. Them he gave to Astynoos, the son of
+Protiaon, and enjoined him straitly to hold the horses close at hand,
+and look on, and himself went back, and mingled with the foremost
+fighters. Then Teukros aimed another shaft against Hector of the helm
+of bronze, and would have made cease the battle by the ships of the
+Achaians, if he had smitten him in his prowess and taken his life away.
+But he escaped not the wise mind of Zeus, who guarded Hector, but took
+away the praise from Teukros son of Telamon, for he brake the
+well-twisted string on the goodly bow, even as Teukros was aiming at
+Hector, and his arrow weighted with bronze wandered otherwhere, and the
+bow fell from his hands. But Teukros shuddered, and spake to his
+brother saying: “Alas, now verily the god breaks altogether the purpose
+of our battle, in that he hath cast the bow from my hand, and hath
+broken the newly twisted cord, which I bound on but this morning, that
+it might sustain the many shafts that should leap from the bow.”
+
+Then the great Aias son of Telamon answered him saying: “Yea, friend,
+but let the bow and the many arrows lie, even so, since the god has
+confounded them, being jealous of the Danaans, but take in thy hands a
+long spear, and a shield on thy shoulder, and war with the Trojans, and
+arouse the rest of the host. Verily not without labour, for all their
+victory, let them take the well-timbered ships, nay, let us be mindful
+of the delight of battle.”
+
+So spake he, and Teukros set the bow within the huts again, but round
+his shoulder he set a fourfold shield, and on his mighty head a
+well-wrought helmet, [with a horse-hair plume, and terribly the crest
+nodded above.] And he seized a strong spear, shod with sharp bronze,
+and started on his way, and started and running right speedily stood
+beside Aias.
+
+But when Hector saw the artillery of Teukros harmed, he cried, with a
+mighty shout, to the Trojans and Lykians: “Trojans, and Lykians, and
+Dardanians that love close fight, play the man, my friends, and be
+mindful of impetuous valour, here by the hollow ships, for I have seen
+with mine eyes, how the artillery of the bravest warrior was harmed by
+Zeus. And most easily discerned is the aid of Zeus to men both to
+whomso he gives the meed of the greater honour and whom he would minish
+and hath no will to aid, as even now he minisheth the strength of the
+Argives, but us he aideth. But fight in your firm companies at the
+ships, and whosoever of you be smitten by dart or blow and meeteth
+death and fate, so let him die. Lo, it is no dishonourable thing for
+him to fall fighting for his country, but his wife and his children
+after him are safe, and his house unharmed, and his lot of land, if but
+the Achaians fare with their ships to their dear native land.”
+
+So spake he and aroused the might and the spirit of every man.
+
+But Aias again, on the other side, called unto his comrades: “Shame on
+you, Argives: now is one thing sure, either that we must perish
+utterly, or be saved and drive the peril from the ships. Think ye that
+if Hector of the glancing helm take the ships, ye will come by dry land
+each to his own country? Hear ye not Hector exhorting all the host, so
+eager, verily, is he to burn the ships? Truly he bids not men to the
+dance but to battle. And for us there is no better counsel nor device,
+but to put forth our hands and all our might in close combat. Better it
+were to risk life or death, once for all, than long to be straitened in
+the dread stress of battle, thus vainly by the ships, at the hands of
+worse men than we be.”
+
+So spake he, and aroused the might and the spirit of every man. Then
+Hector slew Schedios, the son of Perimedes, a leader of the Phokians,
+while Aias slew Laodamas, the leader of the foot-men, the noble son of
+Antenor, and Polydamas slew Otos, of Kyllene, comrade of Phyleides, a
+chief of the high-hearted Epeians. And Meges, when he beheld it rushed
+on him, but Polydamas stooped downwards, and him Meges missed,—for
+Apollo suffered not the son of Panthoos to be smitten among the
+foremost fighters,—but he wounded Kroismos in the midst of the breast
+with his spear. And he fell with a crash, and the other set to
+stripping the harness from his shoulders. Then Dolops rose against him,
+a warrior skilled, Dolops son of Lampos, whom Lampos Laomedon’s son
+begat, his bravest son, well skilled in impetuous valour; who then
+smote the midst of the shield of Phyleus’ son, setting on him at close
+quarters. But his well-wrought corslet guarded him, the corslet that he
+wore, fashioned of plates of mail. This corslet did Phyleus once bear
+out of Ephyre, from the river Selleëis. For a guest friend of his had
+given him the same, even Euphetes, king of men, that he might bear it
+in war, a defence against foemen; and now from his son’s flesh too it
+warded off his bane. Now Meges smote with sharpened spear at the
+topmost crest of his helmet of bronze with horse-hair plume, and brake
+off his plume of horse-hair, and it all fell earthward in the dust,
+shining with its new scarlet dye. Now while he abode, and fought, and
+yet hoped for victory, there came against him to the rescue warlike
+Menelaos, and stood unmarked on his flank with his spear, and smote him
+on the shoulder from behind, and the eager spear rushed through his
+breast, in forward flight, and then fell he forward. Then the twain
+made for him to strip from his shoulders his harness of bronze. But
+Hector called to all his kinsmen, and first he chid the son of
+Hiketaon, the strong Melanippos. Now till then was Melanippos wont to
+feed his kine of trailing gait in Perkote, far off from hostile men,
+but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned to Ilios,
+and excelled among the Trojans, and dwelt hard by Priam, who honoured
+him equally with his own children. Him did Hector chide, and spake out,
+and called him by name: “Melanippos, are we to be thus slack? Is thy
+heart not moved at all, at sight of thy kinsman slain? Seest thou not
+how they are busied about the harness of Dolops? nay, follow on, for no
+longer may we fight with the Argives from afar, till either we slay
+them, or they utterly take steep Ilios, and slay her people.”
+
+So spake he, and led on, while the other followed him, a godlike man.
+But the great Aias, son of Telamon, exhorted the Argives, saying: “O
+friends, play the man, and take shame in your hearts; yea, have shame
+each of the other’s contempt, in the strong battle. For of men thus
+shamefast more escape than fall, but of men that flee cometh neither
+glory, nor any avail.”
+
+So spake he, and they likewise themselves were eager to drive off the
+others, and laid up his word in their hearts, and begirt the ships with
+a ring of bronze, while Zeus urged on the Trojans. Then Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry exhorted Antilochos, “Antilochos, not one of the Achaians
+is younger than thou, nor swifter of foot, nor strong as art thou in
+fight; see now if thou canst leap out, and smite some man of the
+Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and hasted back again, having heartened the other, and
+forth Antilochos leaped from the foremost ranks, and cast his shining
+spear, glancing all around him, and the Trojans gave ground before him
+when he threw. And no vain dart threw he, but smote Melanippos, the
+proud son of Hiketaon, as he was returning to the combat; on the breast
+hard by the nipple he smote him. And he fell with a crash, and darkness
+covered his eyes. And Antilochos set on like a hound that rushes upon a
+wounded fawn, that the hunter hath aimed at and smitten as it leaped
+from its lair, and hath loosened all its limbs. Even so upon thee,
+Melanippos, leaped Antilochos steadfast in battle, to spoil thy
+harness. But noble Hector marked him, and came running against him
+through the battle. But Antilochos abode not his onset, swift warrior
+though he was, but he fled, like a wild beast that hath done some evil
+thing, having slain a dog, or a herdsman by the kine, and flees, before
+the press of men can gather; even so fled the son of Nestor. Now the
+Trojans and Hector, with wonderful clamour, showered upon him their
+dolorous darts, but he turned, and stood, when he had reached the host
+of his comrades.
+
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling
+the behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but
+softened the temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he
+spurred on the others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to
+Hector, the son of Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing
+fire, unwearied, upon the beaked ships, and so fulfil all the
+presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore wise-counselling Zeus awaited,
+till his eyes should see the glare of a burning ship. For even from
+that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the Trojans from the
+ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was he
+rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. And he was raging, like Ares, the brandisher of the
+spear, or as when ruinous fire rages on the hills, in the folds of a
+deep woodland; and foam grew about his mouth, and his eyes shone
+beneath his dreadful brows, and around the temples of Hector as he
+fought his helm shook terribly. For Zeus out of heaven was his ally,
+and gave him honour and renown, he being but one man against so many.
+For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene was
+urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of
+Peleus. And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them
+wheresoever he saw the thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet
+not even so might he break them for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood
+firm, and embattled like a steep rock and a great, hard by the hoary
+sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the shrill winds, and the
+swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans steadfastly
+abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire on
+all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship,
+and she is all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars
+against the sail, and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts,
+for by but a little way are they borne forth from death, even so the
+spirit was torn in the breasts of the Achaians. But he came on like a
+ravening lion making against the kine, that are feeding innumerable in
+the low-lying land of a great marsh, and among them is a herdsman that
+as yet knoweth not well how to fight with a wild beast concerning the
+slaughter of the kine of crooked horn, and ever he paces abreast with
+the rear or the van of the cattle, but the lion leaps into the midst,
+and devours a cow, and they all tremble for fear, even so the Achaians
+all were made terribly adread by Hector and father Zeus. But Hector
+slew Periphetes of Mykene only, the dear son of Kopreus, that was wont
+to go on the errands of Eurystheus, to the mighty Herakles. From him, a
+far baser father, was born a better son, in all manner of excellence,
+in fleetness of foot, and in war, and of mind he was wise among the
+first of the Mykenaeans. He thus then yielded Hector the greater glory.
+For as he turned back, he tripped against the rim of his shield which
+he was wont to bear, a shield that reached to the feet, a fence against
+javelins—thereon he stumbled, and fell back, and his helm rang
+wrondrously around his temples as he fell. And Hector quickly spied it,
+and ran up swiftly and stood by him, and fixed a spear in his breast,
+and slew him hard by his dear comrades that could not aid him, despite
+all their sorrow for their friend, for themselves greatly dreaded noble
+Hector.
+
+Now were they come between the ships, and the prows protected them, the
+prows of the ships drawn up in the first line, but the Trojans rushed
+in after them. And the Argives were compelled even of necessity to give
+back from the foremost ships, yet there they abode in close rank beside
+the huts, and did not scatter throughout the camp. For shame and fear
+restrained them and ceaselessly they kept shouting each to other. Now
+Gerenian Nestor above all, the Warden of the Achaians, implored each
+man by the memory of them that begat him, and spake beseechingly: “O
+friends, play the man, and set shame of other men’s contempt in hearts.
+Let each also be mindful of children and wives, and of his possessions,
+and of them that begat him, whether any have parents yet alive or they
+be already dead. For their sake do I here beseech you, for the sake of
+them that are not with us, to stand stoutly, nor turn to flight.”
+
+So spake he, and roused each man’s courage and might, and from their
+eyes Athene lifted the wondrous cloud of mist, and light came mightily
+upon them from either side, both from the side of the ships, and from
+the quarter of even-balanced war. And they beheld Hector of the loud
+war-cry, and his comrades, both them that stood in the rear and were
+not fighting, and all them that fought in the battle by the swift
+ships.
+
+Nor yet did it please the spirit of high-hearted Aias, to stand in the
+place whereto the other sons of the Achaians had withdrawn, but he kept
+faring with long strides, up and down the decks of the ships, and he
+wielded in his hands a great pike for sea-battles, jointed with rings,
+two and twenty cubits in length. And even as a man right well skilled
+in horsemanship that couples four horses out of many, and hurrying them
+from the plain towards a great city, drives along the public way, many
+men and women marvelling on him, and firmly ever he leaps, and changes
+his stand from horse to horse, while they fly along, even so Aias went
+with long strides, over many a deck of the swift ships, and his voice
+went up unto heaven. And always with terrible cries he summoned the
+Danaans to defend the ships and the huts. Nor did Hector abide in the
+throng of well-armed Trojans, but even as a tawny eagle rushes on a
+flock of winged fowl, that are feeding by a riverside, a flock of
+geese, or cranes, or long-necked swans, even so Hector made straight
+for a black-beaked ship, rushing right on it, and mightily Zeus urged
+him on from behind with his strong hand, and roused on the host along
+with him.
+
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that
+unwearied and unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they
+fought. And in their striving they were minded thus; the Achaians
+verily deemed that never would they flee from the danger, but perish
+there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped in his breast, that they
+should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the Achaians. With these
+imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized the stern of a
+seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own
+country. Now round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each
+other hand to hand, nor far apart did they endure the flights of
+arrows, nor of darts, but standing hard each by other, with one heart,
+with sharp axes and hatchets they fought, and with great swords, and
+double-pointed spears. And many fair brands, dark-scabbarded and
+hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from off the
+shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+“Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came
+hither against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by
+the cowardice of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight
+at the sterns of the ships, and kept back the host. But if even then
+far-seeing Zeus did harm our wits, now he himself doth urge and command
+us onwards.”
+
+So spake he, and they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no
+longer abode their onset, for he was driven back by the darts, but he
+withdrew a little,—thinking that now he should die,—on to the oarsman’s
+bench of seven feet long, and he left the decks of the trim ship. There
+then he stood on the watch, and with his spear he ever drave the
+Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied fire, and ever he
+shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: “O friends, Danaan heroes,
+men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and be mindful of
+impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or some
+wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend
+ourselves, having a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay,
+but we are set down in the plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our
+backs against the sea, and far off from our own land. Therefore is
+safety in battle, and not in slackening from the fight.”
+
+So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen spear.
+And whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing
+fire, to pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting
+him with his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close
+quarters did he wound.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XVI.
+
+
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans
+from the ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+
+
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew
+near Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a
+fountain of dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream.
+And noble swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his
+sake, and accosted him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore
+weepest thou, Patroklos, like a fond little maid, that runs by her
+mother’s side, and bids her mother take her up, snatching at her gown,
+and hinders her in her going, and tearfully looks at her, till the
+mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost thou let fall soft
+tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me myself, or is
+it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost thou
+lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy
+spirit, that we may both know all.”
+
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos:
+“O Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not
+wroth, seeing that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily
+all of them that aforetime were the best are lying among the ships,
+smitten and wounded. Smitten is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and
+wounded is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is
+Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow. And about them the leeches
+skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds, but thou art hard
+to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold of me as
+that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base
+ruin from the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was
+not then thy father, nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee,
+and the sheer cliffs, so untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart
+thou art shunning some oracle, and thy lady mother hath told thee
+somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth quickly, and make the
+rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any light may arise
+from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about my
+shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so
+abstain from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take
+breath, wearied as they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And
+lightly might we that are fresh drive men wearied with the battle back
+to the citadel, away from the ships and the huts.”
+
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to
+be his own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great
+heaviness spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of
+Zeus, what word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle
+that I wot of, nor yet has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus,
+but this dread sorrow comes upon my heart and spirit, from the hour
+that a man wishes to rob me who am his equal, and to take away my
+prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread sorrow to me is this,
+after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The maiden that the
+sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I won with
+my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may
+be angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease
+from my wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the
+war-cry and the battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness,
+and lead the war-loving Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction
+from the ships, lest they even burn the ships with blazing fire, and
+take away our desired return. But when thou hast driven them from the
+ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering lord of Hera grant thee
+to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight with the
+war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on
+toward Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against
+thee; right dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return
+back when thou halt brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to
+fight along the plain. For would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and
+Apollo, would that not one of all the Trojans might escape death, nor
+one of the Argives, but that we twain might avoid destruction, that
+alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he
+was overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the
+shafts of the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept
+ringing terribly about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the
+fair-wrought cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as
+steadfastly he held up his glittering shield, nor yet could they make
+him give ground, as they pressed on with their darts around him. And
+ever he was worn out with difficult breath, and much sweat kept running
+from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw breath, so on all sides
+was evil heaped on evil.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire
+fell on the ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen
+spear of Aias he smote with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind
+the point, and shore it clean away, and the son of Telamon brandished
+in his hand no more than a pointless spear, and far from him the head
+of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the
+gods, even how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from
+him avail in war, and desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave
+back out of the darts. But the Trojans cast on the swift ship
+unwearying fire, and instantly the inextinguishable flame streamed over
+her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon Achilles smote his thighs,
+and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus,
+commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the rush of the
+consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no more
+retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His
+goodly greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his
+legs, and next did on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet
+of the swift-footed son of Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a
+sword of bronze, with studs of silver, and next took the great and
+mighty shield, and on his proud head set a well-wrought helm with a
+horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from above. Then seized
+he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not the spear
+of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke
+the horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after
+Achilles, the breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest
+in battle to abide his call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke
+the swift horses, Xanthos and Balios, that fly as swift as the winds,
+the horses that the harpy Podarge bare to the West Wind, as she grazed
+on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in the side-traces he put
+the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he took the city
+of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the immortal
+horses.
+
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts
+with armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in
+their hearts unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles
+urging on the horses and the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and
+valour of each of them, and the ranks were yet the closer serried when
+they heard the prince. And as when a man builds the wall of a high
+house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of the winds, even so
+close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield pressed on
+shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on the
+bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling
+by the wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting
+them in their nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil
+they make for many. With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons
+poured out now from the ships, and a cry arose unquenchable, and
+Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting aloud: “Myrmidons, ye
+comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my friends, and be mindful
+of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for the son of
+Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and whose
+close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing
+honoured the best of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake he, and aroused each man’s heart and courage, and all in a
+mass they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously
+to the cry of the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son
+of Menoitios, himself and his squire, shining in their armour, the
+heart was stirred in all of them, and the companies wavered, for they
+deemed that by the ships the swift-footed son of Peleus had cast away
+his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man glanced round, to
+see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press,
+where most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of
+great-hearted Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his
+Paionian horsemen out of Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he
+smote on the right shoulder, and he fell on his back in the dust with a
+groan, and his comrades around him, the Paionians, were afraid, for
+Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew their leader that was
+ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the ships, and
+quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there, and
+the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in
+among the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when
+from the high crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the
+lightning, hath stirred a dense cloud, and forth shine all the peaks,
+and sharp promontories, and glades, and from heaven the infinite air
+breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven the blazing fire from
+the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was no pause in
+the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by the
+Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as
+robber wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the
+herds, when they are scattered on hills by the witlessness of the
+shepherd, and the wolves behold it, and speedily harry the younglings
+that have no heart of courage,—even so the Danaans fell on the Trojans,
+and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight, and forgot their
+impetuous valour.
+
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the
+helm of bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad
+shoulders with his shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of
+the arrows, and the noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change
+in the mastery of war, but even so he abode, and was striving to rescue
+his trusty comrades.
+
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred
+air, when Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came
+the war-cry and the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch
+again. But his swift-footed horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and
+he left the host of Troy, whom the delved trench restrained against
+their will. And in the trench did many swift steeds that draw the car
+break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the chariots of their
+masters.
+
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full
+of evil will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight
+filled all the ways, for they were scattered, and on high the storm of
+dust was scattered below the clouds, and the whole-hooved horses
+strained back towards the city, away from the ships and the huts.
+
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did
+he guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone
+from their chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of
+shattering. But straight over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the
+swift horses. And the heart of Patroklos urged him against Hector, for
+he was eager to smite him, but his swift steeds bore Hector forth and
+away. And even as beneath a tempest the whole black earth is oppressed,
+on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain most vehemently, and all
+the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents tear away, and down
+to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring mightily,
+and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them
+backward again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city,
+despite their desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the
+lofty wall, he rushed on them, and slew them, and avenged many a
+comrade slain. There first he smote Pronoos with a shining spear, where
+the shield left bare the breast, and loosened his limbs, and he fell
+with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he next assailed, as he sat
+crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck distraught, and
+the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with the
+lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And
+Patroklos caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the
+car, as when a man sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish
+forth from the sea, with line and glittering hook of bronze; so on the
+bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping from the chariot, and cast him
+down on his face and life left him as he fell. Next, as Euryalos came
+on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone, and all his
+head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth he
+fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas,
+and Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios
+and Pyris, and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all
+these in turn he brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon
+beheld his comrades with ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands
+of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike
+Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for
+I will encounter this man that I may know who he is that conquers here,
+and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in that he hath
+loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground.
+But Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his
+chariot. And they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks,
+that war with loud yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with
+cries against each other. And beholding then the son of Kronos of the
+crooked counsels took pity on them, and he spake to Hera, his sister
+and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is fated that Sarpedon, the
+best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under Patroklos son of
+Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is divided, as I
+ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful war, and
+set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to
+fate dost thou desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work
+thy will, but all we other gods will in no wise praise thee. And
+another thing I will tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart; if
+thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own house, consider lest thereon
+some other god likewise desire to send his own dear son away out of the
+strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam war many sons of
+the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible wrath.
+But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of
+Patroklos son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that
+warrior, send Death and sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to
+the land of wide Lykia, there will his kindred and friends bury him,
+with a barrow and a pillar, for this is the due of the dead.”
+
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he
+shed bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that
+Patroklos was about to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off
+from his own country. Now when they were come near each other in onset,
+there verily did Patroklos smite the renowned Thrasymelos, the good
+squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower part of the belly, and
+loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his shining javelin,
+as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the right
+shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the
+other twain reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the
+reins were confused on them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust.
+But thereof did Automedon, the spearman renowned, find a remedy, and
+drawing his long-edged sword from his stout thigh, he leaped forth, and
+cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the pair righted themselves,
+and strained in the reins, and they met again in life-devouring war.
+
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the
+spear flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but
+he in turn arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from
+his hand, but struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating
+heart. And he fell as falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine
+tree, that on the hills the shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be
+timber for ship-building; even so before the horses and chariot he lay
+at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at the bloody dust. And as when
+a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull, tawny and high of
+heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes groaning
+beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear
+comrade: “Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it
+behove thee to be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war
+be dear to thee, if indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all
+about and urge on the heroes that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight
+for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself do battle for me with the sword.
+For to thee even in time to come shall I be shame and disgrace for
+ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine armour, fallen in
+the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur on all the
+host.”
+
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his
+nostrils, but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out
+of his flesh, and the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew
+forth together the spear point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the
+Myrmidons held there his panting steeds, eager to fly afar, since the
+chariot was reft of its lords.
+
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon,
+and his heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with
+his hand he caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the
+wound of the arrow wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall,
+Teukros had smitten him, warding off destruction from his fellows. Then
+in prayer spake Glaukos to far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art
+somewhere in the rich land of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen
+everywhere to the man that is in need, as even now need cometh upon me.
+For I have this stark wound, and mine arm is thoroughly pierced with
+sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and by the wound is my
+shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go and fight
+against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the son
+of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that
+I may call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself
+may fight about the dead man fallen.”
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he
+made his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black
+blood, and put courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him,
+and was glad, for that the great god speedily heard his prayer. First
+went he all about and urged on them that were leaders of the Lykians to
+fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter he went with long strides among
+the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and noble Agenor, and he went
+after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and standing by them
+spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly forgetful of
+the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their own
+country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended
+Lykia by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued
+beneath the spear of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be
+angry in your hearts lest the Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and
+dishonour the dead, in wrath for the sake of the Danaans, even them
+that perished, whom we slew with spears by the swift ships.”
+
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and
+not to be borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a
+stranger as he was, for many people followed with him, and himself the
+best warrior of them all. Then they made straight for the Danaans
+eagerly, and Hector led them, being wroth for Sarpedon’s sake. But the
+fierce heart of Patrokloa son of Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And
+he spake first to the twain Aiantes that themselves were right eager:
+“Aiantes, now let defence be your desire, and be such as afore ye were
+among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low who first leaped on to
+the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us strive to take
+him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his shoulders,
+and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue with
+the pitiless bronze.”
+
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both
+sides they strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons
+and Achaians, and they joined battle to fight around the dead man
+fallen; terribly they shouted, and loud rang the harness of men. And as
+the din ariseth of woodcutters in the glades of a mountain, and the
+sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din of them from the
+wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned bulls’ hides
+smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not even a
+clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And
+ever men thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around
+the full milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches
+the bowls, even so thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn
+from the strong fight his shining eyes, but ever looked down on them,
+and much in his heart he debated of the slaying of Patroklos, whether
+there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious Hector should slay him
+likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his harness from
+his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer labour
+of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive
+the Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and
+should rob many of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling
+heart, and leaping into his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on
+the rest of the Trojans to flee, for he knew the turning of the sacred
+scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the strong Lykians abide, but fled
+all in fear, when they beheld their king stricken to the heart, lying
+in the company of the dead, for many had fallen above him, when Kronion
+made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from the shoulders of
+Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son of
+Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus
+that gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go
+take Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from
+him, and thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of
+the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments
+that wax not old, and send him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the
+twin brethren Sleep and Death, that quickly will set him in the rich
+land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and clansmen give him
+burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the dead.”
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the
+hills of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly
+Sarpedon out of the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in
+the streams of the river, and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him
+in garments that wax not old, and sent him to be wafted by fleet
+convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that swiftly set him down in
+the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his horses and
+Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of
+the son of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black
+death. But ever is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now
+he roused the spirit of Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom
+last didst thou slay, Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward?
+Adrestos first, and Autonoos, and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas,
+and Epistor, and Melanippos, and thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and
+Pylartes; these he slew, but the others were each man of them fain of
+flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy,
+by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he raged with the
+spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall, with
+baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo
+force him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands.
+But when for the fourth time he came on like a god, then cried
+far-darting Apollo terribly, and spake winged words: “Give back,
+Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not beneath thy spear is it fated that
+the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall, nay nor beneath Achilles, a
+man far better than thou.”
+
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining
+his whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into
+the din and fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall.
+While thus he was thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of
+a young man and a strong, Asios, who was the mother’s brother of
+horse-taming Hector, being own brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who
+dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of Sangarios. In his guise spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector, wherefore dost thou cease from
+fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I were as much stronger than
+thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou stand aloof from war
+to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy strong-hooved horses,
+if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee glory.”
+
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But
+renowned Hector bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the
+war. Then Apollo went and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic
+among the Argives, but to the Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And
+Hector let the other Argives be, and slew none of them, but against
+Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses, and Patroklos on the
+other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a spear in his
+left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone, that
+his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did
+he shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck
+Kebriones the charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam,
+on the brow with the sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses.
+Both his brows the stone drave together, and his bone held not, but his
+eyes fell to the ground in the dust, there, in front of his feet. Then
+he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought car, and his spirit left
+his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him, knightly
+Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth! Yea, if
+perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy
+weather, so lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain.
+Verily among the Trojans too there be diving men.”
+
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that
+while wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own
+valour is his bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou
+leap furiously. But Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot
+to the ground. And these twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on
+the mountain peaks fight, both hungering, both high of heart, for a
+slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’ sake these two masters of the
+war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned Hector, were eager
+each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless bronze.
+
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while
+Patroklos on the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the
+others, Trojans and Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind
+and the South contend with one another in shaking a deep wood in the
+dells of a mountain, shaking beech, and ash, and smooth-barked cornel
+tree, that clash against each other their long boughs with marvellous
+din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans and Achaians were
+leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any thought of
+ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones, and
+winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote
+the shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust
+lay mighty and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote
+either side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of
+the loosing of oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the
+better. The hero Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the
+tumult of the Trojans, and stripped the harness from his shoulders, and
+with ill design against the Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three
+times then rushed he on, peer of swift Ares, shouting terribly, and
+thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth time he sped on like a
+god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life appear, for
+Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And Patroklos
+was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick mist
+did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And
+from his head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away
+with a din beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright
+socket, and the crests were defiled with blood and dust. And all the
+long-shadowed spear was shattered in the hands of Patroklos, the spear
+great and heavy and strong, and sharp, while from his shoulders the
+tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the ground.
+
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness
+seized his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in
+amaze, and at close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the
+back, between the shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of
+Panthoos, who excelled them of his age in casting the spear, and in
+horsemanship, and in speed of foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down
+twenty men from their chariots, though then first had he come with his
+car to learn the lesson of war. He it was that first smote a dart into
+thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee, but ran back again and
+mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the flesh his ashen
+spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he was, in
+the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades,
+avoiding Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give
+ground, being smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through
+the ranks, and wounded him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the
+belly, and drave the bronze clean through. And he fell with a crash,
+and sorely grieved the host of Achaians. And as when a lion hath
+overcome in battle an untiring boar, they twain fighting with high
+heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well, and both are
+desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar that
+draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector
+son of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios,
+smiting him at close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he
+spake winged words: “Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst
+sack my town, and from Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and
+bring them in ships to thine own dear country: fool! nay, in front of
+these were the swift horses of Hector straining their speed for the
+fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel among the war-loving
+Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but thee shall
+vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his valour,
+availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about
+his breast;’ so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of
+thee in thy witlessness.”
+
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given
+the victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my
+harness from my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered
+me, here had they all perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have
+ruinous Fate and the son of Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou
+art the third in my slaying. But another thing will I tell thee, and do
+thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou thyself art not long to live,
+but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and strong Fate, that thou
+art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the seed of
+Aiakos.”
+
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul,
+fleeting from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its
+own doom, leaving manhood and youth.
+
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but
+that Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten
+by my spear, and lose his life?”
+
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his
+foot on the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And
+straightway with the spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire
+of the swift-footed Aiakides, for he was eager to smite him; but his
+swift-footed immortal horses bare him out of the battle, horses that
+the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XVII.
+
+
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+
+
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying
+of Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front
+of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as
+above a first-born calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above
+Patroklos strode fair-haired Menelaos, and before him held his spear
+and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoever should encounter
+him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout ashen spear not heedless of
+noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the circle of the shield of
+Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the point was bent
+back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in his turn made
+at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and as he
+gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender
+neck went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his
+armour rang upon him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto
+the hair of the Graces, and his tresses closely knit with bands of
+silver and gold.
+
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a
+man, of Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged
+words: “Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even
+the horses of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by
+mortal man, save only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile
+hath warlike Menelaos Atreus’ son stridden over Patroklos and slain the
+best of the Trojans there, even Panthoos’ son Euphorbos, and hath
+stayed him in his impetuous might.”
+
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief
+darkened Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the
+lines, and straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble
+arms, and the other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the
+gaping wound. Then he went through the front of the fight harnessed in
+flashing bronze, crying a shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame
+unquenchable. Not deaf to his shrill cry was Atreus’ son, and sore
+troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I shall leave behind
+me these goodly arms, and Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance’
+sake, I fear lest some Danaan beholding it be wroth against me. But if
+for honour’s sake I do battle alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear
+lest they come about me many against one; for all the Trojans is
+bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might somewhere find Aias
+of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be mindful of
+battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might save
+his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son: that were best among these ills.”
+
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan
+ranks came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave
+backward, and left the dead man, turning himself ever about like a
+deep-waned lion which men and dogs chase from a fold with spears and
+cries; and his strong heart within him groweth chill, and loth goeth he
+from the steading; so from Patroklos went fair-haired Menelaos, and
+turned and stood, when he came to the host of his comrades, searching
+for mighty Aias Telamon’s son. Him very speedily he espied on the left
+of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them to fight,
+for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him to
+run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at
+least we may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of
+the glancing helm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up
+through the front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now
+Hector, when he had stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was
+dragging him thence that he might cut off the head from the shoulders
+with the keen bronze and carry his body to give to the dogs of Troy.
+But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was as a tower; then
+Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang into his
+chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over
+the son of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when
+huntsmen in a forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his
+side stood Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in
+his breast.
+
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and
+bethink you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of
+noble Achilles that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the
+strife of war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook
+his comrades, not yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’
+glorious arms. And standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed
+his armour; his own he gave the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred
+Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector
+arming him in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and
+spake thus unto his soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart
+of death that yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine
+armour of a peerless man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade,
+gentle and brave, thou hast slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the
+armour from his head and shoulders; yet now for a while at least I will
+give into thy hands great might, in recompense for this, even that
+nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for Andromache to
+receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread
+war-god entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour
+and strength. Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry,
+and in the flashing of his armour he seemed to all of them like unto
+Peleus’ great-hearted son. And he came to each and encouraged him with
+his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and Medon and Thersilochos and
+Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys and Chromios and
+the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged words:
+“Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It was
+not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of
+you from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’
+wives and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end
+am I wearying my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing
+thereby the courage of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight
+against the foe and live or die, for such is the dalliance of war. And
+whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead though he be, among the horse-taming
+men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him will I award half the spoils
+and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great as mine.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their
+weight, levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to
+drag the corpse from under Aias, Telamon’s son. Fond men! from full
+many reft he life over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of
+the loud war-cry: “Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I
+that we two of ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I
+so much dread for the corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the
+dogs and birds of the men of Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some
+evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded by a storm-cloud of war, even by
+Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face. But come, call thou to the
+best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not,
+but shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye
+leaders and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of
+Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all
+commanders of the host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard
+is it for me to distinguish each chief amid the press—such blaze is
+there of the strife of war. But let each go forward of himself and be
+wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a sport among the dogs of
+Troy.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of
+all that after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them.
+And as when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave
+roareth against the stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the
+salt sea belloweth on the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the
+Trojans came. But the Achaians stood firm around Menoitios’ son with
+one soul all, walled in with shields of bronze. And over their bright
+helmets the son of Kronos shed thick darkness, for in the former time
+was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him, while he was yet alive and
+squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should become a prey of
+the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to do battle
+for him.
+
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who
+shrank before them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not
+any of them with spears, though they were fain, but set to hale the
+corpse. But little while would the Achaians hold back therefrom, for
+very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the first in presence and in deeds
+of all the Danaans after the noble son of Peleus. Right through the
+fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar in his might that
+in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly dogs and
+lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamon’s son the
+glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them,
+as they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their
+city and win renown.
+
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have
+been driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the
+Argives would have won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by
+their power and might. But Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on
+the semblance of Periphas the herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old
+with his old father in his heraldship, of friendly thought toward
+Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, how
+could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the will of God?
+Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead.
+But here, albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the
+Danaans, yet ye are dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon
+his face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other
+leaders of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our
+weakness overcome we were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear
+to Ares. Nay, thus saith a god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest
+Orderer, is our helper in this fight. Therefore let us go right onward
+against the Danaans. Not easily at least let them take the dead
+Patroklos to the ships.”
+
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front.
+And the Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove
+they as it had been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still
+sun or moon, for over all the battle where the chiefs stood around the
+slain son of Menoitios they were shrouded in darkness, while the other
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians fought at ease in the clear air, and
+piercing sunlight was spread over them, and on all the earth and hills
+there was no cloud seen; and they ceased fighting now sad again,
+avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing far apart. But they
+who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness and the
+battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and
+unabatingly ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and
+feet of each man and arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle
+around the brave squire of fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the
+hide of a great bull to his folk to stretch, all soaked in fat, and
+they take and stretch it standing in a circle, and straightway the
+moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in under the haling of
+many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they on both sides
+haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their hearts
+were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild,
+nor might Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof,
+albeit their anger were exceeding great.
+
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that
+Zeus on that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of
+Patroklos’ death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting
+beneath the wall of the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his
+heart that he was dead, but that he should come back alive, after that
+he had touched the gates; for neither that other thought had he
+anywise, that Patroklos should sack the stronghold without his aid.
+
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears
+made onset relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one
+speak among the mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not
+glorious for us to go back to the hollow ships; rather let the black
+earth yawn for us all beneath our feet. Far better were that
+straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming Trojans to hale this
+man to their city and win renown.”
+
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on,
+and the iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen
+heaven. But the horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were
+weeping, since first they were aware that their charioteer was fallen
+in the dust beneath the hand of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon,
+Diores’ valiant son, plied them oft with blows of the swift lash, and
+oft with gentle words he spake to them and oft with chiding, yet would
+they neither go back to the ships at the broad Hellespont nor yet to
+the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth firm that
+standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot
+tears flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow
+for their charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped
+from beneath the yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when
+the son of Kronos beheld them mourning he had compassion on them, and
+shook his head and spake to his own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave
+we you to king Peleus, a mortal man, while ye are deathless and ever
+young? Was it that ye should suffer sorrows among ill-fated men? For
+methinketh there is nothing more piteous than a man among all things
+that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector Priam’s son
+shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I not
+suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth
+himself vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and
+heart that ye may bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the
+hollow ships. For yet further will I increase victory to the men of
+Troy, so that they slay until they come unto the well-timbered ships,
+and the sun set and divine night come down.”
+
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to
+earth the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid
+Trojans and Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief
+for his comrade, swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese;
+for lightly he would flee out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly
+charge, pursuing them through the thick mellay. Yet could he not slay
+any man as he halted to pursue them, for it was impossible that being
+alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them with the spear
+and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade, even
+Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car
+and spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou
+art fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy
+comrade even now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his
+own shoulders the armour of Aiakides.”
+
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what
+other Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds,
+save only Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but
+now have death and fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and
+shining reins, and I will get me down from my horses, that I may
+fight.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly
+took the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And
+noble Hector espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he
+stood near: “Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the
+two horses of fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble
+charioteers. Therefore might I hope to take them if thou in thy heart
+art willing, since they would not abide our onset and stand to do
+battle against us.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And
+they twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides
+dried and tough, and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both
+Chromios and godlike Aretos, and their hearts were of high hope to slay
+the men and drive off the strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not
+without blood lost were they to get them back from Automedon. He
+praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost heart with valour and
+strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his faithful comrade:
+“Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with their very breath
+upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will not refrain
+him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of goodly
+manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.”
+
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes,
+leaders of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto
+whoso may best avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and
+come ye to ward the day of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in
+the dolorous war are Hector and Aineias, the best men of the Trojans,
+pressing hard. Yet verily these issues lie in the lap of the gods: I
+too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus decide.”
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on
+the circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the
+spear, but right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his
+belly low down through his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp
+axe smiting behind the horns of an ox of the homestead cleaveth the
+sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward and falleth, so leapt Aretos
+forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his entrails very
+piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at Automedon
+with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze javelin
+as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered,
+and there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at
+each other with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted
+them in their fury, when they were come through the mellay at their
+comrades’ call. Before them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios
+shrank backward and gave ground and left Aretos wounded to the death as
+he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift Ares, stripped off the armour of
+the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily, I have a little eased my heart
+of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son, albeit a worse man than him
+have I slain.”
+
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat
+him thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath
+devoured a bull.
+
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the
+Trojans their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias
+son of Telamon: “Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool,
+know that father Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us
+ourselves devise some excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse
+away and ourselves return home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as
+they look hitherward and deem that no longer shall the fury of
+man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand refrain itself, but fall upon
+the black ships. And would there were some comrade to carry tidings
+with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem that he hath not
+even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is slain. But
+nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves and
+their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver
+thou the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and
+vouchsafe sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us,
+since it is thy good pleasure that we die.”
+
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle
+which men say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though
+he be far aloft the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching
+beneath a leafy bush, but the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly
+seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in that hour, Menelaos fosterling
+of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither through the multitude of
+the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold Nestor’s son yet
+alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole battle,
+heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had
+never been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that
+God rolleth mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory.
+And slain is the best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow
+is wrought for the Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians
+and quickly tell this to Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue
+to his ship the naked corpse: but his armour is held by Hector of the
+glancing helmet.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long
+time speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears,
+and his full voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the
+bidding of Menelaos, but set him to run, when he had given his armour
+to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who close anigh him was wheeling his
+whole-hooved horses.
+
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of
+Peleus carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of
+Zeus, chose not to stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom
+Antilochos departed, and great sorrow was among the Pylians. But to
+them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and himself went again to
+bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood beside the Aiantes
+and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that man to the swift
+ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he will now
+come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we
+ourselves may escape death and fate amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+
+Then answered him great Aias Telamon’s son, saying: “All this hast thou
+said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the
+fray, while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and
+noble Hector, one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we
+are wont to await fierce battle side by side.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and
+lifted him mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud
+when they saw the Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds
+that spring in front of hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for
+a while run in haste to rend him, but when he wheeleth round among
+them, trusting in his might, then they give ground and shrink back here
+and there. Thus for a while the Trojans pressed on with all their
+power, striking with swords and double-headed spears, but when the
+Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they changed
+colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XVIII.
+
+
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new
+armour of Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+
+
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles
+came Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of
+his ships of upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even
+now were accomplished. And sore troubled he spake to his great heart:
+“Ay me, wherefore again are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the
+ships and flying in rout over the plain? May the gods not have wrought
+against me the grievous fears at my heart, even as my mother revealed
+and told me that while I am yet alive the best man of the Myrmidons
+must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of the sun. Surely
+now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely I bade him
+when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to the
+ships nor with Hector fight amain.”
+
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto
+him noble Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous
+tidings: “Ay me, wise Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear,
+such as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are
+fighting around his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of
+the glancing helm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with
+both hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled
+his comely face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And
+himself in the dust lay mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own
+hands tore and marred his hair. And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and
+Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in the grief of their hearts, and
+ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat on their breasts with
+their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung. And
+Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should
+cleave his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and
+his lady mother heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside
+her ancient sire. And thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses
+flocked around her, all the daughters of Nereus that were in the deep
+of the sea. With these the bright cave was filled, and they all beat
+together on their breasts, and Thetis led the lament: “Listen, sister
+Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what sorrows are in my heart.
+Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first of men! For after
+I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and he shot up
+like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the
+men of Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to
+the house of Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth
+the light of the sun, he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit
+though I go unto him. But I will go, that I may look upon my dear
+child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him though he abide aloof
+from the war.”
+
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping,
+and around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came
+to deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where
+the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles.
+And as he groaned heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a
+shrill cry clasped the bead of her child, and spake unto him winged
+words of lamentation: “My child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath
+come to thy heart? Tell it forth, hide it not. One thing at least hath
+been accomplished of Zeus according to the prayer thou madest, holding
+up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians should all be pent
+in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer hateful
+things.”
+
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My
+mother, that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But
+what delight have I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos,
+whom I honoured above all my comrades as it were my very self! Him have
+I lost, and Hector that slew him hath stripped from him the armour
+great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the gods gave to Peleus a
+splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed of a mortal
+man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the sea,
+and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou
+welcome him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor
+abide among men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield
+his life, and pay for his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween,
+must thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after
+Hector is death appointed unto thee.”
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath
+fallen afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now
+therefore, since I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at
+all been succour to Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have
+been slain by noble Hector, but I sit beside my ships a profitless
+burden of the earth, I that in war am such an one as is none else of
+the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are others better—may strife
+perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that stirreth even a wise
+man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling honey waxeth
+like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now against
+Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that
+I may light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I
+accept my death whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other
+immortal gods. For not even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit
+most dear to Kronian Zeus the king, but Fate overcame him and Hera’s
+cruel wrath. So also shall I, if my fate hath been fashioned likewise,
+lie low when I am dead. But now let me win high renown, let me set some
+Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of Dardanos, staunching with
+both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and wailing bitterly; yea,
+let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long from the war.
+Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.”
+
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea
+verily, my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction
+from thy comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of
+bronze is held among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth
+it on his shoulders in triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he
+glory therein, for death is hard anigh him. But thou, go not yet down
+into the mellay of war until thou see me with thine eyes come hither.
+In the morning will I return, at the coming up of the sun, bearing fair
+armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she
+spake among her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide
+bosom of the deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s
+house, and tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of
+noble skill, if haply he will give unto my son noble armour shining
+gloriously.”
+
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the
+sea. And the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she
+might bring noble armour to her son.
+
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries
+were fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and
+to the Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse
+of Patroklos Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook
+him the host and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might
+as it were a flame of fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from
+behind by the feet, resolved to drag him away, and mightily called upon
+the men of Troy. Thrice did the two Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous
+might, beat him off from the dead man, but he nathless, trusting in his
+might, anon would charge into the press, anon would stand and cry
+aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds in the field
+avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of
+Priam from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained
+renown unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from
+Olympus with a message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of
+Zeus and the other gods, for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and
+spake to him winged words: “Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most
+redoubtable! Succour Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot
+before the ships. There slay they one another, these guarding the dead
+corpse, while the men of Troy are fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios,
+and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to drag him, and his heart biddeth
+him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when he hath sundered it
+from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let awe enter thy
+heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy. Thine
+were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.”
+
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?”
+
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent
+me, the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos
+nor any other of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their
+dwelling-place.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I
+go into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me
+forbear to array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she
+promised to bring fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none
+whose noble armour I might put on, save it were the shield of Aias
+Telamon’s son. But himself, I ween, is in the forefront of the press,
+dealing death with his spear around Patroklos dead.”
+
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also
+aware that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the
+trench as thou art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they
+will shrink back and refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of
+the Achaians take breath.”
+
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to
+Zeus arose, and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled
+aegis, and around his head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden
+cloud, and kindled therefrom a blazing flame. And as when a smoke
+issueth from a city and riseth up into the upper air, from an island
+afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from their city fight
+all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun blaze out
+the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to
+help in need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward
+the heavens. And he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench,
+yet mingled not among the Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of
+his mother. There stood he and shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas
+Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror unspeakable among the men
+of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it soundeth by reason of
+slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang forth the
+voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes
+were fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in
+their hearts, And the charioteers were amazed when they saw the
+unwearying fire blaze fierce on the head of the great-hearted son of
+Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene made it blaze. Thrice from
+over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and thrice were the
+men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and then
+perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and
+spears. But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and
+laid him on a litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him;
+and among them followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for
+his true comrade he saw lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze.
+Him sent he forth with chariot and horses unto the battle, but home
+again welcomed never more.
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone
+unwillingly unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble
+Achaians made pause from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And
+first of them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying
+upon the breast of his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very
+sore, even as a deep-bearded lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath
+snatched away out of a deep wood; and the lion coming afterward
+grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the track of the
+footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most bitter
+anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when
+I cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring
+back to Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share
+of spoil that should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth
+Zeus accomplish for them. It is appointed that both of us redden the
+same earth with our blood here in Troy-land, for neither shall the old
+knight Peleus welcome me back home within his halls, nor my mother
+Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on me. Yet now, O
+Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy funeral
+till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of
+twelve noble sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain.
+Till then beside the beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and
+around thee deep-bosomed women, Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee
+weeping night and day, even they whom we toiled to win by our strength
+and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities of mortal men.”
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on
+the fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody
+gore. So they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured
+therein water and took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire
+wrapped the belly of the tripod, and the water grew hot. And when the
+water boiled in the bright bronze, then washed they him and anointed
+with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh ointment, and laid him
+on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to foot, and
+thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles
+fleet of foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired
+Achaians be.”
+
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is
+to accomplish what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath
+not wisdom as we. How then was I who avow me the first of goddesses
+both by birth and for that I am called thy wife, and thou art king
+among all Immortals—how was I not in mine anger to devise evil against
+the men of Troy?”
+
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver
+feet came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far
+seen among the dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by
+the crook-footed god himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy
+about his bellows, for he was forging tripods twenty in all to stand
+around the wall of his stablished hall, and beneath the base of each he
+had set golden wheels, that of their own motion they might enter the
+assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a marvel to look
+upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from the
+fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver
+chest; and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck
+and shaggy breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and
+went forth limping; but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to
+help their lord, the semblances of living maids. In them is
+understanding at their hearts, in them are voice and strength, and they
+have skill of the immortal gods. These moved beneath their lord, and he
+gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set him on a bright
+seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by her name:
+“Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house, honoured that
+thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak what thou
+hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many
+grievous sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid
+upon me above all others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea
+to enthrall me to a man, even Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I
+endured wedlock sore against my will. Now lieth he in his halls
+forspent with grievous age, but other griefs are mine. A son he gave me
+to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a young
+branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him and sent him
+forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy, but
+never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of
+the sun, he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto
+him. The maiden whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his
+prize, her hath the lord Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In
+grief for her wasted he his heart, while the men of Troy were driving
+the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered them to come forth. And the
+elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over many noble gifts.
+Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them, he put
+his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had
+sacked the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought
+much harm, Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave
+glory unto Hector. Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if
+haply thou be willing to give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and
+goodly greaves fitted with ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour
+that he had erst, his trusty comrade lost when he fell beneath the men
+of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with anguish in his soul.”
+
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I
+avail to hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon
+him, as surely shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men
+afterward shall marvel at, whatsoever may behold.”
+
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them
+upon the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew
+on the crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his
+labour and now anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on.
+And he threw bronze that weareth not into the fire, and tin and
+precious gold and silver, and next he set on an anvil-stand a great
+anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and in the other he took
+the tongs.
+
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and
+set thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a
+silver baldric. Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein
+fashioned he much cunning work from his wise heart.
+
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the
+unwearying sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every
+one wherewith the heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Orion’s
+might, and the Bear that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in
+her place and watcheth Orion, and alone hath no part in the baths of
+Ocean.
+
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one
+were espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches
+they were leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and
+loud arose the bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance,
+and among them flutes and viols sounded high; and women standing each
+at her door were marvelling. But the folk were gathered in the assembly
+place; for there a strife was arisen, two men striving about the
+blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed to pay full atonement,
+expounding to the people, but the other denied him and would take
+naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on
+polished stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their
+hands staves from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they
+rose up and gave judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two
+talents of gold, to be given unto him who should plead among them most
+righteously.
+
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering
+arms. And two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town
+or to share all with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair
+city held within. But the besieged were not yet yielding, but arming
+for an ambushment. On the wall there stood to guard it their dear wives
+and infant children, and with these the old men; but the rest went
+forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene, both wrought in
+gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great were
+they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at
+their feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to
+them to lay ambush, in a river bed where there was a common
+watering-place of herds, there they set them, clad in glittering
+bronze. And two scouts were posted by them afar off to spy the coming
+of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And presently came the
+cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that took no
+thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white
+sheep, and slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat
+before the speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much
+din among the oxen, mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping
+horses, and came up with speed. Then they arrayed their battle and
+fought beside the river banks, and smote one another with bronze-shod
+spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and fell Death,
+grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment
+on her shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals
+they hurled together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the
+other’s slain.
+
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich
+tilth and wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein
+drave their yokes to and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they
+came to the boundary of the field and turned, then would a man come to
+each and give into his hands a goblet of sweet wine, while others would
+be turning back along the furrows, fain to reach the boundary of the
+deep tilth. And the field grew black behind and seemed as it were
+a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great marvel of the work.
+
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were
+reaping with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the
+swathe were falling in rows to the earth, whilst others the
+sheaf-binders were binding in twisted bands of straw. Three
+sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys gathering corn and
+bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders; and among
+them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making
+ready a feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the
+women were strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters,
+wrought fair in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung
+throughout on silver poles. And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and
+round that a fence of tin; and one single pathway led to it, whereby
+the vintagers might go when they should gather the vintage. And maidens
+and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet fruit in plaited
+baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on a
+clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a
+lament for departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with
+feet falling together kept time with the music and song.
+
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine
+were fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the
+byre to pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And
+herdsmen of gold were following with the kine, four of them, and nine
+dogs fleet of foot came after them. But two terrible lions among the
+foremost kine had seized a loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as
+they haled him, and the dogs and the young men sped after him. The
+lions rending the great bull’s hide were devouring his vitals and his
+black blood; while the herdsmen in vain tarred on their fleet dogs to
+set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but stood hard by and
+barked and swerved away.
+
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a
+great pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and
+folds.
+
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that
+which once in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely
+tresses. There were youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their
+hands upon one another’s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the
+youths well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths
+had the maidens, and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver
+baldrics. And now would they run round with deft feet exceeding
+lightly, as when a potter sitting by his wheel that fitteth between his
+hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now anon they would run in
+lines to meet each other. And a great company stood round the lovely
+dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the measure, two
+tumblers whirled.
+
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the
+uttermost rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he
+him a corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a
+massive helmet to fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a
+crest of gold, and he wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and
+laid it before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang
+down from snowy Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XIX.
+
+
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the
+Achaians, and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+
+
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring
+light to gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift
+from the god. Her dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and
+uttering loud lament; and round him many of his company made moan. And
+the bright goddess stood beside him in their midst, and clasped her
+hand in his and spake and called upon his name: “My child, him who
+lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by the will of gods
+from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from Hephaistos
+arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders yet
+hath borne.”
+
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they
+rang all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor
+dared any to gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when
+Achilles looked thereon, then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes
+blazed terribly forth as it were a flame beneath their lids: glad was
+he as he held in his hands that splendid gift of a god. But when he had
+satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the arms, straightway to
+his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the arms the god has
+given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals should be,
+and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm me
+in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios’ valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.”
+
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel
+tribes of flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he
+lie till a whole year’s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound
+continually, or better even than now. But call thou the Achaian
+warriors to the place of assembly, and unsay thy wrath against
+Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly for battle, and
+clothe thee with thy strength.”
+
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos
+she shed ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh
+might abide the same continually.
+
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible
+cry, and roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to
+abide in the circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept
+the steerage of the ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food,
+even these came then to the place of assembly, because Achilles was
+come forth, after long ceasing from grievous war. Limping came two of
+Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each
+leaning on his spear, for their wounds were grievous still; and they
+went and sate them down in the forefront of the assembly. And last came
+Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him, for him too in the
+stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with his bronze-tipped
+spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was
+this in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with
+grief at our hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the
+sake of a girl? Would that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the
+ships, on the day whereon I took her to me, when I had spoiled
+Lyrnessos; so should not then so many Achaians have bitten the wide
+earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by reason of my exceeding wrath. It
+hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but the Achaians I think
+shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and me. But
+bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight
+the flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of
+Troy and put them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard
+by the ships. Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their
+knees when they are fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from
+before our spear.”
+
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted
+son of Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake
+Agamemnon king of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen
+to stand forth in their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of
+Ares’ company, seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak,
+nor behoveth it to break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man
+that were hard. For amid the uproar of many men how should one listen,
+or yet speak? even the clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of
+Peleus I will declare myself, but ye other Argives give heed, and each
+mark well my word. Oft have the Achaians spoken thus to me, and
+upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause, but Zeus and Destiny
+and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my soul fierce
+madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles of
+his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest
+daughter of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are
+her feet, for not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads
+of men, making men fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus
+was blinded upon a time, he who they say is greatest among gods and
+men; yet even him Hera with a female wile deceived, on the day when
+Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring forth the strength of
+Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods: ‘Here me ye
+all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my soul
+within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing
+women, bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell
+round about, among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.’ And
+to him in subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the cheat and
+not accomplish thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that
+verily and indeed shall that man be lord over all that dwell round
+about, who this day shall fall between a woman’s feet, even he among
+all men who are of the lineage of thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no
+wise perceived her subtlety but sware a mighty oath, and therewith was
+he sore blinded. For Hera darted from Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to
+Achaian Argus, were she knew was the stately wife of Sthenelos son of
+Perseus, who was also great with child, and her seventh month had come.
+Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale of months was
+untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the Eileithuiai from
+her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to Kronos’ son Zeus
+she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a word will I speak to
+thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall rule among the
+Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of thy
+lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said, but
+sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he
+seized Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and
+sware a mighty oath that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven
+should Ate come, who blindeth all alike. He said, and whirling her in
+his hand flung her from the starry heaven, and quickly came she down
+among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned against her when he beheld
+his beloved son in cruel travail at Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what
+time great Hector of the glancing helm was slaying Argives at the
+sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of Ate, who blinded me at
+the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft me of my wit,
+fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong. Only
+arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I
+ready to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise
+in thy hut. So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle,
+and squires shall take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee,
+that thou mayest see that what I give sufficeth thee.”
+
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if
+so thou wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink
+us of battle with all speed; this is no time to dally here with
+subtleties, for a great work is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be
+seen in the forefront of the battle, laying waste with his brazen spear
+the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof let each of you think as he
+fighteth with his man.”
+
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of
+Achaians fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell
+shall the battle be, when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall
+breathe valour into both. But bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships
+food and wine; for thence is vigour and might. For no man fasting from
+food shall be able to fight with the foe all day till the going down of
+the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle yet his limbs
+unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his knees
+in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer
+within him, nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle.
+So come, disperse the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the
+gifts let Agamemnon king of men bring forth into the midst of the
+assembly, that all Achaians may behold them with their eyes, and thou
+be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an oath, standing in the
+midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the damsel’s bed
+or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with woman]; and let
+thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him make thee
+a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt
+be more righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a
+king should make amends if he have been the first to deal violently.”
+
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the
+oath I am willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I
+forswear myself before God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for
+battle though he be, and all ye others abide together, until the gifts
+come forth from my hut, and we make faithful oath with sacrifice. But
+thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose thee young men, princes of
+the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship, even all that we
+promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women. And let
+Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better
+ye should be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war,
+and the spirit within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie
+mangled on the field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus
+gave him glory—and ye call men to their food. Verily for my part I
+would bid the sons of the Achaians to fight now unfed and fasting, and
+with the setting sun make ready a mighty meal, when we shall have
+avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least nor food nor drink
+shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying mangled by
+the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters,
+but of slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’ son,
+mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou
+than I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since
+I was born first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure
+to listen to my speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that
+wherein the sword streweth most straw yet is the harvest scantiest,
+[i.e., in a pitched battle there is little plunder, the hope of which
+might help to sustain men’s efforts in storming a town] when Zeus
+inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars of men. But it
+cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for exceeding many
+and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest from
+toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts,
+when once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from
+hateful war must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against
+our foes we may fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze.
+Then let none of the host hold back awaiting other summons; this is the
+summons, and ill shall it be for whoso is left behind at the Argive
+ships; but all together as one we will rouse against the horse-taming
+Trojans the fury of war.”
+
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of
+Phyleus, and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and
+Melanippos. And they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’
+son. Forthwith as the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven
+tripods they bare from the hut, as he promised him, and twenty bright
+caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon they led forth women skilled in
+goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was fair-faced Briseis. Then
+Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all, led the way, and
+with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they set in
+the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a
+god’s, and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing
+with his hands his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of
+his sword, cut off the first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his
+hands he prayed to Zeus, and all the Argives sat silent in their
+places, duly hearkening to the king. And he prayed aloud, looking up to
+the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness, highest and best of the
+gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth take vengeance
+upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid hand
+on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but
+she has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be
+false, may the gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him
+who sinneth against them in his oath.”
+
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the
+body Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea,
+to be the food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst
+of the warrior Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily
+to men. Never could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my
+breast, nor led off the damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus
+willed that on many of the Achaians death should come. But now go forth
+to your meal, that we may join battle thereupon.”
+
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up
+the gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid
+them in the huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the
+horses among their troop.
+
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld
+Patroklos mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill
+lament, and tore with her hands her breast and tender neck, and
+beautiful face. And she spake amid her weeping, that woman like unto
+goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my hapless heart, alive I left thee
+when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the people, I am come back
+to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my lot. My husband,
+unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before our city
+mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when
+swift Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest
+ever that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me
+godlike Achilles’ wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships
+to Phthia and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore
+with all my soul I mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.”
+
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the
+elders of the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied
+them with a groan: “I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me,
+bid me not sate my heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is
+come upon me. Till the sun go down I will abide, and endure continually
+until then.”
+
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons
+of Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and
+Phoinox, ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he
+could no whit be soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war.
+And bethinking him he sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O
+hapless, dearest of my friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set
+forth in out hut with ready speed a savoury meal, what time the
+Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming Trojans dolorous war.
+But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of meat and drink,
+that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this could I
+endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I ween
+in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that
+in an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of
+Troy; nor though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros
+(if still at least is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my
+soul within me trusted that I alone should perish far from
+horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land, but that thou shouldest
+return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the child in thy swift
+black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance and
+servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must
+be dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of
+waiting ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them
+what each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them
+sorrowing he pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged
+words: “My child, thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart.
+Hath Achilles then no longer a place within thy thought? He before the
+steep-prowed ships sits mourning his dear comrade; the rest are gone to
+their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But go, distil into his breast
+nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of hunger come on him.”
+
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a
+falcon wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven
+through the upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently
+throughout the camp, she in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and
+pleasant ambrosia, that grievous hunger might not assail his knees, and
+then herself was gone to the firm house of her mighty father. Then the
+Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As when thick snowflakes
+flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas born in the
+upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And
+the sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in
+the flash of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the
+men, and in the midst of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth
+gnashed together, and his eyes blazed as it were the flame of a fire,
+for into his heart was intolerable anguish entered in. Thus wroth
+against the men of Troy he put on the gift of the god, which Hephaistos
+wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the fair greaves
+fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass about
+his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and
+its brightness shone afar off as the moon’s. Or as when over the sea
+there appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it
+burneth on high among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors
+whom storm-blasts bear unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar
+from them they love:— so from Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the
+brightness thereof shot up toward heaven. And he lifted the stout
+helmet and set it on his head, and like a star it shone, the horse-hair
+crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold that Hephaistos had
+set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him in his armour
+to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious limbs ran
+free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the shepherd
+of hosts.
+
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great
+and strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but
+Achilles alone awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron
+gave to his father dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of
+warriors. And Automedon and Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and
+put on them fair breast-straps, and bits within their jaws, and
+stretched the reins behind to the firm-built chariot. Then Automedon
+took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up behind the
+horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his armour
+like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort
+take heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when
+we have done with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie
+there dead.”
+
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from
+beneath the yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell
+from the yoke-cushion beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the
+white-armed goddess Hera gave him speech: “Yea verily for this hour,
+dread Achilles, we will still bear thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh
+at hand, neither shall we be cause thereof, but a mighty god, and
+forceful Fate. For not through sloth or heedlessness of ours did the
+men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip his arms, but the best of
+the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in the forefront of
+the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind of Zephyr,
+swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore
+troubled did fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why
+prophesiest thou my death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of
+myself that it is appointed me to perish here, far from my father dear
+and mother; howbeit anywise I will not refrain till I give the Trojans
+surfeit of war.”
+
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved
+steeds.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XX.
+
+
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+
+
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the
+Achaians armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high
+ground of the plain.
+
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus.
+There was no River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all
+that haunt fair thickets and springs of rivers and grassy
+water-meadows. And they came to the house of Zeus who gathereth the
+clouds, and sat them down in the polished colonnades which Hephaistos
+in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father Zeus.
+
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker
+heedless of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the
+rest, and set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of
+Zeus: “Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the
+gods again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the
+Trojans and Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are
+kindled very nigh.”
+
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest,
+O Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you
+hither; even in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I
+will abide here, sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden
+my heart with gazing; but go all ye forth that ye come among the
+Trojans and Achaians and succour these or those, howsoever each of you
+hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall fight against the Trojans, not
+even a little while shall they hold back the son of Peleus, the fleet
+of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they looked upon
+him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible I
+fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this
+side and on that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the
+ships went Hera, and Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and
+the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent in subtle thoughts; and with these went
+Hephaistos in the greatness of his strength, halting, but his shrunk
+legs moved nimbly under him: but to the Trojans went Ares of the
+glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn hair, and archer
+Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the
+Achaians glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his
+long ceasing from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were
+smitten with sore trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in
+terror when they beheld the son of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in
+his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But when among the mellay of men
+the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her might Strife, rouser
+of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by the hollowed
+trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness
+of the storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling
+clear, or again along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst
+into fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from
+heaven above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and
+the steep mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained
+Ida, and all her crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of
+the Achaians. And the Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in
+hell, and leapt from his throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest
+the world be cloven above him by Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his
+dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and immortals—grim halls, and
+vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose of that battle of
+gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged
+arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer
+Artemis, sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper
+Hermes, and against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods
+call Xanthos and men Skamandros.
+
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all
+to meet Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood
+chiefliest his spirit bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But
+straightway Apollo, rouser of hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the
+son of Peleus, and filled him with brave spirit: and he made his own
+voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in his semblance spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans, where now are thy
+threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over thy wine,
+saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles, Peleus’ son?”
+
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou
+me thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain
+thereto? Not for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles,
+fleet of foot; once before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he
+harried our kine and wasted Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered
+me out of his hand and put strength into my knees that they were swift.
+Else had I fallen beneath the hands of Achilles, and of Athene who went
+before and gave him light, and urged him to slay Leleges and Trojans
+with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible for man to face
+Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to ward off
+death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair
+field of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast
+him made of bronze throughout.”
+
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou
+too to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of
+Aphrodite daughter of Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree
+among the gods. For thy mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient
+One of the Sea. Come, bear up thy unwearying spear against him, let him
+no wise turn thee back with revilings and bitter words.”
+
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he
+went onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in
+flashing bronze. But white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’
+son as he went through the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and
+gathering the gods about her she spake among them thus: “Consider ye
+twain, Poseidon and Athene, within your hearts, what shall come of
+these things that are done. Here is Aineias gone forth harnessed in
+flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and it is Phoebus Apollo
+that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back straightway;
+or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give him
+mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old
+ward war and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from
+Olympus are come down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt
+among the Trojans on this day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever
+things Fate span for him with her thread, at his beginning, when his
+mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this from voice divine, then
+shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him in the battle;
+for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to
+match gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place
+apart and seat us there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only
+if Ares or Phoebus Apollo fall to fighting, or put constraint upon
+Achilles and hinder him from fight, then straightway among us too shall
+go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon, methinks, shall they hie
+them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the company of the
+gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and
+Pallas Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him,
+what time he should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There
+sate them down Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders
+with impenetrable cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the
+brows of Kallikolon around thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of
+cities. Thus they on either side sat devising counsels, but shrank all
+from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from his high seat commanded
+them.
+
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze
+with bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed
+together in the fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in
+the midst between the hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son,
+and noble Achilles. First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his
+strong helm; his rapid shield he held before his breast, and brandished
+his bronze spear. And on the other side the son of Peleus rushed to
+meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men desire to slay, a whole
+tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding, but when some
+warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth himself
+open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either
+side his ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring
+is borne straight on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay
+some man of them, or whether himself shall perish in the forefront of
+the throng: thus was Achilles driven of his passion and valiant spirit
+to go forth to meet Aineias great of heart. And when they were come
+near against each other, then first to Aineias spake fleet-footed noble
+Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far come forward from the
+crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight with me in
+hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the horse-taming
+Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken
+mind. Or have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice
+than all the rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest
+dwell therein, if thou slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying
+hard; for once before, I ween, have I made thee flee before my spear.
+Host thou forgotten the day when thou wert alone with the kine, and I
+made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s steeps in haste?—then didst thou
+not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence fleddest thou to Lernessos,
+but I wasted it, having fought against it with the help of Athene and
+of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving them of their
+day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not this
+time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against
+me, while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not
+with words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how
+to speak taunts and unjust speech. We know each other’s race and
+lineage in that we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but
+never hast thou set eyes on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say,
+art son of nobie Peleus, and of Thetis of the fair tresses, the
+daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is Anchises great of heart, and
+my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or the other mourn
+their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we two
+satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt,
+learn also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full
+many men: First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he
+stablished Dardania, for not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to
+be a city of mortal men, but still they dwelt on slopes of
+many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son, king Erichthonios, who
+became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had he that pastured
+along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of them was
+Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned horse
+he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost
+ripened ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the
+broad backs of the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers
+of the hoary brine. Then Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the
+Trojans, and to Tros three noble sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and
+godlike Ganymedes, who became the most beautiful of mortal men. Him the
+gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for sake of his beauty, that he
+might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat a son, noble
+Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and Klytios
+and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will,
+for he is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer
+like children, standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in
+plenty for both of us to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not
+suffice for the load of them. Glib is the tongue of man, and many words
+are therein of every kind, and wide is the range of his speech hither
+and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt thou hear in answer.
+But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling each against
+each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I desire,
+until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the
+son of Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in
+fear, for he thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of
+heart would lightly pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his
+mind and heart that not lightly do the glorious gifts of gods yield to
+force of mortal men. So did not the great spear of wise Aineias pierce
+that shield, for the gold resisted it, even the gift of the god. Yet
+through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for five folds had
+the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one of
+gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote
+upon the circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim,
+where the bronze ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest
+thereon; and right through sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield
+cracked under it. And Aineias crouched and held up the shield away from
+him in dread; and the spear flew over his back and fixed itself in the
+earth, having divided asunder the two circles of the sheltering shield.
+And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and a vast anguish
+drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him so nigh.
+But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying his
+terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed)
+such as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with
+ease wielded it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the
+stone as he charged, either on helm or shield, which had warded from
+him bitter death, and then would the son of Peleus have closed and
+slain him with his sword, had not Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it
+with speed, and straightway spoken among the immortal gods: “Alas, woe
+is me for Aineias great of heart, who quickly will go down to Hades
+slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey the words of Apollo
+the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him from
+grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings
+to the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out
+of death’s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him;
+for it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish
+not without seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved
+above all the children born to him from the daughters of men. For the
+race of Priam hath Zeus already hated. But thus shall the might of
+Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his children’s children, who shall
+be born in the aftertime.”
+
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or
+leave him [to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son].
+For by many oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even
+Pallas Athene and I, never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not
+even when all Troy shall burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they
+that burn her shall be the warlike sons of the Achaians.”
+
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the
+battle and the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned
+Achilles were. Then presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles,
+Peleus’ son, and drew the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of
+Aineias great of heart, and set it before Achilles’ feet, and lifted
+Aineias and swung him high from off the earth. Over many ranks of
+warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias soaring in the hand of the
+god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle of many onsets,
+where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard beside
+him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged
+words: “Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate
+against Peleus’ vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and
+dearer to Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in
+with him, lest even contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades.
+But when Achilles shall have met his death and doom, then be thou of
+good courage to fight among the foremost, for there shall none other of
+the Achaians slay thee.”
+
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things.
+Then quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he
+stared with wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha!
+verily a great marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here
+upon the ground, nor can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with
+intent to slay him. Truly then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal
+gods, howbeit I deemed that his boosting thereof was altogether vanity.
+Away with him! not again will he find heart to make trial of me, now
+that once more he has escaped death to his joy. But come, I will call
+on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some other Trojan
+face to face.”
+
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No
+longer stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let
+man match man and throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me,
+though I be strong, to assail so vast a folk and fight them all: not
+even Ares, though an immortal god, nor Athene, could plunge into the
+jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my utmost power with hands
+and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack, nay, never so
+little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem I that
+any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called
+aloud, and proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles:
+“High-hearted Trojans, fear not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight
+even Immortals, but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger
+far. Neither shall Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof
+he is to accomplish, and part to break asunder in the midst. And
+against him will I go forth, though the hands of him be even as fire,
+yea though his hands be as fire and his fierceness as the flaming
+steel.”
+
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for
+battle; and their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry
+arose. Then Phoebus Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector,
+no longer challenge Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng
+await him and from amid the roar of the battle, lest haply he spear
+thee or come near and smite thee with his sword.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he
+was amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with
+strength, crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition,
+Otrynteus’ valiant son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph
+to Otrynteus waster of cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich
+domain. Him as he came right on did goodly Achilles smite with his
+hurled spear, down through the midst of his head, and it was rent
+asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly Achilles exulted
+over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the Gygaian lake, where
+is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and eddying Hermos.”
+
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition:
+him the chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the
+forefront of the battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples,
+through his bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle,
+Antenor’s son. No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped
+the spear-head and clave the bone, and the brain within was all
+scattered: that stroke made ending of his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he
+leapt from his chariot and fled before him, Achilles wounded in the
+back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit with a roar, as
+when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the altar of the
+Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But
+Achilles with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son.
+Him would his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his
+children he was youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in
+fleetness of foot. Just then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness
+of his feet, he was rushing through the forefighters, until he lost his
+life. Him in the midst did fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a
+javelin, in his back as he darted by, where his belt’s golden buckles
+clasped, and the breast and back plates overlapped: and right through
+beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell on his knee with a
+cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped his bowels
+to him with his hands as he sank.
+
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his
+hands, and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer
+might he endure to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles
+brandishing his sharp spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when
+he saw him, sprang up, and spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath
+deepest stricken into my soul, who slew my dear-prized friend; not long
+shall we now shrink from each other along the highways of the war.”
+
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too
+know myself how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou
+art a man of might, and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue
+lie in the lap of the gods, whether I though weaker shall take thy life
+with my hurled spear, for mine too hath been found keen ere now.”
+
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath
+turned it back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it
+came back to goodly Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then
+Achilles set fiercely upon him, eager to slay him, crying his terrible
+cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very easily, as a god may, and hid
+him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed noble Achilles make
+onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick mist. [But
+when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout he
+spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from death;
+yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of
+spears. Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any
+god is helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I
+may seize.”
+
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his
+spear, and he fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay,
+and hurled at Demuchos Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and
+stayed him with a stroke upon his knees; then smote him with his mighty
+sword and reft him of life. Then springing on Laogonos and Dardanos,
+sons of Bias, he thrust both from their chariot to the ground, one with
+a spear-cast smiting and the other in close battle with his sword. Then
+Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his knees to pray him to spare
+him, and let him live, and slay him not, having compassion on his like
+age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his prayers; for
+nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce mood—with
+his hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but he
+smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness
+covered his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear,
+and right through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he
+smote Agenor’s son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted
+sword, and all the sword grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death
+seized his eyes, and forceful fate. Then next Deukalion, just where the
+sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he him through the forearm with
+his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm weighed down, beholding
+death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with his sword swept
+far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the backbone, and
+the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward after
+Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace: him
+in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in
+his lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire,
+as he turned the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp
+spear, and thrust him from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side,
+and the deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way
+the flame, so raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god,
+pressing hard on the men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood.
+For even as when one yoketh wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in
+a stablished threshing-floor, and quickly is it trodden out beneath the
+feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus beneath great-hearted Achilles his
+whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and shields together; and with
+blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the rims that ran around
+the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves splashed them, and
+blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of Peleus pressed
+on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XXI.
+
+
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within
+their gates.
+
+
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even
+eddying Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he
+chased the one part to the plain toward the city, even where the
+Achaians were flying in affright the day before, when glorious Hector
+was in his fury—thither poured some in flight, and Hera spread before
+them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were pent into the
+deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty noise,
+and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the
+eddies. And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a
+river, and the unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset,
+and they huddle in the water; so before Achilles was the stream of
+deep-eddying Xanthos filled with the roar and the throng of horses and
+men.
+
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant
+against tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his
+sword alone, and devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him
+every way about: and their groaning went up ghastly as they were
+stricken by the sword, and the water reddened with blood. As before a
+dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and fill the nooks of some
+fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain whichsoever of them
+he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream the Trojans
+crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were weary
+of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with
+well-cut thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets,
+and gave them to his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then
+again he made his onset, athirst for slaying.
+
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river,
+Lykaon, whom once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his
+father’s orchard, in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze
+young shoots of a wild fig tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to
+him an unlooked-for bane came goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold
+him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending him on ship board, and the son of
+Jason gave a price for him; and thence a guest friend freed him with a
+great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to goodly Arisbe; whence
+flying secretly he came to his father’s house. Eleven days he rejoiced
+among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on the twelfth
+once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to send
+him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when
+fleet-footed noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he
+a spear, but had thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as
+he tried to flee out of the river, and his knees were failing him for
+weariness: then in wrath spake Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily
+great marvel is this that I behold with my eyes. Surely then will the
+proud Trojans whom I have slain rise up again from beneath the murky
+gloom, since thus hath this man come back escaped from his pitiless
+fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath the deep of the
+hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But come
+then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn in
+my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or
+whether the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so
+even the strong.”
+
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to
+touch his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil
+death and black destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear
+with intent to smite him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught
+his knees; and the spear went over his back and stood in the ground,
+hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon besought him, with one hand
+holding his knees, while with the other he held the sharp spear and
+loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee mercy,
+Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I
+tasted meal of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in
+the well-ordered orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my
+friends unto goodly Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred
+oxen. And now have I been ransomed for thrice that, and this is my
+twelfth morn since I came to Ilios after much pain. Now once again hath
+ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands; surely I must be hated of
+father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto thee; and to
+short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’ daughter—Altes who
+ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos on the
+Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of
+the foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou
+smotest him with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me
+here, for no hope have I to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered
+me thereunto. Yet one thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it to
+heart: slay me not, since I am not of the same mother as Hector, who
+slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words,
+but he heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor
+these words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to
+my soul to spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond
+the sea: but now there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before
+Ilios God shall deliver into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but
+chiefest among Priam’s sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why
+lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who was better far than thou. Seest
+thou not also what manner of man am I for might and goodliness? and a
+good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet over me too
+hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some noonday
+when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew
+his sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all
+the two-edged sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the
+earth, and blood flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized
+Achilles by the foot and sent him down the stream, and over him
+exulting spake winged words: “There lie thou among the fishes, which
+shall lick off thy wound’s blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay
+thee on a bed and mourn for thee, but Skamandros shall bear thee on his
+eddies into the broad bosom of the sea. Leaping along the wave shall
+many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of the white flesh of
+Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred Ilios, ye
+flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice
+many bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive.
+For all this yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for
+Patroklos’ slaying and the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift
+ships ye slew while I tarried afar.”
+
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and
+sought in his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work,
+and ward destruction from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with
+his far-shadowing spear leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son
+of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the
+daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set Achilles, and Asteropaios stood
+against him from the river, holding two spears; for Xanthos put courage
+into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered youths whom Achilles
+was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them. Then when
+the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that
+darest to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them
+with my might.”
+
+And to him, made answer Pelegon’s noble son: “High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a
+land far off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now
+is the eleventh morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of
+wide-flowing Axios, who begat Pelegon famous with the spear, and he,
+men say, was my father. Now fight we, noble Achilles!”
+
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash:
+but the warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he
+could use both hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield,
+but pierced it not right through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a
+god; and with the other he grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and
+there leapt forth dark blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in
+the earth, eager to batten on flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled
+on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash, fain to have slain him, but
+missed the man and struck the high bank, and quivering half its length
+in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of Peleus drew his
+sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he availed
+not to draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the steep
+bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen
+spear of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft
+him of life with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the
+navel, and all his bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered
+his eyes as he lay gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast
+stripped off his armour and spake exultingly: “Lie there! It is hard to
+strive against children of Kronos’ mighty son, even though one be
+sprung from a River-god. Thou truly declarest thyself the seed of a
+wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the linkage of great Zeus. My sire
+is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son of Aiakos, and Aiakos
+was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than seaward-murmuring
+rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of a river.
+Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him
+not even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of
+deep-flowing Ocean, from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all
+springs and deep wells: yea, even he hath fear of the lightning of
+great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it pealeth out of heaven.”
+
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water
+flooded him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing
+the fat about his kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted
+Paiones who still along the eddying river huddled in fear, when they
+saw their best man in the stress of battle slain violently by the hands
+and the sword of the son of Peleus. There slew he Thersilochos and
+Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios and Ophelestes;
+and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain, had not
+the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might and
+thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are
+ever helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all
+the Trojans to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy
+grim deeds on the plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed,
+nor can I pour my stream to the great sea, being choked with dead, and
+thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then, let be; I am astonished, O captain
+of hosts.”
+
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not
+cease from slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have
+made trial with Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I
+him.”
+
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo
+spake the deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child
+of Zeus, thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged
+thee straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come
+with light late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into
+his midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all
+his streams in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in
+him, slain by Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a
+bull, and saved the living under his fair streams, hiding them within
+eddies deep and wide. But terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous
+wave, and the stream smote violently against his shield, nor availed he
+to stand firm upon his feet. Then he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and
+it fell uprooted and tore away all the bank, and reached over the fair
+river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed the River himself, falling
+all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the eddy, made haste to
+fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid. But the
+great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction
+from the men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s
+throw, with the swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at
+once and swiftest of winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast
+the bronze rang terribly as he fled from beneath the onset, and behind
+him the River rushed on with a mighty roar. As when a field-waterer
+from a dark spring leadeth water along a bed through crops and garden
+grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth hindrances from the
+ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and swiftly
+gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his
+speed; for gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed
+noble Achilles struggled to stand against it, and know whether all
+immortals be upon him who inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great
+wave of the heaven-sprung River beat upon his shoulders from above, and
+he sprang upward with his feet, sore vexed at heart; and the River was
+wearying his knees with violent rush beneath, devouring the earth from
+under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud, looking up to the
+broad heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods take it on him
+in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me what may.
+None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but only
+my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of
+Apollo. Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then
+brave had been the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a
+sorry death am I doomed to die, pent in this mighty river, like a
+swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth down as he essayeth to cross it
+in a storm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood
+beside him, in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs
+pledged him in words. And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of
+the earth: “Son of Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers
+of thee are we from the gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and
+I, for to be vanquished of a river is not appointed thee, but he will
+soon give back, and thou wilt thyself perceive it: but we will give
+thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not thy hand from
+hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have pent the
+Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we
+give unto thee to win.”
+
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the
+plain—for the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all
+the plain was filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and
+corpses of slain youths were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees
+as he rushed against the stream right on, nor stayed him the
+wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength in him. Neither did
+Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged against the son
+of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream, lifting
+himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear brother,
+the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not
+in the battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from
+thy springs, and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave,
+and stir huge roaring of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the
+fierce man who now is lording it, and deeming himself match for gods.
+For neither, I ween, will strength avail him nor comeliness anywise,
+nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath the flood shall be
+o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my sands and pour
+round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the Achaians know
+where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap over
+them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have
+need of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high,
+thundering with foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark
+wave of the heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son
+of Peleus. But Hera cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great
+deep-eddying River sweep him away, and straightway she called to
+Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame god, O my son; it was against
+thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched in fight. Help with
+all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go to raise a
+strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south which
+shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap
+himself in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by
+threat, nor stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then
+hold the unwearying fire.”
+
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on
+the plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick,
+slain by Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water
+stayed. And as when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a
+new watered orchard, and he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole
+plain parched, and Hephaistos consumed the dead; then against the river
+he turned his gleaming flame. Elms burnt and willow trees and
+tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale which round the fair
+streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and fishes beneath
+the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams tumbled this
+way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And the
+strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name: “Hephaistos,
+there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee thus ablaze
+with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and
+succour?”
+
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And
+as a cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of
+some fatted hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie
+thereunder,—so burned his fair streams in the fire, and the water
+boiled. He had no mind to flow, but refrained him, for the breath of
+cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him. Then unto Hera, earnestly
+beseeching her,’ he spake winged words: “Hera, wherefore hath thy son
+assailed my stream to vex it above others? I am less chargeable than
+all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo, I will give over,
+if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further will swear
+even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans, not
+even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the
+warlike sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway
+she spake unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son;
+it befitteth not thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal
+god.”
+
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the
+wave once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed
+them, though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter
+strife, and their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And
+they clashed together with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned,
+and the clarion of great Heaven rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon
+Olympus, and his heart within him laughed pleasantly when he beheld
+that strife of gods. Then no longer stood they asunder, for Ares
+piercer of shields began the battle and first made for Athene with his
+bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O dogfly, dost
+thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy great
+spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus’ son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore
+deem I now that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.”
+
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the
+lightning of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his
+long spear. But she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that
+lay upon the plain, black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to
+be the landmark of a field; this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares
+on the neck, and unstrung his limbs. Seven roods he covered in his
+fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his armour rang upon him. And
+Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words exultingly: “Fool,
+not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou I claim to be,
+that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou satisfy
+thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her wrath,
+for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojan’s
+aid.”
+
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did
+Aphrodite daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning
+continually, for scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when
+the white-armed goddess Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake
+unto Athene winged words: “Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+maiden invincible, lo there the dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men
+out of the fray of battle down the throng—nay then, pursue her.”
+
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at
+her and smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her
+knees and heart were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous
+earth, and she spake winged words exultingly: “Such let all be who give
+the Trojans aid when they fight against the mailed Argives. Be they
+even so bold and brave as Aphrodite when she came to succour Ares and
+defied my might. Then should we long ago have ceased from war, having
+laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo
+spake the earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It
+befitteth not after the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if
+without fighting we should go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded
+house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art younger; it were not meet for me,
+since I was born first and know more. Fond god, how foolish is thy
+heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone of gods endured
+at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon and
+served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us
+his commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and
+most fair, that the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst
+herd shambling crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded
+Ida. But when the joyous seasons were accomplishing the term of hire,
+then redoubtable Laomedon robbed us of all hire, and sent us off with
+threats. He threatened that he would bind together our feet and hands
+and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of both of us he vowed to
+shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry hearts, wroth for
+the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou showest
+favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth,
+of no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee
+for the sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in
+glowing life, consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into
+death. Let us with all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle
+by themselves.”
+
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and
+given him glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual
+bow in vain? Let me not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast
+as before among the immortal gods thou wouldst stand up to fight
+against Poseidon.”
+
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily
+the noble spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting
+words:] “How now art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me?
+Hard were it for thee to match my might, bow-bearer though thou art,
+since against women Zeus made thee a lion, and giveth thee to slay
+whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on the mountains to slay
+wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier than thou. But
+if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far stronger am
+I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and
+therewith, smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and
+that; and the swift arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from
+before her the goddess fled like a dove that from before a falcon
+flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she was not fated to be
+caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and arrows where
+they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus: “Leto,
+with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to blows
+with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s content
+among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and main.”
+
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen
+hither and thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow
+she went back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the
+bronze-thresholded house of Zeus, and weeping set herself on her
+father’s knee, while round her her divine vesture quivered: and her
+father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked of her, laughing gently:
+“Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child, hath dealt with thee
+thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong thing
+openly]?”
+
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+“It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.”
+
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into
+sacred Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded
+city, lest the Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the
+other ever-living gods went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly
+triumphing, and sat down beside Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven,
+when a city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to
+all, and griefs to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the
+Trojans. And the old man Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware
+of dread Achilles, how before him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was
+any succour found of them. Then with a cry he went down from the tower,
+to rouse the gallant warders along the walls: “Hold open the gates in
+your hands until the folk come to the city in their rout, for closely
+is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be deadly deeds. And
+when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath, then
+again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and
+the gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front
+that he might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the
+city and the high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and
+dust-grimed from the plain, and Achilles chased them vehemently with
+his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his heart continually, and he
+thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly Agenor,
+Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put good
+courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the
+grievous visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was
+shrouded in thick mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of
+cities, he halted, and his heart much wavered as he stood; and in
+trouble he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I flee before mighty
+Achilles, there where the rest are driven terror-struck, nathless will
+he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or what if I leave these
+to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee upon my feet
+from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to the
+spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios.
+Nay, why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of
+me as I get me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake
+me with swift feet; then will it no more be possible to avoid the
+visitation of death, for he is exceeding mighty above all mankind. What
+then if in front of the city I go forth to meet him? Surely his flesh
+too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and there is but one life within,
+and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of Kronos giveth him
+renown.”
+
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his
+stout heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth
+from a deep thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor
+fleeth when she heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first
+smite her with thrust or throw, yet even pierced through with the spear
+she ceaseth not from her courage until she either grapple or be slain,
+so noble Antenor’s son, goodly Agenor, refused to flee till he should
+put Achilles to the proof, but held before him the circle of his
+shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried aloud: “Doubtless
+thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day to sack the city
+of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful things yet
+be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who in
+front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou
+shalt here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on
+the leg beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of
+new-wrought tin rang terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from
+him it smote, nor pierced him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then
+the son of Peleus in his turn made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo
+suffered him not to win renown, but caught away Agenor, and shrouded
+him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone out of the war.
+Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in complete
+semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river
+Skamandros, as he ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo
+beguiled him that he kept ever hoping to overtake him in the race),
+meantime the other Trojans in common rout came gladly unto their
+fastness, and the city was filled with the throng of them. Neither had
+they heart to await one another outside the city and wall, and to know
+who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and
+knees might save.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XXII.
+
+
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to
+the ships.
+
+
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their
+sweat and drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair
+battlements, while the Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to
+shoulders. But Hector deadly fate bound to abide in his place, in front
+of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus
+Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus, pursuest thou me with swift feet,
+thyself being mortal and I a deathless god? Thou hast not even yet
+known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently. Truly thou
+regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat
+wandered hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto
+death.”
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou
+hast turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have
+bitten the dust or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou
+robbed me of great renown, and lightly hast saved them, because thou
+hadst no vengeance to fear thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on
+thee, had I but the power.”
+
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like
+some victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed
+over the plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the
+old man Priam first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the
+star that cometh forth at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine
+forth amid the host of stars in the darkness of night, the star whose
+name men call Orion’s Dog. Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign
+is he set, and bringeth much fever upon hapless men. Even so on
+Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he ran. And the old man cried
+aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising them on high, and
+with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he before the
+gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old man
+spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector, beloved
+son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is
+mightier far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I!
+then quickly would dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby
+would cruel pain go from my heart—the man who hath bereft me of many
+valiant sons, slaying them and selling them captive into far-off isles.
+Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and Polydoros, I cannot see
+among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons whom Laothoe bare
+me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the enemy’s host,
+then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is store
+within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to
+my soul and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the
+rest of the folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles’
+hand. Nay, come within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men
+and women of Troy, neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and
+be thyself bereft of sweet life. Have compassion also on me, the
+helpless one, who still can feel, ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’
+son, will bring to naught by a grievous doom in the path of old age,
+having seen full many ills, his sons perishing and his daughters
+carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste and infant children
+hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons’ wives dragged away
+by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of all at the
+street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or throw
+of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having
+drunk my blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man
+all beseemeth, even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze
+and lie on the field; though he be dead yet is all honourable to him,
+whate’er be seen: but when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard
+of an old man slain, this is the most piteous thing that cometh upon
+hapless men.”
+
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from
+his head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her
+turn wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the
+other hand she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him
+winged words: “Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity
+me, if ever I gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear
+child, and from this side the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in
+front to meet him. He is merciless; if he slay thee it will not be on a
+bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee, my own dear child, but far
+away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift dogs devour thee.”
+
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore,
+yet they persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as
+he drew nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den
+awaiteth a man, having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered
+into him, and terribly he glared as he coileth himself about his den,
+so Hector with courage unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining
+shield against a jutting tower. Then sore troubled he spake to his
+great heart: “Ay me, if I go within the gates and walls, Polydamas will
+be first to bring reproach against me, since he bade me lead the
+Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when noble Achilles
+arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better far. And
+now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some
+worse man than I shall say: ‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.’ So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously
+before the city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout
+helm, and lean my spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet
+noble Achilles and promise him that Helen, and with her all possessions
+that Alexandros brought in hollow ships to Troy, the beginning of
+strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to take away, and
+therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that this city
+holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever
+wealth the pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart
+debate thus? I might come unto him and he would not pity or regard me
+at all, but presently slay me unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put
+off my armour. No time is it now to dally with him from oaktree or from
+rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and maiden hold dalliance one
+with another. Better is it to join battle with all speed: let us know
+upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow renown.”
+
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of
+Enyalios warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right
+shoulder the Pelian ash, his terrible spear; and all around the bronze
+on him flashed like the gleam of blazing fire or of the Sun as he
+ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was aware of him, nor
+endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind him and
+fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things,
+swoopeth fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth,
+while he with shrill screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his
+heart urgeth him to seize her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight
+for him, and Hector fled beneath the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift
+knees. They past the watch-place and wind-waved wild fig-tree sped
+ever, away from under the wall, along the waggon-track, and came to the
+two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains rise that feed
+deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and smoke
+goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the
+other even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that
+water formeth. And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs
+hard by, fair troughs of stone, where wives and fair daughters of the
+men of Troy were wont to wash bright raiment, in the old time of peace,
+before the sons of the Achaians came. Thereby they ran, he flying, he
+pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far mightier he who fleetly pursued
+him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an oxhide were they
+striving, such as are prizes for men’s speed of foot, but for the life
+of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some
+great prize lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a
+man that is dead, so thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain
+with flying feet, and all the gods were gazing on them. Then among them
+spake first the father of gods and men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see
+pursued around the wall. My heart is woe for Hector, who hath burnt for
+me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of many-folded Ida, and other
+times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles pursuing him with
+swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel, gods, and
+devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A
+man that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back
+from ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain
+be kind to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from
+the crests of Olympus she darted down.
+
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as
+when on the mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having
+started it from its covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch
+to baffle him under a bush, yet scenting it out the hound runneth
+constantly until he find it; so Hector baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed
+son. Oft as he set himself to dart under the well-built walls over
+against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they might succour him
+with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him toward the
+plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a dream
+one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race,
+and Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation
+of death, had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came
+nigh to him, who nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the
+host did noble Achilles sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl
+bitter darts against Hector, lest any smiting him should gain renown,
+and he himself come second. But when the fourth time they had reached
+the springs, then the Father hung his golden balances, and set therein
+two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of horse-taming Hector,
+and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s fated day sank
+down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left him. But
+to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing near
+spake to him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to Zeus,
+I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No
+longer is it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting
+Apollo should travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing
+Zeus. But do thou now stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade
+this man to confront thee in fight.”
+
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood
+leaning on his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to
+noble Hector, like unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and
+standing near spake to him winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet
+Achilles doth thee violence, chasing thee round Priam’s town with swift
+feet: but come let us make a stand and await him on our defence.”
+
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I
+shall honour thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when
+thou sawest me, to come forth of the wall, while the others tarry
+within.”
+
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother,
+of a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me
+much, entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all
+tremble before him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And
+now fight we with straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of
+spears, that we may know whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our
+bloody spoils to the hollow ships, or whether he might be vanquished by
+thy spear.”
+
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come
+nigh in onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of
+the glancing helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as
+before I thrice ran round the great town of Priam, and endured not to
+await thy onset. Now my heart biddeth me stand up against thee; I will
+either slay or be slain. But come hither and let us pledge us by our
+gods, for they shall be best witnesses and beholders of covenants: I
+will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus grant me to outstay
+thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled thee of thy
+glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is
+no pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but
+imagine evil continually against each other, so is it impossible for
+thee and me to be friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until
+one or other shall have fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the
+stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of all thy soldiership: now behoveth
+it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and valiant man of war. No
+longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas Athene will
+straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou pay
+back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury
+of thy spear.”
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble
+Hector watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on
+it he crouched, and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in
+the earth; but Pallas Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles,
+unknown of Hector shepherd of hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble
+son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed, so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has
+thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom, though thou thoughtest it.
+Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech, that fearing thee
+I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt thou plant
+thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I set
+on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my
+spear of bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then
+would the war be lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for
+thou art their greatest bane.”
+
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote
+the midst of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far
+from the shield the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his
+swift weapon had left his hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he
+had no second ashen spear. And he called with a loud shout to Deiphobos
+of the white shield, and asked of him a long spear, but he was no wise
+nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart, and spake and said: “Ay
+me, now verily the gods have summoned me to death. I deemed the warrior
+Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the wall, and it was Athene
+who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come very nigh me, not
+far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of old the
+pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me
+not die without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of
+arms whereof men yet to be born shall hear.”
+
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and
+strong, and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that
+darteth to the plain through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or
+crouching hare. So Hector swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And
+Achilles made at him, for his heart was filled with wild fierceness,
+and before his breast he made a covering with his fair graven shield,
+and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it waved fair golden
+plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a star
+goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all
+stars set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear
+Achilles poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble
+Hector, eyeing his fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the
+rest of him his flesh was covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped
+from strong Patroklos when he slew him, but there was an opening where
+the collar bones coming from the shoulders clasp the neck, even at the
+gullet, where destruction of life cometh quickliest; there, as he came
+on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear, and right through the
+tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen spear clave
+not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that
+thou wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou
+fool. But away among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even
+I, was left behind, who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs
+and birds tear foully, but his funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of
+the Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and
+gold, gifts that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give
+them home my body back again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give
+me my due of fire after my death.”
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so
+bid me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast
+wrought me, as surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee,
+not even should they bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it
+out, and promise even more, not even were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid
+pay thy weight in gold, not even so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a
+bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds shall devour thee utterly.”
+
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee;
+truly thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon
+thee wrath of gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee,
+for all thy valour, at the Skaian gate.”
+
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew
+forth of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her
+fate, leaving her vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble
+Achilles: “Die: for my death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the
+other immortal gods are minded to accomplish it.”
+
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it
+aside, and stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other
+sons of Achaians ran up around, who gazed upon the stature and
+marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor did any stand by but wounded him,
+and thus would many a man say looking toward his neighbour: “Go to, of
+a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than when he burnt the ships
+with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say, and wound him as he
+stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled him, he
+stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends, chiefs
+and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest
+together, come let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we
+may know somewhat of the Trojans’ purpose, whether since he hath fallen
+they will forsake the citadel, or whether they are minded to abide,
+albeit Hector is no more. But wherefore doth my heart debate thus?
+There lieth by the ships a dead man unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos;
+him will I not forget, while I abide among the living and my knees can
+stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget their dead, yet
+will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye sons of
+the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have
+slain the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their
+city, as he had been a god.”
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of
+both feet behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust
+therethrough thongs of ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving
+his head to trail. And when he had mounted the chariot and lifted
+therein the famous armour, he lashed his horses to speed, and they
+nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that was dragged, and
+his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay all his
+once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld
+her son, tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and
+cried aloud with an exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his
+father, and around them the folk fell to crying and moaning throughout
+the town. Most like it seemed as though all beetling Ilios were burning
+utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep back the old man in his
+hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For he besought
+them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man by
+his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me
+pray this accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame
+before his age-fellows and pity an old man. He also hath a father such
+as I am, Peleus, who begat and reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and
+most of all to me hath he brought woe. So many sons of mine hath he
+slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for the rest I mourn them
+all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief will bring me
+down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in my
+arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore
+him to her ill hap, and I myself.”
+
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him.
+And among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah,
+woe is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who
+night and day wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both
+men and women of Troy throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god,
+for verily an exceeding glory to them wert thou in thy life:—now death
+and fate have overtaken thee.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates,
+but in an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double
+purple web, and broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to
+her goodly-haired handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on
+the fire, that Hector might have warm washing when he came home out of
+the battle fond heart, and was unaware how, far from all washings,
+bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the hand of Achilles. But she heard
+shrieks and groans from the battlements, and her limbs reeled, and the
+shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again among her
+goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me that I
+may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s noble
+mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand
+against the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach
+my ear! yet terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold
+Hector from the city by himself and chased him to the plain and ere
+this ended his perilous pride that possessed him, for never would he
+tarry among the throng of men but ran out before them far, yielding
+place to no man in his hardihood.”
+
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating
+heart, and with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the
+battlements and the throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and
+gazed, and beheld him dragged before the city:—swift horses dragged him
+recklessly toward the hollow ships of the Achaians. Then dark night
+came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell backward and gasped
+forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright attiring
+thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm
+led her forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold.
+And around her thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives,
+who held her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last
+she came to herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing
+with deep sobs she spake among the women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me!
+to one fate then were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam,
+and I in Thebe under woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared
+me from a little one—ill-fated sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he
+have begotten me not. Now thou to the house of Hades beneath the secret
+places of the earth departest, and me in bitter mourning thou leavest a
+widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant child—son of unhappy
+parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector, since thou art
+dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’ woful war,
+yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his
+fellows, and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with
+tears. And in his need the child seeketh his father’s friends, plucking
+this one by cloak and that by coat, and one of them that pity him
+holdeth his cup a little to his mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his
+palate he moisteneth not. And some child unorphaned thrusteth him from
+the feast with blows and taunting words, ‘Out with thee! no father of
+thine is at our board.’ Then weeping to his widowed mother shall he
+return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his father’s knee ate only marrow
+and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell on him and he ceased from
+childish play, then in bed in his nurse’s arms he would slumber softly
+nested, having satisfied his heart with good things; but now that he
+hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that name the
+Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents,
+shall coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as
+thou liest naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate
+and fair, wrought by the hands of women. But verily all these will I
+consume with burning fire—to thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie
+therein, yet that his be honour to thee from the men and the women of
+Troy.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIII.
+
+
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+
+
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they
+were come to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his
+own ship: only the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but
+spake among his comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed
+Myrmidons, my trusty comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved
+steeds from their cars, but with horses and chariots let us go near and
+mourn Patroklos, for such is the honour of the dead. Then when we have
+our fill of grievous wailing, we will unyoke the horses and all sup
+here.”
+
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led
+their mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned
+steeds, moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing.
+Bedewed were the sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great
+a lord of fear they sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail,
+laying his man-slaying hands on his comrade’s breast: “All hail,
+Patroklos, even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee
+before am I accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give
+raw unto dogs to devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to
+slaughter before thy pyre, because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him
+prone in the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put
+off each his glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing
+horses, and sate them down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed
+Aiakides, and he gave them ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were
+stretched out, their throats cut with steel, and many sheep and
+bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well grown in fat were
+spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides round the
+corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble
+Agamemnon by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his
+heart was wroth for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnon’s
+hut, forthwith they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the
+fire, if haply they might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him
+the bloody gore. But he denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an
+oath: “Nay, verily by Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful
+is it that water should come nigh my head or ever I shall have laid
+Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a barrow, and shaved my hair, since
+never again shall second grief thus reach my heart, while I remain
+among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us to our
+mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have
+when he goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire
+may burn him quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their
+work.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly
+making ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of
+equal feast. But when they had put off from them the desire of meat and
+drink, the rest went down each man to his tent to take his rest, but
+the son of Peleus upon the beach of the sounding sea lay groaning
+heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in an open place, where waves were
+breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold on him, easing the
+cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for sore tired
+were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things
+like his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the
+raiment of his body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and
+spake to him: “Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in
+my life wast thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with
+all speed, that I pass the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish
+me, the phantoms of men outworn, nor suffer me to mingle with them
+beyond the River, but vainly I wander along the wide-gated dwelling of
+Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy hand, for never more
+again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me my due of
+fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear comrades
+and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself,
+Achilles peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed
+to die. Yet one thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt
+have regard thereto. Lay not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but
+together, even as we were nurtured in your house, when Menoitios
+brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your country by reason of a
+grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew Amphidamas’ son, not
+willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then took me the knight
+Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy squire: so
+therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two handled,
+thy lady mother’s gift].”
+
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I
+should do? Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy
+bidding. But stand more nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms
+around each other, and take our fill of dolorous lament.”
+
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for
+like a vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint
+shriek. And Achilles sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands
+together, and spake a word of woe: “Ay me, there remaineth then even in
+the house of Hades a spirit and phantom of the dead, albeit the life be
+not anywise therein: for all night long hath the spirit of hapless
+Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan, and charged me
+everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self it
+seemed.”
+
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan
+around the piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from
+all the huts to fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even
+Meriones, squire of kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with
+wood-cutting axes in their hands and well-woven ropes, and before them
+went the mules, and uphill and downhill and sideways and across they
+went. But when they came to the spurs of many-fountained Ida,
+straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged oaks with the
+long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then splitting
+them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore up
+the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones,
+squire of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in
+line, where Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for
+himself.
+
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate
+them down all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the
+warlike Myrmidons gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his
+chariot; and they arose and put their armour on, and mounted their
+chariots, both fighting men and charioteers. In front were the men in
+chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed after, numberless; and in the
+midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they heaped all the corpse with
+their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and behind did goodly
+Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he speeding
+forth unto the realm of Hades.
+
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they
+set down the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed
+noble Achilles bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the
+pyre he shore off a golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to
+offer unto the River Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking
+forth over the wine-dark sea: “Spercheios, in other wise vowed my
+father Peleus unto thee that I returning thither to my native land
+should shear my hair for thee and offer a holy hecatomb, and fifty rams
+should sacrifice there above thy springs, where is the sacred close and
+altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou hast not
+accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take
+away.”
+
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and
+stirred in all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light
+of the sun have gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said
+quickly to Agamemnon as he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy
+words most will the host of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation
+they may sate them to the full. But now disperse them from the burning
+and bid them make ready their meal, and we to whom the dead is dearest
+will take pains for these things; yet let the chiefs tarry nigh unto
+us.”
+
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the
+host among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there
+and piled the wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that,
+and on the pyre’s top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And
+many lusty sheep and shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made
+ready before the pyre; and taking from all of them the fat, great
+hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse therein from head to foot, and
+heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set therein two-handled jars of
+honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and four strong-necked
+horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine house-dogs
+had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them on
+the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with
+the sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the
+merciless might of the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and
+called on his dear comrade by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades, for all that I promised thee before am I
+now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans, behold
+these all in company with thee the fire devoureth: but Hector son of
+Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon, but to dogs.”
+
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day
+and night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed
+him with rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when
+he dragged him. And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from
+heaven to earth and covered all that place whereon the dead man lay,
+lest meanwhile the sun’s strength shrivel his flesh round about upon
+his sinews and limbs.
+
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble
+Achilles had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed
+to the two Winds of North and West, and promised them fair offerings,
+and pouring large libations from a golden cup besought them to come,
+that the corpses might blaze up speedily in the fire, and the wood make
+haste to be enkindled. Then Iris, when she heard his prayer, went
+swiftly with the message to the Winds. They within the house of the
+gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat, when Iris sped
+thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw her
+with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by
+him. But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I
+must go back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where
+they sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at
+their rites. But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West
+to come, and promising them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre
+be kindled whereon lieth Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are
+making moan.”
+
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound,
+rolling the clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the
+sea, and the wave rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to
+deep-soiled Troy, and fell upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty
+fire. So all night drave they the flame of the pyre together, blowing
+shrill; and all night fleet Achilles, holding a two-handled cup, drew
+wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth and drenched the earth,
+calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a father waileth when
+he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death is woe to his
+hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon
+the earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and
+spreadeth over the salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame
+died down. And the Winds went back again to betake them home over the
+Thracian main, and it roared with a violent swell. Then the son of
+Peleus turned away from the burning and lay down wearied, and sweet
+sleep leapt on him. But they who were with Atreus’ son gathered all
+together, and the noise and clash of their approach aroused him; and he
+sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son of Atreus and ye other
+chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine all the burning
+so far as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let us gather up
+the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well, and easy
+are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones
+let us put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I
+myself be hidden in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a
+seemly one, no more: then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and
+high, whosoever of you after I am gone may be left in the benched
+ships.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus.
+First quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame
+went, and the ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered
+up the white bones of their gentle comrade into a golden urn and
+double-folded fat, and placed the urn in the hut and covered it with a
+linen veil. And they marked the circle of the barrow, and set the
+foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway heaped thereon a
+heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they were for
+going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes,
+caldrons and tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and
+fair-girdled women, and grey iron.
+
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman
+skilled in fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared
+tripod that held two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and
+for the second he ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal
+in her womb; and for the third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched
+by fire, holding four measures, bright as when first made; and for the
+fourth he ordained two talents of gold; and for the fifth a two-handled
+urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for the
+chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists. If in some
+other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it would be I
+who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know how
+far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal
+and Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But
+verily I will abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a
+charioteer have they lost, and one so kind, who on their manes full
+often poured smooth oil, when he had washed them in clear water. For
+him they stand and mourn, and their manes are trailing on the ground,
+and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But ye others
+throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were
+gathered. First of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a
+skilful charioteer; and next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant
+Diomedes, and yoked his horses of the breed of Tros, which on a time he
+seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved their lord. And after him arose
+Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung Menelaos, and yoked him a swift
+pair Aithe, Agamemnon’s mare, and his own horse Podargos. Her unto
+Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in fee, that he might escape
+from following him to windy Ilios and take his pleasure at home; for
+great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon of spacious
+lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the race.
+And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet
+horses bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side
+spake counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+“Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is
+no great need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet
+are thy horses very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be
+sad work for thee. For the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the
+men know not more cunning than thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy
+mind with all manner of cunning, that the prize escape thee not. By
+cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by cunning doth a
+helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by winds;
+by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end,
+his horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But
+whoso is of crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping
+his eye upon the post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far
+at first to force his horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them
+safe in hand and watcheth the leader in the race. Now will I tell thee
+a certain sign, and it shall not escape thee. A fathom’s height above
+the ground standeth a withered stump, whether of oak or pine: it
+decayeth not in the rain, and two white stones on either side thereof
+are fixed at the joining of the track, and all round it is smooth
+driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead long ago, or
+have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is the
+mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and
+bear thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the
+well-knit car slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with
+voice and lash, and give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse
+hug the post so that the nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze
+it—yet beware of touching the stone, lest thou wound the horses and
+break the chariot; so would that be triumph to the rest and reproach
+unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on thy guard; for if at the
+turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none shall overtake
+thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly Arion
+in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the
+horses of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he
+had told his son the sum of every matter.
+
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then
+went they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles
+shook them, and forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the
+next lot had lord Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus,
+spear-famed Menelaos, and next to him drew Meriones his place; then
+lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew his lot for his chariot’s
+place. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles showed to them the
+turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and beside it he placed an
+umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower, that he might note the
+running and tell the truth thereof.
+
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them
+with the reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they
+forthwith sped swiftly over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and
+beneath their breasts stood the rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind,
+and their manes waved on the blowing wind. And the chariots ran
+sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles would bound into the
+air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of every man beat
+in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses, that
+flew amid their dust across the plain.
+
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course,
+back toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and
+the horses strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the
+fleet mares of Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions
+of the breed of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed
+ever as they would mount Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back
+was warm and his broad shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as
+they flew along. Thus would Tydeus’ son have either outstripped the
+other or made it a dead heat, had not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with
+him and smitten from his hand the shining lash. Then from his eyes ran
+tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at speed, even
+swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as running
+without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile against
+Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the
+son of Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and
+the mares ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the
+ground. And Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his
+elbows and mouth and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above
+his eyebrows; and his eyes filled with tears and his lusty voice was
+choked. Then Tydeides held his whole-hooved horses on one side, darting
+far out before the rest, for Athene put spirit into his steeds and shed
+glory on himself. Now next after him came golden-haired Menelaos
+Atreus’ son. But Antilochos called to his father’s horses: “Go ye too
+in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly I nowise bid you strive with
+those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which Athene hath now given
+speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake Atreides’
+horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest Aithe that
+is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave steeds?
+Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will
+slay you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but
+the worse prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my
+part will devise a plan to pass them in the strait part of the course,
+and this shall fail me not.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier
+some little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a
+strait place in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth,
+where torrent water gathered and brake part of the track away, and
+hollowed all the place; there drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of
+the wheels. But Antilochos turned his whole-hooved horses out of the
+track, and followed him a little at one side. And the son of Atreus
+took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos, thou art driving
+recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon thou mayest
+pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us both.”
+
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying
+his lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk
+swung from the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of
+his force, even so far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave
+back, for he ceased of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved
+steeds should encounter on the track, and overset the well-knit cars,
+and the drivers fall in the dust in their zeal for victory. So
+upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos: “Antilochos, no
+mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way, since falsely
+have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not bear off
+the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before
+yours, for they both lack youth.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on,
+and were quickly close upon the others.
+
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and
+they came flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of
+them was Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside
+the concourse in the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice
+of one that shouted, though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a
+horse showing plainly in the front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but
+in the forehead marked with a white star round like the moon. And he
+stood upright and spoke among the Argives: “Friends, chiefs, and
+counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see the horses, or do ye
+also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new charioteer
+appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither
+post, but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing
+everywhere along the Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer
+so that he could not drive aright round the post and failed in the
+turn? There, methinks, must he have been cast forth, and have broken
+his chariot, and the mares must have left the course, in the wildness
+of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for myself I discern not
+certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian race, and he
+ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort: “Idomeneus,
+why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the high-stepping mares
+are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far the youngest
+among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from thy
+head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they
+that led before, Eumelos’ mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins
+within the car.”
+
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for
+thy mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and
+make Agamemnon Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that
+thou mayest pay and learn.”
+
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone
+further, had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer
+answer each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for
+it beseemeth not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do
+thus. Sit ye in the concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon
+they in zeal for victory will come hither, and then shall ye know each
+of you the Argives’ horses, which follow, and which lead.”
+
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote
+now and again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as
+they sped swiftly on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the
+charioteer, and his chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his
+fleet-footed steeds, and small trace was there of the wheel-tires
+behind in the fine dust, as they flew speeding on. Then he drew up in
+the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from the horses’ heads and
+chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth from the shining car,
+and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart Sthenelos tarried
+not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud comrades the
+woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his
+swift steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which
+draweth his master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost
+tail-hairs touch the tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much
+space between, as he speedeth far over the plain—by so much was
+Menelaos behind high-born Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole
+disk-cast behind, but quickly he was catching Antilochos up, for the
+high mettle of Agamemnon’s mare, sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her.
+And if yet further both had had to run he would have passed his rival
+nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones, stout squire of Idomeneus,
+came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for tardiest of all were
+his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a chariot in
+the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his goodly car
+driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the
+Argives: “Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them
+all. But come let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the
+second place, but the first let the son of Tydeus take.”
+
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given
+him the mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of
+great-hearted Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf
+of his right: “O Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou
+accomplish this word, for thou art minded to take away my prize,
+because thou thinkest of how his chariot and fleet steeds miscarried,
+and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it behoved him to pray
+to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of all in the
+race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there
+and whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward
+even a richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud
+thee. But the mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay
+the battle at my hands.”
+
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with
+Antilochos, for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him
+winged words: “Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some
+other thing beside from out my house, that also will I do. I will give
+unto him a breast-plate that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze,
+whereon a casting of bright tin is overlaid, and of great worth will it
+be to him.” He said, and bade his dear comrade Automedon bring it from
+the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then he placed it in Eumelos’
+hands, and he received it gladly.]
+
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly
+against Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and
+called for silence among the Argives; then spake among them that
+godlike man: “Antilochos, who once wert wise, what thing is this thou
+hast done? Thou hast shamed my skill and made my horses fail, thrusting
+thine own in front that are far worse. Come now, ye chiefs and
+counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us both, and favour
+neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any time: ‘By
+constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone off with
+the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall
+be just. Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is
+ordained stand up before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand
+the pliant lash wherewith thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses
+swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of the earth that not wilfully didst
+thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger
+am I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better.
+Thou knowest how a young man’s transgressions come about, for his mind
+is hastier and his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I
+will of myself give to thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou
+shouldst ask some other greater thing from my house, I were fain to
+give it thee straightway, rather than fall for ever from my place in
+thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner against the gods.”
+
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew
+cometh upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are
+bristling. So gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And
+he spake unto Antilochos and uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now
+will I of myself put away mine anger against thee, since no wise
+formerly wert thou flighty or light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was
+overcome of youthfulness. Another time be loth to outwit better men.
+Not easily should another of the Achaians have persuaded me, but thou
+hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father and brother, for
+my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even give
+unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that
+my heart was never overweening or implacable.”
+
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents
+of gold in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was
+left unclaimed, a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this,
+bearing it to him through the concourse of Argives, and stood by him
+and said: “Lo now for thee too, old man, be this a treasure, a memorial
+of Patroklos’ burying; for no more shalt thou behold him among the
+Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon, for not in boxing shalt thou
+strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin match, nor race with
+thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on thee.”
+
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly,
+and spake unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast
+meetly said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor
+do my arms at all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would
+that my youth were such and my force so firm as when the Epeians were
+burying lord Amarynkes at Buprasion, and his sons held the king’s
+funeral games. Then was no man found like me, neither of the Epeians
+nor of the Pylians themselves or the great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing
+I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in wrestling Ankaios of
+Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I outran
+Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by
+crowding their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the
+chief prizes were left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the
+reins, the reins he ever held, the other called on the horses with the
+lash. Thus was I once, but now let younger men join in such feats; I
+must bend to grievous age, but then was I of mark among heroes. But
+come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with games. This gift do I
+accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou rememberest ever
+my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour wherewith it
+is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods for
+this grant thee due grace.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of
+Achaians, when he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then
+he ordained prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led
+forth and tethered amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest
+of all to break; and for the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood
+up and spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other
+well-greaved Achaians, for these rewards we summon two men of the best
+to lift up their hands to box amain. He to whom Apollo shall grant
+endurance to the end, and all the Achaians acknowledge it, let him take
+the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut; and the loser shall
+take with him the two-handled-cup.”
+
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled
+in boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule
+and said aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the
+mule I say none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his
+fists, for I claim to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I
+fall short of you in battle? Not possible is it that in all arts a man
+be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it shall be accomplished: I will
+utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and break his bones, so let his
+friends abide together here to bear him forth when vanquished by my
+hands.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against
+him Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos,
+Mekisteus, who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his
+burial, and there he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides
+famous with the spear made ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him
+with speech, and greatly desired for him victory. And first he cast
+about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut thongs of the hide of an
+ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went into the midst of
+the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to, and their
+hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on,
+and as the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor
+could he much more stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him.
+And as when beneath the North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a
+tangle-covered beach, and then the black wave hideth it, so leapt up
+Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted Epeios took him in his hands
+and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood around him, and led
+him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out clotted blood,
+drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among them
+and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the
+winner a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians
+among them at twelve oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman
+into the midst, skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four
+oxen. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who
+will essay this match.”
+
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus
+of many wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt
+went into the midst of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms
+with stalwart hands, like gable rafters of a lofty house which some
+famed craftsman joineth, that he may baffle the wind’s force. And their
+backs creaked, gripped firmly under the vigorous hands, and sweat ran
+down in streams, and frequent weals along their ribs and shoulders
+sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove amain for victory, to
+win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias and bear him
+to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld him. But
+when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to Odysseus
+great Aias, Telamon’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of
+many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.”
+
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his
+craft. He smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed
+his limbs, and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his
+chest, and the folk gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring
+noble Odysseus tried to lift, and moved him a little from the ground,
+but lifted him not, so he crooked his knee within the other’s, and both
+fell on the ground nigh to each other, and were soiled with dust, And
+now starting up again a third time would they have wrestled, had not
+Achilles himself arisen and held them back: “No longer press each the
+other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is with both; take equal
+prizes and depart, that other Achaians may contend.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the
+dust from them and put their doublets on.
+
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness
+of foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in
+beauty it was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon
+wrought it cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the
+misty sea, and landed it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and
+Euneos son of Jason gave it to the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon
+Priam’s son. Now this cup did Achilles set forth as a prize in honour
+of his friend, for whoso should be fleetest in speed of foot. For the
+second he set an ox great and very fat, and for the last prize half a
+talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives:
+“Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and
+Odysseus of many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he
+was best of all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by
+side, and Achilles showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running
+from the start, but Oileus’ son forthwith shot to the front, and close
+behind him came noble Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a
+fair-girdled woman’s breast when she pulleth it deftly with her hands,
+drawing the spool along the warp, and holdeth the rod nigh her breast—
+so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod in his footsteps or ever the
+dust had settled there, and on his head fell the breath of noble
+Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians applauded his
+struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard. But
+when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou
+a good helper of my feet.”
+
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs
+feel light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting
+on the prize, then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race,
+where filth was strewn from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that
+fleet Achilles slew in honour of Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and
+nostrils were filled with that filth of oxen. So much-enduring noble
+Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the mixing-bowl, and famous Aias
+took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the horn of the ox of the
+field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the Argives: “Out on
+it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who from of old like
+a mother standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth him.”
+
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then
+Antilochos smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among
+the Argives: “Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even
+herein also the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older
+than I, but Odysseus of an earlier generation and earlier race of men.
+A green old age is his, they say, and hard were it for any Achaian to
+rival him in speed, save only Achilles.”
+
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and
+a chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with
+flowers; and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose
+Atreus’ son wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave
+squire. And swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: “Son of
+Atreus, for that we know how far thou excellest all, and how far the
+first thou art in the might of thy throw, take thou this prize with
+thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero Meriones let us give the
+spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at least advise.”
+
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to
+Meriones he gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the
+hero gave the goodliest prize.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIV.
+
+
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+
+
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to
+betake them each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of
+supper and sweet sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept,
+remembering his dear comrade, nor did sleep that conquereth all take
+hold on him, but he kept turning him to this side and to that, yearning
+for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour, and all the toils he
+achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the battles of men and
+the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears, now lying
+on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea.
+Nor would he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and
+shores. But when he had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind
+Hector behind his chariot to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn
+him round the barrow of the dead son of Menoitios he rested again in
+his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on his face in the dust. But
+Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for he had pity on him
+even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis, that Achilles
+might not tear him when he dragged him.
+
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the
+blessed gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the
+clear-sighted slayer of Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the
+others seemed it good, yet not to Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed
+Maiden, but they continued as when at the beginning sacred Ilios became
+hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by reason of the sin of
+Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they came to his
+steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the
+Immortals Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath
+Hector never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats?
+Now have ye not taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to
+look upon and his mother and his child and his father Priam and his
+people, who speedily would burn him in the fire and make his funeral.
+But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to abet, whose mind is nowise
+just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned away, but he is cruelly
+minded as a lion that in great strength and at the bidding of his proud
+heart goeth forth against men’s flocks to make his meal; even thus
+Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth both harm
+and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance
+a son; yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an
+enduring soul have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after
+bereaving noble Hector of his life bindeth him behind his horses and
+draggeth him around the tomb of his dear comrade: not, verily, is that
+more honourable or better for him. Let him take heed lest we wax wroth
+with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is entreating
+shamefully the senseless clay.”
+
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to
+Achilles and to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a
+woman’s breast, but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred
+up and reared and gave to a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was
+dearest of all men to the Immortals’ heart. And all ye gods came to her
+bridal, and thou among them wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill
+company, faithless ever.”
+
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be
+not wroth utterly with the gods: for these men’s honour is not to be
+the same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that
+are in Ilios. So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the
+gifts I loved. Never did my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and
+the steam of sacrifice, even the honour that falleth to our due. But
+verily we will say no more of stealing away brave Hector, for it cannot
+be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth ever nigh to him night
+and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would call Thetis to
+come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake
+he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between
+Samothrace and rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters
+closed above her with a noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight
+of lead that mounted on horn of a field-ox goeth down bearing death to
+ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in a hollow cave; about her sat
+gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in their midst was wailing
+for the fate of her noble son who must perish in deep-soiled Troy, far
+from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed Iris spake to
+her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth thee.”
+
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals,
+for I have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in
+vain, whatsoever he saith.”
+
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no
+blacker raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and
+wind-footed swift Iris led the way before her, and around them the
+surge of the sea was sundered. And when they had come forth upon the
+shore they sped up to heaven, and found the far-seeing son of Kronos,
+and round him sat gathered all the other blessed gods that are for
+ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave her place.
+And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with words,
+and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in
+thy sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself.
+Nevertheless will I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days
+hath dispute arisen among the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector
+and Achilles waster of cities. Fain are they to send clear-sighted
+Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear what glory I accord herein
+to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come thy honour and good
+will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my bidding. Say
+to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the
+beaked ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and
+give Hector back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid
+him go to the ships of the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry
+gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient
+to his word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of
+Olympus. And she came to her son’s hut; there found she him making
+grievous moan, and his dear comrades round were swiftly making ready
+and furnishing their early meal, and a sheep great and fleecy was being
+sacrificed in the hut. Then his lady-mother sate her down close beside
+him, and stroked him with her hand and spake to him by his name: “My
+child, how long with lamentation and woe wilt thou devour thine heart,
+taking thought of neither food nor rest? good were even a woman’s
+embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me; already death and
+forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith unto me,
+for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth,
+because with furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and
+hast not given him back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the
+dead.”
+
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s
+intent the Olympian biddeth it himself.”
+
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each
+other many winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to
+holy Ilios: “Go forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear
+my message within Ilios to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships
+of the Achaians and ransom his dear son and carry gifts to Achilles
+that may gladden his heart; let him go alone, and no other man of the
+Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald attend on him to guide
+the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to the city the dead
+man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought nor any
+fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he
+shall have led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay
+him nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or
+unforeseeing or wicked, but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant
+man.”
+
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she
+came to the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His
+children sitting around their father within the court were bedewing
+their raiment with their tears, and the old man in their midst was
+close wrapped all over in his cloak; and on his head and neck was much
+mire that he had gathered in his hands as he grovelled upon the earth.
+And his daughters and his sons’ wives were wailing throughout the
+house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had lost their
+lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the messenger
+of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither
+to forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to
+thee, who, though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee.
+The Olympian biddeth thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to
+Achilles that may gladden his heart: go thou alone, let none other of
+the Trojans go with thee. Only let some elder herald attend on thee to
+guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to carry back to the city
+the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in thy thought,
+nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of Argus,
+who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself
+slay thee, nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or
+unforeseeing or wicked, but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant
+man.”
+
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons
+make ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage
+thereon. And himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar
+wood, high-roofed, that held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife
+he called and spake: “Lady, from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come
+to me, that I go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom my dear son,
+and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart. Come tell me
+how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my desire and heart
+bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide camp of
+the Achaians.”
+
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous
+among stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go
+alone to the ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who
+hath slain full many of thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart.
+For if he light on thee and behold thee with his eyes, a savage and
+ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity thee, neither reverence
+thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make lament afar off.
+Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her thread at his
+beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut fleet-footed
+dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds
+against my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he
+slain of him, but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy,
+neither bethought he him of shelter or of flight.”
+
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for
+I am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls,
+for thou wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of
+earth that bade me this, whether some seer or of the priests that
+divine from sacrifice, then would we declare it false and have no part
+therein; but now, since I have heard the voice of the goddess myself
+and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and her word shall not be
+void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the mail-clad
+Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed, when
+once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very
+goodly women’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets
+a like number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he
+weighed and brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining
+tripods and four caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of
+Thrace had given him when he went thither on an embassy, a chattel of
+great price, yet not that even did the old man grudge from his halls,
+for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his dear son. Then he
+drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them with words
+of rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye no
+mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose
+him that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it,
+for easier far shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But
+for me, ere I behold with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me
+go down into the house of Hades.”
+
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth
+before the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding
+Helenos and Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and
+Polites of the loud war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud
+Dios; nine were they whom the old man called and bade unto him: “Haste
+ye, ill sons, my shame; would that ye all in Hector’s stead had been
+slain at the swift ships! Woe is me all unblest, since I begat sons the
+best men in wide Troy-land, but none of them is left for me to claim,
+neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his chariot of war, nor Hector
+who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the son of a mortal man
+but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my shames all
+left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me
+ready a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us
+forward on our way?”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof
+on the frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood
+yoke with knob well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth
+the yoke-band of nine cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on
+the polished pole on the rest at the end thereof, and slipped the ring
+over the upright pin, which with three turns of the band they lashed to
+the knob, and then belayed it close round the pole and turned the
+tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and heaped on the
+polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and yoked
+strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam,
+a splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old
+man kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their
+cars, with wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at
+heart, with honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that
+they might make libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses
+and spake a word to Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus
+and pray that thou mayest come back home from among the enemy, since
+thy heart speedeth thee forth to the ships, though fain were I thou
+wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of the Storm-cloud, the gods of
+Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask of him a bird of
+omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to him and
+of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of
+the fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto
+thee his messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the
+ships of the Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus,
+if haply he will have pity.”
+
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure
+water on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer
+to wash withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from
+his wife: then he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured
+forth wine as he looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father
+Zeus that bearest sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant
+that I find welcome and pity under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of
+omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to thee and
+of mightiest strength, to appear upon the right, that seeing this sign
+with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him,
+and straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the
+dusky hunter called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well
+locking, fitted close, of some rich man’s high-roofed hall, so wide
+were his wings either way; and he appeared to them speeding on the
+right hand above the city. And when they saw the eagle they rejoiced
+and all their hearts were glad within their breasts.
+
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from
+the doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the
+four-wheeled wain, and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses
+which the old man urged with the lash at speed along the city: and his
+friends all followed lamenting loud as though he were faring to his
+death. And when they were come down from the city and were now on the
+plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and marriage kin. But the
+two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of far-seeing Zeus.
+But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever
+thou wilt, go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the
+Achaians that no man behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans’
+host, until he come to the son of Peleus.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not
+disobedient unto his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his
+fair sandals, golden, divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the
+boundless land with the breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand
+wherewith he entranceth the eyes of such men as he will, and others he
+likewise waketh out of sleep: this did the strong slayer of Argus take
+in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he to Troy-land and the
+Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young man that is a
+prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men is the
+comeliest.
+
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios,
+halted the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was
+come down over the earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by,
+and marked him, and spake and said to Priam: “Consider, son of
+Dardanos; this is matter of prudent thought. I see a man, methinks we
+shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let us flee in our chariot, or
+else at least touch his knees and entreat him that he have mercy on
+us.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed
+exceedingly, and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood
+still amazed. But the Helper came nigh of himself and took the old
+man’s hand, and spake and questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou
+thus guide these horses and mules through the divine night, when other
+mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no fear of the fierce-breathing
+Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh thee? If one of them
+should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift black night,
+what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself, and thy
+companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep
+any other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in
+thee.”
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god
+stretched forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer
+such as thou to meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy
+form and semblance; and thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents
+art thou sprung.”
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this,
+old sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me
+truly whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto
+alien men, where it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye
+are all forsaking holy Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you
+hath perished, even thy son; for of battle with the Achaians abated he
+never a jot.”
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the
+fate of my hapless son.”
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft
+seen with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was
+slaying the Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen
+bronze, and we stood still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered
+us not to fight, being wroth against Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and
+came in the same well-wrought ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my
+father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and an old man even as thou, and six
+other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With the others I cast lots,
+and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now am I come from
+the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed Achaians
+will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to be
+sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.”
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou
+art a squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth,
+whether still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath
+riven him limb from limb and cast him to the dogs.”
+
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire,
+not yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles’ ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn
+now hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither
+worms consume it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles
+draggeth him recklessly around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as
+divine day dawneth, yet marreth he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou
+couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh he lieth, and is washed clean of
+blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his wounds wherewith he was
+stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he be but a dead
+corpse, for they held him dear at heart.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the
+Immortals, for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in
+our halls the gods who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered
+this for him, albeit his portion is death. But come now take from me
+this goodly goblet, and guard me myself and guide me, under Heaven,
+that I may come unto the hut of Peleus’ son.”
+
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not
+prevail upon me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without
+Achilles’ privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him,
+lest some evil come to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would
+go even unto famous Argos, accompanying thee courteously in swift ship
+or on foot. Not from scorn of thy guide would any assail thee then.”
+
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he
+swiftly took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit
+into horses and mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench
+of the ships, there were the sentinels just busying them about their
+supper. Then the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them
+all, and straightway opened the gates and thrust back the bars, and
+brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon his wain. And they
+came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the Myrmidons made
+for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and thatched it
+with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and around it
+made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and the
+door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to
+drive home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but
+Achilles by himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes
+the door for the old man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’
+fleet-footed son, and descended from the chariot to the earth and spake
+aloud: “Old sire, I that have come to thee am an immortal god, even
+Hermes, for my father sent me to companion thee on thy way. But now
+will I depart from thee nor come within Achilles’ sight; it were cause
+of wrath that an immortal god should thus show favour openly unto
+mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of Peleus’ son and entreat
+him for his father’s sake and his mother’s of the lovely hair and for
+his child’s sake that thou mayest move his soul.”
+
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from
+the car to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind
+the horses and mules; but the old man made straight for the house where
+Achilles dear to Zeus was wont to sit. And therein he found the man
+himself, and his comrades sate apart: two only, the hero Automedon and
+Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were busy in attendance; and he was
+lately ceased from meat, even from eating and drinking: and still the
+table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great Priam as he came
+in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees of
+Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many
+of Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in
+his own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers,
+to the house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on
+him—so Achilles wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest
+wondered likewise, and looked upon one another. Then Priam spake and
+entreated him, saying: “Bethink thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy
+father that is of like years with me, on the grievous pathway of old
+age. Him haply are the dwellers round about entreating evilly, nor is
+there any to ward from him ruin and bane. Nevertheless while he heareth
+of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart, and hopeth withal day
+after day that he shall see his dear son returning from Troy-land. But
+I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I
+had, when the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of
+one mother, and concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the
+more part had impetuous Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet
+left and guarded city and men, him slewest thou but now as he fought
+for his country, even Hector. For his sake come I unto the ships of the
+Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I bring with me untold
+ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have compassion on me,
+even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more piteous than
+he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved before, to
+stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my sons.”
+
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for
+his father. And he touched the old man’s hand and gently moved him
+back. And as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for
+man-slaying Hector wept sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet,
+and Achilles wept for his own father, and now again for Patroklos, and
+their moan went up throughout the house. But when noble Achilles had
+satisfied him with lament, and the desire thereof departed from his
+heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat and raised the old
+man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and spake unto
+him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily thou
+hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of
+the Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many
+of the brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee
+on a seat, and we will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all
+our pain, for no avail cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods
+have spun for miserable men, that they should live in pain; yet
+themselves are sorrowless. For two urns stand upon the floor of Zeus
+filled with his evil gifts, and one with blessings. To whomsoever Zeus
+whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled lot, that man chanceth
+now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he giveth but of the
+bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth him over the
+goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor men.
+Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the
+Myrmidons, and mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be
+his bride. Yet even on him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to
+him no offspring of princely sons in his halls, save that he begat one
+son to an untimely death. Neither may I tend him as he groweth old,
+since very far from my country I am dwelling in Troy-land, to vex thee
+and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard how of old time
+thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar, boundeth
+to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons,
+but after that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are
+battles and man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not
+unabatingly in thy heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for
+thy son, neither shalt thou bring him back to life or ever some new
+evil come upon thee.”
+
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the
+huts, but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine
+eyes; and accept thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou
+have pleasure thereof, and come unto thy native land, since thou hast
+spared me from the first.”
+
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee,
+for there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me,
+daughter of the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my
+mind, nor am unaware that some god it is that hath guided thee to the
+swift ships of the Achaians. For no mortal man, even though in prime of
+youth, would dare to come among the host, for neither could he escape
+the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of our doors. Therefore now
+stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave not even thee in
+peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant, and lest
+I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son
+of Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone,
+for with him went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they
+whom above all his comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that
+was dead. They then loosed from under the yoke the horses and mules,
+and led in the old man’s crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from
+the wain of goodly felloes they took the countless ransom set on
+Hector’s head. But they left two robes and a well-spun doublet, that
+Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave him to be carried
+home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and anoint him
+when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon his
+son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when
+he should look upon his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat
+and he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the
+handmaids had washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown
+over it a fair robe and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and
+laid it on a bier, and his comrades with him lifted it on to the
+polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with me if thou hear even in the
+house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector unto his dear
+father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof I will
+deal to thee again thy rightful share.”
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him
+down on the cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the
+opposite wall, and spake a word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given
+back as thou wouldest and lieth on a bier, and with the break of day
+thou shalt see him thyself as thou carriest him. But now bethink we us
+of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe bethought her of meat, she whose
+twelve children perished in her halls, six daughters and six lusty
+sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew with arrows
+from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that Niobe
+matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was
+there any to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on
+the tenth day the gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought
+her of meat, when she was wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere
+now among the cliffs, on the lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where
+they say are the couching-places of nymphs that dance around Acheloos,
+there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still over her troubles from the
+gods. But come let us too, noble father, take thought of meat, and
+afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou carriest him to
+Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.”
+
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep,
+and his comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and
+divided it cunningly and pierced it with spits, and roasted it
+carefully and drew all off. And Automedon took bread and served it on a
+table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt out the flesh. And they
+stretched forth their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them.
+But when they had put off the desire of meat and drink, then Priam son
+of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was and how
+goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his
+words. But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first
+spake the old man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me
+whereon to lie, fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now
+take our fill at rest: for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath
+their lids since at thy hands my son lost his life, but I continually
+mourn and brood over countless griefs, grovelling in the
+courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted bread and
+poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted naught.”
+
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead
+beneath the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread
+coverlets above and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over
+all. And the maids went forth from the inner hail with torches in their
+hands, and quickly spread two beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning
+[in his reference to Agamemnon] said fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam:
+“Lie thou without, dear sire, lest there come hither one of the
+counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take counsel with me by my
+side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee through the swift
+black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon shepherd of
+the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead. But
+come say this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself
+abide and may keep back the host.”
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art
+verily willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as
+thou sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we
+are pent within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch,
+and the Trojans are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him
+in our halls, and on the tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall
+feast, and on the eleventh we will make, a barrow over him, and on the
+twelfth we will do battle if need be.”
+
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this,
+O ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the
+battle even so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+
+Thus speaking he clasped the old man’s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house
+laid them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their
+hearts, but Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and
+beside him lay fair-cheeked Briseis.
+
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night,
+by soft sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take
+hold as he sought within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam
+from the ships unespied of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his
+head and spake a word to him: “Old sire, no thought then hast thou of
+any evil, seeing thou yet sleepest among men that are thine enemies,
+for that Achilles spared thee. Truly now hast thou won back thy dear
+son, and at great price. But for thy life will thy sons thou hast left
+behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon Atreus’ son be
+aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And
+Hermes yoked the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them
+lightly through the camp, and none was aware of them.
+
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high
+Olympus, and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And
+they with wail and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules
+drew the dead. Nor marked them any man or fair-girdled woman until
+Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite, having gone up upon Pergamos, was
+aware of her dear father as he stood in the car, and the herald that
+was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay upon the bier
+behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud throughout all
+the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and look upon
+Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all
+came unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home
+the dead. First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they
+cast them on the fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around
+them stood the throng and wept. So all day long unto the setting of the
+sun they had lamented Hector in tears without the gate, had not the old
+man spoken from the car among the folk: “Give me place for the mules to
+pass through; hereafter ye shall have your fill of wailing, when I have
+brought him unto his home.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And
+the others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a
+fretted bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who
+wailed a mournful lay, while the women made moan with them. And among
+the women white-armed Andromache led the lamentation, while in her
+hands she held the head of Hector slayer of men: “Husband, thou art
+gone young from life, and leavest me a widow in thy halls. And the
+child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated parents, thee and me;
+nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then shall this city
+be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst watch over
+it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant little
+ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place
+where thou shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of
+some harsh lord, or else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and
+hurl thee from the battlement, a grievous death, for that he is wroth
+because Hector slew his brother or father or son, since full many of
+the Achaians in Hector’s hands have bitten the firm earth. For no light
+hand had thy father in the grievous fray. Therefore the folk lament him
+throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and mourning hast thou left to
+thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall grievous pain abide.
+For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed in thy death,
+neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have thought
+on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them
+Hekabe again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far
+dearest to my heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the
+gods, and even in thy doom of death have they had care for thee. For
+other sons of mine whom he took captive would fleet Achilles sell
+beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but
+when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee of thy life he was fain
+to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even Patroklos whom
+thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all dewy
+and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen
+led their sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest
+to my heart! Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to
+Troy-land—would I had died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year
+since I went thence and am gone from my own native land, but never yet
+heard I evil or despiteful word from thee; nay, if any other haply
+upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether brother or sister of thine or
+brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy mother—but thy father is ever kind to
+me as he were my own—then wouldst thou soothe such with words and
+refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by thy gentle words.
+Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless self with
+thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring
+wood, men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of
+a crafty ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when
+he sent me from the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until
+the twelfth morn arise.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then
+they flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of
+wood. But when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they
+forth brave Hector, weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the
+dead man, and thereon cast fire.
+
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they
+with bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went,
+and then his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting,
+and big tears flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and
+laid in a golden urn, shrouding them in soft purple robes, and
+straightway laid the urn in a hollow grave and piled thereon great
+close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow, while watchers were
+set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians should make onset
+before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they went back,
+and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at the
+palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 3059 ***
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</title>
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 3059 ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE<br/>
+ILIAD OF HOMER</h1>
+
+<h4>Done into English Prose<br/>
+by<br/>
+Andrew Lang, M.A.    Walter Leaf, Litt. D.<br/>
+Late fellow of Merton College,    Late fellow of Trinity College,<br/>
+Oxford    Cambridge<br/>
+and<br/>
+Ernest Meyers, M.A.<br/>
+Late fellow of Wadham College,<br/>
+Oxford<br /><br /></h4>
+
+<h4><i>REVISED EDITION</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></h4>
+
+<h5>MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED<br />
+ST. MARTINS STREET, LONDON<br />
+1911</h5>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#pref01">PREFATORY NOTE.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap00">THE ILIAD OF HOMER</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">BOOK I.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">BOOK II.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">BOOK III.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">BOOK IV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">BOOK V.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">BOOK VI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">BOOK VII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap08">BOOK VIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap09">BOOK IX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap10">BOOK X.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap11">BOOK XI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap12">BOOK XII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="pref01"></a>PREFATORY NOTE.</h2>
+
+<p>
+The execution of this version of the <i>Iliad</i> has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Books I.—IX. . . . . W. L<small>EAF</small>.<br/>
+Books X.—XVI. . . . . A. L<small>ANG</small>.<br/>
+Books XVII.—XXIV. . . . . E. M<small>YERS</small>.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the whole has
+been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of passages or phrases
+recurring in more than one portion has been determined after deliberation in
+common. Even in these, however, a certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
+translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by the third.
+Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X.—XVI. Would have preferred “c”
+and “us” to “k” and “os” in the spelling of all proper names.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except where the
+adoption of a different reading has been specified in a footnote. Where the
+balance of evidence, external and internal, has seemed to the Translator to be
+against the genuineness of the passage, such passage has been enclosed in
+brackets [].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Translator of Books X.—XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. R<small>APER</small>,
+Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the
+proof-sheets of these Books.
+</p>
+
+<h3>NOTE TO REVISED EDITION</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised throughout,
+and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at the end of the
+volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of the Translators hopes
+to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad for English readers, which
+will deal fully with most of the points therein referred to.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to passages
+where there is external evidence, such as absence from the best MSS., for
+believing in interpolation. One or two departures from this rule are noticed in
+footnotes.
+</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<i>November</i> 1891
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p class="noindent">
+The sacred soil of Ilios is rent<br/>
+With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow<br/>
+Through plains where Simois and Scamander went<br/>
+To war with gods and heroes long ago.<br/>
+Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low<br/>
+In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;<br/>
+The bones of Agamemnon are a show,<br/>
+And ruined is his royal monument.<br/>
+The dust and awful treasures of the dead<br/>
+Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,<br/>
+Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,<br/>
+And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she<br/>
+To know the crown on thine immortal head<br/>
+Of indivisible supremacy.<br/>
+<br/>
+                    A.L.<br/>
+ <br/>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+Athwart the sunrise of our western day<br/>
+The form of great Achilles, high and clear,<br/>
+Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.<br/>
+The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,<br/>
+Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,<br/>
+Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,<br/>
+Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.<br/>
+But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,<br/>
+More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;<br/>
+Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,<br/>
+Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.<br/>
+What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?<br/>
+Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;<br/>
+Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death.<br/>
+<br/>
+                    E.M.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap00"></a>THE ILIAD OF HOMER</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap01"></a>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles withdrew
+himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong should be
+avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus’ son, the ruinous wrath that
+brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many
+strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs and all
+winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its accomplishment from
+the day when first strife parted Atreides king of men and noble Achilles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Who then among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Even the son of
+Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague upon the host,
+that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done dishonour to Chryses
+the priest. For he had come to the Achaians’ fleet ships to win his daughter’s
+freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling; and bare in his hands the fillet
+of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff; and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the host: “Ye
+sons of Atreus and all ye well-greaved Achaians, now may the gods that dwell in
+the mansions of Olympus grant you to lay waste the city of Priam, and to fare
+happily homeward; only set ye my dear child free, and accept the ransom in
+reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting Apollo.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and accept
+his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern charge upon him, saying:
+“Let me not find thee, old man, amid the hollow ships, whether tarrying now or
+returning again hereafter, lest the staff and fillet of the god avail thee
+naught. And her will I not set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on her in
+our house, in Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the loom and
+serve my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the rather go in
+peace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared silently
+along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged man apart and
+prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks bare: “Hear me, god of
+the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos
+with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built a temple gracious in thine eyes, or if
+ever I burnt to thee fat flesh of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil thou this my
+desire; let the Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from the
+peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow and covered
+quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath, as the god moved;
+and he descended like to night. Then he sate him aloof from the ships, and let
+an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread clanging of the silver bow. First did
+he assail the mules and fleet dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his
+piercing dart, he smote; and the pyres of the dead burnt continually in
+multitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for nine days ranged the god’s shafts through the host; but on the tenth
+Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did goddess Hera of the
+white arms put the thought, because she had pity on the Danaans when she beheld
+them perishing. Now when they had gathered and were met in assembly, then
+Achilles fleet of foot stood up and spake among them: “Son of Atreus, now deem
+I that we shall return wandering home again—if verily we might escape death—if
+war at once and pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But come, let us
+now inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter of
+dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore Phoebus
+Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or hecatomb; if
+perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or unblemished goats, and so
+would take away the pestilence from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas son of
+Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that were and that
+should be and that had been before, and guided the ships of the Achaians to
+Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo bestowed on him. He of good intent
+made harangue and spake amid them: “Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest me
+tell the wrath of Apollo, the king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I speak;
+but do thou make covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy heart
+thou wilt aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I shall
+provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the Achaians obey.
+For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a meaner man; even though for
+the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth he still keep his displeasure
+thereafter in his breast till he accomplish it. Consider thou, then, if thou
+wilt hold me safe.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: “Yea, be of good
+courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo dear to Zeus,
+him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy soothsaying to the Danaans,
+no man while I live and behold light on earth shall lay violent hands upon thee
+amid the hollow ships, no man of all the Danaans, not even if thou mean
+Agamemnon, that now avoweth him to be greatest far of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: “Neither by reason of a vow
+is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest’s sake to whom
+Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and accepted not the
+ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes upon us, yea, and will
+bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly pestilence from the Danaans till we
+have given the bright-eyed damsel to her father, unbought, unransomed, and
+carried a holy hecatomb to Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our prayer.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero son of
+Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark heart within him
+was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like flashing fire. To Kalchas
+first spake he with look of ill: “Thou seer of evil, never yet hast thou told
+me the thing that is pleasant. Evil is ever the joy of thy heart to prophesy,
+but never yet didst thou tell any good matter nor bring to pass. And now with
+soothsaying thou makest harangue among the Danaans, how that the Far-darter
+bringeth woes upon them because, forsooth, I would not take the goodly ransom
+of the damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her own self within
+mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded wife; in no wise
+is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor stature, nor wit nor skill.
+Yet for all this will I give her back, if that is better; rather would I see my
+folk whole than perishing. Only make ye me ready a prize of honour forthwith,
+lest I alone of all the Argives be disprized, which thing beseemeth not; for ye
+all behold how my prize is departing from me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted Achaians give
+thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of common store, but what
+spoil soe’er we took from captured cities hath been apportioned, and it
+beseemeth not to beg all this back from the folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to
+the god, and we Achaians will pay thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever
+Zeus grant us to sack some well-walled town of Troy-land.”*
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+Reading with Cobet &#932;&#961;&#8179;&#8053;&#957; for
+&#932;&#961;&#959;&#8055;&#951;&#957;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: “Not in this wise, strong as thou
+art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt not outwit me nor
+persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep thy meed of honour, for me
+to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me give her back? Nay, if the
+great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed suited to my mind, that the
+recompense be equal—but if they give it not, then I myself will go and take a
+meed of honour, thine be it or Aias’, or Odysseus’ that I will take unto me;
+wroth shall he be to whomsoever I come. But for this we will take counsel
+hereafter; now let us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather picked
+oarsmen, and set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair cheeks
+herself, and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or goodly
+Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice for us
+and propitiate the Far-darter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: “Ah me, thou
+clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any Achaian hearken to
+thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a journey or to fight the foe
+amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen came I hither to fight, for they
+have not wronged me; never did they harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever
+waste my harvest in deep-soiled Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth
+between us long space of shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou
+shameless one, followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at
+the Trojans’ hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this thou
+threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed much, and
+the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like unto thine, when the
+Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men; my hands bear the brunt of
+furious war, but when the apportioning cometh then is thy meed far ampler, and
+I betake me to the ships with some small thing, yet mine own, when I have
+fought to weariness. Now will I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to
+return home on my beaked ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee
+thy fill of riches and wealth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him “Yea, flee, if thy soul be set
+thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I have others by
+my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus, lord of counsel. Most
+hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings of Zeus; thou ever lovest
+strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be very strong, yet that I ween is a
+gift to thee of God. Go home with thy ships and company and lord it among thy
+Myrmidons; I reck not aught of thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all
+this shall be my threat to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of
+Chryseis, her with my ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self
+will I go to thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
+honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and so shall
+another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival me to my face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus’ son, and his heart within his shaggy
+breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade from his thigh
+and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to assuage his anger and
+curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in heart and soul, and was drawing
+his great sword from his sheath, Athene came to him from heaven, sent forth of
+the white-armed goddess Hera, whose heart loved both alike and had care for
+them. She stood behind Peleus’ son and caught him by his golden hair, to him
+only visible, and of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles marvelled, and
+turned him about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and terribly shone her
+eyes. He spake to her winged words, and said: “Why now art thou come hither,
+thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the insolence of
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall even be
+brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: “I came from heaven to
+stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being sent forth if the
+white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike and careth for you. Go to
+now, cease from strife, and let not thine hand draw the sword; yet with words
+indeed revile him, even as it shall come to pass. For thus will I say to thee,
+and so it shall be fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come to thee, yea in
+threefold measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine hand, and hearken
+to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: “Goddess, needs must a
+man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very wroth at heart; for
+so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods, to him they gladly hearken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the great
+sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying of Athene;
+and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods in the palace of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son spake again with bitter words to Atreus’ son, and in no wise
+ceased from anger: “Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of dog and heart of
+deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle among thy folk or to lay
+ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that to thee were even as death. Far
+better booteth it, forsooth, to seize for thyself the meed of honour of every
+man through the wide host of the Achaians that speaketh contrary to thee.
+Folk-devouring king! seeing thou rulest men of naught; else were this despite,
+thou son of Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to thee, and swear a
+mighty oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no more put forth leaf
+or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the hills, neither shall
+it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of leaves and bark; and
+now the sons of the Achaians that exercise judgment bear it in their hands,
+even they that by Zeus’ command watch over the traditions—so shall this be a
+mighty oath in thine eyes—verily shall longing for Achilles come hereafter upon
+the sons of the Achaians one and all; and then wilt thou in no wise avail to
+save them, for all thy grief, when multitudes fall dying before manslaying
+Hector. Then shalt thou tear thy heart within thee for anger that thou didst in
+no wise honour the best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden nails, and
+himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed furious. Then in their
+midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the clear-voiced orator of the
+Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed discourse sweeter than honey. Two
+generations of mortal men already had he seen perish, that had been of old time
+born and nurtured with him in goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He
+of good intent made harangue to them and said: “Alas, of a truth sore
+lamentation cometh upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and
+Priam’s sons, and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were they to
+hear all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the Danaans
+in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are younger both than
+I. Of old days held I converse with better men even than you, and never did
+they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such warriors, nor shall behold, as
+were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of the host and Kaineus and Exadios and
+godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus son of Aigeus, like to the immortals].
+Mightiest of growth were they of all men upon the earth; mightiest they were
+and with the mightiest fought they, even the wild tribes of the mountain caves,
+and destroyed them utterly. And with these held I converse, being come from
+Pylos, from a distant land afar; for of themselves they summoned me. So I
+played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that are now on earth
+do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to my voice. Even
+so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither do thou, though thou
+art very great, seize from him his damsel, but leave her as she was given at
+the first by the sons of the Achaians to be a meed of honour; nor do thou, son
+of Peleus, think to strive with a king, might against might; seeing that no
+common honour pertaineth to a sceptred king to whom Zeus apportioneth glory.
+Though thou be strong, and a goddess mother bare thee, yet his is the greater
+place, for he is king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate thy fury; nay, it is
+even I that beseech thee to let go thine anger with Achilles, who is made unto
+all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: “Yea verily, old man, all this thou
+sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all others, he
+would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all; wherein I deem none
+will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made him a spearman, do they
+therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to utter?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: “Yea, for I should be called
+coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter, howsoe’er thou
+bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play master; for thee I deem
+that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover, will I say to thee, and do thou lay
+it to thy heart. Know that not by violence will I strive for the damsel’s sake,
+neither with thee nor any other; ye gave and ye have taken away. But of all
+else that is mine beside my fleet black ship, thereof shalt thou not take
+anything or bear it away against my will. Yea, go to now, make trial, that all
+these may see; forthwith thy dark blood shall gush about my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they stood up
+and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides went his way to
+his huts and trim ships with Menoitios’ son* and his company; and Atreides
+launched a fleet ship on the sea, and picked twenty oarsmen therefor, and
+embarked the hecatomb for the god, and brought Chryseis of the fair cheeks and
+set her therein; and Odysseus of many devices went to be their captain.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Patroklos
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the folk
+purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the defilements into
+the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished hecatombs of bulls and
+goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea; and the sweet savour arose to
+heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not from the
+strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake to Talthybios
+and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires: “Go ye to the tent of
+Achilles Peleus’ son, and take Briseis of the fair cheeks by the hand and lead
+her hither; and if he give her not, then will I myself go, and more with me,
+and seize her; and that will be yet more grievous for him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them. Unwillingly went
+they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came to the huts and ships of
+the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside his hut and black ship; nor when
+he saw them was Achilles glad. So they in dread and reverence of the king
+stood, and spake to him no word, nor questioned him. But he knew in his heart,
+and spake to them: “All hail, ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, come
+near; ye are not guilty in my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the sake
+of the damsel Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the damsel,
+and give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be my
+witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and of him,
+that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of me hereafter to
+save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth with baleful mind, and
+hath not knowledge to look before and after, that so his Achaians might battle
+in safety beside their ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth from the
+hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead away. So these twain
+took their way back along the Achaians’ ships, and with them went the woman all
+unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and sat him down apart, aloof from his
+comrades on the beach of the grey sea, gazing across the boundless main; he
+stretched forth his hands and prayed instantly to his dear mother: “Mother,
+seeing thou didst of a truth bear me to so brief span of life, honour at the
+least ought the Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that thundereth on high;
+but now doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily Atreus’ son,
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath taken away my meed
+of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey sea, like a
+mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and stroked him with her
+hand, and spake and called on his name: “My child, why weepest thou? What
+sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it forth, hide it not in thy mind,
+that both may know it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: “Thou knowest it; why
+should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to Thebe, the holy
+city of Eëtion, and laid it waste and carried hither all the spoils. So the
+sons of the Achaians divided among them all aright; and for Atreides they set
+apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks. But Chryses, priest of Apollo the
+Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships of the mail-clad Achaians to win his
+daughter’s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling, and bare in his hands
+the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his prayer
+unto all the Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of
+the host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and
+accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of Agamemnon son
+of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern charge upon him. So the
+old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard his prayers, seeing he loved him
+greatly, and he aimed against the Argives his deadly darts. So the people began
+to perish in multitudes, and the god’s shafts ranged everywhither throughout
+the wide host of the Achaians. Then of full knowledge the seer declared to us
+the oracle of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade propitiate the god; but
+wrath gat hold upon Atreus’ son thereat, and anon he stood up and spake a
+threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her the glancing-eyed
+Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and bear with them
+offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds went and took from my
+hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons of the Achaians gave me. Thou
+therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard thine own* son; betake thee to Olympus
+and beseech Zeus by any deed or word whereby thou ever didst make glad his
+heart. For oft have I heard thee proclaiming in my father’s halls and telling
+that thou alone amid the immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord of the
+storm-cloud, from shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would have bound
+him, even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O goddess,
+enter in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to high
+Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all men call
+Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate him by Kronion’s
+side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods feared him withal and bound
+not Zeus. This bring thou to his remembrance and sit by him and clasp his
+knees, if perchance he will give succour to the Trojans; and for the Achaians,
+hem them among their ships’ sterns about the bay, given over to slaughter; that
+they may make trial of their king, and that even Atreides, wide-ruling
+Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness, in that he honoured not at all the best
+of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Reading &#7953;&#959;&#8150;&#959;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: “Ah me, my child, why reared I thee,
+cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and griefless amid
+the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no long while; but now art
+thou made short-lived alike and lamentable beyond all men; in an evil hour I
+bare thee in our halls. But I will go myself to snow-clad Olympus to tell this
+thy saying to Zeus, whose joy is in the thunder*, if perchance he may hearken
+to me. But tarry thou now amid thy fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with
+the Achaians, and refrain utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to
+Okeanos, unto the noble Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with
+him; but on the twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I fare to
+Zeus’ palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and think to win
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* perhaps rather, “hurler of the thunderbolt.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled woman’s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his will: and
+meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb. When they were now
+entered within the deep haven, they furled their sails and laid them in the
+black ship, and lowered the mast by the forestays and brought it to the crutch
+with speed, and rowed her with oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the
+mooring stones and made fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to
+the sea-beach, and forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo,
+and forth came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
+counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father’s arms, and
+spake unto him: “Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to bring thee
+thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the Danaans’ behalf,
+wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought sorrow and lamentation
+on the Argives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child; and anon
+they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his well-builded altar;
+next washed they their hands and took up the barley meal. Then Chryses lifted
+up his hands and prayed aloud for them: “Hearken to me, god of the silver bow
+that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might; even
+as erst thou heardest my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily afflictest
+the people of the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire: remove thou
+from the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had prayed
+and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims’ heads and
+slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the thighs and wrapped
+them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw collops thereon, and the old
+man burnt them on cleft wood and made libation over them of gleaming wine; and
+at his side the young men in their hands held five-pronged forks. Now when the
+thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest
+and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off
+again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the banquet, they
+feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they
+had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, the young men crowned the
+bowls with wine, and gave each man his portion after the drink-offering had
+been poured into the cups. So all day long worshipped they the god with music,
+singing the beautiful paean, the sons of the Achaians making music to the
+Far-darter;* and his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down and
+darkness came on them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship’s hawsers; and
+when rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning, then set they sail for
+the wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent them a favouring
+gale. They set up their mast and spread the white sails forth, and the wind
+filled the sail’s belly and the dark wave sang loud about the stem as the ship
+made way, and she sped across the wave, accomplishing her journey. So when they
+were now come to the wide camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black ship
+to land high upon the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her; and
+themselves were scattered amid their huts and ships.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “the Averter” (of pestilence).
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the heaven-sprung son
+of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him neither to the assembly that
+is the hero’s glory, neither to war, but consumed his heart in tarrying in his
+place, and yearned for the war-cry and for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are for ever
+fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis forgat not her son’s
+charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at early morn mounted up to great
+heaven and Olympus. There found she Kronos’ son of the far-sounding voice
+sitting apart from all on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. So she sat
+before his face and with her left hand clasped his knees, and with her right
+touched him beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king Zeus son of Kronos:
+“Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the immortal gods, whether by word
+or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour to my son, that is doomed to
+earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king of men done him dishonour,
+for he hath taken away his meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent
+deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of Olympus, lord of counsel; grant thou victory
+to the Trojans the while until the Achaians do my son honour and exalt him with
+recompense.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat long
+time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held she by him
+clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: “Promise me now this thing
+verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me, seeing there is naught for
+thee to fear; that I may know full well how I among all gods am least in
+honour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: “Verily it is a
+sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene’er she provoketh
+me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever amid the immortal gods,
+and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do thou now depart again, lest
+Hera mark aught; and I will take thought for these things to fulfil them. Come
+now, I will bow my head to thee, that thou mayest be of good courage; for that,
+of my part, is the surest token amid the immortals; no word of mine is
+revocable nor false nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath pledged
+it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved from the
+king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the deep sea
+from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All the gods in
+company arose from their seats before their father’s face; neither ventured any
+to await his coming, but stood up all before him. So he sate him there upon his
+throne; but Hera saw, and was not ignorant how that the daughter of the Ancient
+of the sea, Thetis the silver-footed, had devised counsel with him. Anon with
+taunting words spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: “Now who among the gods,
+thou crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is ever thy good
+pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give thy judgments,
+nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to declare unto me
+the thing thou purposest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: “Hera, think not thou to know
+all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my wife. But
+whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than thou shall know, be
+he god or man. Only when I will to take thought aloof from the gods, then do
+not thou ask of every matter nor make question.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. “Most dread son of Kronos, what
+word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have not asked thee nor
+made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou have been won over by
+silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of the sea, for she at early morn
+sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To her I deem thou gavest a sure pledge that
+thou wilt do honour to Achilles, and lay many low beside the Achaians’ ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: “Lady, Good lack! ever art thou
+imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have power to
+fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be even the worse for
+thee. And if it be so, then such must my good pleasure be. Abide thou in
+silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all the gods that are in Olympus keep
+not off from thee my visitation, when I put forth my hands unapproachable
+against thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence, curbing her
+heart; but throughout Zeus’ palace the gods of heaven were troubled. Then
+Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue among them, to do
+kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: “Verily this will be a sorry matter,
+neither any more endurable, if ye twain thus fight for mortals’ sakes, and
+bring wrangling among the gods; neither will there any more be joy of the
+goodly feast, seeing that evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my mother,
+though herself is wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that our father
+upbraid us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the Olympian,
+the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is strongest
+far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the Olympian forthwith
+be gracious unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother’s hand the twy-handled cup,
+and spake to her: “Be of good courage, mother mine, and endure, though thou art
+vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so dear, chastised before mine eyes, and
+then shall I not be able for all my sorrow to save thee; for the Olympian is a
+hard foe to face. Yea, once ere this, when I was fain to save thee, he caught
+me by my foot and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all day I flew, and at
+the set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me. There did the
+Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the cup at
+her son’s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from right to left,
+ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter unquenchable arose amid
+the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling through the palace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul aught
+stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that Apollo held, and
+the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his own house
+to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning device by famed
+Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the lord of lightning, departed
+to his couch where he was wont of old to take his rest, whenever sweet sleep
+visited him. There went he up and slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden
+throne.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap02"></a>BOOK II.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the Achaians and
+their marching forth to battle. And of the names and numbers of the hosts of
+the Achaians and the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only Zeus was
+not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his heart how he should
+do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the Achaians’ ships. And this
+design seemed to his mind the best, to wit, to send a baneful dream upon
+Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and uttered to him winged words: “Come
+now, thou baneful Dream, go to the Achaians’ fleet ships, enter into the hut of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, and tell him every word plainly as I charge thee. Bid
+him call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now he
+may take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in
+the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath turned
+the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows hang.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge. With
+speed he came to the Achaians’ fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber poured over
+him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son of Neleus, even
+Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured; in his likeness spake
+to him the heavenly Dream:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night through
+beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted and so
+many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a messenger to
+thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He
+biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that
+now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that
+dwell in the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows hang by
+the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart, not let forgetfulness
+come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his mind things
+that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to take Priam’s city that
+very day; fond man, in that he knew not the plans that Zeus had in mind, who
+was willed to bring yet more grief and wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans
+throughout the course of stubborn fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the
+heavenly voice was in his ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft
+tunic, fair and bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his
+glistering feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
+silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires’ sceptre, imperishable for ever,
+wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians’ ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus and all
+the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to the
+assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those summon, and these gathered
+with speed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship of king
+Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed his cunning
+counsel: “Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to me in my sleep
+through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly Nestor was very like in
+shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over my head and charged me saying:
+‘Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night through
+beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted and so
+many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a messenger to
+thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He
+biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that
+now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that
+dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera
+hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart.’ So spake the
+dream and was flown away, and sweet sleep left me. So come, let us now call to
+arms as we may the sons of the Achaians. But first I will speak to make trial
+of them as is fitting, and bid them flee with their benched ships; only do ye
+from this side and from that speak to hold them back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor, who was
+king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them and said: “My
+friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any other of the Achaians told
+us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and rather turn away therefrom;
+but now he hath seen it who of all Achaians avoweth himself far greatest. So
+come, let us call to arms as we may the sons of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other sceptred
+chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and the people
+hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees issue from the
+hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly clustering among the flowers of
+spring, and some on this hand and some on that fly thick; even so from ships
+and huts before the low beach marched forth their many tribes by companies to
+the place of assembly. And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of
+Zeus, urging them to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was
+in an uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and there
+was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if perchance they
+might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit, and keep them to their
+benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord Agamemnon bearing his sceptre,
+that Hephaistos had wrought curiously. Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of
+Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to the messenger-god the slayer of Argus;* and
+king Hermes gave it to Pelops the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to
+Atreus shepherd of the host. And Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich in
+flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many
+islands and all Argos he should be lord. Thereon he leaned and spake his saying
+to the Argives:
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, possibly, “the swift-appearing”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, Zeus Kronos’ son hath bound
+me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart is he, for that
+erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not till I had wasted
+well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that he planned a cruel wile
+and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured, with the loss of many of my folk.
+So meseems it pleaseth most mighty Zeus, who hath laid low the head of many a
+city, yea, and shall lay low; for his is highest power. Shame is this even for
+them that come after to hear; how so goodly and great a folk of the Achaians
+thus vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier enemies, and no end
+thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both Achaians and
+Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if the Trojans
+should gather together all that have their dwellings in the city, and we
+Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every company choose a Trojan to
+pour their wine, then would many tens lack a cup-bearer: so much, I say, do the
+sons of the Achaians outnumber the Trojans that dwell within the city. But
+allies from many cities, even warriors that wield the spear, are therein, and
+they hinder me perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to waste the
+populous citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus passed away,
+and our ships’ timbers have rotted and the tackling is loosed; while there our
+wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet is our task utterly
+unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come, even as I bid let us all obey.
+Let us flee with our ships to our dear native land; for now shall we never take
+wide-wayed Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout the
+multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly swayed like
+high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south wind raise, rushing
+upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even as when the west wind cometh
+to stir a deep cornfield with violent blast, and the ears bow down, so was all
+the assembly stirred, and they with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the
+dust from beneath their feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his
+neighbor to seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared
+out the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will of fate,
+but that Hera spake a word to Athene: “Out on it, daughter of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed flee homeward to their
+dear native land over the sea’s broad back? But they would leave to Priam and
+the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian
+hath perished in Troy, far away from his dear native land. But go thou now amid
+the host of the mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle words refrain thou every
+man, neither suffer them to draw their curved ships down to the salt sea.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but went
+darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the fleet ships
+of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of Zeus in counsel,
+neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship, because grief had entered
+into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed Athene stood by him and said:
+“Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many devices, will ye indeed fling
+yourselves upon your benched ships to flee homeward to your dear native land?
+But ye would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos,
+for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear native
+land. But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and with
+gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved ships
+down to the salt sea.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and set him
+to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered up, even
+Eurybates of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went to meet Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre of his sires, imperishable
+for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by his
+side, and refrained him with gentle words: “Good sir, it is not seemly to
+affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make all thy folk sit
+down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the purpose of Atreus’ son; now
+is he but making trial, and soon he will afflict the sons of the Achaians. And
+heard we not all of us what he spake in the council? Beware lest in his anger
+he evilly entreat the sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul of
+heaven-fostered kings; because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of counsel
+loveth them.”*
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+Reading &#948;&#953;&#959;&#964;&#961;&#949;&#966;&#8051;&#969;&#957;
+&#946;&#945;&#963;&#953;&#955;&#8053;&#969;&#957; with Zenodotos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he drave with
+his sceptre and chode him with loud words: “Good sir, sit still and hearken to
+the words of others that are thy betters; but thou art no warrior, and a
+weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in council. In no wise can we
+Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of masters is no good thing; let there
+be one master, one king, to whom the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath
+granted it, [even the sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among you”].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly from
+ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea roareth on the
+long beach and the main resoundeth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only Thersites
+still chattered on, the uncontrolled of speech, whose mind was full of words
+many and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the chiefs idly and in no good
+order, but even as he deemed that he should make the Argives laugh. And he was
+ill-favored beyond all men that came to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of
+one foot, and his two shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over
+them his head was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he
+to Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But now
+with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly Agamemnon. With
+him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in their souls. But he
+with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon: “Atreides, for what art thou now
+ill content and lacking? Surely thy huts are full of bronze and many women are
+in they huts, the chosen spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all,
+whene’er we take a town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well, such as
+some one of the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his son,
+whom I perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some young
+girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it is not
+seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the Achaians to ill.
+Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia and men no more, let us
+depart home with our ships, and leave this fellow here in Troy-land to gorge
+him with meeds of honour, that he may see whether our aid avail him aught or
+no; even he that hath now done dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he;
+for he hath taken away his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent
+deed. Of a very surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles’ mind, but he is
+slack; else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with hard words
+rebuked him: “Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator though thou art,
+refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against kings. For I deem that no
+mortal is baser than thou of all that with the sons of Atreus came before
+Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou shouldest not have kings in thy mouth
+as thou talkest, and utter revilings against them and be on the watch for
+departure. We know not yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons
+of the Achaians shall return for good or for ill. Therefore now dost thou
+revile continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the
+Danaan warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly. But I will
+tell thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to pass: if I find thee
+again raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus’ head no longer abide upon his
+shoulders, nor may I any more be called father of Telemachos, if I take thee
+not and strip from thee thy garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy
+nakedness, and for thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee
+out of the assembly with shameful blows.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he bowed down
+and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up from his back beneath
+the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was amazed, and in pain with helpless
+look wiped away the tear. But the rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly
+at him, and thus would one speak looking at another standing by: “Go to, of a
+truth Odysseus hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing
+foremost in wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing
+the best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he hath
+stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again, forsooth, will his
+proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with slanderous words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with sceptre in
+his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness of a herald bade
+the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the Achaians, both the nearest and
+the farthest, might hear his words together and give heed to his counsel. He of
+good intent made harangue to them and said: “Atreides, now surely are the
+Achaians for making thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will
+they fulfil the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching
+hither from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow women do
+they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is toil to make a man
+depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but one single month far from his
+wife in his benched ship fretteth himself when winter storms and the furious
+sea imprison him; but for us, the ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its
+course. Therefore do I not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their
+beaked ships; yet nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty.
+Be of good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether Kalchas
+be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in our hearts, and
+ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates of death have not borne
+away. It was as it were but yesterday or the day before that the Achaians’
+ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted with trouble for Priam and the
+Trojans; and we round about a spring were offering on the holy altars
+unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed
+bright water, when there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the
+back, terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light of
+day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now there were
+there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the topmost branch,
+nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the mother of the little ones
+was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these cheeping pitifully. And the mother
+fluttered around wailing for her dear little ones; but he coiled himself and
+caught her by the wing as she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the
+sparrow’s little ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him made
+of him a sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to stone,
+and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread portent
+brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas forthwith prophesy,
+and said: ‘Why hold ye your peace, ye flowing-haired Achaians? To us hath Zeus
+the counsellor shown this great sign, late come, of late fulfilment, the fame
+whereof shall never perish. Even as he swallowed the sparrow’s little ones and
+herself, the eight wherewith the mother that bare the little ones was the
+ninth, so shall we war there so many years, but in the tenth year shall we take
+the wide-wayed city.’ So spake the seer; and now are all these things being
+fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye well-greaved Achaians, even where ye are,
+until we have taken the great city of Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships echoed
+terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying of god-like
+Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of Gerenia: “Out on it; in
+very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys that have no care for deeds of war.
+What shall come of our covenants and our oaths? Let all counsels be cast into
+the fire and all devices of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and the right
+hands of fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving with words
+nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here. Son of
+Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the Argives
+amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one or two Achaians
+that take secret counsel—though fulfilment shall not come thereof—to depart to
+Argos first, before they know whether the promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a
+lie or no. Yea, for I say that most mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day
+when the Argives embarked upon their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans
+death and fate; for by his lightning upon our right he manifested signs of
+good. Therefore let Trojan’s wife and paid back his strivings and groans for
+Helen’s sake. But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards, let him
+lay his hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he may encounter
+death and fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel thyself, and hearken to
+another that shall give it; the word that I speak, whate’er it be, shall not be
+cast away. Separate thy warriors by tribes and by clans, Agamemnon, that clan
+may give aid to clan and tribe to tribe. If thou do thus and the Achaians
+hearken to thee, then wilt thou know who among thy captains and who of the
+common sort is a coward, and who too is brave; for they will fight each after
+their sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine command that thou
+shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors and their ill skill
+in battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: “Verily hast thou again outdone
+the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus and Athene and
+Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such councillors; then would
+the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our hands, captive and wasted. But
+aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos, hath brought sorrows upon me, in that he
+casteth my lot amid fruitless wranglings and strifes. For in truth I and
+Achilles fought about a damsel with violent words, and I was first to be angry;
+but if we can only be at one in council, then will there no more be any putting
+off the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go ye to
+your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his spear and
+bestow well his shield, and let him well give his fleet-footed steeds their
+meal, and look well to his chariot on every side and take thought for battle,
+that all day long we may contend in hateful war. For of respite shall there
+intervene no, not a whit, only that the coming of night shall part the fury of
+warriors. On each man’s breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield be wet
+with sweat, and his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each man’s horse
+shall sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And whomsoever I perceive
+minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him shall there
+be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of prey.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep shore,
+when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting rock, that is
+never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise from this side and from
+that. And they stood up and scattered in haste throughout the ships, and made
+fires in the huts and took their meal. And they did sacrifice each man to one
+of the everlasting gods, praying for escape from death and the tumult of
+battle. But Agamemnon king of men slew a fat bull of five years to most mighty
+Kronion, and called the elders, the princes of the Achaian host, Nestor first
+and king Idomeneus, and then the two Aiantes and Tydeus’ son, and sixthly
+Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel. And Menelaos of the loud war-cry came to him
+unbidden, for he knew in his heart how his brother toiled. Then stood they
+around the bull and took the barley-meal. And Agamemnon made his prayer in
+their midst and said: “Zeus, most glorious, most great, god of the storm-cloud,
+that dwellest in the heaven, vouchsafe that the sun set not upon us nor the
+darkness come near, till I have laid low upon the earth Priam’s palace smirched
+with smoke, and burnt the doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent on
+Hector’s breast his doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may full many
+of his comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he accepted the
+sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew back the
+bull’s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices from the thighs
+and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw collops thereon.
+And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of leaves, and spitted the vitals and
+held them over Hephaistos’ flame. Now when the thighs were burnt and they had
+tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest and pierced it through with
+spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off again. So when they had rest
+from the task and had made ready the banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart
+aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they had put away from them the
+desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor of Gerenia open his saying
+to them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, let us not any more
+hold long converse here, nor for long delay the work that god putteth in our
+hands; but come, let the heralds of the mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to
+the folk and gather them throughout the ships; and let us go thus in concert
+through the wide host of the Achaians, that the speedier we may arouse keen
+war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he bade the
+clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired Achaians. So those
+summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus that were about Atreus’ son, eagerly marshalled them, and bright-eyed
+Athene in the midst, bearing the holy aegis that knoweth neither age nor death,
+whereon wave an hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven and each one an
+hundred oxen worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the Achaian folk,
+urging them forth; and in every man’s heart she roused strength to battle
+without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to them than to depart in
+their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as ravaging fire kindleth a
+boundless forest on a mountain’s peaks, and the blaze is seen from afar, even
+so as they marched went the dazzling gleam from the innumerable bronze through
+the sky even unto the heavens.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or long-necked
+swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios’ stream, fly hither and thither joying in
+their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever onwards, and the mead resounds;
+even so poured forth the many tribes of warriors from ships and huts into the
+Skamandrian plain. And the earth echoed terribly beneath the tread of men and
+horses. So stood they in the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as are
+leaves and flowers in their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies that
+hover about a herdsman’s steading in the spring season, when milk drencheth the
+pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon the plain in
+face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as the goatherds
+easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they mingle in the pasture, so
+did their captains marshal them on this side and that, to enter into the fray,
+and in their midst lord Agamemnon, his head and eyes like unto Zeus whose joy
+is in the thunder, and his waist like unto Ares and his breast unto Poseidon.
+Even as a bull standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for he is pre-eminent
+amid the pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on that day,
+pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that ye are
+goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only a rumour and
+know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and their lords. But the
+common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not if ten tongues were mine and
+ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my heart of bronze within me, did not
+the Muses of Olympus, daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all
+that came to Ilios. So will I tell the captains of the ships and all the ships
+in order.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoënor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis and
+Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and Graia and
+Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and Eilesion and
+Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and Hyle, Okalea and the
+stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis and Thisbe haunt of doves;
+and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos, and that possessed Plataia and that
+dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes
+and holy Onchestos, Poseidon’s bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich in
+vineyards, and Mideia and sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders. Of
+these there came fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the
+Boiotians an hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos
+of the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom Astyoche
+conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of Azeus, having entered
+her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty Ares lay with her privily. And
+with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of great-hearted
+Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed Kyparissos and rocky
+Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus, and they that dwelt about
+Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that lived by the goodly river Kephisos
+and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos’ springs. And with them followed forty black
+ships. So they marshalled the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had their
+station hard by the Boiotians on the left.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less, that
+was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small was he, with
+linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the Hellenes and Achaians.
+These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and Kalliaros and Bessa and
+Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and Thronion, about the streams of
+Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty black ships of the Lokrians that dwell
+over against holy Euboia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis and
+Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and the steep
+fortress of Dios, and they that possessed Karytos, and they that dwelt in
+Styra, all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock of Ares, even the son
+of Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes. And with him followed the fleet
+Abantes with hair flowing behind, spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched
+to tear the corslets on the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of Erechtheus
+the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered when Earth, the
+grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a resting-place in Athens
+in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons of the Athenians worship him with
+bulls and rams as the years turn in their courses—these again were led of
+Menestheus son of Peteos. And there was no man upon the face of earth that was
+like him for the marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield.
+Only Nestor rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled
+him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them where
+the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione and Asine
+that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eïonai and Epidauros full of vines, and
+the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and Mases, these were led of
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry and Sthenelos, dear son of famous Kapaneus. And
+the third with them came Euryalos, a godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus
+son of Talaos. But Diomedes of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with
+them eighty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and wealthy
+Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely Araithyrea and
+Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of them that possessed
+Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt about Aigion and through
+all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of them did lord Agamemnon son of
+Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him followed most and goodliest folk by far;
+and in their midst himself was clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was
+pre-eminent amid all warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far
+greatest in number.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills, and
+Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in Bryseiai and
+lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and the sea-coast
+fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt about Oitylos, of these
+was the king’s brother leader, even Menelaos of the loud war-cry, leader of
+sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart. And himself marched among them
+confident in his zeal, urging his men to battle: and his heart most of all was
+set to take vengeance for his strivings and groans for Helen’s sake.*
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “for Helen’s searchings of heart and groans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the fording-place
+of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were inhabitants of Kyparisseis and
+Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the
+Thracian, and made an end of his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from
+Eurytos the Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even
+did the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus;
+but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him the high gift
+of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these was knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of Kyllene,
+beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand to hand; and of
+them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in flocks, and Rhipe and
+Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and
+possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in Parrhasie, of these was Ankaios’ son lord
+Agapenor leader, even of sixty ships; and in each ship embarked many Arkadian
+warriors skilled in fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them benched
+ships wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus; for
+matters of seafaring concerned them not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof as
+Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and Aleision bound
+between them, of these men there were four captains, and ten swift ships
+followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon. So some were led of
+Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor, sons one of Kteatos and one
+of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores captain, son of Amarynkes; and of
+the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos was captain, son of king Agasthenes
+Augeias’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond the sea
+over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares, Phyleides to
+wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus, him that erst
+changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against his father. And with him
+followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed Ithaka
+and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and rugged Aigilips,
+and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in Samos, and possessed the
+mainland and dwelt in the parts over against the isles. Them did Odysseus lead,
+the peer of Zeus in counsel, and with him followed twelve ships with vermillion
+prow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of them that
+dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the sea-shore and rocky
+Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were no more, neither did he
+still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was dead, to whose hands all had been
+committed, for him to be king of the Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed
+forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of them that
+possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and Miletos and chalky
+Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities all; and of all others
+that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of these men was Idomeneus the
+famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer of the man-slaying war-god. With
+these followed eighty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles’ son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine ships of
+the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold ordering, in Lindos and
+Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of Tlepolemos the famous spearman,
+that was born to great Herakles by Astyocheia, whom he had brought away from
+Ephyre by the river Selleëis, when he laid waste many cities of strong men,
+fosterlings of Zeus. Now when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood within the strong
+palace walls, anon he slew his own father’s dear uncle, an old man now,
+Likymnios of the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships and gathered
+much folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the other sons
+and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes a
+wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three tribes,
+and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and Kronion poured upon
+them exceeding great wealth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia and king
+Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under Ilios of all the
+Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was a weakling, and a scanty
+host followed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the city of
+Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and Antiphos were
+leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles. With them were arrayed
+thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos and Alope
+and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair women, and were
+called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all these, even fifty ships,
+Achilles was captain. But these took no thought of noisy war; for there was no
+man to array them in line of battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle
+amid the ships, wroth for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair,
+whom he had won from Lyrnessos with much travail, what time he laid waste
+Lyrnessos and the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and Epistrophos, warriors
+that bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos’ son. For her sake lay
+Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter’s sanctuary,
+and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and Pteleos couched in
+grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader while yet he lived; but now
+ere this the black earth held him fast. His wife with marred visage was left
+alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal chamber half builded; for a Dardanian
+warrior slew him as he leapt from his ship far first of the Achaians. Yet
+neither were his men leaderless, though they sorrowed for their leader; for
+Podarkes of the stock of Ares marshalled them, son of Phylakos’ son Iphiklos
+was he, the lord of many flocks, own brother of great-hearted Protesilaos, and
+younger-born than he: but the other was alike the elder and the braver, even
+Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not the host lack at all a leader,
+only they yearned for the noble dead. With him followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and Glaphyre
+and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos’ dear son was
+leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to Admetos, she that was
+most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of Pelias.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia and
+rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader, the cunning
+archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to fight amain with the
+bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in the isle of goodly Lemnos,
+where the sons of the Achaians left him sick of a grievous wound from a deadly
+water-snake. There lay he pining; yet were the Argives soon to bethink them
+beside their ships of king Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless,
+only they sorrowed for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus’ bastard
+son, whom Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced Ithome and that possessed
+Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again Asklepios’ two sons were
+leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and Machaon. And with them were
+arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and possessed
+Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was Eurypylos leader,
+Euaimon’s glorious son; and with him forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and Elone and
+the white city of Oloosson, of these was captain unflinching Polypoites, son of
+Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites did famed Hippodameia
+conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took vengeance of the shaggy wild
+folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion and drave them to the Aithikes. And
+Polypoites ruled not alone, but with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son
+of high-hearted Koronos Kaineus’s son. And with them forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed the
+Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes about wintry
+Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios that poureth his
+fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not mingle with the silver eddies
+of Peneios, but floweth on over him like unto oil, seeing that he is an
+offspring from the water of Styx, the dread river of the oath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that dwelt
+about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet Prothoos lead,
+and with him forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell me, O
+Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike and horses that
+followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres’ son were far goodliest,
+those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like of coat, like of age, matched to
+the measure of a levelling line across their backs. These were reared in Peraia
+by Apollo of the silver bow, two mares carrying onward the terror of battle.
+But of warriors far best was the Telamonian Aias, while the wrath of Achilles
+yet endured; for he was greatest of all, he and his horses that bore him, even
+Peleus’ noble son. But he lay idle among his seafaring ships, in sore wrath
+against Agamemnon Atreus’ son, shepherd of the host; and his folk along the
+sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins and archery; and the
+horses each beside his own chariot stood idle, champing clover and parsley of
+the marsh, and their lords’ chariots lay well covered up within the huts, while
+the men yearned for their warrior chief, and wandered hither and thither
+through the camp and fought not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire; and the
+earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is in the thunder,
+when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country of the Arimoi, where
+men say is Typhoeus’ couch. Even so groaned the earth aloud at their tread as
+they went: and with speed advanced they across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding assembly at
+Priam’s gate, being gathered all together both young men and old. And
+fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she made her voice like
+to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the sentinel of the Trojans and
+was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old,
+and on the top thereof wait the sallying of the Achaians forth from their
+ships. Even in his likeness did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: “Old man,
+words beyond number are still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace;
+but war without respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered
+into battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so
+great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the sands of the
+sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the city. But Hector,
+thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall say. Seeing that the allies
+are very many throughout Priam’s great city, and diverse men, being scattered
+abroad, have diverse tongues; therefore let each one give the word to those
+whose chieftain he is, and them let him lead forth and have the ordering of his
+countrymen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess, and
+straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And the gates were
+thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen, and mighty
+din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain, with a
+clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call this
+“Batieia,” but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe Myrine.” There did the
+Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son of
+Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were arrayed, eager
+warriors of the spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias, whom
+bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a goddess wedded
+to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were Antenor’s two sons,
+Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the ways of war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida, the men of
+substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the Troes; of these
+Lykaon’s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom Apollo himself gave the
+bow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and possessed
+Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was captain, and
+Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of Perkote, that beyond
+all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered his children marching to
+murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for the fates of black death led them
+on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and Abydos
+and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios, a prince of men,
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought from Arisbe, from
+the river Selleëis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears, them
+that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos and Pylaios of
+the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of Teutamos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they that the
+strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was captain of the
+Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos’ son, fosterling of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in Amydon,
+from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the fairest that floweth
+over the face of the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of the
+Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that possessed
+Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed dwellings round the
+river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty Erythini.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in Alybe,
+where is the birthplace of silver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all his
+auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by the hand of
+fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of the Trojans there and
+of the rest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania, and these
+were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes’ two
+sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the Maionians, whose
+birthplace was under Tmolos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos and the
+mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of Maiandros and
+the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos and Nastes: Nastes and
+Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And he came, forsooth, to battle
+with golden attire like a girl—fond man: that held not back in any wise
+grievous destruction, but he was vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed
+Aiakides in the river, and wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in Lykia by
+eddying Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap03"></a>BOOK III.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued Paris.
+And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the Trojans
+marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as when there
+goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from the coming of winter
+and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the streams of ocean, bearing
+slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in early morn offer cruel battle. But
+on the other side marched the Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at
+heart to give succour man to man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a mountain, mist
+unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than night, and a man can
+see no further than he casteth a stone; even so thick arose the gathering
+dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and with all speed they advanced
+across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike Alexandros
+played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders panther-skin and
+curved bow and sword; and he brandished two bronze-headed spears and challenged
+all the chieftains of the Argives to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But
+when Menelaos dear to Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude
+with long strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
+carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an hungered;
+and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds and lusty youths set
+upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his eyes beheld godlike Alexandros;
+for he thought to take vengeance upon the sinner. So straightway he leapt in
+his armour from his chariot to the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his heart was
+smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades, avoiding death. And
+even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a mountain glade starteth backward
+and trembling seizeth his feet beneath him, and he retreateth back again, and
+paleness hath hold of his cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of
+Atreus’ son shrink back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector beheld
+and upbraided him with scornful words: “Ill Paris, most fair in semblance, thou
+deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed. Yea, that were
+my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our shame and looked at
+askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired Achaians laugh, deeming that
+a prince is our champion only because a goodly favour is his; but in his heart
+is there no strength nor any courage. Art thou indeed such an one that in thy
+seafaring ships thou didst sail over the deep with the company of thy trusty
+comrades, and in converse with strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a
+far country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the spear,
+that she might be a sore mischief to thy father and city and all the realm, but
+to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the head? And canst thou
+not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou mightest see what sort of warrior
+is he whose lovely wife thou hast. Thy lyre will not avail thee nor the gifts
+of Aphrodite, those thy locks and fair favour, when thou grovellest in the
+dust. But the Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst thou donned a robe
+of stone* for all the ill thou hast wrought.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* <i>i.e</i>., been stoned by the people.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: “Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure—thy heart is ever keen, even as an axe that
+pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a ship’s timber with skill,
+and thereby is the man’s blow strengthened; even such is thy heart undaunted in
+thy breast. Cast not in my teeth the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite; not to
+be flung aside are the gods’ glorious gifts that of their own good will they
+give; for by his desire can no man win them. But now if thou wilt have me do
+battle and fight, make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians, and set
+ye me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to fight for Helen and all her
+wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him take
+all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home. And let the rest
+pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in deep-soiled Troy, and let
+them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses, and Achaia home of fair women.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went into the
+midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his spear grasped by
+the middle; and they all sate them down. But the flowing-haired Achaians kept
+shooting at him, aiming with arrows and casting stones. But Agamemnon king of
+men cried aloud: “Refrain, ye Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the Achaians; for
+Hector of the glancing helm hath set himself to say somewhat.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily. And
+Hector spake between the two hosts, “Hear of me, Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about. He
+biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to lay down their goodly armour
+on the bounteous earth, and himself in the midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to
+fight alone for Helen and all her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and
+gain the upper hand, let him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and
+bear them home; but let all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their midst
+spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Hearken ye now to me, too; for into my
+heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the parting of Argives and
+Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have endured many ills because of my
+quarrel and the first sin of Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and
+fate are prepared, let him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye
+two lambs, one white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring
+one for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath himself,
+seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest any by
+transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young men’s hearts are ever
+lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he looketh both before and
+after, whereby the best issue shall come for either side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they should have
+rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to the ranks, and
+themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these they laid upon the earth
+each close to each, and there was but small space between. And Hector sent two
+heralds to the city will all speed, to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And
+lord Agamemnon sent forth Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him
+bring a ram; and he was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of her
+husband’s sister, the spouse of Antenor’s son, even her that lord Helikaon
+Antenor’s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of Priam’s daughters. And
+in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web of double fold, and
+embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad
+Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at the hands of Ares. So
+fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said: “Come hither, dear sister, that
+thou mayest see the wondrous doings of horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad
+Achaians. They that erst waged tearful war upon each other in the plain, eager
+for deadly battle, even they sit now in silence, and the tall spears are
+planted by their sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight
+with their tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him
+that conquereth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her former
+husband and her city and parents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her chamber,
+letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed with her two
+handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed Klymene. Then came she
+straightway to the place of the Skaian gates. And they that were with Priam and
+Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of
+Ares, Oukalegon withal and Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people,
+sat at the Skaian gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were
+they right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree and
+utter their lily-like* voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans upon the
+tower. Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly spake winged
+words one to the other: “Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer hardships; marvellously like
+is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon. Yet even so, though she be so
+goodly, let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and our children
+after us.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Supposed to mean “delicate” or “tender”.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: “Come hither,
+dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former husband and they
+kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame; nay, I hold the gods to
+blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the Achaians—so mayest thou now
+tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian warrior so goodly and great. Of a
+truth there are others even taller by a head; yet mine eyes never behold a man
+so beautiful nor so royal; for he is like unto one that is a king.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: “Reverend art thou to me
+and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been my pleasure
+when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my kinsfolk and my
+daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine age-fellows. But that
+was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now will I tell thee that whereof
+thou askest me and enquirest. This is Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, one that
+is both a goodly king and mighty spearman. And he was my husband’s brother to
+me, ah shameless me; if ever such an one there was.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: “Ah, happy Atreides,
+child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons of the Achaians
+are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the land of vines, and there
+saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the nimble steeds, were very many, even
+the hosts of Otreus and godlike Mygdon, that were then encamped along the banks
+of Sangarios. For I too being their ally was numbered among them on the day
+that the Amazons came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they so many as are
+the glancing-eyed Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me of this man
+too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon son of Atreus, but
+broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His armour lieth upon the bounteous
+earth, and himself like a bell-wether rangeth the ranks of warriors. Yea, I
+liken him to a thick-fleeced ram ordering a great flock of ewes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: “Now this is Laertes’ son, crafty
+Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged though it be, and
+skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: “Lady, verily the thing thou sayest is
+true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an embassage for
+thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave them entertainment
+and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect of both and their wise
+devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans in the assembly, while all
+stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the measure of his broad shoulders;
+but when both sat down, Odysseus was the more stately. And when they began to
+weave the web of words and counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued
+fluently, in few words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech,
+neither random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
+of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the ground,
+and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held it stiff, like
+to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be churlish, and naught but
+a fool. But when he uttered his great voice from his chest, and words like unto
+the snowflakes of winter, then could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then
+marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other Achaian
+warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the measure of his
+head and broad shoulders?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: “This is huge Aias, bulwark
+of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans standeth Idomeneus like
+a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the Cretans. Oft did Menelaos
+dear to Ares entertain him in our house whene’er he came from Crete. And now
+behold I all the other glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and
+tell their names; but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer
+of horses and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same
+mother bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely Lakedaimon; or
+they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but now will not enter into
+the battle of the warriors, for fear of the many scornings and revilings that
+are mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in Lakedaimon, in
+their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy oath-offerings,
+two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the earth, in a goat-skin
+bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining bowl and golden cups; and came
+to the old man and summoned him and said: “Rise, thou son of Laomedon. The
+chieftains of the horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee to
+go down into the plain, that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and
+Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady’s sake;
+and let lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that are
+left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy, and they
+shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home of fair women.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the horses;
+and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back the reins, and by
+his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the two drave the fleet
+horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And when they had come even to
+the Trojans and Achaians, they went down from the chariots upon the bounteous
+earth, and marched into the midst of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose
+up Agamemnon king of men, and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly
+heralds gathered together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the
+wine in a bowl, and poured water over the princes’ hands. And Atreides put
+forth his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword’s great
+sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs’ heads; and then the heralds
+portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then in their midst
+Atreus’ son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud: “Father Zeus, that rulest
+from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou Sun that seest all things and
+hearest all things, and ye Rivers and thou Earth, and ye that in the underworld
+punish men outworn, whosoever sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses, and watch over
+the faithful oath. If Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him have Helen to
+himself and all her possessions; and we will depart on our seafaring ships. But
+if golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the Trojans give back Helen
+and all her possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that is seemly, such
+as shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if so be that Priam and
+Priam’s sons will not pay the recompense unto me when Alexandros falleth, then
+will I fight on thereafter for the price of sin, and abide here till I compass
+the end of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless knife. Them he laid
+gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had taken their
+strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the bowl into the cups,
+and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that live for ever. And thus would
+say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Zeus most glorious, most great, and
+all ye immortal gods, which folk soe’er be first to sin against the oaths, may
+their brains be so poured forth upon the earth even as this wine, theirs and
+their children’s; and let their wives be made subject unto strangers.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And in
+their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying: “Hearken to me,
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return back to windy Ilios,
+seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with mine eyes my dear son fighting
+with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for
+whether of the twain the doom of death is appointed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and entered in
+himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid
+chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and Hector son of Priam and
+goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and then they took the lots, and shook
+them in a bronze-bound helmet, to know whether of the twain should first cast
+his spear of bronze. And the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the
+gods; and thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Father Zeus,
+that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe’er it be that brought
+this trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and enter the house
+of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet, looking
+behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the people sat them
+down by ranks where each man’s high-stepping horses and inwrought armour lay.
+And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned his beauteous armour, even he
+that was lord to Helen of the lovely hair. First upon his legs set he his
+greaves, beautiful, fastened with silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he
+donned the corslet of his brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over
+his shoulders cast he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield
+great and sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
+crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong spear
+fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they strode
+between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came on them that
+beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the well-greaved Achaians.
+Then took they their stand near together in the measured space, brandishing
+their spears in wrath each against other. First Alexandros hurled his far
+shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides’ round shield; but the bronze brake not
+through, for its point was turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos son of
+Atreus lifted up his hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus: “King Zeus,
+grant me revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly
+Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of men that
+shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown him kindness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote on the
+round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went the ponderous
+spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed on; and straight beside
+his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he swerved and escaped black death.
+Then Atreides drew his silver-studded sword, and lifted up his hand and smote
+the helmet-ridge; but the sword shattered upon it into three, yea four, and
+fell from his hand. Thereat Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried:
+“Father Zeus, surely none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I thought
+to have gotten vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my sword
+breaketh in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have not
+smitten him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest, and
+swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians; and he was
+strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat, drawn tight below
+his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have dragged him away and won
+glory unspeakable, but that Zeus’ daughter Aphrodite was swift to mark, and
+tore asunder for him the strap of slaughtered ox’s hide; so the helmet came
+away empty in his stalwart hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a swing toward
+the well-greaved Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and himself
+sprang back again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite
+snatched up Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness,
+and sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to summon
+Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan women
+thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and shook it and
+spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a woolcomber that was wont to
+work for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon, whom too she greatly
+loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake: “Come hither; Alexandros
+summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in his chamber and inlaid bed,
+radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst thou deem him to be come from
+fighting his foe, but rather to be faring to the dance, or from the dance to be
+just resting and set down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and stirred Helen’s soul within her breast; and when now she
+marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the goddess, she
+marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her name: “Strange
+queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily thou wilt lead me
+further on to some one of the people cities of Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if
+there too thou hast perchance some other darling among mortal men, because even
+now Menelaos hath conquered goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me,
+to his home. Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou
+by his side, and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet ever
+bear thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and guard him till
+he make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But thither will I not go— that
+were a sinful thing—to array the bed of him; all the women of Troy will blame
+me hereafter; and I have griefs untold within my soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: “Provoke me not, rash woman, lest
+in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I love thee beyond
+measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between both, even betwixt Trojans
+and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in her
+bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her not; and the
+goddess led the way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the handmaidens
+turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went to the high-roofed
+chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her a chair and brought it,
+even she the goddess, and set it before the face of Paris. There Helen took her
+seat, the child of aegis-bearing Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and
+chode her lord: “Thou comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished there,
+vanquished of that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it was once
+thy boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in the might
+of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear to Ares to
+fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee refrain, nor fight
+a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man, neither attack him recklessly,
+lest perchance thou fall to his spear anon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Paris made answer to her and said: “Chide not my soul, lady, with cruel
+taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene’s aid, but
+another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with us. But come now,
+let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet hath love so enwrapped my
+heart—not even then when first I snatched thee from lovely Lakedaimon and
+sailed with thee on my seafaring ships, and in the isle of Kranaë had converse
+with thee upon thy couch in love—as I love thee now and sweet desire taketh
+hold upon me.” So saying he led the way to the couch, and the lady followed
+with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while strode
+through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set eyes on godlike
+Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed allies could discover
+Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely did they in no wise hide him
+for kindliness, could any have seen him; for he was hated of all even as black
+death. So Agamemnon king of men spake among them there: “Hearken to me, Trojans
+and Dardanians and allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to Ares;
+give ye back Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the
+recompense such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter.” So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his chief
+captains to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in the
+midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden goblets pledged
+one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans. Then did Kronos’ son essay
+to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake maliciously: “Twain goddesses hath
+Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera of Argos and Alalkomenean Athene. Yet these
+sit apart and take their pleasure in beholding; but beside that other ever
+standeth laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from him, and now hath
+she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the victory is to
+Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things shall be;
+whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din, or put
+friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to all and well
+pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation, and Menelaos take
+back Helen of Argos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and said not anything,
+for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her: But Hera’s breast
+contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread son of Kronos, what word is
+this thou hast spoken? How hast thou the will to make my labour void and of
+none effect, and the sweat of my toil that I sweated, when my horses were
+wearied with my summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam and his sons?
+Do as thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: “Good lack, how have
+Priam and Priam’s sons done thee such great wrong that thou art furiously
+minded to sack the stablished citadel of Ilios? Perchance wert thou to enter
+within the gates and long walls and devour Priam raw, and Priam’s sons and all
+the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage thine anger. Do as thou art minded,
+only let not this quarrel hereafter be to me and thee a sore strife between us
+both. And this moreover will I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart;
+whene’er I too be of eager mind to lay waste a city where is the race of men
+that are dear to thee, hinder thou not my wrath, but let me be, even as I yield
+to thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling. For of all cities beneath sun
+and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal men, holy Ilios was most
+honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear.
+For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even drink-offering and
+burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: “Of a surety three cities are
+there that be dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and wide-wayed Mykene; these
+lay thou waste whene’er they are found hateful to thy heart; not for them will
+I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee them. For even if I be jealous and would
+forbid thee to overthrow them, yet will my jealousy not avail, seeing that thou
+art stronger far than I. Still must my labour too not be made of none effect;
+for I also am a god, and my lineage is even as thine, and Kronos the crooked
+counsellor begat me to the place of honour in double wise, by birthright, and
+because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among all the immortals. Let
+us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou to me, and the rest of
+the immortal gods will follow with us; and do thou with speed charge Athene to
+betake her to the fierce battle din of Trojans and Achaians, and to essay that
+the Trojans may first take upon them to do violence to the Achaians in their
+triumph, despite the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith he spake
+to Athene winged words: “Betake thee with all speed to the host, to the midst
+of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans may first take upon them to
+do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from Olympus’
+heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked counsellor
+sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of men, bright shining,
+and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude; even in such guise sped Pallas
+Athene to earth, and leapt into their midst; and astonishment came on them that
+beheld, on horse-taming Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And thus would many
+an one say, looking at his neighbor: “Of a surety either shall sore war and the
+fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth stablish peace between the
+foes, even he that is men’s dispenser of battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess entered
+the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor’s son Laodokos, a
+stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if haply she might find him.
+Lykaon’s son found she, the noble and stalwart, standing, and about him the
+stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host that followed him from the streams of
+Aisepos. So she came near and spake winged words: “Wilt thou now hearken to me,
+thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou take heart to shoot a swift arrow at
+Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory before all the Trojans, and before
+king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him first of any wouldst thou receive
+glorious gifts, if perchance he see Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, vanquished
+by thy dart and brought to the grievous pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious
+Menelaos, and vow to Apollo, the son of light,* the lord of archery, to
+sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to thy
+home, in the city of holy Zeleia.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, perhaps, “the Wolf-born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool’s heart. Forthwith he unsheathed his
+polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had erst smitten beneath
+the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while he awaited in a
+lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that it fell backward on the
+rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of sixteen palms; these the
+artificer, even the worker in horn, joined cunningly together, and polished
+them all well and set the top of gold thereon. So he laid it down when he had
+well strung it, by resting it upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held
+their shields before him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first
+set on them, ere Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, were smitten. Then opened he
+the lid of his quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a
+source of grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the string and
+vowed to Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly
+hecatomb of firstling lambs when he should have returned to his home in the
+city of holy Zeleia. Then he took the notch and string of oxes’ sinew together,
+and drew, bringing to his breast the string, and to the bow the iron head. So
+when he had now bent the great bow into a round, the horn twanged, and the
+string sang aloud, and the keen arrow leapt eager to wing his way amid the
+throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all the
+daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee and warded off
+the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the flesh, even as a mother
+driveth a fly from her child that lieth in sweet slumber; and with her own hand
+guided it where the golden buckles of the belt were clasped and the doubled
+breastplate met them. So the bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through
+the inwrought belt it sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it
+pressed on and through the taslet* he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier
+against darts; and this best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this.
+Then did the arrow graze the warrior’s outermost flesh, and forthwith the dusky
+blood flowed from the wound.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* An apron or belt set with metal, worn below the corslet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to make a
+cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure chamber, and many a
+horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up to be a king’s boast, alike
+an adornment for his horse and a glory for his charioteer; even in such wise,
+Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs stained with blood and thy legs and thy fair
+ankles beneath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood flowing
+from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered; but when he saw
+how thread* and barbs were without, his spirit was gathered in his breast
+again. Then lord Agamemnon moaned deep, and spake among them, holding Menelaos
+by the hand; and his comrades made moan the while: “Dear brother, to thy death,
+meseemeth, pledged I these oaths, setting thee forth to fight the Trojans alone
+before the face of the Achaians; seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee,
+and trodden under foot the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none
+effect, and the blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
+fellowship wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about the
+fulfilment forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear amends,
+even with their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea of a surety I
+know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid low,
+and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear; and Zeus the son of
+Kronos enthroned on high, that dwelleth in the heaven, himself shall brandish
+over them all his lowring aegis, in indignation at this deceit. Then shall all
+this not be void; yet shall I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die
+and fulfil the lot of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty
+Argos, seeing that the Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native
+land, and so should we leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen
+of Argos. And the earth shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy task
+unfinished: and thus shall many an overweening Trojan say as he leapeth upon
+the tomb of glorious Menelaos: ‘Would to God Agamemnon might so fulfil his
+wrath in every matter, even as now he led hither the host of the Achaians for
+naught, and hath gone home again to his dear native land with empty ships, and
+hath left noble Menelaos behind.’ Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let
+the wide earth gape for me.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* By which the iron head was attached to the shaft.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: “Be of good courage,
+neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart lighted not upon
+a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it, and the kirtle of mail
+beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: “Would it may be so, dear Menelaos.
+But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs that shall assuage
+thy dire pangs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: “Talthybios, with all
+speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble leech, to see
+Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, whom one well skilled in archery, some Trojan or
+Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his way
+through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon. Him he
+found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host
+that followed him from Trike, pasture land of horses. So he came near and spake
+his winged words: “Arise, thou son of Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth thee to
+see Menelaos, captain of the Achaians, whom one well skilled in archery, some
+Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way amid the
+throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they were now come
+where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many as were chieftains
+gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero came and stood in their
+midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the clasped belt; and as it was drawn
+forth the keen barbs were broken backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt
+and kirtle of mail beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when
+he saw the wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood
+and cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good will
+had imparted to his sire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms again, and
+bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble Agamemnon
+slumbering, nor cowering, nor unready to fight, but very eager for glorious
+battle. He left his horses and his chariot adorned with bronze; and his squire,
+even Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios Peiraieus’ son, kept apart the snorting
+steeds; and he straitly charged him to have them at hand whenever weariness
+should come upon his limbs with marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he
+through the ranks of warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans
+he found eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: “Ye Argives,
+relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be no helper
+of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the oaths, so shall
+their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we shall bear away their
+dear wives and little children in our ships, when once we take the stronghold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode sore with
+angry words: “Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of dishonour, have ye no
+shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that are weary with running over the
+long plain and so stand still, and no valour is found in their hearts at all?
+Even thus stand ye dazed, and fight not. Is it that ye wait for the Trojans to
+come near where your good ships’ sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey
+sea, to see if Kronion will stretch his arm over you indeed?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to the
+Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were taking arms
+around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant as a wild boar, and
+Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost battalions. Then Agamemnon king
+of men rejoiced to see them, and anon spake to Idomeneus with kindly words:
+“Idomeneus, more than all the fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee, whether in
+war or in task of other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of the
+Argives mingle in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even though
+all the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet thy cup
+standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul biddeth thee. Now
+arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest thyself to be of old.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: “Atreides, of very
+truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I promised and
+gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired Achaians, that we
+may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have disannulled the oaths. But
+for all that death and sorrow hereafter shall be their lot, because they were
+the first to transgress against the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the Aiantes
+as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were arming, and a
+cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a goatherd from a place of
+outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep before the blast of the west wind;
+and to him being afar it seemeth ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along
+the deep, and bringeth a great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and
+driveth his flock beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried
+battalions of young men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes
+into furious war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
+said: “Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing it is
+not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves ye do indeed
+bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, would that
+all had like spirit in their breasts; then would king Priam’s city soon bow
+captive and wasted beneath our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and urging them to
+fight, around great Pelagon and Alastor and Chromios and lord Haimon and Bias
+shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the horsemen with horses and
+chariots, and behind them the footmen many and brave, to be a bulwark of
+battle; but the cowards he drave into the midst, that every man, even though he
+would not, yet of necessity must fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen;
+these he bade hold in their horses nor be entangled in the throng. “Neither let
+any man, trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager to fight the
+Trojans alone before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for so will ye be
+enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car can come at a
+chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even so is the far
+better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low cities and walls, because
+they had this mind and spirit in their breasts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles. And lord
+Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words, and said: “Old
+man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine own breast, thy limbs
+might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the common lot of age is heavy
+upon thee; would that it had come upon some other man, and thou wert amid the
+young.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Atreides, I verily, even I too,
+would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion. But the gods in
+no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a youth, so doth old age
+now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the horsemen and urge them by
+counsel and words; for that is the right of elders. But the young men shall
+wield the spear, they that are more youthful than I and have confidence in
+their strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus the
+charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were the
+Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty Odysseus, and
+round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble folk, stood still; for
+their host had not yet heard the battle-cry, seeing the battalions of
+horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just bestirred them to move; so these
+stood still tarrying till some other column of the Achaians should advance to
+set upon the Trojans and begin the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw
+it, he upbraided them, and spake to them winged words, saying: “O son of king
+Peteos fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
+mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth it to
+stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery battle; for ye are
+the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as we Achaians prepare a
+feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to eat roast meat and drink your
+cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye will. But now would ye gladly behold it,
+yea, if ten columns of Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless
+sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said: “Atreides, what
+word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips? How sayest thou that we
+are slack in battle? When once our* Achaians launch furious war on the Trojans,
+tamers of horses, then shalt thou, if thou wilt, and if thou hast any care
+therefor, behold Telemachos’ dear father mingling with the champions of the
+Trojans, the tamers of horses. But that thou sayest is empty as air.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “that we are slack in battle, when once we Achaians,” putting the note of
+interrogation after “tamers of horses.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and took
+back his saying: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of devices,
+neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I know that thy heart
+within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy thoughts are as my thoughts. Go
+to, we will make amends hereafter, if any ill word hath been spoken now; may
+the gods bring it all to none effect.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus found he,
+high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot well compact; and
+by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord Agamemnon saw and upbraided,
+and spake to him winged words, and said: “Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus tamer
+of horses, why shrinkest thou, why gazest thou at the highways of the battle?
+Not thus was Tydeus wont to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far in
+front of his dear comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for never
+did I meet him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid all. Of
+a truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying against the
+holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that valiant allies might be
+given them, and our folk were fain to grant them and made assent to their
+entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill and turned their minds. So when these
+were departed and were come on their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in
+rushes, that maketh his bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to
+be their ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
+feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus, even though
+a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of the Kadmeians, but
+challenged them all to feats of strength, and in every one vanquished he them
+easily; so present a helper was Athene unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers
+of horses, were wroth, and as he fared back again they brought and set a strong
+ambush, even fifty young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon,
+like to the immortals, and Autophonos’ son Polyphontes staunch in battle. Still
+even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one that he
+sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the omens of heaven.
+Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in battle is worse than he;
+only in harangue is he the better.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to the
+chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus answered him:
+“Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how to speak truly. We avow
+ourselves to be better men by far than our fathers were: we did take the seat
+of Thebes the seven gated, though we led a scantier host against a stronger
+wall, because we followed the omens of the gods and the salvation of Zeus; but
+they perished by their own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any wise have
+our fathers in like honour with us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: “Brother, sit silent and
+obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the host should urge on
+the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the glory will attend if the
+Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy Ilios; and his will be the great
+sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go to now, let us too bethink us of
+impetuous valour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and terribly rang
+the bronze upon the chieftain’s breast as he moved; thereat might fear have
+come even upon one stout-hearted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close array
+before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it first raise its
+head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth aloud and goeth with
+arching crest about the promontories, and speweth the foaming brine afar; even
+so in close array moved the battalions of the Danaans without pause to battle.
+Each captain gave his men the word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest
+not deem that all the great host following them had any voice within their
+breasts; in silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
+inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like sheep
+beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great substance, to be
+milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing to hear their lambs’ cry,
+even so arose the clamour of the Trojans through the wide host. For they had
+not all like speech nor one language, but their tongues were mingled, and they
+were brought from many lands. These were urged on of Ares, and those of
+bright-eyed Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury wearieth not,
+sister and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at the first, but
+afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk upon the earth.
+She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared through the throng and
+made the lamentation of men to wax.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood. As when two winter torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and
+join their furious flood within the deep ravine from their great springs, and
+the shepherd heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the
+joining of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew
+a Trojan warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos son of
+Thalysios; him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his crested helmet, and
+he drave the spear into his brow and the point of bronze passed within the
+bone; darkness clouded his eyes, and he crashed like a tower amid the press of
+fight. As he fell lord Elephenor caught him by the foot, Chalkodon’s son,
+captain of the great-hearted Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts,
+eager with all speed to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured
+his essay; great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his
+side was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he him
+with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life departed
+from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians grew hot; like
+wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemion’s son, the lusty stripling Simoeisios,
+whose erst his mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on the way down from Ida
+whither she had followed with her parents to see their flocks. Therefore they
+called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not his dear parents the recompense of his
+nurture; scanty was his span of life by reason of the spear of great-hearted
+Aias that laid him low. For as he went he first was smitten on his right breast
+beside the pap; straight through his shoulder passed the spear of bronze, and
+he fell to the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath grown up smooth
+in the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the top thereof;
+this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him a felloe for a
+goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river’s banks. In such a fashion did
+heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of Anthemion; then at him Antiphos of
+the glancing corslet, Priam’s son, made a cast with his keen javelin across the
+throng. Him he missed, but smote Odysseus’ valiant comrade Leukos in the groin
+as he drew the corpse his way, so that he fell upon it and the body dropped
+from his hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth at heart for the slaying of him,
+and strode through the forefront of the battle harnessed in flashing bronze,
+and went and stood hard by and glanced around him, and cast his bright javelin;
+and the Trojans shrank before the casting of the hero. He sped not the dart in
+vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam’s bastard son that had come to him from tending
+his fleet mares in Abydos. Him Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade’s sake,
+smote with his javelin on one temple; and through both temples passed the point
+of bronze, and darkness clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his
+armour clanged upon him. Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded, and
+the Argives shouted aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and pressed yet
+further onward. But Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and had indignation, and
+with a shout called to the Trojans: “Arise, ye Trojans, tamers of horses; yield
+not to the Argives in fight; not of stone nor iron is their flesh, that it
+should resist the piercing bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son
+of Thetis of the fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his
+bitter anger.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were urged on
+of Zeus’ daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she passed through the
+throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he was
+smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and the caster
+thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peiroös son of Imbrasos that had come
+from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly the two sinews and the bones;
+back fell he in the dust, and stretched out both his hands to his dear
+comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at
+him and pierced him with a spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed
+forth upon the ground, and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos
+departed from him Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap,
+and the point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
+his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he smote
+his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not off his armour;
+for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the top-knot, stood around, their
+long spears in their hands, and albeit he was great and valiant and proud they
+drave him off from them and he gave ground reeling. So were the two captains
+stretched in the dust side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad
+Epeians; and around them were many others likewise slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it be that
+a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam in the midst,
+being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her guarded from the flying
+shafts. For many Trojans that day and many Achaians were laid side by side upon
+their faces in the dust.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap05"></a>BOOK V.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded even
+Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But now to Tydeus’ son Diomedes Pallas Athene gave might and courage, for him
+to be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown. She kindled
+flame unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the star of summer that
+above all others glittereth bright after he hath bathed in the ocean stream. In
+such wise kindled she flame from his head and shoulders and sent him into the
+midst, where men thronged the thickest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of Hephaistos;
+and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in all the art of battle.
+These separated themselves and assailed him face to face, they setting on him
+from their car and he on foot upon the ground. And when they were now come near
+in onset on each other, first Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over
+Tydeides’ left shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body. Then
+next Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
+vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
+chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared not to
+bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped black fate: but
+Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of darkness, that he might not
+have his aged priest all broken with sorrow. And the son of great-hearted
+Tydeus drave away the horses and gave them to his men to take to the hollow
+ships. But when the great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was
+fled, and one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
+bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and said:
+“Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, can we not
+now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on whichsoever it be that father
+Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain give place, and escape the wrath of
+Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit down
+beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back. Each one of
+the captains slew his man; first Agamemnon king of men thrust from his chariot
+the lord of the Halizonians, great Odios; for as he first turned to flight
+Agamemnon thrust his dart into his back between his shoulders, and drave it
+through his breast. And he fell with a crash, and his armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus slew Phaistos son of Boros the Maionian, that came from
+deep-soiled Tarne. Him in the act to mount upon his car spear-famed Idomeneus
+pierced with his long dart through his right shoulder; and he fell from the car
+and hateful darkness gat hold of him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Him then Idomeneus’ squires despoiled; and Skamandrios, son of Strophios,
+cunning in the chase, fell to the keen-pointed spear of Menelaos son of Atreus;
+even he the mighty hunter, whom Artemis herself had taught to shoot all manner
+of wild things that the mountain forest breedeth. But now did Archer Artemis
+avail him naught nor all his marksmanship wherein of old time he excelled; but
+spear-famed Menelaos son of Atreus smote him with his dart as he fled before
+him, in his back [between his shoulders, and pierced through his breast]. So he
+fell prone and his armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones slew Phereklos, son of Tekton Harmon’s son, whose hands were
+cunning to make all manner of curious work; for Pallas Athene loved him more
+than all men. He likewise built Alexandros the trim ships, source of ills, that
+were made the bane of all the Trojans and of himself, because he knew not the
+oracles of heaven. Him Meriones pursued, and overtaking him smote him in the
+right buttock, and right through passed the point straight to the bladder
+beneath the bone; and he fell to his knees with a cry, and death overshadowed
+him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Meges slew Pedaios Antenor’s son, that was a bastard; yet goodly Theano
+nurtured him carefully like to her own children, to do her husband pleasure. To
+him Phyleus’ spear-famed son came near, and with keen dart smote him upon the
+sinew of the head; and right through amid the teeth the point of bronze cleft
+the tongue’s root. So he fell in the dust, and bit the cold bronze with his
+teeth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And by Eurypylos, Euaimon’s son, noble Hypsenor son of high-hearted Dolopion
+that was appointed Skamandros’ priest and like to a god was held in honour of
+the folk—by Eurypylos Euaimon’s glorious son, he as he fled before him was
+pursued and smitten on the shoulder with a sword-thrust, and his heavy arm was
+shorn away. All bleeding the arm fell upon the earth; and over his eyes came
+gloomy death and forceful fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So laboured these in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not tell
+with whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or with Achaians.
+For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at the full, that in
+swift course scattereth the causeys; neither can the long lines of* causeys
+hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful orchards stay its sudden coming when the
+rain of heaven driveth it; and so before it perish in multitudes the fair works
+of the sons of men. Thus before Tydeides the serried battalions of the Trojans
+were overthrown, and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Reading &#7952;&#949;&#961;&#956;&#8051;&#957;&#945;&#953;, with Aristarchos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Lykaon’s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow against
+Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his right shoulder
+the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through and held straight upon
+its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood. Over him then loudly shouted
+Lykaon’s glorious son: “Bestir you, great-hearted Trojans, urgers of horses;
+the best man of the Achaians is wounded, and I deem that he shall not for long
+endure the violent dart, if verily the king, the son of Zeus,* sped me on my
+way from Lykia.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Apollo
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift dart, only
+he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot and spake to
+Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: “Haste thee, dear son of Kapaneus; descend from thy
+chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the bitter arrow.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood beside him
+and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder; and the blood
+darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry prayed
+thereat: “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! If ever in
+kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in the heat of battle, even so now be
+thou likewise kind to me, Athene. Grant me to slay this man, and bring within
+my spear-cast him that took advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me,
+deeming that not for long shall I see the bright light of the sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs nimble,
+his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged words: “Be of
+good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in thy breast I have set
+thy father’s courage undaunted, even as it was in knightly Tydeus, wielder of
+the buckler. Moreover I have taken from thine eyes the mist that erst was on
+them, that thou mayest well discern both god and man. Therefore if any god come
+hither to make trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any of the
+immortal gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the battle,
+her smite thou with the keen bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and entered the
+forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was eager to do battle with
+the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come upon him, as upon a lion whom
+some shepherd in the field guarding his fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung
+into the fold, yet hath not vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then
+cannot beat him back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
+affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the lion in
+his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled mighty Diomedes
+with the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There slew he Astynoos and Hypeiron shepherd of the host; the one he pierced
+above the nipple with his bronze-shod dart, the other with his great sword upon
+the collar-bone beside the shoulder he smote, and severed the shoulder from
+neck and back. Them left he there, and pursued after Abas and Polyidos, sons of
+old Eurydamas dreamer of dreams; yet discerned he no dreams for them when they
+went,* but stalwart Diomedes despoiled them. Then went he after Xanthos and
+Thoon, sons of Phainops, striplings both; but their father was outworn of
+grievous age, and begat no other son for his possessions after him. Then
+Diomedes slew them and bereft the twain of their dear life, and for their
+father left only lamentation and sore distress, seeing he welcomed them not
+alive returned from battle; and kinsmen divided his substance.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “yet came they not home for him to discern dreams for them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then caught he two sons of Priam of the seed of Dardanos, riding in one
+chariot, Echemmon and Chromios. As a lion leapeth among the kine and breaketh
+the neck of cow or heifer grazing in a woodland pasture, so Tydeus’ son thrust
+in ill wise from their chariot both of them unwilling, and thereafter despoiled
+them of their arms; and the horses gave he to his comrades to drive them to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his way
+along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike Pandaros, if
+haply he might find him. Lykaon’s son he found, the noble and stalwart, and
+stood before his face, and spake a word unto him. “Pandaros, where now are thy
+bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame wherein no man of this land rivalleth
+thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy hands in
+prayer to Zeus and shoot thy dart at this fellow, whoe’er he be that lordeth it
+here and hath already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing he hath
+unstrung the knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god wroth with
+the Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a sore thing
+to fall on men.”*
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “and the wrath of gods be heavy upon us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Lykaon’s glorious son made answer to him: “Aineias, counsellor of the
+mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of Tydeus; I
+discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the aspect of his horses;
+yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if it be the man I deem, even the
+wise son of Tydeus, then not without help of a god is he thus furious, but some
+immortal standeth beside him with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders and
+turned aside from him my swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I shot
+my dart at him and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate of
+his corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
+vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. And I have no steeds at
+hand nor any chariot whereon to mount—yet in Lykaon’s halls are eleven fair
+chariots, new wrought, with gear all fresh, and cloths spread over them; and
+beside each standeth a yoke of horses, champing white barley and spelt.
+Moreover Lykaon the aged spearman at my departing laid instant charge upon me
+in our well-builded house; he bade me mount horse and chariot to lead the
+Trojans in the violent mellay; but I obeyed him not—far better had that
+been!—but spared the horses lest in the great crowd of men they should lack
+fodder that had been wont to feed their fill. Therefore I left them and am come
+on foot to Ilios, trusting to my bow; and now must my bow not help me! Already
+have I aimed at two princes, Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons, and both I smote and
+surely drew forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore in an evil
+hour I took from the peg my curved bow on that day when I led my Trojans to
+lovely Ilios, to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I return and mine eyes behold
+my native land and wife and great palace lofty-roofed, then may an alien
+forthwith cut my head from me if I break not this bow with mine hands and cast
+it upon the blazing fire; worthless is its service to me as air.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: “Nay, talk not thus; naught
+shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone to face this
+man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon my car that thou
+mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well skilled for following or
+for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across the plain; they will e’en
+bring us to the city safe and sound, even though Zeus hereafter give victory to
+Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come therefore, take thou the lash and shining reins,
+and I will stand upon the car to fight;* or else withstand thou him, and to the
+horses will I look.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Reading &#7952;&#960;&#953;&#946;&#8053;&#963;&#959;&#956;&#945;&#953;, with
+Zenodotos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him made answer Lykaon’s glorious son: “Aineias, take thou thyself the reins
+and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car for their wonted
+charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from Tydeus’ son; lest they
+go wild for fear and will not take us from the fight, for lack of thy voice,
+and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus attack us and slay us both and drive
+away the whole-hooved horses. So drive thou thyself thy chariot and thy horses,
+and I will await his onset with my keen spear.” So saying mounted they upon the
+well-dight chariot, and eagerly drave the fleet horses against Tydeides. And
+Sthenelos, the glorious son of Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to Tydeides
+winged words: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I behold two
+stalwart warriors eager to fight against thee, endued with might beyond
+measure. The one is well skilled in the bow, even Pandaros, and he moreover
+boasteth him to be Lykaon’s son; and Aineias boasteth himself to be born son of
+great-hearted Anchises, and his mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give
+place upon the chariot, neither rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront
+of battle, lest perchance thou lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: “Speak to me no word of
+flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not in my blood is
+it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is steadfast still. I have
+no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am will I go to face them; Pallas
+Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as for these, their fleet horses shall not
+take both back from us again, even if one or other escape. And this moreover
+tell I thee, and lay thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel grant me this
+glory, to slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet horses, and
+bind the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap upon Aineias’
+horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the well-greaved Achaians.
+For they are of that breed whereof farseeing* Zeus gave to Tros recompense for
+Ganymede his child, because they were the best of all horses beneath the
+daylight and the sun. That blood Anchises king of men stole of Laomedon,
+privily putting mares to them. Thereof a stock was born him in his palace, even
+six; four kept he himself and reared them at the stall, and the other twain
+gave he to Aineias deviser of rout.** Them could we seize, we should win us
+great renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “Zeus of the far-borne voice.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+** Reading &#956;&#8053;&#963;&#964;&#969;&#961;&#953;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain came
+near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaon’s glorious son: “O
+thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus, verily my swift dart
+vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will I make trial with my spear
+if I can hit thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides’ shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached the
+breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaon’s glorious son: “Thou art
+smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not long hold up
+thine head; so thou givest me great renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: “Thou hast missed, and not hit;
+but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall have fallen and
+glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside the
+eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut through his
+tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base of the chin. He fell
+from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming clanged upon him, and the
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there his soul and strength were
+unstrung.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest perchance the
+Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over him like a lion
+confident in his strength, and held before him his spear and the circle of his
+shield, eager to slay whoe’er should come to face him, crying his terrible cry.
+Then Tydeides grasped in his hand a stone—a mighty deed—such as two men, as men
+now are, would not avail to lift; yet he with ease wielded it all alone.
+Therewith he smote Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the hip-joint,
+and this men call the “cup-bone.” So he crushed his cup-bone, and brake both
+sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the skin. Then the hero stayed
+fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon the earth; and the
+darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias king of men have
+perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to mark, even his
+mother that conceived him by Anchises as he tended the kine. About her dear son
+wound she her white arms, and spread before his face a fold of her radiant
+vesture, to be a covering from the darts, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans
+might hurl the spear into his breast and take away his life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of Kapaneus
+forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had laid upon him; he
+refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the tumult, binding the reins
+tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and
+drave them from the Trojans to the well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to
+Deïpylos his dear comrade whom he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows,
+because he was like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow
+ships. Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly. Now
+Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris,* knowing how she
+was a coward goddess and none of those that have mastery in battle of the
+warriors—no Athene she nor Enyo waster of cities. Now when he had pursued her
+through the dense throng and come on her, then great-hearted Tydeus’ son thrust
+with his keen spear, and leapt on her and wounded the skin of her weak hand;
+straight through the ambrosial raiment that the Graces themselves had woven her
+pierced the dart into the flesh, above the springing of the palm. Then flowed
+the goddess’s immortal blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed gods; for
+they eat no bread neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore they are
+bloodless and are named immortals. And she with a great cry let fall her son:
+him Phoebus Apollo took into his arms and saved him in a dusky cloud, lest any
+of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away
+his life. But over her Diomedes of the loud war-cry shouted afar: “Refrain
+thee, thou daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not enough that thou
+beguilest feeble women? But if in battle thou wilt mingle, verily I deem that
+thou shalt shudder at the name of battle, if thou hear it even afar off.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and wind-footed
+Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with her pain, and her fair
+skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares sitting, on the battle’s left;
+and his spear rested upon a cloud, and his fleet steeds. Then she fell on her
+knees and with instant prayer besought of her dear brother his
+golden-frontleted steeds: “Dear brother, save me and give me thy steeds, that I
+may win to Olympus, where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am I
+afflicted with a wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now
+would fight even with father Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she mounted
+on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in her hands
+grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and they flew onward
+nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of the gods, even steep
+Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the horses from the chariot and
+stabled them, and set ambrosial forage before them; but fair Aphrodite fell
+upon Dione’s knees that was her mother. She took her daughter in her arms and
+stroked her with her hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Who now of the
+sons of heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as though thou
+wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: “Tydeus’ son wounded me,
+high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear son
+Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the fierce
+battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are fighting even the
+immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: “Be of good heart, my child, and
+endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions of Olympus
+have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one upon another. So
+suffered Ares, when Otos and stalwart Ephialtes, sons of Aloeus, bound him in a
+strong prison-house; yea in a vessel of bronze lay he bound thirteen months.
+Then might Ares insatiate of battle have perished, but that the step-mother of
+Aloeus’ sons, fair Eëriboia, gave tidings to Hermes, and he stole away Ares,
+already pining; for the grievous prison-house was wearing him out. So suffered
+Hera when Amphitryon’s stalwart son smote her on the right breast with a
+three-barbed arrow, so that pain unassuageable gat hold of her likewise. So
+suffered awful Hades a swift arrow like the rest, when this same man, the son
+of aegis-bearing Zeus, smote him in Pylos* amid the dead and gave him over to
+anguish. And he went to the mansion of Zeus and to high Olympus, grieved at
+heart, pierced through with anguish; for the arrow was driven into his stout
+shoulder, and vexed his soul. But Paieon spread soothing drugs upon the wound
+and healed him; seeing that verily he was of no mortal substance. Headstrong
+man and violent of deed, that recked not of his evil doings, and with his
+archery vexed the gods that dwell in Olympus! So upon thee was this man sent by
+the bright-eyed goddess Athene; fond man—for the heart of Tydeus’ son knoweth
+not this, that he of a surety is not long-lived that fighteth with immortals,
+nor ever do his children prattle upon his knees at his returning from war and
+terrible fray. Therefore now let Tydeides, though he be very mighty, beware
+lest one better than thou encounter him; and so Aigialeia, wise daughter of
+Adrestos, wake from sleep with lamentations all her household, bewailing her
+wedded lord, the best man of the Achaians, even she that is the brave wife of
+horse-taming Diomedes.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “at the gate of hell.” according to Aristarchos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld, and
+with bitter words provoked Zeus the son of Kronos. Of them was the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene first to speak: “Father Zeus, wilt thou indeed be wroth with me
+whate’er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was urging some woman of Achaia to
+join her unto the Trojans whom she so marvellously loveth; and stroking such an
+one of the fair-robed women of Achaia, she tore upon the golden brooch her
+delicate hand.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto him golden
+Aphrodite and said: “Not unto thee, my child, are given the works of war; but
+follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to all these things shall
+fleet Ares and Athene look.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo himself had spread
+his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the great god, but still was
+eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his glorious armour. So thrice he
+leapt on him, fain to slay him, and thrice Apollo beat back his glittering
+shield. And when the fourth time he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the
+Far-darter spake to him with terrible shout: “Think, Tydeides, and shrink, nor
+desire to match thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison of the race
+of immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the wrath of
+Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the throng in holy
+Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer Artemis healed him in
+the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but Apollo of the silver bow made a
+wraith like unto Aineias’ self, and in such armour as his; and over the wraith
+Trojans and goodly Achaians each hewed the others’ bucklers on their breasts,
+their round shields and fluttering targes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of
+mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this man and
+withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would fight even with
+father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in her hand hard by the
+wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares entered
+among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of fleet Akamas,
+captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of Priam he called
+saying: “O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king, how long will ye yet
+suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians? Shall it be even until they fight
+about our well-builded gates? Low lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like unto
+goodly Hector, even Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let us
+save from the tumult our valiant comrade.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon sorely
+chode noble Hector: “Hector, where now is the spirit gone that erst thou hadst?
+Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies thou wouldest hold the city,
+alone with thy sisters’ husbands and thy brothers; but now can I not see any of
+these neither perceive them, but they are cowering like hounds about a lion;
+and we are fighting that are but allies among you. Yea I being an ally am come
+from very far; far off is Lykia upon eddying Xanthos, where I left my dear wife
+and infant son, and left my great wealth that each one coveteth that is in
+need. Yet for all that I urge on my Lykians, and myself am eager to fight my
+man, though here is naught of mine such as the Achaians might plunder or harry.
+But thou standest, nay thou dost not even urge all thine hosts to abide and
+guard their wives. Only beware lest, as though tangled in meshes of
+all-ensnaring flax, ye be made unto your foemen a prey and a spoil; and they
+will soon lay waste your well-peopled city. Thee it behoveth to give thought to
+all these things both by night and day, and to beseech the captains of thy
+far-famed allies to hold on unflinchingly; and so shalt thou put away their
+sore rebuking from thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he leapt
+from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two keen spears
+went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and roused the dread
+battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians: and the
+Argives withstood them in close array and fled not. Even as a wind carrieth the
+chaff about the sacred threshing-floors when men are winnowing, what time
+golden-haired Demeter in rush of wind maketh division of grain and chaff, and
+so the chaff-heaps grow white—so now grew the Achaians white with falling dust
+which in their midst the horses’ hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as
+fight was joined again, and the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they
+forward the fury of their hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of
+night to aid the Trojans in the battle,* ranging everywhere; so fulfilled he
+the behest of Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who bade him rouse the
+Trojans’ spirit when he beheld Pallas Athene departed; for she was helper to
+the Danaans. And Apollo himself sent forth Aineias from his rich sanctuary and
+put courage in the heart of him, shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his
+place amid his comrades, and they were glad to see him come among them alive
+and sound and full of valiant spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for
+all the toil forbade them that the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares
+bane of men and Strife raging insatiably.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, drew round the battle a veil of night to help the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred the
+Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the Trojans’ violence
+nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos’ son setteth in windless air on
+the mountain tops, at peace, while the might of the north wind sleepeth and of
+all the violent winds that blow with keen breath and scatter apart the
+shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans withstood the Trojans steadfastly and
+fled not. And Atreides ranged through the throng exhorting instantly: “My
+friends, quit you like men and take heart of courage, and shun dishonour in one
+another’s eyes amid the stress of battle. Of men that shun dishonour more are
+saved than slain, but for them that flee is neither glory found nor any
+safety.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost warrior, even
+great-hearted Aineias’ comrade Deïkoon son of Pergasos, whom the Trojans held
+in like honour with Priam’s sons, because he was swift to do battle amid the
+foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his dart upon the shield, and it stayed
+not the spear, but the point passed through, so that he drave it through the
+belt into his nethermost belly: and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged
+upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of Diokles,
+Krethon and Orsilochos, whose father dwelt in stablished Phere, a man full of
+substance, whose lineage was of the river Alpheios, that floweth in broad
+stream through the land of the Pylians; Alpheios begat Orsilochos to be king of
+many men, and Orsilochos begat great-hearted Diokles, and of Diokles were born
+twin sons, even Krethon and Orsilochos, well skilled in all the ways of war.
+Now when these were of full age, they bare the Argives company on their black
+ships to Ilios home of horses, to win recompense for Atreus’ sons, Agamemnon
+and Menelaos; but now the issue of death shrouded them about. Like them, two
+lions on the mountain tops are nurtured by their dam in the deep forest
+thickets; and these harry the kine and goodly sheep and make havoc of the
+farmsteads of men, till in their turn they too are slain at men’s hands with
+the keen bronze; in such wise were these twain vanquished at Aineias’ hands and
+fell like tall pine-trees.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode through
+the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his spear; and Ares
+stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall beneath Aineias’ hand. But
+Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor’s son, beheld him, and strode through the
+forefront; because he feared exceedingly for the shepherd of the host, lest
+aught befall him and disappoint them utterly of their labour. So those two were
+now holding forth their hands and sharp spears each against the other, eager to
+do battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd of the host. But
+Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he beheld two men
+abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to the Achaians’ host,
+and laid the hapless twain in their comrades’ arms, and themselves turned back
+and fought on amid the foremost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then slew they Pylaimenes, peer of Ares, captain of the great-hearted
+Paphlagonians bearers of the shield. Him as he stood still Atreus’ son,
+spear-famed Menelaos, pierced with his javelin, smiting upon the collar-bone;
+and Antilochos hurled at Mydon, his squire and charioteer, Atymnios’ brave son,
+even as he was wheeling the whole-hooved horses, and with a stone smote his
+elbow in the midst; so the reins white with ivory fell from his hands to earth,
+even into the dust. Then Antilochos sprang on him and drave the sword into his
+temple, and he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot headlong in the dust
+on crown and shoulders. A while he stood there, being lighted on deep sand,
+until his horses spurned him and cast him to earth, even in the dust; and them
+Antilochos lashed, and drave them to the Achaians’ host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a shout, and
+the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might: and Ares led them on
+and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of war, the while Ares wielded in
+his hands his monstrous spear, and ranged now before Hector’s face, and now
+behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as a
+shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming river flowing
+on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth backwards, even so now
+Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host: “Friends, how marvel we that noble
+Hector is a spearman and bold man of war! Yet ever is there beside him some god
+that wardeth off destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in likeness of a
+mortal man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground backwards,
+neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the Trojans came very close upon them. Then Hector slew two
+that knew well the battle joy, riding in one chariot, even Menesthes and
+Anchialos. And the great Telamonian Aias had pity of them in their fall, and
+came hard by and darted with his bright javelin, and smote Amphios son of
+Selagos, that dwelt in Paisos, a man rich in substance, rich in meadow land;
+but fate led him to bring succour to Priam and his sons. Him Telamonian Aias
+smote upon the belt, and in his nether belly the far-shadowing spear stuck and
+he fell with a crash. Then glorious Aias ran at him to strip him of his armour,
+and the Trojans rained on him keen javelins glittering, and his shield caught
+many thereof. But he set his heel upon the corpse and plucked forth the spear
+of bronze; only he could not strip from his shoulders all the fair armour
+therewith, being overwhelmed of spears. Moreover he feared the haughty Trojans’
+stout defence, they being many and brave that with their spears pressed on him,
+so that for all he was so great and valiant and proud they thrust him from
+them; and he was shaken and shrank back.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus toiled these in violent battle; and Tlepolemos son of Herakles, valiant
+and tall, was driven of forceful fate against godlike Sarpedon. Then when the
+twain were come nigh in onset on each other, even the son and grandson of Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer, then first to the other spake Tlepolemos: “Sarpedon,
+counsellor of the Lykians, why must thou be skulking here, being a man
+unskilled in battle? Falsely do men say that thou art offspring of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, seeing thou art found lacking greatly beside those men that
+in days of old were born of Zeus. Ah, what an one do men say* was mighty
+Herakles, even my father the steadfast lion-heart, who erst came hither for
+Laomedon’s mares with but six ships and a scantier host, yet sacked the city of
+Ilios and made her highways desolate. But thine is a base spirit, and thy folk
+are minishing. I ween that thou art in no wise come from Lykia to be a bulwark
+unto the Trojans, for all thy great strength, but that thou shalt be vanquished
+at my hand and pass the gates of Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “of other sort, men say,” if we read
+&#7936;&#955;&#955;&#959;&#8150;&#959;&#957; for &#7936;&#955;&#955;’
+&#959;&#8150;&#959;&#957;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Sarpedon captain of the Lykians answered him: “Tlepolemos, he verily
+overthrew holy Ilios by the folly of the proud man Laomedon, that rewarded his
+good deed with harsh upbraiding, and paid him not the steeds wherefor he came
+from afar. And for thee I say that slaughter and black death shall come about
+here at my hands; vanquished by my spear thou shalt yield to me my glory, and
+thy life to Hades of the goodly steeds.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Sarpedon, and Tlepolemos lifted his ashen spear, and both their long
+javelins sped from their hands together. Sarpedon smote the midst of his neck,
+and the grievous point past right through, and the darkness of night fell on
+his eyes and shrouded him: and Tlepolemos with long spear smote the other’s
+left thigh, and the point sped through furiously, grazing the bone; but his
+father yet warded off destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So his goodly comrades bare away godlike Sarpedon from the battle, but the long
+spear dragging was heavy upon him, and no man marked it or took thought in
+their haste to draw the ashen spear out from his thigh that he might stand
+upright; such labour had they in tending him. And over against them the
+well-greaved Achaians bare Tlepolemos from the battle. And noble Odysseus of
+the patient soul marked it, and his heart was stirred within him. Then doubted
+he in mind and soul whether first to pursue the son of Zeus the loud thunderer,
+or take the lives of the common sort of the Lykians. But it was not destined to
+great-hearted Odysseus to slay with his keen blade the mighty son of Zeus; so
+Athene turned his fury upon the multitude of the Lykians. Then slew he Koiranos
+and Alastor and Chromios and Alkandros and Halios and Noëmon and Prytanis; and
+yet more Lykians had noble Odysseus slain but that great Hector of the glancing
+helm was swift to mark him, and strode through the forefront of battle,
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and brought terror to the Danaans; but Sarpedon
+the son of Zeus was glad at his coming, and spake to him a word of pain: “O son
+of Priam, let me not now be left a prey unto the Danaans, but bring me succour;
+howbeit thereafter let my life depart from me in your city, seeing it might not
+be that I should return home to my dear native land, to make glad my dear wife
+and infant son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm spake no word to him, but hastened
+on, desirous with all speed to thrust back the Argives and take the lives of
+many. So his goodly comrades made godlike Sarpedon to sit beneath a fair
+oak-tree of aegis-bearing Zeus, and valiant Pelagon that was his dear comrade
+thrust forth from his thigh the ashen spear; and his spirit failed him and mist
+overspread his eyes. Then breathed he again, and the breath of the north wind
+blew round about him and brought him to life from the grievous swoon of his
+soul.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither turned
+them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward in battle, but
+still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the Trojans. And now who
+first was slaughtered, and who last, by Hector son of Priam and brazen Ares?
+Even godlike Teuthras, and thereafter Orestes the charioteer, and Trechos
+spearman of Aitolia, and Oinomaos and Helenos son of Oinops and Oresbios with
+gleaming taslets, who dwelt in Hyle and had great care of his substance, lying
+beside the Kephisian mere; and near him dwelt all the Boiotians, inhabiters of
+a full rich domain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc of the Argives
+in the press of battle, anon she spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Was it for naught we pledged
+our word to Menelaos, that he should not depart till he had laid waste
+well-walled Ilios,—if thus we let baleful Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain
+also take thought of impetuous valour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So Hera the
+goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the gold-frontleted
+steeds; and Hebe quickly put to the car the curved wheels of bronze,
+eight-spoked, upon their axle-tree of iron. Golden is their felloe,
+imperishable, and tires of bronze are fitted thereover, a marvel to look upon;
+and the naves are of silver, to turn about on either side. And the car is
+plaited tight with gold and silver thongs, and two rails run round about it.
+And the silver pole stood out therefrom; upon the end bound she the fair golden
+yoke, and set thereon the fair breaststraps of gold, and Hera led beneath the
+yoke the horses fleet of foot, and hungered for strife and the battle-cry. And
+Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down at her father’s threshold her
+woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had wrought and her hands had
+fashioned, and put on her the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her
+in her armour for dolorous battle. About her shoulders cast she the tasselled
+aegis terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown all round about, and Strife is
+therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught withal, and therein is the dreadful
+monster’s Gorgon head, dreadful and grim, portent of aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon
+her head set she the two-crested golden helm with fourfold plate, bedecked with
+men-at-arms of a hundred cities. Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and
+grasped her heavy spear, great and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks
+of men, even of heroes with whom she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera
+swiftly smote the horses with the lash; self-moving groaned upon their hinges
+the gates of heaven whereof the Hours are warders, to whom is committed great
+heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick cloud or set it to. There
+through the gates guided they their horses patient of the lash. And they found
+the son of Kronos sitting apart from all the gods on the topmost peak of
+many-ridged Olympus. Then the white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses and
+questioned the most high Zeus, the son of Kronos, and said: “Father Zeus, hast
+thou no indignation with Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a
+company of Achaians hath he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise, unto my
+sorrow. But here in peace Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow take their
+pleasure, having set on this mad one that knoweth not any law. Father Zeus,
+wilt thou at all be wroth with me if I smite Ares and chase him from the battle
+in sorry plight?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: “Go to now, set upon him
+Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore pain upon him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and lashed her
+horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry heaven. As far as a
+man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance as he sitteth on a place of
+outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea, so far leap the loudly neighing
+horses of the gods. Now when they came to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even
+to where Simoeis and Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed
+goddess Hera stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick
+mist round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to graze.
+So the goddesses went their way with step like unto turtle-doves, being fain to
+bring succour to the men of Argos. And when they were now come where the most
+and most valiant stood, thronging about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the
+semblance of ravening lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then
+stood the white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
+Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty other men:
+“Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in semblance! While yet
+noble Achilles entered continually into battle, then issued not the Trojans
+even from the Dardanian gate; for they had dread of his terrible spear. But now
+fight they far from the city at the hollow ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to Tydeides’ side
+sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she found beside his horses
+and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros with his dart had pierced, for his
+sweat vexed it by reason of the broad baldrick of his round shield; therewith
+was he vexed and his arm grew weary, so he was lifting up the baldrick and
+wiping away the dusky blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his horses’
+yoke, and said: “Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after his own likeness.
+Tydeus was short of stature, but a man of war; yea even when I would not have
+him fight nor make display—what time he came apart from the Achaians on an
+embassage to Thebes, to the midst of the multitude of the Kadmeians, I bade him
+feast in their halls at peace; but he, possessing his valiant soul as of old
+time, challenged the young men of the Kadmeians and in everything vanquished
+them [easily; so sure a helper was I unto him]. But for thee, beside thee stand
+I and guard thee and with all my heart bid thee fight the Trojans; yet either
+hath weariness of much striving entered into thy limbs, or disheartening terror
+hath taken hold of thee. If that be so, no offspring art thou of Tydeus, the
+wise son of Oineus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: “I know thee, goddess
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart will I tell thee
+my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening terror taken hold upon
+me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of thy behest that thou didst lay
+upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face to face with all the blessed gods,
+save only if Zeus’ daughter Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to wound
+her with the keen bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have bidden
+all the Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares lording it
+in the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, thou
+joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor any other of the
+immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now, at Ares first guide thou
+thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to hand, nor have any awe of
+impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse incarnate, the renegade that of late in
+converse with me and Hera pledged him to fight against the Trojans and give
+succour to the Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath forgotten
+these.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from the
+chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess mounted the car
+by noble Diomedes’ side right eagerly. The oaken axle creaked loud with its
+burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of might. Then Pallas Athene
+grasped the whip and reins; forthwith against Ares first guided she the
+whole-hooved horses. Now he was stripping huge Periphas, most valiant far of
+the Aitolians, Ochesios’ glorious son. Him was blood-stained Ares stripping;
+and Athene donned the helm of Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her.
+Now when Ares scourge of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas
+lying there, where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and
+made straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse’s reins with
+spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed goddess
+Athene with her hand seized the spear and thrust it up over* the car, to spend
+itself in vain. Next Diomedes of the loud war-cry attacked with spear of
+bronze; and Pallas Athene drave it home against Ares’ nethermost belly, where
+his taslets were girt about him. There smote he him and wounded him, rending
+through his fair skin, and plucked forth the spear again. Then brazen Ares
+bellowed loud as nine thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they
+join in strife and fray. Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for
+fear, so mightily bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+Reading &#8017;&#960;&#8051;&#961; with the best MS. for &#8016;&#960;’
+&#7952;&#954;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after heat a stormy wind
+ariseth, even so to Tydeus’ son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid clouds,
+faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods’ dwelling, steep Olympus,
+and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart, and shewed the immortal
+blood flowing from the wound, and piteously spake to him winged words: “Father
+Zeus, hast thou no indignation to behold these violent deeds? For ever cruelly
+suffer we gods by one another’s devices, in shewing men grace. With thee are we
+all at variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful,
+whose thought is ever of iniquitous deeds. For all the other gods that are in
+Olympus hearken to thee, and we are subject every one; only her thou chastenest
+not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on, because this pestilent one
+is thine own offspring. Now hath she urged on Tydeus’ son, even overweening
+Diomedes, to rage furiously against the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded
+in close fight, in the wrist of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me,
+with the might of a god. Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long
+endured anguish there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived
+strengthless from the smitings of the spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: “Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all gods that
+dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and battles. Truly thy
+mother’s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even Hera’s; her can I scarce rule
+with words. Therefore I deem that by her prompting thou art in this plight. Yet
+will I no longer endure to see thee in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to
+me thy mother bare thee. But wert thou born of any other god unto this
+violence, long ere this hadst thou been lower than the sons of Heaven.”*
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* The Titans, imprisoned in Tartaros. Others explain “lower than the heavenly
+gods.” Zenodotos read &#7952;&#957;&#8051;&#961;&#964;&#945;&#964;&#959;&#962;,
+“lowest of the sons of heaven.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs upon the
+wound [and healed him; seeing he was verily of no mortal substance]. Even as
+fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that is liquid but curdleth
+speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly healed he impetuous Ares. And Hebe
+bathed him, and clothed him in gracious raiment, and he sate him down by Zeus
+son of Kronos, glorying in his might.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera of Argos and
+Alalkomenean Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals from his
+man-slaying.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each other, and
+parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city bade farewell to
+Andromache his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the battle
+swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed against each other
+their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the streams of Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First Aias son of Telamon, bulwark of the Achaians, brake a battalion of the
+Trojans and brought his comrades salvation, smiting a warrior that was chiefest
+among the Thracians, Eussoros’ son Akamas the goodly and great. Him first he
+smote upon his thick-crested helmet-ridge and drave into his forehead, so that
+the point of bronze pierced into the bone; and darkness shrouded his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud wrar-cry slew Axylos Teuthranos’ son that dwelt in
+stablished Arisbe, a man of substance dear to his fellows; for his dwelling was
+by the roadside and he entertained all men. Howbeit of all these was there then
+not one to meet the foe before his face and save him from fell destruction; but
+Diomedes took the life of both of them, even of him and Kalesios his squire
+that now was the driver of his chariot; so passed both below the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Euryalos slew Dresos and Opheltios, and followed after Aisepos and Pedasos
+whom erst the fountain-nymph Abarbarea bare to noble Boukolion. Now Boukolion
+was son of proud Laomedon, his eldest born, begotten of a mother unwedded; and
+as he tended his flocks he had converse with the nymph in love, and she
+conceived and bare twin sons. And lo, the strength of these and their glorious
+limbs Mekisteus’ son unstrung, and stripped the armour from their shoulders.
+And stubborn Polypoites slew Astyalos, and Odysseus with spear of bronze laid
+low Pidytes of Perkote, and so did Teukros to goodly Aretaon. Then was Ableros
+killed by the glistening spear of Antilochos, Nestor’s son, and Elatos by
+Agamemnon king of men; beside the banks of fair-flowing Satnioeis dwelt he in
+steep Pedasos. And Leïtos the warrior caught Phylakos, as he fled; and
+Eurypylos slew Melanthios.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now did Menelaos of the loud war-cry take Adrestos alive; for his horses took
+flight across the plain, and stumbling in a tamarisk bough brake the curved car
+at the pole’s foot; so they themselves fared towards the city where the rest
+were fleeing in rout, and their lord rolled from out the car beside the wheel,
+prone in the dust upon his face. Then came Atreus’ son Menelaos to his side
+bearing his far- shadowing spear. Thereat Adrestos caught him by his knees and
+besought him: “Take me captive, thou son of Atreus, and accept a worthy ransom;
+many a treasure is stored up in my father’s rich palace, bronze and gold and
+smithied iron; thereof would my father yield thee ransom beyond the telling, if
+he but heard that I am alive at the ships of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and moved the spirit in his breast. And now had he forthwith given
+him to his squire to lead him to the Achaians’ fleet ships, but that Agamemnon
+came running to meet him, and spake a word of chiding to him: “Good Menelaos,
+why art thou so careful of the foemen? Have then such good deeds been wrought
+thee in thy house by Trojans? Of them let not one escape sheer destruction at
+our hands, not even the man-child that the mother beareth in her womb; let not
+even him escape, but all perish together out of Ilios, uncared for and
+unknown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero and turned his brother’s mind with righteous persuasion; so
+with his hand he thrust the hero Adrestos from him, and lord Agamemnon smote
+him in the flank, and he was overthrown, and Atreus’ son set his heel upon his
+chest and plucked forth his ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor called to the Argives with far-reaching shout: “My friends, Danaan
+warriors, men of Ares’ company, let no man now take thought of spoils to tarry
+behind, that he may bring the greatest burden to the ships; but let us slay the
+foemen. Thereafter shall ye at your ease also strip of their spoil the dead
+corpses about the plain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and stirred the spirit and soul of every man. Now had the Trojans
+been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up into Ilios, in their
+weakness overcome, but that Priam’s son Helenos, far best of augurs, stood by
+Aineias’ side and Hector’s, and spake to them: “Aineias and Hector, seeing that
+on you lieth the task of war in chief of Trojans and Lykians, because for every
+issue ye are foremost both for fight and counsel, stand ye your ground, and
+range the host everywhither to rally them before the gates, ere yet they fall
+fleeing in their women’s arms, and be made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye
+have aroused all our battalions we will abide here and fight the Danaans,
+though in sore weariness; for necessity presseth us hard: but thou, Hector, go
+into the city, and speak there to thy mother and mine; let her gather the aged
+wives to bright-eyed Athene’s temple in the upper city, and with her key open
+the doors of the holy house; and let her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the
+most gracious and greatest in her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the
+knees of beauteous-haired Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple
+twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy on the
+city and the Trojans’ wives and little children. So may she perchance hold back
+Tydeus’ son from holy Ilios, the furious spearman, the mighty deviser of rout,
+whom in good sooth I deem to have proved himself mightiest of the Achaians.
+Never in this wise feared we Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a
+goddess; nay, but he that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him
+for might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother’s word, but leapt forthwith
+from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two sharp spears
+passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to battle, and stirred the
+dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians, and the
+Argives gave ground and ceased from slaughter, and deemed that some immortal
+had descended from starry heaven to bring the Trojans succour, in such wise
+rallied they. Then Hector called to the Trojans with far-reaching shout: “O
+high-souled Trojans and ye far-famed allies, quit you like men, my friends, and
+take thought of impetuous courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid the elders
+of the council and our wives pray to the gods and vow them hecatombs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat on
+either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran uttermost
+about his bossed shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus’ son met in the mid-space of the
+foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in onset on each
+other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Who art thou, noble
+sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee in glorious battle ere this,
+yet now hast thou far outstripped all men in thy hardihood, seeing thou abidest
+my far-shadowing spear. Luckless are the fathers whose children face my might.
+But if thou art some immortal come down from heaven, then will not I fight with
+heavenly gods. Nay moreover even Dryas’ son mighty Lykurgos was not for long
+when he strove with heavenly gods, he that erst chased through the goodly land
+of Nysa the nursing-mothers of frenzied Dionysos; and they all cast their wands
+upon the ground, smitten with murderous Lykurgos’ ox-goad. Then Dionysos fled
+and plunged beneath the salt sea-wave, and Thetis took him to her bosom,
+affrighted, for a mighty trembling had seized him at his foe’s rebuke. But with
+Lykurgos the gods that live at ease were wroth, and Kronos’ son made him blind,
+and he was not for long, because he was hated of all the immortal gods. So
+would neither I be fain to fight the blessed gods. But if thou art of men that
+eat the fruit of the field, come nigh, that anon thou mayest enter the toils of
+destruction.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hippolochos’ glorious son made answer to him: “Great-hearted Tydeides, why
+enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the generations of leaves such are
+those likewise of men; the leaves that be the wind scattereth on the earth, and
+the forest buddeth and putteth forth more again, when the season of spring is
+at hand; so of the generations of men one putteth forth and another ceaseth.
+Yet if thou wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well know our lineage,
+whereof many men have knowledge. There is a city Ephyre in the heart of Argos,
+pasture land of horses, and there dwelt Sisyphos that was craftiest of men,
+Sisyphos son of Aiolos; and he begat a son, even Glaukos, and Glaukos begat
+noble Bellerophon. To him the gods granted beauty and lovely manhood; but
+Proitos in his heart devised ill for him, and being mightier far drave him from
+the land of the Argives, whom Zeus had made subject to his sceptre.* Now
+Proitos’ wife, goodly Anteia, lusted after him, to have converse in secret
+love, but no whit prevailed she, for the uprightness of his heart, on wise
+Bellerophon. Then spake she lyingly to king Proitos: “Die, Proitos, or else
+slay Bellerophon, that would have converse in love with me against my will.” So
+spake she, and anger gat hold upon the king at that he heard. To slay him he
+forbare, for his soul had shame of that; but he sent him to Lykia, and gave him
+tokens of woe, graving in a folded tablet many deadly things, and bade him shew
+these to Anteia’s father, that he might be slain. So fared he to Lykia by the
+blameless convoy of the gods. Now when he came to Lykia and the stream of
+Xanthos, then did the king of wide Lykia honour him with all his heart; nine
+days he entertained him and killed nine oxen. And when on the tenth day
+rosy-fingered dawn appeared, then he questioned him and asked to see what token
+he bare from his son-in-law, even Proitos. Now when he had received of him
+Proitos’ evil token, first he bade him slay Chimaira the unconquerable. Of
+divine birth was she and not of men, in front a lion, and behind a serpent, and
+in the midst a goat; and she breathed dread fierceness of blazing fire. And her
+he slew, obedient to the signs of heaven. Next fought he with the famed Solymi;
+this, said he, was the mightiest battle of warriors wherein he entered. And
+thirdly he slew the Amazons, women peers of men. And as he turned back
+therefrom, the king devised another cunning wile; he picked from wide Lykia the
+bravest men, and set an ambush. But these returned nowise home again; for noble
+Bellerophon slew them all. So when the king now knew that he was the brave
+offspring of a god, he kept him there, and plighted him his daughter, and gave
+him the half of all the honour of his kingdom; moreover the Lykians meted him a
+domain preeminent above all, fair with vineyards and tilth to possess it.** And
+his wife bare wise Bellerophon three children, Isandros and Hippolochos and
+Laodameia. With Laodameia lay Zeus the lord of counsel, and she bare godlike
+Sarpedon, the warrior with arms of bronze. But when even Bellerophon came to be
+hated of all the gods, then wandered he alone in the Aleian plain, devouring
+his own soul, and avoiding the paths of men; and Isandros his son was slain by
+Ares insatiate of battle, as he fought against the famed Solymi, and his
+daughter was slain in wrath of gold-gleaming*** Artemis. But Hippolochos begat
+me, and of him do I declare me to be sprung; he sent me to Troy and bade me
+very instantly to be ever the best and to excel all other men, nor put to shame
+the lineage of my fathers that were of noblest blood in Ephyre and in wide
+Lykia. This is the lineage and blood whereof I avow myself to be.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “for Zeus had brought him [Bellerophon] under his sceptre’s sway.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+** Or, if we read
+&#960;&#965;&#961;&#959;&#966;&#8057;&#961;&#959;&#953;&#959;, “tilth of
+wheat-land.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+*** Or, “Artemis of the golden reins.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his spear in
+the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd of the host:
+“Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times through my father: for
+goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble Bellerophon in his halls and kept him
+twenty days. Moreover they gave each the other goodly gifts of friendship;
+Oineus gave a belt bright with purple, and Bellerophon a gold twy-handled cup,
+the which when I came I left in my palace. But of Tydeus I remember naught,
+seeing I was yet little when he left me, what time the Achaian host perished at
+Thebes. Therefore now am I to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost Argos, and
+thou in Lykia, whene’er I fare to your land. So let us shun each other’s
+spears, even amid the throng; Trojans are there in multitudes and famous allies
+for me to slay, whoe’er it be that God vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake; and
+for thee are there Achaians in multitude, to slay whome’er thou canst. But let
+us make exchange of arms between us, that these also may know how we avow
+ourselves to be guest-friends by lineage.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other by his
+hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took from Glaukos his
+wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus’ son of golden armour for
+bronze, the price of five score oxen for the price of nine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak-tree, there came
+running round about him the Trojans’ wives and daughters, enquiring of sons and
+brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade them thereat all in turn pray to
+the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he came to Priam’s beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades—and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded hard by one
+another, wherein Priam’s sons slept beside their wedded wives; and for his
+daughters over against them on the other side within the courtyard were twelve
+roofed chambers of polished stone builded hard by one another, wherein slept
+Priam’s sons-in-law beside their chaste wives—then came there to meet him his
+bountiful mother, leading with her Laodike, fairest of her daughters to look
+on; and she clasped her hand in his, and spake, and called upon his name: “My
+son, why hast thou left violent battle to come hither? Surely the sons of the
+Achaians—name of evil!—press thee hard in fight about thy city, and so thy
+spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth thy hands to Zeus
+from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet wine, that thou
+mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals first, and then shalt thou
+thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt drink. When a man is awearied wine
+greatly maketh his strength to wax, even as thou art awearied in fighting for
+thy fellows.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bring me no honey-hearted
+wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage and I be forgetful of
+my might.* Moreover I have awe to make libation of gleaming wine to Zeus with
+hands unwashen; nor can it be in any wise that one should pray to the son of
+Kronos, god of storm-cloud, all defiled with blood and filth. But go thou to
+the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged
+wives together; and the robe that seemeth to thee the most gracious and
+greatest in thy palace, and dearest unto thyself, that lay thou upon the knees
+of beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple twelve
+sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy on the city and
+the Trojans’ wives and little children. So may she perchance hold back Tydeus’
+son from holy Ilios, the furious spearman, the mighty deviser of rout. So go
+thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will go after Paris,
+to summon him, if perchance he will hearken to my voice. Would that the earth
+forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian fostered him to be a sore bane to
+the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and to Priam’s sons. If I but saw him
+going down to the gates of death, then might I deem that my heart had forgotten
+its sorrow.”**
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Omitting &#948;’ after &#956;&#8051;&#957;&#949;&#959;&#962;, with the best
+MSS. and probably Aristarchos. So also Plato, Crat. 415 A.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+** Reading with Zenodotos &#966;&#8055;&#955;&#959;&#957; for
+&#966;&#961;&#8051;&#957;’ &#7936;&#964;&#8051;&#961;&#960;&#959;&#965;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens, and they
+gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself went down to her
+fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the work of Sidonian women,
+whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from Sidon, when he sailed over the
+wide sea, that journey wherein he brought home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe
+took one to bear for an offering to Athene, the one that was fairest for
+adornment and greatest, and shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then
+went she her way and the multitude of aged wives hasted after her.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the temple of Athene in the citadel, fair-cheeked Theano
+opened them the doors, even Kisseus’ daughter, wife of horse-taming Antenor;
+for her the Trojans had made priestess of Athene. Then lifted they all their
+hands to Athene with lamentation: and fair-cheeked Theano took the robe and
+laid it on the knees of beauteous-haired Athene, and lifted up her voice and
+prayed to the daughter of great Zeus: “Lady Athene, saviour of the city, fair
+among goddesses, break now Diomedes’ spear, and grant moreover that himself may
+fall prone before the Skaian gates; that we may sacrifice thee now forthwith in
+thy temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if thou wilt have
+mercy on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little children.” So spake she
+praying, but Pallas Athene denied the prayer.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So were these praying to the daughter of great Zeus; and Hector was come to
+Alexandros’ fair palace, that himself had builded with them that were most
+excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled Troy-land; these made him his chamber
+and hall and courtyard hard by to Priam and Hector, in the upper city. There
+entered in Hector dear to Zeus, and his hand bare his spear, eleven cubits
+long: before his face glittered the bronze spear-point, and a ring of gold ran
+round about it. And he found Paris in his chamber busied with his beauteous
+arms, his shield and breastplate, and handling his curved bow; and Helen of
+Argos sate among her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork for her
+handmaidens. Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful words: “Good
+sir, thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy heart. The folk are
+perishing about the city and high wall in battle, and for thy sake the
+battle-cry is kindled and war around this city; yea thyself wouldest thou fall
+out with another, didst thou see him shrinking from hateful war. Up then, lest
+the city soon be scorched with burning fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: “Hector, since in measure thou chidest me
+and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou it to thine heart
+and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the Trojans, for wrath and
+indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain would I yield me to my sorrow.
+Even now my wife hath persuaded me with soft words, and urged me into battle;
+and I moreover, even I, deem that it will be better so; for victory shifteth
+from man to man. Go to then, tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of war; or
+else fare thou forth, and I will follow; and I think to overtake thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word. But Helen
+spake to him with gentle words: “My brother, even mine that am a dog,
+mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my mother bare me at the
+first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a mountain or a billow of the
+loud-sounding sea, where the billow might have swept me away before all these
+things came to pass. Howbeit, seeing the gods devised all these ills in this
+wise, would that then I had been mated with a better man, that felt dishonour
+and the multitude of men’s reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he now
+sound heart, nor ever will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap the
+fruit. But now come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my brother,
+since thy heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake of me, that am a
+dog, and for Alexandros’ sin; on whom Zeus bringeth evil doom, that even in
+days to come we may be a song in the ears of men that shall be hereafter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bid me not sit, Helen, of
+thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set to succour the men
+of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not with them. But rouse thou
+this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to overtake me yet within the city.
+For I shall go into mine house to behold my housefolk and my dear wife, and
+infant boy; for I know not if I shall return home to them again, or if the gods
+will now overthrow me at the hands of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to his well
+stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in the halls; she
+with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her stand upon the tower,
+weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not his noble wife within, he came
+and stood upon the threshold and spake amid the serving women: “Come tell me
+now true, my serving women. Whither went white-armed Andromache forth from the
+hall? Hath she gone out to my sisters or unto my brothers’ fair-robed wives, or
+to Athene’s temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women propitiate the
+awful goddess?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: “Hector, seeing thou straitly
+chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any of thy sisters or
+thy brothers’ fair-robed wives, neither to Athene’s temple, where all the
+fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the awful goddess; but she went to
+the great tower of Ilios, because she heard the Trojans were hard pressed, and
+great victory was for the Achaians. So hath she come in haste to the wall, like
+unto one frenzied; and the nurse with her beareth the child.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the same way
+down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the great city and
+was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to issue upon the plain,
+then came his dear-won* wife, running to meet him, even Andromache daughter of
+great-hearted Eëtion, Eëtion that dwelt beneath wooded Plakos, in Thebe under
+Plakos, and was king of the men of Kilikia; for his daughter was wife to
+bronze-harnessed Hector. So she met him now, and with her went the handmaid
+bearing in her bosom the tender boy, the little child, Hector’s loved son, like
+unto a beautiful star. Him Hector called Skamandrios, but all the folk
+Astyanax; for only Hector guarded Ilios.** So now he smiled and gazed at his
+boy silently, and Andromache stood by his side weeping, and clasped her hand in
+his, and spake and called upon his name. “Dear my lord, this thy hardihood will
+undo thee, neither hast thou any pity for thine infant boy, nor for me forlorn
+that soon shall be thy widow; for soon will the Achaians all set upon thee and
+slay thee. But it were better for me to go down to the grave if I lose thee;
+for never more will any comfort be mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met
+thy fate, but only sorrow. Moreover I have no father nor lady mother: my father
+was slain of goodly Achilles, for he wasted the populous city of the Kilikians,
+even high-gated Thebe, and slew Eëtion; yet he despoiled him not, for his soul
+had shame of that, but he burnt him in his inlaid armour and raised a barrow
+over him; and all about were elm-trees planted by the mountain nymphs,
+daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus. And the seven brothers that were mine within
+our halls, all these on the selfsame day went within the house of Hades; for
+fleet-footed goodly Achilles slew them all amid their kine of trailing gait and
+white-fleeced sheep. And my mother, that was queen beneath wooded Plakos, her
+brought he hither with the other spoils, but afterward took a ransom untold to
+set her free; but in her father’s halls was she smitten by the Archer Artemis.
+Nay, Hector, thou art to me father and lady mother, yea and brother, even as
+thou art my goodly husband. Come now, have pity and abide here upon the tower,
+lest thou make thy child an orphan and thy wife a widow. And stay thy folk
+beside the fig-tree, where best the city may be scaled and the wall is
+assailable. Thrice came thither the most valiant that are with the two Aiantes
+and famed Idomeneus and the sons of Atreus and Tydeus’ valiant son, and essayed
+to enter; whether one skilled in soothsaying revealed it to them, or whether
+their own spirit urgeth and biddeth them on.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “bounteous.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+** Astyanax = “City King.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Surely I take thought for
+all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of the Trojans and Trojan
+dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I shrink away from battle. Moreover
+mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I have learnt ever to be valiant and fight
+in the forefront of the Trojans, winning my father’s great glory and mine own.
+Yea of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy
+Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear.
+Yet doth the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so much trouble me, neither
+Hekabe’s own, neither king Priam’s, neither my brethren’s, the many and brave
+that shall fall in the dust before their foemen, as doth thine anguish in the
+day when some mail-clad Achaian shall lead thee weeping and rob thee of the
+light of freedom. So shalt thou abide in Argos and ply the loom at another
+woman’s bidding, and bear water from fount Messeis or Hypereia, being
+grievously entreated, and sore constraint shall be laid upon thee. And then
+shall one say that beholdeth thee weep: ‘This is the wife of Hector, that was
+foremost in battle of the horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.’
+Thus shall one say hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such an
+husband as thou hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in death may the
+heaped-up earth be covering, ere I hear thy crying and thy carrying into
+captivity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the child
+shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at his dear
+father’s aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair crest that he beheld
+nodding fiercely from the helmet’s top. Then his dear father laughed aloud, and
+his lady mother; forthwith glorious Hector took the helmet from his head, and
+laid it, all gleaming, upon the earth; then kissed he his dear son and dandled
+him in his arms, and spake in prayer to Zeus and all the gods, “O Zeus and all
+ye gods, vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise prove even as I,
+pre-eminent amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be a great king of
+Ilios. Then may men say of him, ‘Far greater is he than his father’ as he
+returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him blood-stained spoils from
+the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother’s heart be glad.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife’s arms; and she took him to her
+fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to see her, and
+caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Dear one, I
+pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man against my fate shall hurl me
+to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man hath escaped, be he coward or be he
+valiant, when once he hath been born. But go thou to thine house and see to
+thine own tasks, the loom and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their
+work; but for war shall men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in
+Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet; and his
+dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting fall big tears.
+Anon she came to the well-stablished house of man-slaying Hector, and found
+therein her many handmaidens, and stirred lamentation in them all. So bewailed
+they Hector, while yet he lived, within his house: for they deemed that he
+would no more come back to them from battle, nor escape the fury of the hands
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his brave
+armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city, trusting to his
+nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at the manger, breaketh his
+tether and speedeth at the gallop across the plain, being wont to bathe him in
+the fair-flowing stream, exultingly; and holdeth his head on high, and his mane
+floateth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his
+limbs bear him to the haunts and pasturages of mares; even so Priam’s son
+Paris, glittering in his armour like the shining sun, strode down from high
+Pergamos laughingly, and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook his
+brother noble Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away from the
+spot where he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake godlike Alexandros:
+“Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine haste by my tarrying, and came
+not rightly as thou badest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: “Good brother, no man
+that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight, seeing thou art
+strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care; and for this my heart is
+grieved within me, that I hear shameful words concerning thee in the Trojans’
+mouths, who for thy sake endure much toil. But let us be going; all this will
+we make good hereafter, if Zeus ever vouchsafe us to set before the heavenly
+gods that are for everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls, when we have
+chased out of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the burying of the dead,
+and the building of a wall about the Achaian ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went his
+brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and battle. Even as
+God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have grown weary of beating
+the main with polished oars, and their limbs are fordone with toil, even so
+appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the one of them slew king Areïthoös’ son, Menesthios dwelling in Arne,
+whom Areïthoös the Mace-man and ox-eyed Phylomedusa begat; and the other, even
+Hector, with his sharp spear smote Eïoneus’ neck beneath his bronze helmet-rim,
+and unstrung his limbs. And Glaukos son of Hippolochos, captain of the men of
+Lykia, cast his spear at Iphinoos through the press of battle, even at the son
+of Dexios, as he sprang up behind his fleet mares, and smote his shoulder; so
+fell he from his chariot to earth and his limbs were unstrung.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the Argives
+in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of Olympus to holy
+Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her from Pergamos, and would
+have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met each the other by the oak-tree.
+To her spake first king Apollo son of Zeus: “Why now art thou come thus eagerly
+from Olympus, thou daughter of great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart sent
+thee? Surely it is to give the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing thou
+hast no mercy on the Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to
+me—and it were far better so—let us now stay battle and warring for the day;
+hereafter shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios, since thus
+it seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay waste this city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: “So be it, Far-darter;
+in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of Trojans and Achaians.
+But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of the warriors?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: “Let us arouse the stalwart
+spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some one of the
+Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly combat. So shall the
+bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one to fight singly with goodly
+Hector.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. Now Helenos
+Priam’s dear son understood in spirit their resolve that the gods in counsel
+had approved; and he went to Hector and stood beside him, and spake a word to
+him: “Hector son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel, wouldest thou now hearken
+at all to me? for I am thy brother. Make the other Trojans sit, and all the
+Achaians, and thyself challenge him that is best of the Achaians to meet thee
+man to man in deadly combat. It is not yet thy destiny to die and meet thy
+doom; for thus heard I the voice of the gods that are from everlasting.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went into the
+midst and refrained the battalions of the Trojans with his spear grasped by the
+middle; and they all sate them down: and Agamemnon made the well-greaved
+Achaians sit. And Athene withal and Apollo of the silver bow, in the likeness
+of vulture birds, sate them upon a tall oak holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus,
+rejoicing in their warriors; and the ranks of all of them sate close together,
+bristling with shields and plumes and spears. Even as there spreadeth across
+the main the ripple of the west wind newly risen, and the sea grows black
+beneath it, so sate the ranks of Achaians and Trojans upon the plain. And
+Hector spake between both hosts: “Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians, that I may speak what my mind within my breast biddeth me. Our oaths
+of truce Kronos’ son, enthroned on high, accomplished not; but evil is his
+intent and ordinance for both our hosts, until either ye take fair-towered Troy
+or yourselves be vanquished beside your seafaring ships. But in the midst of
+you are the chiefest of all the Achaians; therefore now let the man whose heart
+biddeth him fight with me come hither from among you all to be your champion
+against goodly Hector. And this declare I, and be Zeus our witness thereto; if
+that man slay me with the long-edged sword, let him spoil me of my armour and
+bear it to the hollow ships, but give back my body to my home, that Trojans and
+Trojans’ wives may give me my due of burning in my death. But if I slay him and
+Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I will spoil him of his armour and bear it to holy
+Ilios and hang it upon the temple of far-darting Apollo, but his corpse will I
+render back to the well-decked ships, that the flowing-haired Achaians may
+entomb him, and build him a barrow beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say
+even of men that be late born, as he saileth in his benched ship over the
+wine-dark sea: ‘This is the barrow of a man that died in days of old, a
+champion whom glorious Hector slew.’ So shall a man say hereafter, and this my
+glory shall never die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him they
+were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up Menelaos and
+spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned deep at heart: “Ah me,
+vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more men, surely all this shall be
+a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the Danaans now goeth to meet Hector. Nay,
+turn ye all to earth and water, sitting there each man disheartened, helplessly
+inglorious; against him will I myself array me; and from on high the threads of
+victory are guided of the immortal gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the end of
+life appeared for thee at Hector’s hands, seeing he was stronger far, but that
+the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee. And Atreus’ son
+himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right hand and spake a word and
+called upon his name: “Thou doest madly, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus; yet is it
+no time for this thy madness. Draw back, though it be with pain, nor think for
+contention’s sake to fight with one better than thou, with Hector Priam’s son,
+whom others beside thee abhor. Yea, this man even Achilles dreadeth to meet in
+battle, wherein is the warrior’s glory; and Achilles is better far than thou.
+Go therefore now and sit amid the company of thy fellows; against him shall the
+Achaians put forth another champion. Fearless though he be and insatiate of
+turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to rest his knees, if he escape from the
+fury of war and terrible fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother’s heart with just counsel; and he
+obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour from his
+shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives: “Fie upon it, verily
+sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia. Verily old Peleus driver of
+chariots would groan sore, that goodly counsellor of the Myrmidons and orator,
+who erst questioned me in his house, and rejoiced greatly, inquiring of the
+lineage and birth of all the Argives. If he heard now of those that all were
+cowering before Hector, then would he lift his hands to the immortals,
+instantly praying that his soul might depart from his limbs down to the house
+of Hades. Ah would to father Zeus and Athene and Apollo I were young as when
+beside swift-flowing Keladon the Pylians gathered together to battle and the
+Arkadians that bear the spear, beneath the walls of Pheia, about the streams of
+Iardanos. Then stood up for their champion Ereuthalion, a man the peer of gods,
+bearing upon his shoulders the armour of king Areïthoös, goodly Areïthoös that
+by men and fair-girdled women was surnamed the Mace-man, because he fought not
+with bow and long spear, but with an iron mace clave the battalions. Him
+Lykurgos slew by guile, and not by strength, in a narrow way, where his mace of
+iron saved him not from destruction: ere that, Lykurgos came on him unawares
+and pierced him through the midst with his dart, and he was hurled backward
+upon the earth. Then Lykurgos despoiled him of his arms that brazen Ares had
+given him; and these himself he bare thereafter into the mellay of war. But
+when Lykurgos grew old within his halls he gave them to Ereuthalion his dear
+squire to wear. So with his arms upon him he challenged all our best; but they
+trembled sore and were afraid, and no man took heart. But me my hardy spirit
+aroused to meet him in my confidence;* yet was I youngest in years of all. So
+fought I with him and Athene vouchsafed me glory. Tallest was he and strongest
+of men that I have slain; as one of huge bulk he lay spread this way and that.
+Would to God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then would Hector of
+the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of you that be chieftains
+of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man of good heart to meet Hector
+face to face.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “to meet his might,” according to the usual interpretation of &#8102;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the old man upbraided them, and there stood up nine in all. Far first arose
+Agamemnon king of men, and after him rose Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes, and
+after them the Aiantes clothed with impetuous might, and after them Idomeneus
+and Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and
+after them Eurypylos Euaimon’s glorious son; and up rose Thoas Andraimon’s son
+and goodly Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight with goodly Hector. And
+among them spake again knightly Nestor of Gerenia: “Now cast ye the lot from
+the first unto the last, for him that shall be chosen; for he shall in truth
+profit the well-greaved Achaians, yea and he shall have profit of his own soul,
+if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the helmet of
+Agamemnon Atreus’ son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up their hands to the
+gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide heaven: “O father Zeus,
+vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or Tydeus’ son, or else on the king of
+Mykene rich in gold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and there leapt
+forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of Aias. The herald bare it
+everywhither through the throng, shewing it from right to left to all the
+princes of the Achaians; but they knew it not, and every man denied it. But
+when he came, bearing it everywhither through the throng, to him that had
+marked it and cast it in the helm, even glorious Aias, then he held forth his
+hand, and the herald stood by him and put it therein. And Aias saw and knew the
+token upon the lot, and rejoiced in heart. He cast it by his foot upon the
+earth, and spake: “My friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself am glad
+at heart, because I deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come now,
+while I clothe me in my armour of battle, pray ye the while to Kronos’ son king
+Zeus, in silence to yourselves, that the Trojans hear you not—nay rather,
+openly if ye will, for we have no fear of any man soever. For none by force
+shall chase me, he willing me unwilling, neither by skill; seeing I hope that
+not so skill-less, either, was I born in Salamis nor nurtured.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos’ son, king Zeus; and thus would one
+speak, looking up to wide heaven: “O father Zeus that rulest from Ida, most
+glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the winning of great glory.
+But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest for him, grant unto either
+equal prowess and renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he had now
+clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge Ares coming
+forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos’ son setteth to fight in
+fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge Aias, bulwark of the Achaians,
+with a smile on his grim face: and went with long strides of his feet beneath
+him, shaking his far-shadowing spear. Then moreover the Argives rejoiced to
+look upon him, but sore trembling came upon the Trojans, on the limbs of every
+man, and Hector’s own heart beat within his breast. But in no wise could he now
+flee nor shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing he had challenged him
+to battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like shield of bronze, with
+sevenfold ox-hide, that Tychios had wrought him cunningly; Tychios far best of
+curriers, that had his home in Hyle, who made him his glancing shield, of
+sevenfold hides of stalwart bulls, and overlaid the seven with bronze. This
+bare Telamonian Aias before his breast, and stood near to Hector, and spake to
+him threatening: “Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man to man, what
+manner of princes the Danaans likewise have among them, even after Achilles,
+render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his beaked seafaring ships lieth
+in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of the host; yet are we such as to face
+thee, yea and many of us. But make thou beginning of war and battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: “Aias of the seed of Zeus,
+son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like some puny boy or
+woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well know wars and slaughterings.
+To right know I, to left know I the wielding of my tough targe; therein I deem
+is stalwart soldiership. And I know how to charge into the mellay of fleet
+chariots, and how in close battle to join in furious Ares’ dance. Howbeit, I
+have no mind to smite thee, being such an one as thou art, by spying thee
+unawares; but rather openly, if perchance I may hit thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote Aias’ dread
+shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the eighth layer that was
+thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn bronze cleaving, but in the
+seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung Aias hurled next his far-shadowing
+spear, and smote upon the circle of the shield of Priam’s son. Through the
+bright shield passed the violent spear, and through the curiously wrought
+corslet pressed it on; and straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his
+doublet; but he swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with
+their hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions or
+wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam’s son smote the shield’s
+midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the point turned
+back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and straight through went
+the spear and staggered him in his onset, and cleft its way unto his neck, so
+that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even then did not Hector of the glancing
+helm cease from fight, but yielded ground and with stout hand seized a stone
+lying upon the plain, black and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and smote
+Aias’ dread shield of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss, and the
+bronze resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and hurled
+it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and burst it
+inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his knees; and he
+was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but Apollo straightway
+raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to hand with swords, but that
+the heralds, messengers of gods and men, came, one from the Trojans, one from
+the mail-clad Achaians, even Talthybios and Idaios, both men discreet. Between
+the two held they their staves, and herald Idaios spake a word, being skilled
+in wise counsel: “Fight ye no more, dear sons, neither do battle; seeing Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are men of war; that verily know
+we all. But night already is upon us: it is well withal to obey the hest of
+night.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: “Idaios, bid ye Hector to speak
+those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our best. Let him be
+first, and I will surely follow as he saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: “Aias, seeing God gave thee
+stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art excellent above all
+the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and battle for the day; but
+hereafter will we fight until God judge between us, giving to one of us the
+victory. But night already is upon us; it is well withal to obey the hest of
+night; that so thou mayest rejoice all the Achaians beside their ships, and
+chiefly the kinsmen and fellows that are thine; and I throughout the great city
+of king Priam will rejoice the Trojan men and Trojan dames with trailing robes,
+that with prayer I ween will enter the holy assemblage. But come, let us give
+each the other famous gifts, that men may thus say, Achaians alike and Trojans:
+‘These, having fought for sake of heart-consuming strife, parted again
+reconciled in friendship.’”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and well-cut
+baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they parted, and one
+went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the throng of Trojans. And
+these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive and sound, escaped from the
+fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable; and they brought him to the city
+saved beyond their hope. And Aias on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+brought to noble Agamemnon, exulting in his victory.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon king of
+men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most mighty son of
+Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it all, and minced it
+cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and
+drew all off again. Then as soon as they had rest from the task and had made
+ready the meal, they began the feast, nor was their soul aught stinted of the
+equal banquet. And the hero son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias
+slices of the chine’s full length for his honour. And when they had put from
+them the desire of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave the
+web of counsel, even Nestor whose rede of old time was proved most excellent.
+He of good intent made harangue among them and said: “Son of Atreus and ye
+other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired Achaians are
+dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about fair-flowing Skamandros,
+and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades; therefore it behoveth
+thee to make the battle of the Achaians cease with daybreak; and we will
+assemble to wheel hither the corpses with oxen and mules; so let us burn them
+[a little way from the ships, that each man may bear their bones home to their
+children, whene’er we return again to our native land]; and let us heap one
+barrow about the pyre, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto
+build with speed high towers, a bulwark for our ships and for ourselves. In the
+midst thereof let us make gates well compact, that through them may be a way
+for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep foss hard by, to be about it
+and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle of the lordly Trojans be
+heavy on us hereafter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in the high
+town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused, beside Priam’s
+gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue: “Hearken to me, Trojans
+and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you that my soul within my breast
+commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give Helen of Argos and the wealth with
+her for the sons of Atreus to take away. Now fight we in guilt against the
+oaths of faith; therefore is there no profit for us that I hope to see
+fulfilled, unless we do thus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble Alexandros,
+lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and spake winged words:
+“Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my pleasure; yet thou hast it
+in thee to devise other sayings more excellent than this. But if indeed thou
+sayest this in earnest, then verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy wit.
+But I will speak forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare outright; my
+wife will I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to our home, all
+that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own substance.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of the seed
+of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to them, and said:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you that my
+soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat your supper throughout the city as
+of old, and take thought to keep watch, and be wakeful every man. And at dawn
+let Idaios fare to the hollow ships to tell to Atreus’ sons Agamemnon and
+Menelaos the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come about: and
+likewise to ask them this wise word, whether they are minded to refrain from
+noisy war till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight again, till
+heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed; [then took they
+their supper throughout the host by ranks,] and at dawn Idaios fared to the
+hollow ships. He found the Danaans in assembly, the men of Ares’ company,
+beside the stern of Agamemnon’s ship; and so the loud-voiced herald stood in
+their midst and said unto them: “Atreides and ye other princes of the Achaians,
+Priam and all the noble Trojans bade me tell you—if perchance it might find
+favour and acceptance with you—the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
+hath come about. The wealth that Alexandros brought in his hollow ships to
+Troy—would he had perished first!—all that he hath a mind to give, and to add
+more thereto of his substance. But the wedded wife of glorious Menelaos he
+saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid him do it. Moreover they
+bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are minded to refrain from noisy war
+until we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight again, till heaven part
+us and give one or other victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last spake
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: “Let no man now accept Alexandros’
+substance, neither Helen’s self; known is it, even to him that hath no wit at
+all, how that the issues of destruction hang already over the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the saying of
+horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to Idaios: “Idaios,
+thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how they answer thee; and the
+like seemeth good to me. But as concerning the dead, I grudge you not to burn
+them; for dead corpses is there no stinting; when they once are dead, of the
+swift propitiation of fire. And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the
+loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios
+departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in assembly,
+gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he came and stood in
+their midst and declared his message. Then they made them ready very swiftly
+for either task, some to bring the dead, and some to seek for wood. And on
+their part the Argives hasted from their well-decked ships, some to bring the
+dead and some to seek for wood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from the deep
+stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together. Then was it a
+hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them with water clean of
+clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted them upon the wains. But
+great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in silence heaped they the corpses on
+the pyre, stricken at heart; and when they had burned them with fire departed
+to holy Ilios. And in like manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+heaped the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned
+them with fire departed to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the chosen folk
+of the Achaians gathered together* around the pyre, and made one barrow about
+it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto built they a wall and
+lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships and for themselves. In the midst
+thereof made they gates well-compacted, that through them might be a way for
+chariot-driving. And without they dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great,
+and planted a palisade therein.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+Reading &#7972;&#947;&#961;&#949;&#964;&#959; for
+&#7956;&#947;&#961;&#949;&#964;&#959;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad Achaians. And
+Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: “O father Zeus, is there any man
+throughout the boundless earth that will any more declare to the immortals his
+mind and counsel? Seest thou not how the flowing-haired Achaians have now again
+built them a wall before their ships, and drawn a foss around it, but gave not
+excellent hecatombs to the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall reach as far as
+the dawn spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and Phoebus Apollo
+built with travail for the hero Laomedon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: “Out on it, far-swaying
+Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might some other god fear
+this device, one that were far feebler than thou in the might of his hands: but
+thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn spreadeth. Go to now, hereafter when
+the flowing-haired Achaians be departed upon their ships to their dear native
+land, then burst thou this wall asunder and scatter it all into the sea, and
+cover the great sea-beach over with sand again, that the great wall of the
+Achaians be brought to naught.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such converse held these one with the other, and the sun went down, and the
+work of the Achaians was accomplished; and they slaughtered oxen amid the huts,
+and took supper. And many ships from Lemnos, bearing wine, were at hand, sent
+of Jason’s son Euneos, whom Hypsipyle bare to Jason shepherd of the host. And
+specially for Atreus’ sons, Agamemnon and Menelaos, Jason’s son gave a freight
+of wine, even a thousand measures. So the flowing-haired Achaians bought them
+wine thence, some for bronze and some for gleaming iron, and some with hides
+and some with whole kine, and some with captives; and they set a rich feast
+before them. Then all night long feasted the flowing-haired Achaians, and in
+the city the Trojans and allies; and all night long Zeus the lord of counsel
+devised them ill with terrible thunderings. Then pale fear gat hold upon them,
+and they spilt wine from their cups upon the earth, neither durst any drink
+till he had made libation to most mighty Kronion. Then laid they them to rest
+and took the boon of sleep.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles’ wrong on Agamemnon:
+and therefore bade the gods refrain from war, and gave victory to the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus whose joy
+is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the topmost peak of
+many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them and all the gods gave
+ear: “Hearken to me, all gods and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you what my
+heart within my breast commandeth me. One thing let none essay, be it goddess
+or be it god, to wit, to thwart my saying; approve ye it all together, that
+with all speed I may accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive
+minded to go, apart from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in
+no seemly wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him into
+misty Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth;
+there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far beneath Hades as
+heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how far I am mightiest of
+all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye all may know. Fasten ye a rope
+of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay hold thereof and all goddesses; yet
+could ye not drag from heaven to earth Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye
+toiled sore. But once I likewise were minded to draw with all my heart, then
+should I draw you up with very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind
+the rope about a pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in
+air. By so much am I beyond gods and beyond men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all kept silence and were still, marvelling at his saying;
+for he spake very masterfully. But at the last there spake to them the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O our father Kronides, supreme of lords, well we
+know, even we, that thy might is unyielding; yet still have we pity for the
+Danaan spearmen, that now shall perish and fulfil a grievous fate. Yet will we
+refrain from battle as thou biddest us, but counsel will we offer to the
+Argives for their profit, that they perish not all at thy wrath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer smiled at her and said: “Be of good comfort, dear
+child, Trito-born; I speak not at all of earnest purpose, but I am minded to be
+kindly to thee”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet of foot,
+with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold upon his flesh, and
+grasped the whip of gold, well-wrought, and mounted upon his car, and lashed
+the horses to start them; they nothing loth sped on between earth and starry
+heaven. So fared he to many-fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, even unto
+Gargaros, where is his demesne and fragrant altar. There did the father of men
+and gods stay his horses, and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist
+about them; and himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to
+behold the city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and thereafter
+arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed them throughout
+the town—a smaller host, yet for all that were they eager to fight in battle,
+of forceful need, for their children’s sake and their wives’. And the gates
+were opened wide and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen; and mighty
+din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either side
+lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun bestrode
+mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and put therein two
+fates of death that layeth men at their length,* one for horse-taming Trojans,
+one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the scale-yard by the midst and lifted
+it, and the Achaians’ day of destiny sank down. So lay the Achaians’ fates on
+the bounteous earth, and the Trojans’ fates were lifted up towards wide heaven.
+And the god thundered aloud from Ida, and sent his blazing flash amid the host
+of the Achaians; and they saw and were astonished, and pale fear gat hold upon
+all.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Perhaps rather “death that bringeth long woe.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood the
+twain Aiantes, men of Ares’ company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood his ground,
+he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but his horse was
+fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helen’s lord, had smitten
+with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the foremost hairs of horses grow
+upon the skull; and there is the most deadly spot. So the horse leapt up in
+anguish and the arrow sank into his brain, and he brought confusion on the
+steeds as he writhed upon the dart. While the old man leapt forth and with his
+sword began to hew the traces, came Hector’s fleet horses through the tumult,
+bearing a bold charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the old man lost his life,
+but that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark. Terribly shouted he,
+summoning Odysseus: “Heaven-born son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles,
+whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward in the throng? Beware
+lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy shoulders. Nay, stand thy
+ground, till we thrust back from the old man his furious foe.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but hastened by to
+the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though but one, mingled amid
+the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand before the steeds of the old
+man, Neleus’ son, and spake to him winged words, and said: “Old man, of a truth
+young warriors beset thee hard; and thy force is abated, and old age is sore
+upon thee, and thy squire is but a weakling, and thy steeds are slow. Come
+then, mount upon my car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of
+Tros, well skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very fleetly
+across the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of fear.*
+Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also rageth in
+my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Reading &#956;&#8053;&#963;&#964;&#969;&#961;&#945;. See Book V. 272.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the two
+squires tended Nestor’s horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and kindly
+Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes’ car. And Nestor took
+into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the horses; and soon they drew
+nigh Hector. Then Tydeus’ son hurled at him as he charged straight upon them:
+him missed he, but his squire that drave his chariot, Eniopeus, high-hearted
+Thebaios’ son, even him as he held the reins, he smote upon the breast beside
+the nipple. So he fell from out the car, and his fleet-footed horses swerved
+aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed
+Hector’s soul for sake of his charioteer. Yet left he him there lying, though
+he sorrowed for his comrade, and drave in quest of a bold charioteer; and his
+horses lacked not long a master, for anon he found Iphitos’ son, bold
+Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his fleet horses, and gave the
+reins into his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so had they
+been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods and men been swift
+to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his white lightning and hurled it
+before Diomedes’ steeds to earth; and there arose a terrible flame of sulphur
+burning, and the two horses were affrighted and cowered beneath the car. And
+the shining reins dropped from Nestor’s hands, and he was afraid at heart and
+spake to Diomedes: “Come now Tydeides, turn back thy whole-hooved horses to
+flight: seest thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth not on thee? Now doth
+Kronos’ son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the day; hereafter shall he
+grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at all ward off the will of
+Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he verily is mightier far.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: “Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore grief that entereth
+my heart and soul; Hector some day shall say as he maketh harangue amid the
+Trojans: ‘Tydeides betook him to the ships in flight before my face.’ So shall
+he boast—in that day let the wide earth yawn for me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus,
+that thou shouldest speak on this wise! Even though Hector call thee a base man
+and coward, yet will not the Trojans hearken to him nor the Dardanians, neither
+the wives of the great-hearted men of Troy, bearers of the shield, the wives
+whose lusty bedfellows thou hast laid low in the dust.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through the
+tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon them their
+dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of the glancing helm:
+“Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to honour thee with the highest
+place, and meats, and cups brimful, but now will they disdain thee; thou art
+after all no better than a woman. Begone, poor puppet; not for my flinching
+shalt thou climb on our towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy ships;
+ere that will I deal thee thy fate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his horses and
+fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul, and thrice from
+Ida’s mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and gave to the Trojans a
+sign, the turning of the course of battle. And Hector with loud shout called to
+the Trojans: “Trojans and Lykians and Dardanians that love close fight, be men,
+my friends, and bethink you of impetuous valour. I perceive that of good will
+Kronion vouchsafest me victory and great glory, and to the Danaans destruction.
+Fools, that devised these walls weak and of none account; they shall not
+withhold our fury, and lightly shall our steeds overleap the delved foss. But
+when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then be thought taken of consuming
+fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and slay the men, even the Argives
+amid their ships, in confusion beneath the smoke.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: “Xanthos, and thou Podargos,
+and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending, even the abundance
+that Andromache, great-hearted Eëtion’s daughter, set before you of
+honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the heart’s bidding, sooner
+than for me, that verily avow me to be her lusty spouse. Pursue ye now and
+haste, that we may seize Nestor’s shield, the fame whereof now reacheth unto
+heaven, how that it is of gold throughout, armrods and all; and may seize
+moreover from horse-taming Diomedes’ shoulders his richly dight breastplate
+that Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could we but take these, then might I hope
+this very night to make the Achaians to embark on their fleet ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he boastfully, and queen Hera had indignation, and stirred her upon
+her throne and made high Olympus quake, and answered and said to the great god
+Poseidon: “Out on it, far-swaying Shaker of Earth; not even thine heart within
+thy breast hath pity on the Danaans perishing. Yet bring they to thee in Helike
+and Aigai offerings many and gracious: wish thou them victory. Did we but will,
+we that are confederate with the Danaans, to drive the Trojans back and
+withhold far-seeing Zeus, then would he vex himself that he should sit there
+alone in Ida.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the lord the Shaker of earth sore troubled and made answer: “Hera
+headstrong in speech, what is this thing thou sayest? I am not he that would
+fain see us all at strife with Zeus Kronion, for he verily is mightier far.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake they to each other; and now was all the space that from the ships
+the moat enclosed, even unto the wall, filled full of horses together and
+shield-bearing warriors pent: so pent them Hector Priam’s son, peer of fleet
+Ares, now that Zeus vouchsafed him glory. And now had he burned the trim ships
+with blazing fire, but that queen Hera put it in Agamemnon’s heart himself to
+bestir him and swiftly arouse the Achaians. So he went his way along the huts
+and ships of the Achaians, holding a great cloak of purple in his stalwart
+hand, and stood by Odysseus’ black ship of mighty burden, that was in the
+midst, so that a voice could be heard to either end, whether to the huts of
+Aias son of Telamon, or of Achilles; for these had drawn their trim ships up at
+the uttermost ends, trusting to their valour and to the might of their hands.
+Then shouted he in a piercing voice, and called to the Danaans aloud: “Fie upon
+you, Argives, ye sorry things of shame, so brave in semblance! Whither are gone
+our boastings when we said that we were bravest, the boasts ye uttered
+vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate your fill of flesh of tall-horned oxen
+and drank goblets crowned with wine, and said that every man should stand in
+war to face fivescore yea tenscore Trojans? yet now can we not match one, even
+this Hector that anon will burn our ships with flame of fire. O Father Zeus,
+didst ever thou blind with such a blindness any mighty king, and rob him of
+great glory? Yet I ween that never in my benched ship passed I by a fair altar
+of thine on my mad way hither, but upon all I burnt fat and thighs of oxen,
+being eager to lay waste well-walled Troy. Nay, Zeus, this hope fulfil thou me;
+suffer that we ourselves at least flee and escape, neither suffer that the
+Achaians be thus vanquished of the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed him that
+his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an eagle—surest sign
+among winged fowl—holding in his claws a fawn, the young of a fleet hind;
+beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall the fawn, where the Achaians did
+sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all oracles. So when they saw that the bird was
+come from Zeus, they sprang the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the
+joy of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast that he
+before Tydeus’ son had guided his fleet horses forth, and driven them across
+the trench and fought man to man; first by far was Tydeides to slay a warrior
+of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos son of Phradmon. Now he had turned
+his steeds to flee; but as he wheeled the other plunged the spear into his back
+between his shoulders, and drave it through his breast. So fell he from his
+chariot, and his armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after him came Atreus’ sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after them
+the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them Idomeneus and
+Idomeneus’ brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and after
+them Eurypylos, Euaimon’s glorious son. And ninth came Teukros, stretching his
+back-bent bow, and took his stand beneath the shield of Aias son of Telamon.
+And so Aias would stealthily withdraw the shield, and Teukros would spy his
+chance; and when he had shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell such an
+one and gave up the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child beneath his
+mother, so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now who first of the Trojans was slain of noble Teukros? Orsilochos first and
+Ormenos and Ophelestes and Daitor and Chromios and godlike Lykophontes and
+Amopaon Polyaimon’s son and Melanippos; all these in turn laid he upon the
+bounteous earth. And Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to behold him making havoc
+with his stalwart bow of the battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood
+by his side and spake to him, saying: “Teukros, dear heart, thou son of
+Telamon, prince of the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou mayest be
+found the salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father Telamon; who
+nurtured thee when thou wast little, and reared thee, though a bastard, in his
+house; exalt thou him to honour, though he be afar. Moreover I will say to thee
+that which shall indeed be fulfilled. If aegis-bearing Zeus and Athene
+vouchsafe me to lay waste the stablished city of Ilios, in thine hand first,
+after myself, will I bestow the meed of honour, be it a tripod or two steeds
+with their chariot, or a woman that shall go up into thy bed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: “Most noble son of Atreus, why
+urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such strength as is in me
+forbear I not, but ever since we drave them towards Ilios I watch with my bow
+to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed arrows have I now sped, and all are
+buried in the flesh of young men swift in battle; only this mad dog can I not
+smite.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector; and his
+heart was fain to smite him. Yet him he missed, but noble Gorgythion, Priam’s
+good son, he smote with an arrow in the breast, him born of a mother wedded
+from Aisyme, even fair Kastianeira, of favour like unto the gods. Even as in a
+garden a poppy droopeth its head aside, being heavy with fruit and the showers
+of spring; so bowed he aside his head laden with his helm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Teukros shot another arrow from the string, right against Hector, and his
+heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for Apollo turned the
+dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector’s bold charioteer, he smote on the breast
+beside the nipple as he hasted into battle: so he fell from his car and his
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung.
+Then sore grief encompassed Hector’s soul for his charioteer’s sake; yet left
+he him, though he sorrowed for his comrade, and bade Kebriones his own brother,
+being hard by, take the chariot reins; and he heard and disregarded not. And
+himself he leapt to earth from the resplendent car, with a terrible shout; and
+in his hand he caught a stone, and made right at Teukros, and his heart bade
+him smite him. Now Teukros had plucked forth from his quiver a keen arrow, and
+laid it on the string; but even as he drew it back, Hector of the glancing helm
+smote him with the jagged stone, as he aimed eagerly against him, even beside
+his shoulder, where the collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where is
+the most deadly spot; and he brake the bowstring,* and his hand from the wrist
+grew numb, and he stayed fallen upon his knee, and his bow dropped from his
+hand. But Aias disregarded not his brother’s fall, but ran and strode across
+him and hid him with his shield. Then two trusty comrades bent down to him,
+even Mekisteus son of Echios and goodly Alastor, and bare him, groaning sorely,
+to the hollow ships. And once again the Olympian aroused the spirit of the
+Trojans. So they drove the Achaians straight toward the deep foss, and amid the
+foremost went Hector exulting in his strength. And even as when a hound behind
+wild boar or lion, with swift feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or
+buttock, and watcheth for him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on the
+flowing-haired Achaians, slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled on. But when
+they were passed in flight through palisade and foss, and many were fallen
+beneath the Trojans’ hands, then halted they and tarried beside the ships,
+calling one upon another, and lifting up their hands to all the gods prayed
+each one instantly. But Hector wheeled round his beauteous-maned steeds this
+way and that, and his eyes were as the eyes of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* &#957;&#949;&#965;&#961;&#8053;&#957; may mean “the sinew of his arm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion, and anon
+spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+shall not we twain any more take thought for the Danaans that perish, if only
+for this last time? Now will they fill up the measure of evil destiny and
+perish by one man’s onslaught; seeing that he is furious now beyond endurance,
+this Hector son of Priam, and verily hath wrought many a deed of ill.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, “Yea in good sooth, may
+this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the Argives’ hands in his
+native land; only mine own sire is furious, with no good intent, headstrong,
+ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes. Neither remembereth he at all those
+many times and oft that I saved his son fordone with Eurystheus’ tasks. For he
+would make lament toward heaven, and me would Zeus speed forth from heaven to
+succour him. Had I but known all this in my prudent heart, what time Eurystheus
+sent him forth to the house of Hades the Warder of the Gate, to bring from
+Erebos the hound of loathed Hades, then had he not escaped the sheer stream of
+the water of Styx. But now Zeus hateth me, and fulfilleth the purposes of
+Thetis, that kissed his knees and with her hand touched his beard, beseeching
+him to do honour to Achilles waster of cities. Verily the day shall come when
+he shall call me again his bright-eyed darling. But now make thou ready our
+whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the palace of aegis-bearing Zeus and
+gird me in my armour for battle, that I may see if Priam’s son, Hector of the
+glancing helm, shall be glad at the appearing of us twain amid the highways of
+the battle. Surely shall many a Trojan likewise glut dogs and birds with fat
+and flesh, fallen dead at the ships of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. So Hera, the
+goddess queen, daughter of great Kronos, went her way and harnessed the
+golden-frontleted steeds; and Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down
+at her father’s threshold her woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had
+wrought and her hands had fashioned; and put on her the tunic of Zeus the
+cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in her armour for dolorous battle. Upon the
+flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her heavy spear great and stout,
+wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of heroes with whom she of the
+awful sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly smote the horses with the lash;
+self-moving groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven whereof the Hours are
+warders, to whom is committed great heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open
+the thick cloud or set it to. There through the gates guided they their horses
+patient of the lash.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when father Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris
+golden-winged to bear a message: “Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them back
+neither suffer them to face me; for in no happy wise shall we join in combat.
+For thus will I declare, and even so shall the fulfilment be; I will maim their
+fleet horses in the chariot, and them will I hurl out from the car, and will
+break in pieces the chariot; neither within the courses of ten years shall they
+heal them of the wounds the thunderbolt shall tear; that the bright-eyed one
+may know the end when she striveth against her father. But with Hera have I not
+so great indignation nor wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart me,
+whate’er I have decreed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and departed
+from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the entrance of the
+gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed them, and told them the
+saying of Zeus: “Whither hasten ye? Why are your hearts furious within your
+breasts? Kronides forbiddeth you to give the Argives succour. For thus the son
+of Kronos threateneth, even as he will fulfil; to wit, to maim your fleet
+horses in the chariot, and you will he hurl out from the car, and break the
+chariot in pieces; neither within the courses of ten years shall ye heal you of
+the wounds that the thunderbolt shall tear; that thou, bright-eyed goddess,
+mayst know the end when thou strivest against thy father. But with Hera hath he
+not so great indignation nor wrath; seeing it ever is her wont to thwart him,
+whate’er he have decreed. But most fell art thou, reckless vixen! if thou
+indeed wilt dare to lift thy huge spear against the face of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said fleet-footed Iris, and departed; but Hera spake to Athene and said:
+“Out on it, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, I verily would no more have us
+war against Zeus for mortals’ sake. Of them let one man perish and another
+live, even as the lot falleth; and for him, let him take counsel for himself in
+his heart, and give judgment for Trojans and for Danaans, as is meet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she turned back her whole-hooved horses. Then the Hours unyoked them
+their beauteous-maned horses, and tethered them to their ambrosial mangers, and
+leant the chariots against the shining faces of the gateway; and the goddesses
+sate them upon their golden thrones amid the throng of all the gods, and were
+grieved at heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble Shaker
+of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and spread a cloth
+thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his golden throne, and beneath
+his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and
+spake no word to him neither questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his
+heart, and said, “Why are ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are not
+wearied of making havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye cherish
+bitter hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for you
+twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye beheld war
+and war’s fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so had the fulfilment
+been—never had ye, once smitten with the thunderbolt, fared on your chariots
+back unto Olympus where is the habitation of the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her; but
+Hera’s heart contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we, that thy might is no
+wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan spearmen, that now shall
+perish and fill up the measure of grievous fate. Yet will we refrain from
+battle, if thou biddest us; but counsel will we offer to the Argives, such as
+shall profit them, that they perish not all at thy wrath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: “At morn shalt thou behold most
+mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, making yet more
+havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for headlong Hector shall not
+refrain from battle till that Peleus’ son fleet of foot have arisen beside the
+ships, that day when these shall fight amid the sterns in most grievous stress,
+around Patroklos fallen. Such is the doom of heaven. And for thine anger reck I
+not, not even though thou go to the nethermost bounds of earth and sea, where
+sit Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of Hyperion the Sun-god,
+neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about them. Though thou
+shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I not of thy vexation,
+seeing there is no thing more unabashed than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sun’s bright light
+dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the grain-giver. Against
+the Trojans’ will daylight departed, but welcome, thrice prayed for, to the
+Achaians came down the murky night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart from the
+ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was found a spot clear
+of dead. And they came down from their chariots to the ground to hear the word
+that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He in his hand held his spear eleven
+cubits long; before his face gleamed the spear-head of bronze, and a ring of
+gold ran round about it. Thereon he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to make
+havoc of the ships and all the Achaians and depart back again to windy Ilios;
+but dusk came too soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives and the
+ships beside the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black night, and make
+our supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your fair-maned horses, and set
+fodder beside them. And from the city bring kine and goodly sheep with speed;
+and provide you with honey-hearted wine, and corn from your houses, and gather
+much wood withal, that all night long until early-springing dawn we may burn
+many fires, and the gleam may reach to heaven; lest perchance even by night the
+flowing-haired Achaians strive to take flight over the broad back of the sea.
+Verily must they not embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease: but see ye that
+many a one of them have a wound to nurse even at home, being stricken with
+arrow or keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his ship; that so many another
+man may dread to wage dolorous war on the horse-taming men of Troy. And let the
+heralds dear to Zeus proclaim throughout the city that young maidens and old
+men of hoary heads camp round the city on the battlements builded of the gods;
+and let the women folk burn a great fire each in her hall; and let there be a
+sure watch set, lest an ambush enter the city when the host is absent. Thus be
+it, great-hearted Trojans, as I proclaim; the counsel that now is sound, let
+that stand spoken; further will I proclaim at dawn amid the horse-taming men of
+Troy. I pray with good hope to Zeus and all the gods, to drive from hence these
+dogs borne onward by the fates, them that the fates bear on in the black ships.
+Howbeit for the night will we guard our own selves, and at morn by daybreak,
+arrayed in our armour, let us awake keen battle at the hollow ships. I will
+know whether Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from the ships back
+to the wall, or I shall lay him low with my spear and bear away his gory
+spoils. Tomorrow shall he prove his valour, whether he can abide the onslaught
+of my spear. But he amid the foremost, I ween, shall lie stricken, and many
+comrades round about their lord at the rising of tomorrow’s sun. Would that I
+were immortal and ageless all my days and honoured like as Athene is honoured
+and Apollo, so surely as this day bringeth the Argives ill.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they loosed
+their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with thongs, each man
+beside his chariot; and from the city they brought kine and goodly sheep with
+speed, and provided them with honey-hearted wine and corn from their houses,
+and gathered much wood withal; and sacrificed to the immortals unblemished
+hecatombs. And from the plain the winds bare into heaven the sweet savour. But
+the blessed gods regaled not themselves nor would they aught thereof; for sore
+was holy Ilios hated of them, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
+spear. But these with high hopes sate them all night along the highways of the
+battle, and their watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when in heaven the
+stars about the bright moon shine clear to see, when the air is windless, and
+all the peaks appear and the tall headlands and glades, and from heaven
+breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars are seen, and the shepherd’s
+heart is glad; even in like multitude between the ships and the streams of
+Xanthos appeared the watchfires that the Trojans kindled in front of Ilios. A
+thousand fires burned in the plain and by the side of each sate fifty in the
+gleam of blazing fire. And the horses champed white barley and spelt, and
+standing by their chariots waited for the throned Dawn.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him to be appeased; and
+how Achilles denied him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of heaven-sent panic,
+handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were stricken to the heart with
+grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up the main, the home of fishes, even
+the north wind and the west wind that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly; and
+the dark billow straightway lifteth up its crest and casteth much tangle out
+along the sea; even so was the Achaians’ spirit troubled in their breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about bidding
+the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the assembly, but not to
+shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the foremost. So they sat sorrowful in
+assembly, and Agamemnon stood up weeping like unto a fountain of dark water
+that from a beetling cliff poureth down its black stream; even so with deep
+groaning he spake amid the Argives and said: “My friends, leaders and captains
+of the Argives, Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in grievous
+blindness of soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised and gave
+his pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I depart,
+but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in dishonour to Argos
+with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is the good pleasure of most
+mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of many cities, yea and shall lay
+low; for his is highest power. So come, even as I shall bid let us all obey;
+let us flee with our ships to our dear native land, for now shall we never take
+wide-wayed Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time were the
+sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them and said: “Atreides: with thee first in thy folly will
+I contend, where it is just, O king, even in the assembly; be not thou wroth
+therefor. My valour didst thou blame in chief amid the Danaans, and saidst that
+I was no man of war but a coward; and all this know the Argives both young and
+old. But the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee but by halves;
+he granted thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men, but valour he
+gave thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou that the sons of the
+Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as thou sayest? If thine own
+heart be set on departing, go thy way; the way is before thee, and thy ships
+stand beside the sea, even the great multitude that followed thee from Mykene.
+But all the other flowing-haired Achaians will tarry here until we lay waste
+Troy. Nay, let them too flee on their ships to their dear native land; yet will
+we twain, even I and Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of Ilios; for in
+God’s name are we come.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and said amid them:
+“Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in council art thou best
+among thine equals in years; none of all the Achaians will make light of thy
+word nor gainsay it; but thou hast not made a full end of thy words. Moreover
+thou art a young man indeed, and mightest even be my son, my youngest-born; yet
+thou counsellest prudently the princes of the Achaians, because thou speakest
+according unto right. But lo, I that avow me to be older than thou will speak
+forth and expound everything; neither shall any man despise my saying, not even
+the lord Agamemnon. A tribeless, lawless, homeless man is he that loveth bitter
+civil strife. Howbeit now let us yield to black night and make ready now let us
+yield to black night and make ready our meal; and let the sentinels bestow them
+severally along the deep-delved foss without the wall. This charge give I to
+the young men; and thou, Atreides, lead then the way, for thou art the most
+royal. Spread thou a feast for the councillors; that is thy place and seemly
+for thee. Thy huts are full of wine that the ships of the Achaians bring thee
+by day from Thrace across the wide sea; all entertainment is for thee, being
+king over many. In the gathering of many shalt thou listen to him that deviseth
+the most excellent counsel; sore need have all the Achaians of such as is good
+and prudent, because hard by the ships our foemen are burning their watch-fires
+in multitude; what man can rejoice thereat? This night shall either destroy or
+save the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied the
+sentinels in their harness, around Thrasymedes Nestor’s son, shepherd of the
+host, and Askalaphos and Ialmenos sons of Ares, and Meriones and Aphareus and
+Deïpyros and Kreion’s son noble Lykomedes. Seven were the captains of the
+sentinels, and with each went fivescore young men bearing their long spears in
+their hands; and they took post midway betwixt foss and wall, and kindled a
+fire and made ready each man his meal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to his
+hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth their hands to
+the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had put away from them the
+desire of meat and drink, then the old man first began to weave his counsel,
+even Nestor, whose rede of old time was approved the best. He of good intent
+spake to them and said: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, in
+thy name will I end and with thy name begin, because thou art king over many
+hosts, and to thy hand Zeus hath entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest
+take counsel for thy folk. Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to
+speak and hearken, and to accomplish what another than thou may say, when his
+heart biddeth him speak for profit: wheresoever thou leadest all shall turn on
+thee, so I will speak as meseemeth best. No other man shall have a more
+excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old time even until now,
+since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king, didst go and take the damsel
+Briseis from angry Achilles’ hut by no consent of ours. Nay, I right heartily
+dissuaded thee; but thou yieldedst to thy proud spirit, and dishonouredst a man
+of valour whom even the immortals honoured; for thou didst take and keepest
+from him his meed of valour. Still let us even now take thought how we may
+appease him and persuade him with gifts of friendship and kindly words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: “Old sir, in no false wise
+hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it not. Worth many hosts
+is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now he honoureth this man and
+destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But seeing I was a fool in that I yielded
+to my sorry passion, I will make amends and give a recompense beyond telling.
+In the midst of you all I will name the excellent gifts; seven tripods
+untouched of fire, and ten talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and
+twelve stalwart horses, winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their
+speed. No lackwealth were that man, neither undowered of precious gold, whose
+substance were as great as the prizes my whole-hooved steeds have borne me off.
+And seven women will I give, skilled in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom I
+chose me from the spoils the day that he himself took stablished Lesbos,
+surpassing womankind in beauty. These will I give him, and with them shall be
+she whom erst I took from him, even the daughter of Briseus; moreover I will
+swear a great oath that never I went up into her bed nor had with her converse
+as is the wont of mankind, even of men and women. All these things shall be set
+straightway before him; and if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste the
+great city of Priam, then let him enter in when we Achaians be dividing the
+spoil, and lade his ship full of gold and bronze, and himself choose twenty
+Trojan women, the fairest that there be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to
+the richest of lands, even Achaian Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold
+him in like honour with Orestes, my stripling boy that is nurtured in all
+abundance. Three daughters are mine in my well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and
+Laodike and Iphianassa; let him take of them which he will, without gifts of
+wooing, to Peleus’ house; and I will add a great dower such as no man ever yet
+gave with his daughter. And seven well-peopled cities will I give him,
+Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads,
+and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of vines. And all are nigh to the salt sea, on
+the uttermost border of sandy Pylos; therein dwell men abounding in flocks and
+kine, men that shall worship him like a god with gifts, and beneath his sway
+fulfil his prosperous ordinances. All this will I accomplish so he but cease
+from wrath. Let him yield; Hades I ween is not to be softened neither overcome,
+and therefore is he hatefullest of all gods to mortals. Yea, let him be ruled
+by me, inasmuch as I am more royal and avow me to be the elder in years.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be esteemed that thou
+offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed forth picked men to go
+with all haste to the hut of Peleus’ son Achilles. Lo now, whomsoever I appoint
+let them consent. First let Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the way, and after him
+great Aias and noble Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and Eurybates be their
+companions. And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep holy silence, that
+we may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he will have mercy upon
+us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith the
+heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the bowls with
+drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured the libation in the
+cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as their heart desired, they
+issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus. And knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia gave them full charge, with many a glance to each, and chiefest to
+Odysseus, how they should essay to prevail on Peleus’ noble son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making instant
+prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that they might with
+ease prevail on Aiakides’ great heart. So they came to the huts and ships of
+the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his pleasure of a loud lyre, fair,
+of curious work, with a silver cross-bar upon it; one that he had taken from
+the spoils when he laid Eëtion’s city waste. Therein he was delighting his
+soul, and singing the glories of heroes. And over against him sate Patroklos
+alone in silence, watching till Aiakides should cease from singing. So the
+twain came forward, and noble Odysseus led the way, and they stood before his
+face; and Achilles sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand, and left the
+seat where he was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he beheld the men
+arose. Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and said: “Welcome; verily ye
+are friends that are come—sore indeed is the need—even ye that are dearest of
+the Achaians to me even in my wrath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on settles and
+carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being near: “Bring forth a
+greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle stronger drink, and prepare each
+man a cup, for dearest of men are these that are under my roof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade. He cast down a great
+fleshing-block in the fire-light, and laid thereon a sheep’s back and a fat
+goat’s, and a great hog’s chine rich with fat. And Automedon held them for him,
+while Achilles carved. Then he sliced well the meat and pierced it through with
+spits, and Menoitios’ son, that godlike hero, made the fire burn high. Then
+when the fire was burned down and the flame waned, he scattered the embers and
+laid the spits thereover, resting them on the spit-racks, when he had sprinkled
+them with holy salt. Then when he had roasted the meat and apportioned it in
+the platters, Patroklos took bread and dealt it forth on the table in fair
+baskets, and Achilles dealt the meat. And he sate him over against godlike
+Odysseus by the other wall, and bade his comrade Patroklos do sacrifice to the
+gods; so he cast the first-fruits into the fire. Then put they forth their
+hands to the good cheer lying before them. And when they had put from them the
+desire of meat and drink, Aias nodded to Phoinix. But noble Odysseus marked it,
+and filled a cup with wine and pledged Achilles: “Hail, O Achilles! The fair
+feast lack we not either in the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in
+thine; for feasting is there abundance to our heart’s desire, but our thought
+is not for matters of the delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore
+destruction, thou fosterling of Zeus, and are afraid. Now is it in doubt
+whether we save the benched ships or behold them perish, if thou put not on thy
+might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the high-hearted Trojans and famed allies
+pitched their camp, and kindled many fires throughout their host, and ween that
+they shall no more be withheld but will fall on our black ships. And Zeus son
+of Kronos sheweth them signs upon the right by lightning, and Hector greatly
+exulteth in his might and rageth furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not
+of god nor man, for mighty madness hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn
+to shine forth with all speed, for he bath passed his word to smite off from
+the ships the ensigns’ tops, and to fire the hulls with devouring flame, and
+hard thereby to make havoc of the Achaians confounded by the smoke. Therefore
+am I sore afraid in my heart lest the gods fulfil his boastings, and it be
+fated for us to perish here in Troy-land, far from Argos pasture-land of
+horses. Up then! if thou art minded even at the last to save the failing sons
+of the Achaians from the war-din of the Trojans. Thyself shalt have grief
+hereafter, and when the ill is done is there no way to find a cure therefor; in
+good time rather take thou thought to ward the evil day from the Danaans.
+Friend, surely to thee thy father Peleus gave commandment the day he sent thee
+to Agamemnon forth from Phthia: ‘My son, strength shall Athene and Hera give
+thee if they will; but do thou refrain thy proud soul in thy breast, for
+gentlemindedness is the better part; and withdraw from mischievous strife, that
+so the Argives may honour thee the more, both young and old.’ Thus the old man
+charged thee, but thou forgettest. Yet cease now at the last, and eschew thy
+grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee worthy gifts, so thou wilt cease from
+anger. Lo now, hearken thou to me, and I will tell thee all the gifts that in
+his hut Agamemnon promised thee: seven tripods untouched of fire, and ten
+talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons and twelve stalwart horses,
+winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their speed. No lackwealth were
+that man, neither undowered of precious gold, whose substance were as great as
+the prizes Agamemnon’s steeds have borne him off. And seven women will he give,
+skilled in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom he chose him from the spoils the
+day that thou thyself tookest Lesbos, surpassing womankind in beauty. These
+will he give thee, and with them shall be she whom erst he took from thee, even
+the daughter of Briseus; moreover he will swear a great oath that never he went
+up into her bed nor had with her converse as is the wont of mankind, O king,
+even of men and women. All these things shall be set straightway before thee;
+and if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, then
+enter thou in when we Achaians be dividing the spoil, and lade thy ship full of
+gold and bronze, and thyself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that there
+be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands, even Achaian
+Argos, thou shalt be his son and he will hold thee in like honour with Orestes,
+his stripling boy that is nurtured in all abundance. Three daughters are his in
+his well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike and Iphianassa; take thou of
+them which thou wilt, without gifts of wooing, to Peleus’ house; and he will
+add a great dower such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven
+well-peopled cities will he give thee, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and
+holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of
+vines. And all are nigh to the sea, on the uttermost border of sandy Pylos;
+therein dwell men abounding in flocks and kine, men that shall worship thee
+like a god with gifts, and beneath thy sway fulfil thy prosperous ordinances.
+All this will he accomplish so thou but cease from wrath. But and if Agamemnon
+be too hateful to thy heart, both he and his gifts, yet have thou pity on all
+the Achaians that faint throughout the host; these shall honour thee as a god,
+for verily thou wilt earn exceeding great glory at their hands. Yea now
+mightest thou slay Hector, for he would come very near thee in his deadly
+madness, because he deemeth that there is no man like unto him among the
+Danaans that the ships brought hither.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: “Heaven-sprung son of
+Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare unto you my
+saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof shall be, that ye may
+not sit before me and coax this way and that. For hateful to me even as the
+gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in his heart and uttereth another:
+but I will speak what meseemeth best. Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of
+Atreus persuade, nor the other Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for
+battling with the foemen ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath
+equal share with him that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both
+the coward and the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that
+hath toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation of
+soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her unfledged
+chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it goeth hard, even so
+I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and pass through many bloody
+days of battle, warring with folk for their women’s sake. Twelve cities of men
+have I laid waste from ship-board, and from land eleven, I do you to wit,
+throughout deep-soiled Troy-land; out of all these took I many goodly treasures
+and would bring and give them all to Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying
+behind amid the fleet ships would take them and portion out some few but keep
+the most. Now some he gave to be meeds of honour to the princes and the kings,
+and theirs are left untouched; only from me of all the Achaians took he my
+darling lady and keepeth her—let him sleep beside her and take his joy! But why
+must the Argives make war on the Trojans? why hath Atreides gathered his host
+and led them hither? is it not for lovely-haired Helen’s sake? Do then the sons
+of Atreus alone of mortal men love their wives? surely whatsoever man is good
+and sound of mind loveth his own and cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine
+with all my heart, though but the captive of my spear. But now that he hath
+taken my meed of honour from mine arms and hath deceived me, let him not tempt
+me that know him full well; he shall not prevail. Nay, Odysseus, let him take
+counsel with thee and all the princes to ward from the ships the consuming
+fire. Verily without mine aid he hath wrought many things, and built a wall and
+dug a foss about it wide and deep, and set a palisade therein; yet even so can
+he not stay murderous Hector’s might. But so long as I was fighting amid the
+Achaians, Hector had no mind to array his battle far from the wall, but scarce
+came unto the Skaian gates and to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone
+and scarce escaped my onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight with noble
+Hector, I will to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods, and store well
+my ships when I have launched them on the salt sea—then shalt thou see, if thou
+wilt and hast any care therefor, my ships sailing at break of day over
+Hellespont, the fishes’ home, and my men right eager at the oar; and if the
+great Shaker of the Earth grant me good journey, on the third day should I
+reach deep-soiled Phthia. There are my great possessions that I left when I
+came hither to my hurt; and yet more gold and ruddy bronze shall I bring from
+hence, and fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at least that were mine by
+lot; only my meed of honour hath he that gave it me taken back in his
+despitefulness, even lord Agamemnon son of Atreus. To him declare ye everything
+even as I charge you, openly, that all the Achaians likewise may have
+indignation, if haply he hopeth to beguile yet some other Danaan, for that he
+is ever clothed in shamelessness. Verily not in my face would he dare to look,
+though he have the front of a dog. Neither will I devise counsel with him nor
+any enterprise, for utterly he hath deceived me and done wickedly; but never
+again shall he beguile me with fair speech—let this suffice him. Let him begone
+in peace; Zeus the lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me are
+his gifts, and I hold him at a straw’s worth. Not even if he gave me ten times,
+yea twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him otherwhence, even
+all the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes where the treasure-houses are
+stored fullest—Thebes of the hundred gates, whence sally forth two hundred
+warriors through each with horses and chariots—nay, nor gifts in number as sand
+or dust; not even so shall Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back
+all the bitter despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not
+wed, not were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for handiwork
+matched bright-eyed Athene—not even then will I wed her; let him choose him of
+the Achaians another that is his peer and is more royal than I. For if the gods
+indeed preserve me and I come unto my home, then will Peleus himself seek me a
+wife. Many Achaian maidens are there throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of
+princes that ward their cities; whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear
+lady. Very often was my high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help
+meet for me, and have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus
+possesseth. For not of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth that men
+say was possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of peace gone by,
+before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the treasure that the stone
+threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo encompasseth in rocky Pytho. For kine
+and goodly flocks are to be had for the harrying, and tripods and chestnut
+horses for the purchasing; but to bring back man’s life neither harrying nor
+earning availeth when once it hath passed the barrier of his lips. For thus my
+goddess mother telleth me, Thetis the silver-footed, that twain fates are
+bearing me to the issue of death. If I abide here and besiege the Trojans’
+city, then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall be
+imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is taken
+from me, but my life shall endure long while, neither shall the issue of death
+soon reach me. Moreover I would counsel you all to set sail homeward, seeing ye
+shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of a surety far-seeing Zeus holdeth
+his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. So go your way and tell my
+answer to the princes of the Achaians, even as is the office of elders, that
+they may devise in their hearts some other better counsel, such as shall save
+them their ships and the host of the Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this
+counsel availeth them naught that they have now devised, by reason of my fierce
+wrath. But let Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest, that he may
+follow with me on my ships to our dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for I
+will not take him perforce.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and marvelled at his
+saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the last spake to them the
+old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because he was sore afraid for the
+ships of the Achaians: “If indeed thou ponderest departure in thy heart,
+glorious Achilles, and hast no mind at all to save the fleet ships from
+consuming fire, because that wrath hath entered into thy heart; how can I be
+left of thee, dear son, alone thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus
+send me the day he sent thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet
+unskilled in equal war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore
+sent he me to teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a
+doer of deeds. So would I not be left alone of thee, dear son, not even if god
+himself should take on him to strip my years from me, and make me fresh and
+young as in the day when first I left Hellas the home of fair women, fleeing
+from strife against my father Amyntor son of Ormenos: for he was sore angered
+with me by reason of his lovely-haired concubine, whom he ever cherished and
+wronged his wife my mother. So she besought me continually by my knees to go in
+first unto the concubine, that the old man might be hateful to her. I hearkened
+to her and did the deed; but my sire was ware thereof forthwith and cursed me
+mightily, and called the dire Erinyes to look that never should any dear son
+sprung of my body sit upon my* knees: and the gods fulfilled his curse, even
+Zeus of the underworld and dread Persephone. [Then took I counsel to slay him
+with the keen sword; but some immortal stayed mine anger, bringing to my mind
+the people’s voice and all the reproaches of men, lest I should be called a
+father-slayer amid the Achaians.] Then would my soul no more be refrained at
+all within my breast to tarry in the halls of mine angered father. Now my
+fellows and my kinsmen came about me with many prayers, and refrained me there
+within the halls, and slaughtered many goodly sheep and shambling kine with
+crooked horns; and many swine rich with fat were stretched to singe over the
+flames of Hephaistos, and wine from that old man’s jars was drunken without
+stint. Nine nights long slept they all night around my body; they kept watch in
+turn, neither were the fires quenched, one beneath the colonnade of the fenced
+courtyard and another in the porch before the chamber doors. But when the tenth
+dark night was come upon me, then burst I my cunningly fitted chamber doors,
+and issued forth and overleapt the courtyard fence lightly, unmarked of
+watchmen and handmaidens. Then fled I far through Hellas of wide lawns, and
+came to deep-soiled Phthia, mother of flocks, even unto king Peleus; and he
+received me kindly and cherished me as a father cherisheth his only son, his
+stripling heir of great possessions; and he made me rich and gave much people
+to me, and I dwelt in the uttermost part of Phthia and was king over the
+Dolopians. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou godlike Achilles, with my
+heart’s love; for with none other wouldest thou go unto the feast, neither take
+meat in the hall, till that I had set thee upon my knees and stayed thee with
+the savoury morsel cut first for thee, and put the wine-cup to thy lips. Oft
+hast thou stained the doublet on my breast with sputtering of wine in thy sorry
+helplessness. Thus I suffered much with thee and much I toiled, being mindful
+that the gods in nowise created any issue of my body; but I made thee my son,
+thou godlike Achilles, that thou mayest yet save me from grievous destruction.
+Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit; neither beseemeth it thee to have a
+ruthless heart. Nay, even the very gods can bend, and theirs withal is loftier
+majesty and honour and might. Their hearts by incense and reverent vows and
+drink-offering and burnt-offering men turn with prayer, so oft as any
+transgresseth and doeth sin. Moreover Prayers of penitence are daughters of
+great Zeus, halting and wrinkled and of eyes askance, that have their task
+withal to go in the steps of Sin. For Sin is strong and fleet of foot,
+wherefore she far outrunneth all prayers, and goeth before them over all the
+earth making men fall, and Prayers follow behind to heal the harm. Now
+whosoever reverenceth Zeus’ daughters when they draw near, him they greatly
+bless and hear his petitions; but when one denieth them and stiffly refuseth,
+then depart they and make prayer unto Zeus the son of Kronos that sin may come
+upon such an one, that he may fall and pay the price. Nay, Achilles, look thou
+too that there attend upon the daughters of Zeus the reverence that bendeth the
+heart of all men that be right-minded. For if Atreides brought thee not gifts
+and foretold thee not more hereafter, but were ever furiously wroth, then I
+were not he that should bid thee cast aside thine anger and save the Argives,
+even in their sore need of thee. But now he both offereth thee forthwith many
+gifts, and promiseth thee more hereafter, and hath sent heroes to beseech thee,
+the best men chosen throughout the host of the Achaians and that to thyself are
+dearest of the Argives; dishonour not thou their petition nor their journey
+hither; though erst it were no wrong that thou wast wroth. Even in like manner
+have we heard the fame of those heroes that were of old, as oft as furious
+anger came on any; they might be won by gifts and prevailed upon by speech.
+This tale have I in mind of old time and not of yesterday, even as it was; and
+I will tell it among you that all are friends. The Kuretes** fought and the
+staunch Aitolians about the city of Kalydon, and slew one another, the
+Aitolians defending lovely Kalydon, the Kuretes eager to lay it waste in war.
+For Artemis of the golden throne had brought a plague upon them, in wrath that
+Oineus offered her not the harvest first-fruits on the fat of his garden land;
+for all the other gods had their feast of hecatombs, and only to the daughter
+of great Zeus offered he not, whether he forgat or marked it not; and therein
+sinned he sore in his heart. So the Archer-goddess was wroth and sent against
+him a creature of heaven, a fierce wild boar, white-tusked, that wrought sore
+ill continually on Oineus’ garden land; many a tall tree laid he low utterly,
+even root and apple blossom therewith. But him slew Meleagros the son of
+Oineus, having gathered together from many cities huntsmen and hounds; for not
+of few men could the boar be slain, so mighty was he; and many an one brought
+he to the grievous pyre. But the goddess made much turmoil over him and tumult
+concerning the boar’s head and shaggy hide, between the Kuretes and
+great-hearted Aitolians. Now so long as Meleagros dear to Ares fought, so long
+it went ill with the Kuretes, neither dared they face him without their city
+walls, for all they were very many. But when Meleagros grew full of wrath, such
+as swelleth the hearts of others likewise in their breasts, though they be wise
+of mind, then in anger of heart at his dear mother Althaia he tarried beside
+his wedded wife, fair Kleopatra, daughter of Marpessa fair-ankled daughter of
+Euenos, and of Ides that was strongest of men that were then upon the earth; he
+it was that took the bow to face the king Phoebus Apollo for sake of the
+fair-ankled damsel***. And she was called Alkyone of her father and lady mother
+by surname in their hall, because her mother in the plight of the plaintive
+halcyon-bird wept when the far-darter Phoebus Apollo snatched her away. By her
+side lay Meleagros, brooding on his grievous anger, being wroth by reason of
+his mother’s curses: for she, grieved for her brethren’s death, prayed
+instantly to the gods, and with her hands likewise beat instantly upon the
+fertile earth, calling on Hades and dread Persephone, while she knelt upon her
+knees and made her bosom wet with tears, to bring her son to death; and Erinnys
+that walketh in darkness, whose heart knoweth not ruth, heard her from Erebos,
+Now was the din of foemen about their gates quickly risen, and a noise of
+battering of towers; and the elders of the Aitolians sent the best of the gods’
+priests and besought him to come forth and save them, with promise of a mighty
+gift; to wit, they bade him, where the plain of lovely Kalydon was fattest, to
+choose him out a fair demesne of fifty plough-gates, the half thereof vine-land
+and the half open plough-land, to be cut from out the plain. And old knightly
+Oineus prayed him instantly, and stood upon the threshold of his high-roofed
+chamber, and shook the morticed doors to beseech his son; him too his sisters
+and his lady mother prayed instantly—but he denied them yet more—instantly too
+his comrades prayed, that were nearest him and dearest of all men. Yet even so
+persuaded they not his heart within his breast, until his chamber was now hotly
+battered and the Kuretes were climbing upon the towers and firing the great
+city. Then did his fair-girdled wife pray Meleagros with lamentation, and told
+him all the woes that come on men whose city is taken; the warriors are slain,
+and the city is wasted of fire, and the children and the deep-girdled women are
+led captive of strangers. And his soul was stirred to hear the grievous tale,
+and he went his way and donned his glittering armour. So he saved the Aitolians
+from the evil day, obeying his own will; but they paid him not now the gifts
+many and gracious; yet nevertheless he drave away destruction. But be not thine
+heart thus minded, neither let heaven so guide thee, dear son; that were a hard
+thing, to save the ships already burning. Nay, come for the gifts; the Achaians
+shall honour thee even as a god. But if without gifts thou enter into battle
+the bane of men, thou wilt not be held in like honour, even though thou avert
+the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or “his knees,” according to the more usual interpretation of
+&#959;&#8150;&#963;&#953;&#957;.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+** Note 2.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+*** Note 3.
+</p>
+
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Phoinix my father,
+thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise; for I deem that
+I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which shall abide upon me amid my
+beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in my body and my limbs are strong.
+Moreover I will say this thing to thee and lay thou it to thine heart; trouble
+not my soul by weeping and lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior Atreides;
+neither beseemeth it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me that cherish
+thee. It were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth me. Be thou
+king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear my message.
+So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and with break of day
+will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or to abide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for Phoinix a
+thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart from the hut with
+speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamon’s godlike son, and said: “Heaven-sprung
+son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, let us go hence; for methinks the
+purpose of our charge will not by this journey be accomplished; and we must
+tell the news, though it be no wise good, with all speed unto the Danaans, that
+now sit awaiting. But Achilles hath wrought his proud soul to fury within
+him—stubborn man, that recketh naught of his comrades’ love, wherein we
+worshipped him beyond all men amid the ships—unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept
+recompense of his brother’s murderer or for his dead son; and so the man-slayer
+for a great price abideth in his own land, and the kinsman’s heart is appeased,
+and his proud soul, when he hath taken the recompense. But for thee, the gods
+have put within thy breast a spirit implacable and evil, by reason of one
+single damsel. And now we offer thee seven damsels, far best of all, and many
+other gifts besides; entertain thou then a kindly spirit, and have respect unto
+thine home; because we are guests of thy roof, sent of the multitude of
+Danaans, and we would fain be nearest to thee and dearest beyond all other
+Achaians, as many as there be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Aias sprung of Zeus,
+thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak all this almost
+after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath as oft as I bethink me of
+those things, how Atreides entreated me arrogantly among the Argives, as though
+I were some worthless sojourner. But go ye and declare my message; I will not
+take thought of bloody war until that wise Priam’s son, noble Hector, come to
+the Myrmidons’ huts and ships, slaying the Argives, and smirch the ships with
+fire. But about mine hut and black ship I ween that Hector, though he be very
+eager for battle, shall be refrained.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation and
+went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And Patroklos bade
+his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a thick couch for Phoinix;
+and they obeyed and spread a couch as he ordained, fleeces and rugs and fine
+flock of linen. Then the old man laid him down and tarried for bright Dawn. And
+Achilles slept in the corner of the morticed hut, and by his side lay a woman
+that he brought from Lesbos, even Phorbas’ daughter fair-cheeked Diomede. And
+on the other side Patroklos lay, and by his side likewise fair-girdled Iphis,
+whom noble Achilles gave him at the taking of steep Skyros, the city of Enyeus.
+
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when those were come unto Atreides’ huts, the sons of the Achaians stood up
+on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold, and questioned
+them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: “Come now, tell me, Odysseus
+full of praise, thou great glory of the Achaians; will he save the ships from
+consuming fire, or said he nay, and hath wrath yet hold of his proud spirit?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but is yet
+more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth thee take
+counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships and folk of the
+Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break of day he will launch
+upon the sea his trim well-benched ships. Moreover he said that he would
+counsel all to sail for home, because ye now shall never reach your goal of
+steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus holdeth his hand over her and her folk are
+of good courage. Even so said he, and here are also these to tell the tale that
+were my companions, Aias and the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old
+man Phoinix laid him there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he may
+follow with him on his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for
+he will not take him perforce.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at his
+saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the Achaians
+voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid
+them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, would thou hadst never
+besought Peleus’ glorious son with offer of gifts innumerable; proud is he at
+any time, but now hast thou yet far more encouraged him in his haughtiness.
+Howbeit we will let him bide, whether he go or tarry; hereafter he shall fight,
+whenever his heart within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come now, even as I
+shall say let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your hearts’ desire of
+meat and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but when fair rosy-fingered
+Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the ships thy folk and
+horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of Diomedes
+tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every man to his hut, and
+there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap10"></a>BOOK X.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans, and themselves
+spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses of Rhesos, the Thracian king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were sleeping
+all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd
+of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he debated in his mind. And
+even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera lighteneth, fashioning either a
+mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the
+ploughed lands, or fashioning perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so
+oft in his breast groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his
+spirits trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at the sound
+of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to the ships he
+glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a lock clean forth from
+his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly groaned his noble heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all to
+Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some right device
+that should be for the warding off of evil from all the Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his shining
+feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the tawny skin of a
+lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet, and he grasped his
+spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for neither on
+his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should befall the Argives,
+who verily for his sake over wide waters were come to Troy-land, with fierce
+war in their thoughts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With a dappled pard’s skin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he raised
+and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his strong hand.
+Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that mightily ruled over all the
+Argives, and as a god was honoured by the people. Him found he harnessing his
+goodly gear about his shoulders, by the stern of the ship, and glad to his
+brother was his coming. Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry first accosted him:
+“Wherefore thus, dear brother, art thou arming? Wilt thou speed forth any of
+thy comrades to spy on the Trojans? Nay, terribly I fear lest none should
+undertake for thee this deed, even to go and spy out the foeman alone through
+the ambrosial night; needs must he be a man right hardy of heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: “Need of good counsel have I
+and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help and save the
+Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned again. Surely on the
+sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather than on ours. For never did I
+see, nor heard any tell, that one man devised so many terrible deeds in one
+day, as Hector, dear to Zeus, hath wrought on the sons of the Achaians,
+unaided; though no dear son of a goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath done
+deeds that methinks will be a sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long, such
+evils hath he devised against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the
+ships, and summon Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and
+bid him arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company of the
+sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others would they
+listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and the brother in
+arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all we entrusted this
+charge.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: “How meanest thou this word
+wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there with them,
+waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I have well delivered
+to them thy commandment?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “There do thou abide lest
+we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through the camp. But call
+aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake, naming each man by his
+lineage, and his father’s name, and giving all their dues of honour, nor be
+thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us ourselves be labouring, for even thus
+did Zeus from our very birth dispense to us the heaviness of toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the host, whom
+he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside him lay his fair
+dight arms, a shield, and two spears, and a shining helmet. Beside him lay his
+glittering girdle wherewith the old man was wont to gird himself when he
+harnessed him for war, the bane of men, and led on the host, for he yielded not
+to grievous old age. Then he raised him on his elbow, lifting his head, and
+spake to the son of Atreus, inquiring of him with this word: “Who art thou that
+farest alone by the ships, through the camp in the dark night, when other
+mortals are sleeping? Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy comrades? speak,
+and come not silently upon me. What need hast thou?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of Atreus, whom above all
+men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours, while my breath abides within my
+breast, and my knees move. I wander thus, for that sweet sleep rests not on
+mine eyes, but war is my care, and the troubles of the Achaians. Yea, greatly I
+fear for the sake of the Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am tossed to and
+fro, and my heart is leaping from my breast, and my good knees tremble beneath
+me. But if thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh sleep, let us go
+thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be fordone with toil
+and drowsihead, and so are slumbering, and have quite forgotten to keep watch.
+And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at all but that they are keen to do
+battle in the night.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Most renowned son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, assuredly not all his designs will wise-counselling Zeus
+fulfil for Hector, even all that now he thinketh; nay methinks he will contend
+with even more troubles if but Achilles turn back his heart from grievous
+anger. And verily will I follow after thee, but let us also rouse others again,
+both the son of Tydeus, spearman renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and
+the strong son of Phyleus. But well it would be if one were to go and call
+those also, the godlike Aias, and Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are
+furthest of all, and nowise close at hand. But Menelaos will I blame, dear as
+he is and worshipful, yea, even if thou be angry with me, nor will I hide my
+thought, for that he slumbereth, and to thee alone hath left the toil; now
+should he be toiling among all the chiefs and beseeching them, for need no
+longer tolerable is coming upon us.” 
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “Old man, another day I
+even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not to labour,
+yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart, but looking toward
+me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke far before me, and came to
+me, and him I sent forward to call those concerning whom thou inquirest. But
+let us be gone, and them shall we find before the gates, among the sentinels,
+for there I bade them gather.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “So will none of the Argives be
+wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any one, and give him
+his commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his bright
+feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple cloak, with
+double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went among the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the peer of Zeus in
+counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of sleep, with his voice, and
+quickly the cry came all about his heart, and he came forth from the hut and
+spake to them saying: “Wherefore thus among the ships and through the camp do
+ye wander alone, in the ambrosial night; what so great need cometh upon you?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Laertes’ son, of the seed of
+Zeus, Odysseus of many a wile, be not wroth, for great trouble besetteth the
+Achaians. Nay follow, that we may arouse others too, even all that it behoveth
+to take counsel, whether we should fly, or fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and cast a
+shield  bedight about his shoulders, and went after them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found outside his
+hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were sleeping with their
+shields beneath their heads, but their spears were driven into the ground erect
+on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone the bronze, like the lightning of
+father Zeus. Now that hero was asleep, and under him was strewn the hide of an
+ox of the field, but beneath his head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside
+him went and stood knightly Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of
+his foot, and aroused him, chiding him to his face, saying: “Wake, son of
+Tydeus, why all night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the Trojans
+on the high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and but a little
+space holdeth them apart?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to him
+winged words: “Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never ceasest. Now
+are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who might rouse when there is
+need each of the kings, going all around the host? but thou, old man, art
+indomitable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, “Nay verily, my son, all
+this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I, and there be
+many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the others. But a right
+great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to all of us it standeth on a
+razor’s edge, either pitiful ruin for the Achaians, or life. But come now, if
+indeed thou dost pity me, rouse swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for thou
+art younger than I.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great fiery
+lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and started on his
+way, and roused the others from their place and led them on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not the
+leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with their arms.
+And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in a fold, having heard
+a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood among the hills, and much
+clamour riseth round him of hounds and men, and sleep perisheth from them, even
+so sweet sleep did perish from their eyes, as they watched through the wicked
+night, for ever were they turning toward the plains, when they heard the
+Trojans moving.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his saying,
+and calling out to them he spake winged words: “Even so now, dear children, do
+ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we become a cause of rejoicing
+to them that hate us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the kings of
+the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them went Meriones,
+and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to share their counsel. So
+they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat down in the open, where the
+mid-space was clear of dead men fallen, where fierce Hector had turned again
+from destroying the Argives, when night covered all. There sat they down, and
+declared their saying each to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia
+began discourse: “O friends, is there then no man that would trust to his own
+daring spirit, to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might
+take some straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour among the
+Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves, whether they are fain to
+abide there by the ships, away from the city, or will retreat again to the
+city, now that they have conquered the Achaians? All this might such an one
+learn, and back to us come scathless: great would be his fame under heaven
+among all men, and a goodly gift will be given him. For all the best men that
+bear sway by the ships, each and all of them will give him a black ewe, with
+her lamb at her foot,—no chattel may compare with her,—and ever will he be
+present at feasts and clan-drinkings.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but to them
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Nestor, my heart and manful spirit urge me
+to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of the Trojans: but and if some
+other man will follow with me, more comfort and more courage will there be. If
+two go together, one before another perceiveth a matter, how there may be gain
+therein; but if one alone perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter, and weak
+his device.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two Aiantes
+were willing, men of Ares’ company, and Meriones was willing, and right willing
+the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos, spearman renowned, yea and
+the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into the throng of Trojans, for always
+daring was his heart within him. But among them spake the king of men,
+Agamemnon: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily shalt
+thou choose, whomsoever thou wilt, the best of them that be here, for many are
+eager. But do not thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man behind, and
+give thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and looking to
+their lineage, even if one be more kingly born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But to them
+again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “If indeed ye bid me choose myself
+a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike Odysseus, whose heart is
+passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all manner of toils; and Pallas
+Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with me, even out of burning fire might
+we both return, for he excelleth in understanding.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: “Son of Tydeus, praise me
+not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus among the Argives
+that themselves know all. But let us be going, for truly the night is waning,
+and near is the dawn, and the stars have gone onward, and the night has
+advanced more than two watches, but the third watch is yet left.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of Tydeus
+did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his own was left
+by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm of bull’s hide,
+without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and keeps the heads of
+stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow and a quiver, and a sword,
+and on his head set a helm made of leather, and with many a thong was it
+stiffly wrought within, while without the white teeth of a boar of flashing
+tusks were arrayed thick set on either side, well and cunningly, and in the
+midst was fixed a cap of felt. This casque Autolykos once stole from Amyntor
+son of Ormenos, out of Eleon, breaking into his well-builded house; and he gave
+it to Amphidamas of Kythera to take to Skandeia and Amphidamas gave it for a
+guest-gift to Molos, who gave it to his own son Meriones to wear, and now it
+was set to cover the head of Odysseus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set forth to
+go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did Pallas Athene send
+forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way, and they beheld it not
+with their eyes, through the dark night, but they heard its shrill cry. And
+Odysseus was glad in the omen of the bird, and prayed to Athene: “Listen to me,
+thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, that ever in all toils dost stand by me, nor
+doth any motion of mine escape thee: but now again above all be thou friendly
+to me, Athene, and grant that we come back with renown to the ships, having
+wrought a great work, that shall be sorrow to the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Listen now likewise to me,
+thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when with my father
+thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when he went forth as a
+messenger from the Achaians. And them he left by the Asopos, the mail-clad
+Achaians, and a honeyed word he bare to the Kadmeians in that place; but on his
+backward way he devised right terrible deeds, with thee, fair goddess, for
+eager didst thou stand by him. Even so now stand thou by me willingly, and
+protect me. And to thee will I sacrifice a yearling heifer, broad of brow,
+unbroken, that never yet hath man led below the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to
+thee, and gild her horns with gold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when they had
+prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on their way, like two
+lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter, amid the slain men, through
+the arms and the black blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he called
+together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders of the Trojans,
+them did he call together, and contrived a crafty counsel: “Who is there that
+would promise and perform for me this deed, for a great gift? yea his reward
+shall be sufficient. For I will give him a chariot, and two horses of arching
+neck, the best that be at the swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever shall
+dare the deed, and for himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to go
+near the swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded,
+as of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the foes are
+devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch through the
+night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there was among
+the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald, and he was rich
+in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill favoured to look upon, but
+swift of foot; now he was an only son among five sisters. So he spake then a
+word to the Trojans and to Hector: “Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me
+to go near the swift-faring ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray thee, hold
+up the staff, and swear to me, that verily thou wilt give me the horses and the
+chariots bedight with bronze that bear the noble son of Peleus. But to thee I
+will prove no vain spy, nor disappoint thy hope. For I will go straight to the
+camp, until I may come to the ship of Agamemnon, where surely the chiefs are
+like to hold council, whether to fight or flee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him: “Now let
+Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera, that no other man of
+the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I declare, shalt rejoice in
+them for ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to go. And
+straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did on thereover the
+skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of ferret-skin, and took a sharp
+javelin, and went on his way to the ships from the host. But he was not like to
+come back from the ships and bring word to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth eagerly on the
+way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as he approached, and
+said unto Diomedes: “Lo, here is some man, Diomedes, coming from the camp, I
+know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to strip certain of the dead men
+fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by us a little way on the plain, and
+thereafter may we rush on him and take him speedily, and if it chance that he
+outrun us by speed of foot, ever do thou hem him in towards the ships and away
+from the camp, rushing on him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape
+towards the city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the bodies of
+the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness. But when he was
+as far off as is the length of the furrow made by mules, (for better far are
+they than kine, tho drag the jointed plough through the deep fallow,) these
+twain ran after him, and he stood still when he heard the sound, supposing in
+his heart that they were friends come from among the Trojans to turn him back,
+at the countermand of Hector. But when they were about a spear-cast off, or
+even less, he knew them for foemen, and stirred his swift limbs to fly, and
+speedily they started in pursuit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press ever
+hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs screaming before
+them, even so Tydeus’ son and Odysseus the sacker of cities cut Dolon off from
+the host, and ever pursued hard after him. But when he was just about to come
+among the sentinels, in his flight towards the ships, then Athene poured
+strength into the son of Tydeus, that none of the mail-clad Achaians might
+boast himself the first to smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes
+leaped upon him with the spear, and said: “Stand, or I shall overtake thee with
+the spear, and methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer destruction at my
+hand.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the man, and
+passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished spear stuck fast in
+the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread and trembling, and the teeth
+chattered in his mouth, and he was green with fear. Then the twain came up with
+him, panting, and gripped his hands, and weeping he spake: “Take me alive, and
+I will ransom myself, for within our house there is bronze, and gold, and
+smithied iron, wherefrom my father would do you grace with ransom untold, if he
+should learn that I am alive among the ships of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “Take courage, let
+not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly all the tale, why
+thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the ships, through the black
+night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest thou to strip certain of the
+dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee forth to spy out everything at the
+hollow ships, or did thine own spirit urge thee on?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: “With many a blind
+hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the whole-hooved
+horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight with bronze: and he bade
+me fare through the swift black night, and draw nigh the foemen, and seek out
+whether the swift ships are guarded, as of old, or whether, already, being
+subdued beneath our hands, they are devising of flight among themselves, and
+have no care to watch through the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer: “Verily
+now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the wise son of
+Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and hard to drive, for any
+but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare. But come, tell me all this
+truly, all the tale: where when thou camest hither didst thou leave Hector,
+shepherd of the host, and where lie his warlike gear, and where his horses? And
+how are disposed the watches, and the beds of the other Trojans? And what
+counsel take they among themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh the
+ships, afar from the city, or will they return to the city again, seeing that
+they have subdued unto them the Achaians?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: “Lo, now all these things will
+I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are counsellors holdeth
+council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from the din, but as for the
+guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen watch nor guard keepeth the
+host. As for all the watch fires of the Trojans—on them is necessity, so that
+they watch and encourage each other to keep guard; but, for the allies called
+from many lands, they are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep
+watch, for no wise near dwell the children and wives of the allies.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “How stands it now,
+do they sleep amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell me clearly, that
+I may know.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: “Verily all this likewise will I
+recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians of the
+bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi. And towards
+Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty Mysians, and the
+Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians lords of chariots. But
+wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly concerning all these things? for if ye
+desire to steal into the throng of Trojans, lo, there be those Thracians, new
+comers, at the furthest point apart from the rest, and among them their king
+Rhesos, son of Eïoneus. His be the fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the
+greatest, whiter than snow, and for speed like the winds. And his chariot is
+fashioned well with gold and silver, and golden is his armour that he brought
+with him, marvellous, a wonder to behold; such as it is in no wise fit for
+mortal men to bear, but for the deathless gods. But bring me now to the swift
+ships, or leave me here, when ye have bound me with a ruthless bond, that ye
+may go and make trial of me whether I have spoken to you truth, or lies.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: “Put no thought of escape,
+Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast brought, since once
+thou hast come into our hands. For if now we release thee or let thee go, on
+some later day wilt thou come to the swift ships of the Achaians, either to
+play the spy, or to fight in open war, but if subdued beneath my hands thou
+lose thy life, never again wilt thou prove a bane to the Argives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin, and
+implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck, rushing on
+him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the head of him still
+speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped him of the casque of
+ferret’s skin from off his head, and of his wolf-skin, and his bended bow, and
+his long spear, and these to Athene the Giver of Spoil did noble Odysseus hold
+aloft in his hand, and he prayed and spake a word: “Rejoice, O goddess, in
+these, for to thee first of all the Immortals in Olympus will we call for aid;
+nay, but yet again send us on against the horses and the sleeping places of the
+Thracian men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them on a
+tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see, gathering together
+reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they should miss the place as
+they returned again through the swift dark night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and quickly
+they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were slumbering, fordone
+with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on the ground, all orderly, in
+three rows, and by each man his pair of steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst,
+and beside him his swift horses were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of
+the chariot. Him Odysseus spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes: “Lo,
+Diomedes, this is the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon that we slew
+did give us tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength; it doth not
+behove thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses; or do thou
+slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and he
+began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their groaning,
+as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was reddened with blood. And
+like as a lion cometh on flocks without a herdsman, on goats or sheep, and
+leaps upon them with evil will, so set the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace,
+till he had slain twelve. But whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote
+with the sword, him did Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from
+behind, and drag him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the
+fair-maned horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit, when
+they trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men. But when the
+son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth from whom he took sweet
+life away, as he was breathing hard, for an evil dream stood above his head
+that night, even the seed of Oineus, through the device of Athene. Meanwhile
+the hardy Odysseus loosed the whole-hooved horses, and bound them together with
+thongs, and drave them out of the press, smiting them with his bow, since he
+had not taken thought to lift the shining whip with his hands from the well-dight
+chariot: then he whistled for a sign to noble Diomedes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do, whether he
+should take the chariot, where lay the fair-dight armour, and drag it out by
+the pole, or lift it upon high, and so bear it forth, or whether he should take
+the life away from yet more of the Thracians. And while he was pondering this
+in his heart, then Athene drew near, and stood, and spake to noble Diomedes:
+“Bethink thee of returning, O son of great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow ships,
+lest perchance thou come thither in flight, and perchance another god rouse up
+the Trojans likewise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the goddess, and
+swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them with his bow, and
+they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld Athene
+caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole among the crowded
+press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians, Hippokoon, the
+noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out of sleep, when he beheld the place
+desolate where the swift horses had stood, and beheld the men gasping in the
+death struggle; then he groaned aloud, and called out by name to his comrade
+dear. And a clamour arose and din unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together,
+and they marvelled at the terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had wrought,
+and had gone thereafter to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of Hector,
+there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and Tydeus’ son,
+leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands of Odysseus, and again
+mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped onward nothing loth. [to the
+hollow ships, for there they fain would be]. But Nestor first heard the sound,
+and said: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, shall I be wrong
+or speak sooth? for my heart bids me speak. The sound of swift-footed horses
+strikes upon mine ears. Would to god that Odysseus and that strong Diomedes may
+even instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses from among the Trojans; but
+terribly I fear in mine heart lest the bravest of the Argives suffer aught
+through the Trojans’ battle din.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and leaped down
+to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with hand-clasping, and with
+honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of Gerenia make question: “Come,
+tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great glory of the Achaians, how ye twain took
+those horses? Was it by stealing into the press of Trojans? Or did some god
+meet you, and give you them? Wondrous like are they to rays of the sun. Ever
+with the Trojans do I mix in fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the ships, old
+warrior as I am. But never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of such. Nay,
+methinks some god must have encountered you and given you these. For both of
+you doth Zeus the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+bright-eyed Athene.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he would, give even better
+steeds than these, for the gods are far stronger than we. But as for these
+new come horses, whereof, old man, thou askest me, they are Thracian, but their
+lord did brave Diomedes slay, and beside him all the twelve best men of his
+company. The thirteenth man was a spy we took near the ships, one that Hector
+and the other haughty Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the fosse, laughing; and
+the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they had come to the
+well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the horses with well-cut
+thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of Diomedes stood eating
+honey-sweet barley.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the ship, that
+they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for themselves, they
+went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from shins, and neck, and
+thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed the thick sweat from their
+skin, and their hearts revived again, they went into polished baths, and were
+cleansed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat down at
+supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the honey-sweet wine, and
+poured it forth to Athene.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap11"></a>BOOK XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press hard on the
+Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to the
+Immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord unto the fleet
+ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the signal of war. And she
+stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that was in the midst, to make her
+voice heard on either side, both to the huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to
+the huts of Achilles, for these twain, trusting in their valour and the might
+of their hands, had drawn up their trim ships at the two ends of the line.
+There stood the goddess and cried shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and
+mighty strength she set in the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight
+unceasingly. And straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in the
+hollow ships to their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the son of Atreus cried aloud, and bade the Argives arm them, and himself
+amid them did on the flashing bronze. First he fastened fair greaves about his
+legs, fitted with ankle-clasps of silver; next again he did his breastplate
+about his breast, the breastplate that in time past Kinyras gave him for a
+guest-gift. For afar in Cyprus did Kinyras hear the mighty rumour how that the
+Achaians were about to sail forth to Troy in their ships, wherefore did Kinyras
+give him the breastplate, to do pleasure to the king. Now therein were ten
+courses of black cyanus, and twelve of gold, and twenty of tin, and dark blue
+snakes writhed up towards the neck, three on either side, like rainbows that
+the son of Kronos hath set in the clouds, a marvel of the mortal tribes of men.
+And round his shoulders he cast his sword, wherein shone studs of gold, but the
+scabbard about it was silver, fitted with golden chains. And he took the
+richly-dight shield of his valour that covereth all the body of a man, a fair
+shield, and round about it were ten circles of bronze, and thereon were twenty
+white bosses of tin, and one in the midst of black cyanus. And thereon was
+embossed the Gorgon fell of aspect glaring terribly, and about her were Dread
+and Terror. And from the shield was hung a baldric of silver, and thereon was
+curled a snake of cyanus; three heads interlaced had he, growing out of one
+neck. And on his head Agamemnon set a two-crested helm with fourfold plate, and
+plume of horse-hair, and terribly the crest nodded from above. And he grasped
+two strong spears, shod with bronze and keen, and far forth from him into the
+heaven shone the bronze; and thereat Hera and Athene thundered, honouring the
+king of Mykene rich in gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them in by
+the fosse, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms were hasting
+about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the cry arose into the
+Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they arrayed at the fosse, but after
+them a little way came up the drivers. And among them the son of Kronos aroused
+an evil din, and from above rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper
+air, for that he was about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain, gathered
+them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias that as a god was
+honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybos,
+and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto the Immortals. And Hector in the
+foremost rank bare the circle of his shield. And as from amid the clouds
+appeareth glittering a baneful star, and then again sinketh within the shadowy
+clouds, even so Hector would now appear among the foremost ranks, and again
+would be giving command in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the
+lightning of aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths through a
+rich man’s field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the handfuls, even so the
+Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other, destroying, and neither side took
+thought of ruinous flight; and equal heads had the battle, and they rushed on
+like wolves. And woful Discord was glad at the sight, for she alone of the gods
+was with them in the war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in peace
+they sat within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded in
+the folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of the
+storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But of them took
+the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat apart, glad in his glory,
+looking toward the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians, and the
+glitter of bronze, and the slayers and the slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the shafts
+of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when a woodman
+maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he hath tired his hands
+with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on his soul, and desire of sweet
+food taketh his heart, even then the Danaans by their valour brake the
+battalions, and called on their comrades through the lines. And in rushed
+Agamemnon first of all, and slew a man, even Bienor, shepherd of the hosts,
+first himself, and next his comrade Oïleus, the charioteer. He verily leaped
+from the chariot and stood and faced Agamemnon, but the king smote the brow of
+him with the sharp spear as he came eagerly on, and his vizor heavy with bronze
+held not off the spear, but through vizor and bone it sped, and the brain
+within was all scattered, and so was Oïleus overcome despite his eagerness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And them did Agamemnon king of men leave in that place, with their breasts
+gleaming, when he had stripped them of their corslets, and he went on to
+destroy Isos and Antiphos, two sons of Priam, one born in wedlock, the other a
+bastard, and both were in one chariot: the bastard held the reins, but renowned
+Antiphos was fighting by him. These twain did Achilles on the spurs of Ida once
+bind with fresh withes, taking them as they herded the sheep, and he ransomed
+them for a price. But now Agamemnon, son of Atreus, of the wide domain, smote
+Isos on the breast, above the nipple, with his spear, but Antiphos he struck
+hard by the ear, with the sword, and dashed him from the chariot. Then made he
+haste, and stripped from them their goodly harness, well knowing who they were,
+for he had seen them before beside the fleet ships when swift-footed Achilles
+led them from Ida. And as a lion easily crusheth the young fawns of a swift
+hind, when that he hath seized them in his strong teeth, and hath come to their
+lair, and taketh their tender life away,—and the hind, even if she chance to be
+near at hand, cannot help them, for on herself too cometh dread terror, and
+swiftly she speedeth through the thick coppice and the woodland, hasting and
+sweating before the onslaught of the mighty beast,—even so not one of the
+Trojans did avail to save them from their bane, but themselves were fleeing in
+fear before the Argives.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next took he Peisandros and Hippolochos, steadfast in fight. These were sons of
+wise-hearted Antimachos, who chiefly had taken the gold of Alexandros, goodly
+gifts, and therefore never would consent to give Helen to fair-haired Menelaos.
+His two sons then lord Agamemnon took, both being in one car, and together they
+were driving the swift steeds; for the shining reins had fallen from their
+hands, and the horses were all distraught with dread, and he set on against
+them, like a lion,—even the son of Atreus,—but from their chariot the twain
+did supplicate him: “Take us alive, O son of Atreus, and receive worthy
+ransom, for in the halls of Antimachos lie many possessions, bronze, and gold,
+and smithied iron; out of these could our father do thee grace with ransom past
+telling, if he heard that we twain were alive by the ships of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So did the twain weeping beseech the king with soft words, but they heard a
+voice wherein was no softness at all: “If indeed ye be the sons of wise
+Antimachos, who once in the assembly of the Trojans bade slay Menelaos there,
+when he came on an embassy with godlike Odysseus, nor ever let him return to
+the Achaians, now verily shall ye pay the price of your father’s foul shame.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and dashed Peisandros from his chariot to the earth, smiting him with
+the spear upon the breast, and he lay supine on the ground. But Hippolochos
+rushed away,
+and him too he smote to earth, and cut off his arms and his neck with the
+sword, then tossed him like a ball of stone to roll through the throng. Then
+left he them, and
+where thickest clashed the battalions, there he set on, and with him all the
+well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as they were driven in
+flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and from beneath them
+rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering hooves of horses.
+And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after, calling on the Argives.
+And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense woodland, and the whirling wind
+beareth it everywhere, and the thickets fall utterly before it, being smitten
+by the onset of the fire, even so beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus fell the
+heads of the Trojans as they fled; and many strong-necked horses rattled empty
+cars along the highways of the battle, lacking their noble charioteers; but
+they on the earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures than to their
+wives.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the dust, from the
+man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus followed on,
+crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos, son of
+Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of the wild fig-tree they sped,
+making for the city, and ever the son of Atreus followed shouting, and his
+invincible hands were defiled with gore. But when they were come to the Skaian
+gates, and the oak-tree, there then they halted, and awaited each other. But
+some were still in full flight through the mid plain, like kine that a lion
+hath scattered, coming on them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered, but
+to one sheer death appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck first, seizing
+her with strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth greedily the blood and all the
+guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of Atreus followed hard on the Trojans, ever
+slaying the hindmost man, and they were scattered in flight, and on face or
+back many of them fell from their chariots beneath the hands of Agamemnon, for
+mightily he raged with the spear. But when he was now about coming below the
+city, and the steep wall, then did the father of men and gods sit him down on
+the crests of many-fountained Ida, from heaven descending, with the thunderbolt
+in his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: “Up and go,
+swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees Agamemnon,
+shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters, and ruining the ranks
+of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the rest of the host war with the
+foe in strong battle. But when, or smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow
+shot, Agamemnon leapeth into his chariot, then will I give Hector strength to
+slay till he come even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and
+sacred darkness draw on.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and wind-footed swift Iris disobeyed him not, but she went down
+from the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios, and she found the son of wise-hearted
+Priam, noble Hector, standing among the horses, and firm-bound chariots, and
+swift-footed Iris drew near and spake to him: “Hector, son of Priam, peer of
+Zeus in counsel; lo, Zeus the father hath sent me forth, to bear thee this
+command: So long as thou seest Agamemnon, the shepherd of the host, raging
+among the foremost fighters, and ruining the ranks of men, so long hold back
+from the fight, but bid the rest of the host war with the foe in strong battle.
+But when, or smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow shot, Agamemnon
+leapeth into his chariot, then will Zeus give thee strength to slay till thou
+come even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down and sacred darkness
+draw on.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake swift-footed Iris and departed, but Hector with his harness leaped
+from the chariot to the ground, and, shaking his sharp spears went through all
+the host, stirring up his men to fight, and he roused the dread din of battle.
+And they wheeled round, and stood and faced the Achaians, while the Argives on
+the other side strengthened their battalions. And battle was made ready, and
+they stood over against each other, and Agamemnon first rushed in, being eager
+to fight far in front of all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that first
+encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of their allies
+renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and mighty, who was nurtured
+in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep, and Kisses his mother’s father
+reared him in the halls, while he was but a little child,—even the father of
+Theano fair of face. Then when he came to the measure of glorious youth, he
+tried to keep him there, and offered him his own daughter; but a bridegroom new
+wed, he went from his bridal chamber after the tidings of the coming of the
+Achaians, with twelve beaked ships that followed after him. These trim ships he
+left in Perkote, but himself came by land to Ilios; he it was that then
+encountered Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they were come near in onset
+against each other, Atreus’ son missed, and his spear was turned aside, but
+Iphidamas smote him on the girdle, below the corslet, and himself pressed on,
+trusting to his heavy hand, but pierced not the gleaming girdle, for long ere
+that the point struck on the silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling
+Agamemnon caught the spear with his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like
+a lion, and snatched it out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with
+the sword, and unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a sleep of
+bronze most piteously, far from his wedded wife, helping the folk of the
+city,—far from his bride, of whom he had known no joy, and much had he given
+for her: first a hundred kine he gave, and thereafter promised a thousand,
+goats and sheep together, whereof he had herds unspeakable. Then did Agamemnon
+son of Atreus strip him, and went bearing his goodly harness into the throng of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Koön beheld him, Koön Antenor’s eldest son, illustrious among men,
+strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother’s fall: and he
+stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble Agamemnon smote him on
+the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean through went the point of the shining
+spear. Then Agamemnon king of men shuddered, yet not even so did he cease from
+battle and war, but rushed against Koön, grasping his wind-nurtured spear.
+Verily then Koön seized right lustily by the foot Iphidamas, his brother, and
+his father’s son, and called to all the best of his men; but him, as he dragged
+the dead through the press, beneath his bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a
+bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his limbs, and drew near and cut off his head
+over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, at the hands of Agamemnon the king,
+filled up the measure of their fate, and went down within the house of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and great
+stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his wound. But when
+the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then keen pangs came on the
+might of the son of Atreus. And even as when the keen shaft cometh upon a woman
+in her travail, the piercing shaft that the goddesses of the birth-pangs send,
+even the Eilithyiai, the daughters of Hera that have hitter pangs in their
+gift, even so keen pains sank into the might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped
+he into his chariot, and bade his charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he
+was sore vexed at heart. And he called in a piercing voice, and shouted to the
+Danaans: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do ye now ward
+from the seafaring ships the harsh din of battle, for Zeus the counsellor
+suffers me not all day to war with the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the hollow
+ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were covered with
+foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they bore the wounded king
+away from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and Lykians
+with a loud shout: “Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that war in close
+fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour. The best
+man of them hath departed and to me hath Zeus, the son of Kronos, given great
+renown. But straightway drive ye the whole-hooved horses against the mighty
+Danaans, that ye may be the masters and bear away the higher glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. And even as when
+some hunter tars on his white-toothed hounds against a boar of the wild, or a
+lion, even so did Hector, son of Priam, like unto Ares the bane of men, tar on
+the great-hearted Trojans against the Achaians. Himself with high thoughts he
+fared among the foremost, and fell upon the fight; like a roaring blast, that
+leapeth down and stirreth the violet-coloured deep. There whom first, whom last
+did he slay, even Hector, son of Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed him renown?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast in the
+fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter smote the
+multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of the white South
+Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth huge, rolling onward, and
+the spray is scattered on high beneath the rush of the wandering wind; even so
+many heads of the host were smitten by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would all the
+Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had not called to
+Diomedes, son of Tydeus: “Tydeus’ son, what ails us that we forget our
+impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy stand by me, for
+verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm take the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: “Verily will I abide and endure,
+but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, clearly
+desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting him with
+the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the god-like squire of
+that prince. These then they let be, when they had made them cease from war,
+and then the twain fared through the crowd with a din, as when two boars full
+of valour fall on the hunting hounds; so rushed they on again, and slew the
+Trojans, while gladly the Achaians took breath again in their flight from noble
+Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There took they a chariot and two of the best men of the people, two sons of
+Merops of Perkote, who above all men was skilled in soothsaying, nor would he
+suffer his children to go to ruinous war; but in nowise did the twain obey him,
+for the Fates of black death led them on. Them did the son of Tydeus, Diomedes,
+spearman renowned, deprive of life and spirit, and took away their glorious
+harness. And Odysseus stripped Hippodamos and Hypeirochos. Then Kronion
+stretched for them the line of battle level, as he looked down from Ida, and
+they kept slaying each other. Then Tydeus’ son smote the hero Agastrophos, son
+of Paion, on the hip-joint, with his spear; nor were his horses near, for him
+to flee, and great blindness was on his spirit; for the squire held them aloof,
+but on foot he was charging through the foremost fighters, till he lost his
+life. But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks, and rushed upon them
+shouting, and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. And beholding
+him, Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered, and straightway spake to Odysseus
+that was hard by: “Lo, on us this ruin, even mighty Hector, is rolling: let us
+stand, and await him, and ward off his onset.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and smote him
+nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the crest, and bronze by
+bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for it was stopped by the
+threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector
+sprang back a wondrous way, and mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen
+on his knee, and leaned on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night
+veiled his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But while Tydeus’ son was following after his spear-cast, far through the
+foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat breath
+again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the throng, and avoided
+black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty Diomedes spake to him: “Dog,
+thou art now again escaped from death; yet came ill very nigh thee: but now
+hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom thou must surely pray when thou goest
+amid the clash of spears. Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee
+hereafter, if any god is helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest,
+whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But Alexandros,
+the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at Tydeides, shepherd of
+the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on the barrow, by men fashioned,
+of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the people in time gone by. Now Diomedes
+was stripping the shining corslet of strong Agastrophos from about his breast,
+and the shield from his shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the
+centre of his bow; nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the
+flat of the right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and stood
+fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up from his lair,
+and boasted, and said: “Thou art smitten, nor vainly hath the dart flown forth;
+would that I had smitten thee in the nether belly, and taken thy life away. So
+should the Trojans have breathed again from their trouble, they that shudder at
+thee, as bleating goats at a lion.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: “Bowman, reviler, proud in
+thy bow of horn*, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou madest trial in full
+harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts would nothing avail thee,
+but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou hast grazed the sole of my foot. I
+care not, more than if a woman had struck me or a senseless boy, for feeble is
+the dart of a craven man and a worthless. In other wise from my hand, yea, if
+it do but touch, the sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its man,
+and torn are the cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he,
+reddening the earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than women round
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, rather, “resplendent with thy lovelock.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in front of
+him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp arrow from his foot,
+and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then sprang he into his car, and bade
+his charioteer drive back to the hollow ships, for he was hurt at heart. Then
+Odysseus, spearman renowned, was left alone, nor did one of the Argives abide
+by him, for fear had fallen on them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own
+great-hearted spirit: “Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil it is if
+I flee, in dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be taken all alone, for
+the other Danaans hath Kronion scattered in flight. But wherefore doth my heart
+thus converse with herself? for I know that they are cowards, who flee the
+fight, but whosoever is a hero in war, him it mainly behoves to stand
+stubbornly, whether he be smitten, or whether he smite another.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the Trojans
+under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them their own bane.
+And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom press round a boar, and he
+cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting his white tusk between crooked jaws,
+and round him they rush, and the sound of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and
+straightway they await his assault, so dread as he is, even so then round
+Odysseus, dear to Zeus, rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble
+Deïopites, from above, in the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and
+next he slew Thoon and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his
+chariot, he smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield, and he
+fell in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his hand. These
+left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the spear, the brother of
+high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a godlike man, and stood hard by
+him, and spake saying: “O renowned Odysseus, insatiable of craft and toil,
+to-day shalt thou either boast over two sons of Hippasos, as having slain two
+such men of might, and stripped their harness, or smitten by my spear shalt
+lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the shining
+shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight corslet it was
+thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but Pallas Athene did not
+suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero, and Odysseus knew that the
+dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot, and drawing backward, he spake
+unto Sokos: “Ah, wretched one, verily sheer destruction is come upon thee.
+Surely thou hast made me to cease from warring among the Trojans, but here to
+thee I declare that slaying and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and
+beneath my spear overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades
+of the noble steeds.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as he
+turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it through the
+breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus boasted over him: “Ah,
+Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of horses, the end of death hath
+come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou avoided. Ah, wretch, thy father and
+lady mother shall not close thine eyes in death, but birds that eat flesh raw
+shall tear thee, shrouding thee in the multitude of their wings. But to me, if
+I die, the noble Achaians will yet give due burial.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from his
+flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when the spear was
+drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the great-hearted Trojans when they
+beheld the blood of Odysseus, with clamour through the throng came all together
+against him. But he gave ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he
+shouted then, as loud as man’s mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos dear to
+Zeus hear his call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him: “Aias,
+of the seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the shout of Odysseus
+of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans were oppressing
+him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong battle. Nay, let us
+speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue him. I fear lest he suffer
+some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so brave as he is, and lest great
+sorrow for his loss come upon the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike man. Then
+found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him like tawny jackals
+from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a man hath smitten with an
+arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath fled from him by speed of foot, as
+long as the blood is warm and his limbs are strong, but when the swift arrow
+hath overcome him, then do the ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a
+dark wood, and then god leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee
+before him, but he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the
+crafty counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew near,
+bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the Trojans fled from
+him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led Odysseus out of the press,
+holding him by the hand, till the squire drave up the horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of Priam, and
+thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros, and Pyrasos, and
+Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down upon the plain, in winter
+flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of Zeus, and many dry oaks and many
+pines it sucketh in, and much soil it casteth into the sea, even so renowned
+Aias charged them, pursuing through the plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist
+Hector thereof at all, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle, by
+the banks of the river Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and
+an unquenchable cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And
+Hector with them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the spear and in
+horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young men. Nor would the
+noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path, if Alexandros, the lord of
+fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon shepherd of the host in his valorous
+deeds, and smitten him on the right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow.
+Therefore were the Achaians, breathing valour, in great fear, lest men should
+seize Machaon in the turning of the fight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of
+the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with thee let Machaon
+go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved horses. For a leech is
+worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and spread soothing medicaments.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but straightway
+gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of Asklepios the good
+leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew they forward to the hollow
+ships, where they desired to be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in flight,
+and spake to him, and said: “Hector, here do we contend with the Danaans, at
+the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other Trojans are driven in flight
+confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son of Telamon is driving them; well I
+know him, for wide is the shield round his shoulders. Nay, let us too urge
+thither the horses and chariot, there where horsemen and footmen thickest in
+the forefront of evil strife are slaying each other, and the cry goes up
+unquenchable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding whip, and
+they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among the Trojans and
+Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and with blood was sprinkled
+all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round the car with the drops from the
+hooves of the horses, and with drops from the tires about the wheels. And
+Hector was eager to enter the press of men, and to leap in and break through,
+and evil din of battle he brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he
+from smiting with the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men,
+with spear, and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of Aias
+son of Telamon, [for Zeus would have been wroth with him, if he fought with a
+better man than himself].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he stood in
+amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull’s hide, and gazed round
+in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast, turning this way and that, and
+slowly retreating step by step. And as when hounds and country folk drive a
+tawny lion from the mid-fold of the kine, and suffer him not to carry away the
+fattest of the herd; all night they watch, and he in great desire for the flesh
+maketh his onset, but takes nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from
+strong hands against him, and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all
+his fury, and in the dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at that time
+departed Aias, vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right unwillingly, for
+he feared sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as when a lazy ass going past
+a field hath the better of the boys with him, an ass that hath had many a
+cudgel broken about his sides, and he fareth into the deep crop, and wasteth
+it, while the boys smite him with cudgels, and feeble is the force of them, but
+yet with might and main they drive him forth, when he hath had his fill of
+fodder, even so did the high-hearted Trojans and allies, called from many
+lands, smite great Aias, son of Telamon, with darts on the centre of his
+shield, and ever followed after him. And Aias would now be mindful of his
+impetuous valour, and turn again, and hold at bay the battalions of the
+horse-taming Trojans, and once more he would turn him again to flee. Yet he
+hindered them all from making their way to the fleet ships, and himself stood
+and smote between the Trojans and the Achaians, and the spears from strong
+hands stuck some of them in his great shield, fain to win further, and many or
+ever they reached his white body stood fast halfway in the earth, right eager
+to sate themselves with his flesh.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Eurypylos, the glorious son of Euaimon, beheld him oppressed by
+showers of darts, he went and took his stand by him, and cast with his shining
+spear, and smote Apisaon, son of Phausios, shepherd of the host, in the liver,
+below the midriff, and straightway loosened his knees; and Eurypylos sprang on
+him, and stripped the harness from his shoulders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when godlike Alexandros beheld him stripping the harness from Apisaon,
+straightway he drew his bow against
+Eurypylos, and smote him with a shaft on the right thigh, and the reed of the
+shaft brake, and weighed down the thigh. Then Eurypylos withdrew back into the
+host of his comrades, avoiding fate, and with a piercing voice he shouted to
+the Danaans: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, turn and
+stand and ward off the pitiless day from Aias, that is oppressed with darts,
+nor methinks will he escape out of the evil din of battle. Nay, stand ye the
+rather at bay round great Aias, son of Telamon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Eurypylos being wounded, and they stood close together beside him,
+sloping the shields on their shoulders, and holding up their spears, and Aias
+came to meet them, and turned and stood when he reached the host of his
+comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and also
+carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble Achilles, swift of
+foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was standing by the stern of his
+great ship, watching the dire toil, and the woful rout of battle. And
+straightway he spake to his own comrade, Patroklos, calling to him from beside
+the ship, and he heard, and from the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to
+him was the beginning of evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to
+Achilles: “Why dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: “Noble son of Menoitios,
+dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand in prayer about my
+knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon them. But go now, Patroklos
+dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this that he bringeth wounded from the war.
+Verily from behind he is most like Machaon, that child of Asklepios, but I
+beheld not the eyes of the man, for the horses sped past me, straining forward
+eagerly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran past the
+ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down on the
+bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of that old man
+from the car, and they dried the sweat from their doublets, standing before the
+breeze, by the shore of the sea, and thereafter came they to the hut, and sat
+them down on chairs. And fair-tressed Hekamede mixed for them a mess, Hekamede
+that the old man won from Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, and she was the
+daughter of great-hearted Arsinoos, and her the Achaians chose out for him,
+because always in counsel he excelled them all. First she drew before them a
+fair table, polished well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of bronze,
+with onion, for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the grain of sacred
+barley, and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old man brought from home,
+embossed with studs of gold, and four handles there were to it, and round each
+two golden doves were feeding, and to the cup were two feet below. Another man
+could scarce have lifted the cup from the table, when it was full, but Nestor
+the Old raised it easily. In this cup the woman, like unto the goddesses, mixed
+a mess for them, with Pramnian wine, and therein grated cheese of goats’ milk,
+with a grater of bronze, and scattered white barley thereover, and bade them
+drink, whenas she had made ready the mess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took their
+pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos stood at the
+doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he arose from his
+shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in, and bade him be
+seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for refusing, and spake and
+said: “No time to sit have I, old man, fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou
+persuade me. Revered and dreaded is he that sent me forth to ask thee who this
+man is that thou bringest home wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see
+Machaon, shepherd of the host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to
+speak a word to Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus,
+how terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is blameless.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: “Wherefore is Achilles thus
+sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are wounded with darts? He
+knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the camp: for the best men lie in
+the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by spear. Wounded with the shaft is
+strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and smitten is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and
+Agamemnon, [and Eurypylos hath been shot with an arrow in the thigh], and this
+other have I but newly carried out of battle, wounded with an arrow from the
+bowstring. But Achilles, for all his valiance, careth not for the Danaans, nor
+pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet ships hard by the shore shall
+burn, maugre the Archives, in the consuming fire, and till we be slain one upon
+another? For my strength is no longer what it was before in my supple limbs.
+Would that I were in such youth, and my might as steadfast, as when a strife
+was set between the Eleians and ourselves, about a raid on the kine; what time
+I slew Itymoneus, the brave son of Hypeirochos, a dweller in Elis, when I was
+driving the spoil. And in fighting for his kine was he smitten in the foremost
+rank by a spear from my hand, and he fell, and about him were the country folk
+in great fear. And a prey exceeding abundant did we drive together out of the
+plain, fifty herds of kine, and as many flocks of sheep, and as many droves of
+swine, and as many wide flocks of goats, and chestnut horses a hundred and
+fifty, all mares, and many with their foals at their feet. And these by night
+we drave within Neleian Pylos to the citadel, and Neleus was glad at heart, for
+that so much wealth came to me, the first time I went to war. And the heralds
+cried aloud, with the coming of the dawn, that all men should meet that had a
+debt owing to them in goodly Elis. And the men that were leaders of the Pylians
+gathered together and divided all, for to many did the Epeians owe a debt, for
+few we were, and oppressed, that dwelt in Pylos. For the mighty Herakles had
+come and oppressed us, in the former years, and all our best men were slain.
+For twelve sons were we of noble Neleus, whereof I alone was left, and all the
+others perished. And being lifted up with pride because of these things, the
+mail-clad Epeians did us despite, and devised deeds of violence. And out of the
+spoil that old man, even Neleus, took him a herd of kine, and a great flock of
+sheep, choosing three hundred, and the shepherds with them. For to him was a
+great debt owing in goodly Elis: four horses, winners of prizes, with their
+chariot had gone to the games, and were to run for a tripod; but these did
+Augeias, king of men, hold in bond in that place, but sent away the driver
+sorrowing for the horses. By which words and deeds was the old man angered, so
+he chose out much booty, uncountable, and the rest he gave to the people to
+divide, lest any man should depart deprived by him of his equal share. So we
+ordered each thing, and offered victims to the gods about the city; and on the
+third day all the Eleians came together, many men and whole-hooved horses in
+full array, and with them the two Moliones in their harness, being still but
+lads, nor yet well skilled in impetuous valour. Now there is a certain city,
+Thryoessa, a steep burg, far off on Alpheios, the uttermost city of sandy
+Pylos, round this they pitched their camp, being eager to raze it utterly. But
+when they had passed through all the plain, to us came Athene by night rushing
+down from Olympus, with the message that we should arm us. Nor were the folk
+unwilling that she gathered in Pylos, but right eager for war. Now Neleus would
+not suffer me to arm myself, but hid my horses away, for he deemed that I knew
+naught as yet of the deeds of war. Yet even so did I shine among our horsemen,
+on foot though I was, for so Athene led the fight. There is a river Minyeïos,
+that falleth into the sea near Arene, where the horsemen of us Pylians waited
+the fair dawn, and thither those ranks of footmen flowed onward. Thence in full
+array, and harnessed in our gear, we came at midday to the sacred stream of
+Alpheios. There to Zeus pre-eminent in might we sacrificed goodly victims, and
+a bull to Alpheios, and a bull to Poseidon, but to bright-eyed Athene a heifer
+of the herd, and thereafter took we supper in ranks throughout the camp, and
+lay down to sleep each man in his arms, about the streams of the river. Now the
+great-hearted Epeians were gathered round the citadel, being eager to sack it
+utterly. But ere that might be, there appeared unto them a great deed of war.
+For when the bright sun came up above the earth, we joined battle, with prayer
+to Zeus, and Athene. But when the strife of the Pylians and Epeians began, I
+was the first that slew a man, and got me his whole-hooved steeds,—the warrior
+Mulios was he, who had to wife fair-haired Agamede, the eldest daughter of
+Augeias, and she knew all drugs that the wide earth nourisheth. Him as he came
+on I smote with a bronze-shod spear, and he fell in the dust and I leaped into
+the car, and stood among the foremost fighters. But the great-hearted Epeians
+fled this way and that when they saw the man fall, even the leader of the
+horsemen, who excelled in battle. But I sprang upon them, like a black tempest,
+and fifty chariots I took, and beside each chariot two men bit the earth with
+their teeth, subdued beneath my spear. And now should I have overthrown the
+twin Moliones, sons of Aktor, if their sire, the Earthshaker of wide sway, had
+not saved them out of the battle, and covered them with a thick mist.* There
+Zeus gave great might to the Pylians, for we followed through the wide plain,
+slaying the foe and gathering their goodly arms, even till we brought our
+horses to Bouprasion, rich in wheat, and the rock Olenian, and where is the
+hill called the hill of Alision, whence Athene turned the people again. There
+slew I the last man and left him there, but the Achaians drave back their swift
+horses from Bouprasion to Pylos, and all gave praise, among the gods to Zeus,
+and among men to Nestor. Such was I, if ever among men I was such an one. But
+Achilles is for reaping alone the reward of his valour; surely methinks that he
+will repent, and lament sore when the host perisheth. O friend, surely
+Menoitios thus gave thee command, on that day when he sent thee out of Phthia
+to Agamemnon. And we twain were within the house, I and goodly Odysseus, and in
+the halls heard we all things even as he commanded thee. For we had come to the
+fair-set halls of Peleus, gathering the host throughout Achaia of the fair
+dames. There then we found the hero Menoitios within, and thee, and with thee
+Achilles. And Peleus the Old, the lord of horses, was burning the fat thighs of
+kine to Zeus, whose joy is in the thunder, in the precinct of his court, and
+held in his hand a chalice of gold, pouring forth the bright wine upon the
+burning offerings. And ye were busy about the flesh of the ox, and then stood
+we in the doorway, and Achilles leaped up in amazement, and took us by the
+hand, and led us in, and bade us be seated, and set before us well the
+entertainment of strangers, all that is their due. But when we had taken
+delight in eating and drinking, I began the discourse, and bade you follow with
+us, and ye were right eager, and those twain laid on you many commands. Peleus
+the Old bade his son Achilles be ever the boldest in fight, and pre-eminent
+over others, but to thee did Menoitios thus give command, the son of Aktor:
+‘My child, of lineage is Achilles higher than thou, and thou art elder, but in
+might he is better far. But do thou speak to him well a word of wisdom, and put
+it to him gently, and show him what things he should do, and he will obey thee
+to his profit.’ So did the old man give thee command, but thou art forgetful.
+Nay, but even now speak thou thus and thus to wise-hearted Achilles, if
+perchance he will obey thee. Who knows but that, God helping, thou mightst stir
+his spirit with thy persuading? and good is the persuasion of a friend. But if
+in his heart he be shunning some oracle of God, and his lady mother hath told
+him somewhat from Zeus, natheless let him send forth thee, and let the rest of
+the host of the Myrmidons follow with thee, if perchance any light shall arise
+from thee to the Danaans; and let him give thee his fair harness, to bear into
+the war, if perchance the Trojans may take thee for him, and withhold them from
+the strife, and the warlike sons of the Achaians might take breath, being
+wearied; for brief is the breathing time in battle. And lightly might ye, being
+unwearied, drive men wearied in the war unto the city, away from the ships and
+the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Aktor was the putative, Poseidon the real father of the Moliones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and ran by
+the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos. But when Patroklos came in his
+running to the ships of godlike Odysseus, where was their assembly and place of
+law, and whereby also were their altars of the gods established, there did
+Eurypylos meet him, Euaimon’s son, of the seed of Zeus, wounded in the thigh
+with an arrow, and limping out of the battle. And sweat ran down streaming from
+his head and shoulders, and from his cruel wound the black blood was welling,
+but his mind was unshaken. And the strong son of Menoitios had pity on him when
+he beheld him, and lamenting he spake winged words: “Ah, wretched men, ye
+leaders and counsellors of the Danaans. How are ye now doomed, far from your
+friends and your own country, to feed full with your white fat the swift hounds
+in Troia! But come, tell me this, Eurypylos, hero and fosterling of Zeus, will
+the Achaians yet in any wise restrain mighty Hector, or will they perish even
+now, subdued beneath his spear?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again did the wounded Eurypylos make answer: “No more, Patroklos of
+the seed of Zeus, will there be any defence of the Achaians, but they will fall
+among the black ships. For verily all of them, that afore were bravest, are
+lying in the ships wounded and smitten by the hands of the Trojans, whose
+strength is waxing always. But me do thou succour, and lead me to the black
+ship, and cut the arrow out of my thigh, and wash away the black blood from it
+with warm water, and smear soft healing drugs thereover, these good herbs
+whereof they say that thou hast learned from Achilles, whom Cheiron taught, the
+most righteous of the Centaurs. For of the leeches, Podaleirios and Machaon,
+one methinks, is wounded in the huts, and himself hath need of a good leech,
+and the other on the plain abideth the keen battle of the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the strong son of Menoitios answered him again: “How should these things
+be? what shall we do, hero Eurypylos? I am on my way to carry a saying to
+wise-hearted Achilles, even the command of Nestor of Gerenia, warden of the
+Achaians; nay, but not even so will I be heedless of thee that art wounded.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and clasped the shepherd of the host below the breast, and led him
+to the hut; and the squire when he beheld them cast on the ground the skins of
+oxen. There he stretched him at length, and cut with a knife the sharp arrow
+from his thigh, and washed from it the black blood with warm water. And
+thereon he cast a bitter root rubbing it between his hands, a root that took
+pain away, and ended all his anguish, and the wound began to dry, and the blood
+ceased.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap12"></a>BOOK XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So in the huts the strong son of Menoitios was tending the wounded Eurypylos,
+but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans. Nor were the fosse
+of the Danaans and their wide wall above, long to protect them, the wall they
+had builded for defence of the ships, and the fosse they had drawn round about;
+for neither had they given goodly hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard
+with its bounds their swift ships, and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless
+gods was it builded, wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While
+Hector yet lived, and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of
+Priam the king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode
+steadfast. But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,—some were taken, and some were left,—and the city of Priam was sacked
+in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships to their own
+dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo take counsel to wash away the
+wall, bringing in the might of the rivers, of all that flow from the hills of
+Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios,
+Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields
+and helms fell in the dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths
+of all these waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he
+drave their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker of the
+earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader, and sent forth
+into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones that the Achaians had
+laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong current of the Hellespont,
+and covered again the great beach with sand, when he had swept away the wall,
+and turned the rivers back to flow in their channel, where of old they poured
+down their fair flow of water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and the din of
+war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of the towers rang
+beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the scourge of Zeus, were
+penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in dread of Hector, the mighty maker
+of flight, but he, as aforetime, fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among
+hounds and hunting men, a boar or lion wheeleth him about, raging in his
+strength, and these array themselves in fashion like a tower, and stand up
+against him, casting many javelins from their hands; but never is his stout
+heart confused nor afraid, and his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth
+him about, and maketh trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he maketh
+onset there the ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and besought his
+comrades through the press, and spurred them on to cross the dyke. But his
+swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed, standing by the sheer
+edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither easy to leap from hard by,
+nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood round about it all on either hand,
+and above it was furnished with sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaians had
+planted there, thick set and great, a bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not
+lightly might a horse enter, drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen
+were eager, if they might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant
+Hector, and spake to him: “Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans and
+allies, foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke; nay right hard
+it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over against them the wall of
+the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and fight in chariots, for strait is the
+place wherein, methinks, we might come by a mischief. For if Zeus that thunders
+on high is utterly to destroy them in his evil will, and is minded to help the
+Trojans, verily then I too would desire that even instantly this might be, that
+the Achaians should perish here nameless far from Argos: but and if they turn
+again, and we flee back from among the ships, and rush into the delved ditch,
+then methinks that not even one from among us to bear the tidings will win back
+to the city before the force of the Achaians when they rally. But come as I
+declare, let us all obey. Let our squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we
+being harnessed in our gear as foot soldiers follow all together with Hector,
+and the Achaians will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of death be made
+fast upon them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and straightway in
+his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground. Nor were the other
+Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all leaped forth, when they beheld
+goodly Hector. There each gave it into the charge of his own charioteer, to
+keep the horses orderly there by the fosse. And they divided, and arrayed
+themselves, and ordered in five companies they followed with the leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most, and
+bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the hollow ships;
+and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for Hector had left another man
+with his chariot, a weaker warrior than Kebriones. The second company Paris
+led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and the third company Helenos led, and godlike
+Deiphobos,—two sons of Priam,—the third was the warrior Asios, Asios Hyrtakos’
+son, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought out of Arisbe, from the river
+Selleëis. And of the fourth company was the brave son of Anchises leader, even
+Aineias; and with him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and Akamas, both
+well skilled in all warfare.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose Glaukos and
+warlike Asteropaios, for they seemed to him to be manifestly the bravest of all
+after himself but he was excellent, yea, above all the host. And these when
+they had arrayed one another with well-fashioned shields of bulls’ hide, went
+straight and eager against the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer
+resist them, but that themselves should fall on the black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the counsel of
+blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of men, willed not to
+leave his horses there, and his squire the charioteer, but with them he drew
+near the swift ships, fond man! for never was he, avoiding evil Fates, to
+return, rejoicing in his horses and chariot, back from the ships to windy
+Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate of ill name overshadowed him, by the spear of
+Idomeneus, the haughty son of Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank
+of the ships, whereby the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and
+horses: there he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the doors
+shut on the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them open if
+perchance they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of the battle
+towards the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with unswerving aim, and
+his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they deemed that the Achaians could
+no longer hold them off, but that themselves would fall on the black ships:
+fools, for in the gates they found two men of the bravest, the high-hearted
+sons of the warrior Lapithae, one the son of Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and
+one Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These twain stood in front of the
+lofty gates, like high-crested oak trees in the hills, that for ever abide the
+wind and rain, firm fixed with roots great and long; even so these twain,
+trusting to the mightiness of their hands, abode the coming of great Asios, and
+fled not. But straight came the Trojans against the well-builded wall, holding
+their shields of dry bulls’ hide on high, with mighty clamour, round the prince
+Asios, and Iamenos, and Orestes, and Adamas, son of Asios, and Thoon, and
+Oinomaos. But the other twain for a while, being within the wall, urged the
+well-greaved Achaians to fight for the ships; but when they saw the Trojans
+assailing the wall, while the Danaans cried and turned in flight, then forth
+rushed the twain, and fought in front of the gates like wild boars that in the
+mountains abide the assailing crew of men and dogs, and charging on either
+flank they crush the wood around them, cutting it at the root, and the clatter
+of their tusks waxes loud, till one smite them and take their life away: so
+clattered the bright bronze on the breasts of the twain, as they were smitten
+in close fight, for right hardily they fought, trusting to the host above them,
+and to their own strength.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded towers in
+defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the swift-faring ships. And like
+snowflakes the stones fell earthward, flakes that a tempestuous wind, as it
+driveth the dark clouds, rains thickly down on the bounteous earth: so thick
+fell the missiles from the hands of Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms
+rang harsh and their bossy shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily
+then Asios, son of Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and indignantly
+he spake: “Father Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie, for I deemed
+not that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and our hands invincible.
+But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that have made their dwellings in a
+rugged path, and leave not their hollow hold, but abide and keep the hunters at
+bay for the sake of their little ones, even so these men have no will to give
+ground from the gates, though they are but two, ere they slay or be slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for his will
+was to give renown to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were for me
+like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the wall of stone
+rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow, defending the ships of
+necessity; and all the gods were grieved at heart, as many as were defenders of
+the Danaans in battle. And together the Lapithae waged war and strife.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the spear,
+through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the bronze helm stay the
+spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through the bone, and all the brain
+within was scattered, and the spear overcame him in his eagerness. Thereafter
+he slew Pylon and Ormenos. And Leonteus of the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos,
+son of Antimachos, with the spear, striking him on the girdle. Then again he
+drew his sharp sword from the sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close
+fight, rushing on him through the throng, that he fell on his back on the
+ground; and thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes one
+after the other, to the bounteous earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men who
+followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number and bravest,
+and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on fire, these still
+stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager to pass over a bird had
+appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on the left hand.
+In its talons it bore a blood-red monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still;
+yea, not yet had it forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote
+the bird that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the throng;
+then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the Trojans shuddered
+when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst of them; an omen of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: “Hector, ever dost thou
+rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since it by no means
+beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee, in council or in war,
+but always to increase thy power; but now again will I say all that seemeth to
+me to be best. Let us not advance and fight with the Danaans for the ships. For
+even thus, methinks, the end will be, if indeed this bird hath come for the
+Trojans when they were eager to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty flight,
+skirting the host on the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red monstrous
+snake, yet living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he reached his
+own nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings. Even so
+shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall of the Achaians,
+and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return in disarray from the
+ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans shall we leave behind, whom
+the Achaians will slay with the sword, in defence of the ships. Even so would a
+soothsayer interpret that in his heart had clear knowledge of omens, and whom
+the people obeyed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: “Polydamas, that thou
+speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how to conceive another
+counsel better than this. But if thou verily speakest thus in earnest, then the
+gods themselves have utterly destroyed thy wits; thou that bidst us forget the
+counsels of loud-thundering Zeus, that himself promised me, and confirmed with
+a nod of his head! But thou bidst us be obedient to birds long of wing, whereto
+I give no heed, nor take any care thereof, whether they fare to the right, to
+the dawn and to the sun, or to the left, to mist and darkness. Nay, for us, let
+us trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who is king over all mortals and
+immortals. One omen is best, to fight for our own country. And wherefore dost
+thou fear war and battle? For if all the rest of us be slain by the ships of
+the Argives, yet needst thou not fear to perish, for thy heart is not warlike,
+nor enduring in battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from the fight, or winnest
+any other with thy words to turn him from war, straightway by my spear shalt
+thou be smitten, and lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and Zeus that
+joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida a blast of wind, which bare
+the dust straight against the ships; and he made weak the heart of the
+Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to Hector. Trusting then in his
+omens, and their might, they strove to break the great wall of the Achaians.
+They dragged down the machicolations of the towers, and overthrew the
+battlements, and heaved up the projecting buttresses, that the Achaians set
+first in the earth, to be the props of the towers. These they overthrew, and
+hoped to break the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now did the Danaans give
+ground from the path, but closed up the battlements with shields of bulls’
+hides, and cast from them at the foemen as they went below the walls.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and arousing
+the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with honeyed words, another
+with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever they saw utterly giving ground
+from the fight: “O friends, whosoever is eminent, or whosoever is of middle
+station among the Argives, ay, or lower yet, for in no wise are all men equal
+in war, now is there work for all, and this yourselves well know. Let none turn
+back to the ships, for that he hath heard one threatening aloud; nay, get ye
+forward, and cheer another on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, will grant us to drive back the assault, and push the foe to the
+city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the Achaians.
+But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus the Counsellor hath
+begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his to men, and he hath lulled the
+winds, and he snoweth continually, till he hath covered the crests of the high
+hills, and the uttermost headlands, and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of
+men; and the snow is scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and
+only the wave as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are
+swathed over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides their
+stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the Trojans against
+the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over all the wall the din
+arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the gates of
+the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not roused his son
+Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the kine of crooked horn.
+Straightway he held forth his fair round shield, of hammered bronze, that the
+bronze-smith had hammered out, and within had stitched many bulls’ hides with
+rivets of gold, all round the circle, this held he forth, and shook two spears;
+and sped on his way, like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh meat, and
+his brave spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come even against
+a well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby, guarding the
+sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven without an
+effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep, and seizeth it, or
+himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart from a strong hand. So did
+his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon to rush against the wall, and break
+through the battlements. And instantly he spake to Glaukos, son of Hippolochos:
+“Glaukos, wherefore have we twain the chiefest honour,—seats of honour, and
+messes, and full cups in Lykia, and all men look on us as gods? And wherefore
+hold we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a fair demesne of
+orchard-land, and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it behoveth us to take our
+stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter fiery battle, that
+certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, ‘Verily our kings that rule
+Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep, and drink the choice wine
+honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of excellent might, for they war in the
+foremost ranks of the Lykians.’ Ah, friend, if once escaped from this battle we
+were for ever to be ageless and immortal, neither would I fight myself in the
+foremost ranks, nor would I send thee into the war that giveth men renown, but
+now—for assuredly ten thousand fates of death do every way beset us, and these
+no mortal may escape nor avoid—now let us go forward, whether we shall give
+glory to other men, or others to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they twain
+went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for against his
+tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked along the tower of the
+Achaians if perchance he might see any of the leaders, that would ward off
+destruction from his comrades, and he beheld the two Aiantes, insatiate of war,
+standing there, and Teukros hard by, newly come from his hut; but he could not
+cry to be heard of them, so great was the din, and the noise went up unto
+heaven of smitten shields and helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates,
+for they had all been shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove by
+force to break them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the herald
+Thoötes: “Go, noble Thoötes, and run, and call Aias: or rather the twain, for
+that will be far the best of all, since quickly here will there be wrought
+utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce
+in strong battle. But if beside them too war and toil arise, yet at least let
+the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled bowman
+follow with him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started and ran
+by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by the Aiantes, and
+straightway spake: “Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Achaians, the
+dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth you go thither, that, if it be
+but for a little while, ye may take your part in battle: both of you he more
+desireth, for that will be far the best of all, since quickly there will there
+be wrought utter ruin. For thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old
+are fierce in strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at
+least let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly spake
+winged words to the son of Oileus: “Aias, do ye twain stand here, thyself and
+strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all their might; but I go
+thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly will I come again, when I have
+well aided them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his brother
+by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow of Teukros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing within the
+wall,—and to men sore pressed they came,—the foe were climbing upon the
+battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong leaders and counsellors of
+the Lykians; and they hurled together into the war and the battle-cry arose.
+Now first did Aias Telamon’s son slay a man, Epikles great of heart, the
+comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged stone he smote him, a great stone that lay
+uppermost within the wall, by the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it
+in both hands, however strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but
+Aias lifted it, and cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold
+crest, and broke the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from the lofty
+tower, and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote Glaukos, the strong son
+of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow from the lofty wall; even where he
+saw his shoulder bare he smote him, and made him cease from delight in battle.
+Back from the wall he leapt secretly, lest any of the Achaians should see him
+smitten, and speak boastfully. But sorrow came on Sarpedon when Glaukos
+departed, so soon as he was aware thereof, but he forgot not the joy of battle.
+He aimed at Alkmaon, son of Thestor, with the spear, and smote him, and drew
+out the spear. And Alkmaon following the spear fell prone, and his bronze-dight
+arms rang round him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong hands the battlement, and
+dragged, and it all gave way together, while above the wall was stripped bare,
+and made a path for many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an arrow, on
+the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast, but Zeus warded
+off the Fates from his son, that he should not be overcome beside the ships’
+sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his shield, nor did the spear pass clean
+through, yet shook he Sarpedon in his eagerness. He gave ground a little way
+from the battlement, yet retreated not wholly, since his heart hoped to win
+renown. Then he turned and cried to the godlike Lykians: “O Lykians, wherefore
+thus are ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is for me, stalwart as I am,
+alone to break through, and make a path to the ships, nay, follow hard after
+me, for the more men, the better work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on the harder
+around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other side made strong
+their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil began for them. For neither
+could the strong Lykians burst through the wall of the Danaans, and make a way
+to the ships, nor could the warlike Danaans drive back the Lykians from the
+wall, when once they had drawn near thereto. But as two men contend about the
+marches of their land, with measuring rods in their hands, in a common field,
+when in narrow space they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements
+divided them, and over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the
+breasts of either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were wounded in
+the flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of any of the warriors
+was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean through the very shield. Yea,
+everywhere the towers and battlements swam with the blood of men shed on either
+side, by Trojans and Achaians. But even so they could not put the Argives to
+rout, but they held their ground, as an honest woman that laboureth with her
+hands holds the balance, and raises the weight and the wool together, balancing
+them, that she may win scant wages for her children; so evenly was strained
+their war and battle, till the moment when Zeus gave the greater renown to
+Hector, son of Priam, who was the first to leap within the wall of the
+Achaians. In a piercing voice he cried aloud to the Trojans: “Rise, ye
+horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and cast among the ships
+fierce blazing fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears, and in
+one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears in their hands
+climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And Hector seized and carried a
+stone that lay in front of the gates, thick in the hinder part, but sharp at
+point: a stone that not the two best men of the people, such as mortals now
+are, could lightly lift from the ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it
+alone, for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as
+when a shepherd lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand, and
+little doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it straight
+against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set portals, double gates
+and tall, and two cross bars held them within, and one bolt fastened them. And
+he came, and stood hard by, and firmly planted himself, and smote them in the
+midst, setting his legs well apart, that his cast might lack no strength. And
+he brake both the hinges, and the stone fell within by reason of its weight,
+and the gates rang loud around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this
+way and that beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped in,
+with face like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was clad about
+his body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met him could have held
+him back when once he leaped within the gates: none but the gods, and his eyes
+shone with fire. Turning towards the throng he cried to the Trojans to overleap
+the wall, and they obeyed his summons, and speedily some overleaped the wall,
+and some poured into the fair-wrought gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear
+among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless clamour arose.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of Idomeneus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left
+them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again he turned his
+shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian horsebreeders, and the
+Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink
+mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the most righteous of men. To Troy no more at all
+he turned his shining eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the
+Immortals would draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mighty Earthshaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on the
+war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for thence all
+Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of
+the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and sate him down, and he had pity
+on the Achaians, that they were subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his
+anger against Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift steps, and
+the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the immortal footsteps of
+Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and with the fourth he reached his
+goal, even Aigae, and there was his famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his
+glistering golden mansions builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and
+let harness to the car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with
+their golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove across
+the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all sides out of the
+deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness the sea stood asunder,
+and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath, and the
+bounding steeds bare him on to the ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between Tenedos
+and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, stay his
+horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food
+to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about their hooves, tethers
+neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the horses might continually await
+their lord’s return. And he went to the host of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array, with
+fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries they came, and
+thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay thereby all the bravest
+of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the world, the Shaker of the earth,
+was urging on the Argives, and forth he came from the deep salt sea, in form
+and untiring voice like unto Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that
+themselves were eager for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the people
+of the Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill fear.
+For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans, that
+have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved Achaians
+will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread lest some evil
+befall us, even here where that furious one is leading like a flame of fire,
+Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may some god put
+it into the hearts of you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and urge others
+to do the like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring ships, despite
+his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him to war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the twain
+with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their limbs he made
+light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even as a swift-winged
+hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall sheer rock, and swoops to
+chase some other bird across the plain, even so Poseidon sped from them, the
+Shaker of the world. And of the twain Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias, was
+the first to know the god, and instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon:
+“Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus, that in the semblance of a
+seer commands us now to fight beside the ships—not Kalchas is he, the prophet
+and soothsayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and knees as he
+turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own heart within my
+breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet beneath and my hands
+above are lusting for the fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within me, and
+both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even in single
+fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which the god
+put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the Achaians that
+were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside the swift ships. Their
+limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea, and their souls filled with
+sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in
+their multitude. And they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows,
+thinking that never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth
+right easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leïtos, and the hero Peneleos, and
+Thoas, and Deïpyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all
+these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships. But if
+you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth shine that shall
+see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this
+that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to
+pass, the Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves,
+and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the
+Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the
+Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness of the
+people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to defend the
+swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the
+hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for
+that he did dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we
+refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for
+easily righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I myself would
+not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I
+am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through
+this remissness,—but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and indignation,
+for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the
+loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath
+burst in sunder.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians. And
+straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands that Ares
+himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that marshals the host.
+Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans and goodly Hector, and
+spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield on serried shield, buckler
+pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood
+each by other, and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their
+hearts were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them, pressing
+straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the winter-swollen
+water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken the foundations of the
+stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping aloft it flies, and the wood
+echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its course, till it reaches the level
+plain, and then it rolls no more for all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a
+while threatened lightly to win to the sea through the huts and the ships of
+the Achaians, slaying as he came, but when he encountered the serried
+battalions, he was stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other
+part, the sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans, and
+Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the Achaians will
+not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed themselves in fashion like
+a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee back before the spear, if verily the
+chief of gods has set me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deïphobos, the
+son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in front of him
+the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his feet, advancing
+beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at him with a shining
+spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the circle of the bulls’-hide
+shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay, well ere that might be, the long
+spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the
+bulls’-hide shield, and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that
+hero shrunk back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for
+the loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to
+go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he
+had left in his hut.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an inextinguishable cry.
+First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the spearman Imbrios, the son of
+Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt, before the coming of the sons of
+the Achaians, and he had for wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock,
+Medesikaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again
+to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who
+honoured him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the
+ear with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze, and
+brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and round him rang
+his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed forth, most eager to strip
+his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came with his shining spear. But
+Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so
+Hector struck Amphimachos, son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the
+spear, as he was returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour
+rang upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachos the
+helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at Hector as he came, with
+a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his body, for he was all clad in dread
+armour of bronze; but he smote the boss of his shield, and drave him back by
+main force, and he gave place from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians
+drew them out of the battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the
+Athenians, conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but
+Imbrios the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and carry
+it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the ground in their
+jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and spoiled his arms. Then
+the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate neck, in wrath for the sake of
+Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a ball through the throng, and it dropped
+in the dust before the feet of Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his son’s son fell in the
+terrible fray.* So he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the
+Achaians, to spur on the Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the
+Trojans. Then Idomeneus, spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade
+that had but newly returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee with
+the sharp bronze. Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus gave charge to
+the leeches, and so went on to his hut, for he still was eager to face the war.
+Then the mighty Shaker of the earth addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son
+of Andraimon, that ruled over the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous
+Kalydon, and was honoured like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor
+of the Cretans, say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the
+Achaians threatened the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidon’s son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos, now is
+there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war. Neither is
+there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that gives place to
+cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus, methinks, must it have
+seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the Achaians should perish nameless
+here, far away from Argos. But Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and
+dost spur on some other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground,
+therefore slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus, never
+may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the sport of dogs,
+who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take thy weapons and away:
+herein we must play the man together, if any avail there may be, though we are
+no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get courage from company, but we twain
+know well how to battle even with the brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus, so
+soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about his body,
+and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that Kronion seizes in
+his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal
+men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the
+breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he
+was still near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of my
+company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art thou
+wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost thou come with a message
+for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the huts, but
+to fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “[Idomeneus, thou counsellor of
+the mail-clad Cretans,] I have come to fetch a spear, if perchance thou hast
+one left in the huts, for that which before I carried I have shivered in
+casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if thou
+wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut, against the
+shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have spoiled their slain.
+Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with foemen from afar, wherefore I
+have spears, and bossy shields, and helms, and corslets of splendid sheen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my black
+ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand. Nay, for
+methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth among the
+foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the strife of battle. Any
+other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should sooner forget my prowess, but
+thou art he that knoweth it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what a man
+of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay, if now beside
+the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an ambush—wherein the valour
+of men is best discerned; there the coward, and the brave man most plainly
+declare themselves: for the colour of the coward changes often, and his spirit
+cannot abide firm within him, but now he kneels on one knee, now on the other,
+and rests on either foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as he
+thinks of doom, and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave man
+does not change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters the
+ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woful war. Were we
+being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man reckon
+lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou wert stricken in
+battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart would not strike thee in
+the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back, but would encounter thy breast or
+belly, as thou dost press on, towards the gathering of the foremost fighters.
+But come, no more let us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man
+be vehemently wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the spear of
+bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high thoughts of battle.
+And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into the war, and with him
+follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless, that terrifies even the hardy
+warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and harness them for fight with the
+Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but
+give honour to one only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of
+men, set forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to enter
+into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on the
+left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired Achaians so like
+to fail in fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the centre
+of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes, and Teukros,
+the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in close fight; these will
+give Hector Priam’s son toil enough, howsoever keen he be for battle; yea,
+though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will he find it, with all his lust for
+war, to overcome their strength and their hands invincible, and to fire the
+ships, unless Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning brand. But
+not to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man that is mortal
+and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be cloven with the sword of bronze, and
+with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles the breaker of the
+ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for speed of foot none
+may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as thou sayest, to
+the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn whether we are to win
+glory from others, or other men from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till they came
+to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with him,
+and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him through the press.
+Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships. And as the gusts speed on,
+when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the
+winds raise together a great cloud of dust, even so their battle clashed
+together, and all were fain of heart to slay each other in the press with the
+keen bronze. And the battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears,
+the piercing spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming
+helmets dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he have
+been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were contriving
+sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for the Trojans and
+Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he did not wish the Achaian
+host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only to give renown to Thetis and her
+strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went among the Argives and stirred them to
+war, stealing secretly forth from the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that
+they were overcome by the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus.
+Verily both were of the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was
+the elder and the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness of a
+man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong strife and equal
+war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and Achaians, a knot that none
+might break nor undo, for the loosening of the knees of many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on the
+Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he slew
+Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had followed after the
+rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of the daughters of Priam,
+Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with promise of mighty deed, namely
+that he would drive perforce out of Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him
+the old man Priam promised and appointed that he would give her, so he fought
+trusting in his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright spear, and
+cast and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet of bronze
+that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his belly. And
+he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and lifted up his voice,
+saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all mortal men, if indeed thou
+shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised to Priam, son of Dardanos, that
+promised thee again his own daughter. Yea, and we likewise would promise as
+much to thee, and fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest daughter of the
+son of Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee, if only thou wilt
+aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us that we may make a
+covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no hard exacters of
+gifts of wooing.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce mellay.
+But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the charioteer guided
+so that still their breath touched the shoulders of Asios. And the desire of
+his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was beforehand with him, and smote him
+with the spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the point straight
+through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that
+craftsmen have felled on the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s
+timber, even so he lay stretched out before the horses and the chariot,
+groaning, and clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and
+kept not his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of
+the hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced
+the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze he
+was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his belly.
+Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and Antilochos, the
+son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from the Trojans, among the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh
+Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily
+watching him, avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of
+his shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he
+always bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the
+spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed
+thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote
+Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him
+terribly, crying aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay, methinks,
+that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will rejoice at
+heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and stirred
+above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite his sorrow, he
+was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood over him, and covered
+him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and
+goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him
+to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving, either to
+cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to fall in warding
+off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of Aisyetes, fosterling of
+Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who was son-in-law of Anchises, and
+had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her
+lady mother dearly loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her
+age in beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a
+spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a pillar, or
+a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus smote him in the
+midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat of bronze about him, that
+aforetime warded death from his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the
+spear. And he fell with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still
+beating, shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: “Deiphobos, are we
+to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since thou
+boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that thou
+mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither! For Zeus
+first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble
+Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and
+now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all
+the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he should
+retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted Trojans, or should
+try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind it seemed the better, to
+go after Aineias, whom he found standing the last in the press, for Aineias was
+ever wroth against goodly Priam, for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his
+valour among men. So Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him:
+“Aineias, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need that
+thou shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth touch
+thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband, who of old
+did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and now, lo,
+spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to seek
+Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon Idomeneus, as
+though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay, like a boar on the
+hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the great assailing throng of
+men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his back, and his eyes shine with
+fire, while he whets his tusks, and is right eager to keep at bay both men and
+hounds. Even so stood spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came
+to the rescue, and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, all
+masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake winged words:
+“Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and terribly I dread the
+onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is assailing me; for he is right strong
+to destroy men in battle, and he hath the flower of youth, the greatest avail
+that may be. Yea, if he and I were of like age, and in this spirit whereof now
+we are, speedily should he or I achieve high victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood hard by
+each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the other side,
+cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and noble Agenor, that
+with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the hosts followed them, as
+sheep follow their leader to the water from the pasture, and the shepherd is
+glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw
+the hosts of the people following to aid him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears, and
+round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each other in
+the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and Idomeneus, the
+peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the other with the
+pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who steadily watching him
+avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of Aineias went quivering in the
+earth, since vainly it had flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote
+Oinomaos in the midst of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the
+bronze let forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing
+spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour
+from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own spear,
+nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the pitiless day
+of destiny, but in retreat his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the
+battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining
+spear, for, verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalaphos, the son of Enyalios, with
+his dart, and the strong spear passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the
+dust, and clutched the earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful
+Ares was not yet aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he
+was reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos tore from
+Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leaped
+forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and from his hand the
+vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And Meriones sprang forth
+instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong spear from the shoulder of
+Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of his comrades. But the own brother
+of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his hands round his waist, and led him forth
+from the evil din of war, even till he came to the swift horses, that waited
+for him behind the battle and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight
+chariot. These bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and
+the blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that chanced
+to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped down and his
+shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the spirit overwhelmed him.
+And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the other way, and leaped on him, and
+wounded him, severing all the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the
+neck; this he severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching
+out both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans
+gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not
+avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard on
+every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And never did
+Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was
+his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart
+was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he
+was aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios,
+who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at
+hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him
+the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake,
+in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones following
+after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the privy parts and
+the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he
+fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull
+that herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long, till the
+hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness
+covered his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great Thracian
+sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged, fell on the
+ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as it rolled between
+his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, and he
+went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince, shaking his sharp
+spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. And both at once were
+making ready to let fly, one with his sharp spear, the other with the arrow
+from the string. Then the son of Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his
+arrow, on the plate of the corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from
+a broad shovel in a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and
+pulse, before the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s shovel, even
+so from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far aside the bitter
+arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, smote the hand of
+Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow, clean through the
+hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew to the ranks of his
+comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down at his side, for the ashen
+spear dragged after him. And the great-hearted Agenor drew the spear from his
+hand, and himself bound up the hand with a band of twisted sheep’s-wool, a
+sling that a squire carried for him, the shepherd of the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate was
+leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome in the dread
+strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset upon each other,
+the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Peisandros smote
+the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, for the wide shield caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet
+Peisandros rejoiced in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of
+Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And
+Peisandros, under his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long
+and polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below
+the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow,
+above the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot
+on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even thus
+then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds, ye
+Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye shall not
+lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds of
+evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering
+Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O
+ye that wantonly carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when
+ye were entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain
+you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O father Zeus, verily they say that
+thou dost excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these things
+are from thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of violence, even the
+Trojans, whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they have their fill of the
+din of equal war. Of all things there is satiety, yea, even of love and sleep,
+and of sweet song, and dance delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his
+fill than of war, but the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body, and gave
+them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again, and mingled in
+the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylaimenes, leaped
+out against him, Harpalion that followed his dear father to Troy, to the war,
+nor ever came again to his own country. He then smote the middle of the shield
+of Atreus’ son with his spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive the
+bronze clean through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate, glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and
+smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder
+and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his
+dear comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and
+drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding
+tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had been his
+host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his sake, he let fly
+a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor, the son of Polyidos the
+seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was in Corinth. And well he knew
+his own ruinous fate, when he went on ship-board, for often would the old man,
+the good Polyidos, tell him, that he must either perish of a sore disease in
+his halls, or go with the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the
+Trojans. Wherefore he avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and
+the hateful disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus, had not heard nor
+knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being subdued by the
+Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so mighty was the Holder
+and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives; yea, and himself mightily
+defended them. But Hector kept where at first he had leaped within the walls
+and the gate, and broken the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even
+where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the
+hoary sea, while above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the
+heroes and their horses were raging in battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught on the
+ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like a flame of
+fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among them Menestheus son
+of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichios, and
+brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion
+and Drakios, and in front of the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in
+war. Now the one, Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of
+Aias, and he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain
+a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their armour, in
+the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the ships, and fighting
+among the Boiotians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side of
+Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow land two
+wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough, and round the
+roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and nought sunders them but
+the polished yoke, as they labour through the furrow, till the end of the
+furrow brings them up, so stood the two Aiantes close by each other. Now verily
+did many and noble hosts of his comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and
+bore his shield when labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians
+followed not with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze,
+shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but
+trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool, they followed with
+him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake the
+ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front, with their well-dight arms
+contended with the Trojans, and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others
+from behind kept shooting from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of
+the joy of battle, for the arrows confounded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans have
+withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant Hector and said:
+“Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that would counsel thee; for
+that god has given thee excellence in the works of war, therefore in council
+also thou art fain to excel other men in knowledge. But in nowise wilt thou be
+able to take everything on thyself. For to one man has god given for his
+portion the works of war, [to another the dance, to another the lute and song,]
+but in the heart of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent
+understanding, whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and
+himself best knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me.
+Behold all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being scattered
+among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the best of the
+warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully, whether we should
+fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god willeth to give us victory, or
+after counsel held, should return unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear
+lest the Achaians repay their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there
+tarrieth a man insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand
+aloof from battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who [straightaway
+sprang to earth from the chariot with his arms, and] spake to him winged words
+and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best of the host, but I will go
+thither to face the war, and swiftly will return again, when I have straitly
+laid on them my commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and shouting
+aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped to Polydamas,
+the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of Hector. But he went
+seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he
+might find them. But them he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but,
+lo, some among the sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by
+the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or
+cast. But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with words of
+shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for women, thou
+seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and
+Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and where is Othryoneus? Now
+hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too, thou seest, is sheer
+destruction sure.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy mind is
+to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather withdraw me from
+the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a coward. For from the time
+that thou didst gather the battle of thy comrades about the ships, from that
+hour do we abide here, and war with the Danaans ceaselessly; and our comrades
+concerning whom thou inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the strong prince
+Helenos have both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the hand with long
+spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on, wheresoever thy
+heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee eagerly, nor methinks
+shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but beyond his strength
+may no man fight, howsoever eager he be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went forth where
+the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble Polydamas, and
+Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Askanios, and
+Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their turn, out of deep-soiled
+Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus urged them to fight. And these set
+forth like the blast of violent winds, that rushes earthward beneath the
+thunder of father Zeus, and with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea,
+and therein are many swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and
+white with foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed
+in van and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders. And
+Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. In
+front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and plates of beaten
+bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And everywhere he went in
+advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance they would yield to him as he
+charged under cover of his shield. But he could not confound the heart within
+the breast of the Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged
+him first: “Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the
+Argives? We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus
+are we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled
+city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight to
+father Zeus, and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be
+fleeter than falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as they
+storm in dust across the plain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of lofty
+flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged by the omen,
+but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering boaster, what sayest thou!
+Would that indeed I were for ever as surely the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, and
+that my mother were lady Hera, and that I were held in such honour as Apollo
+and Athene, as verily this day is to bring utter evil on all the Argives! And
+thou among them shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my long spear,
+which shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat and flesh the
+birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and the whole
+host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side answered with a shout,
+and forgot not their valiance, but abode the onslaught of the bravest of the
+Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts went up through the higher air, to the
+splendour of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and Poseidon
+spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he spake
+winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble Machaon, what had
+best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong warriors by the ships.
+Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright wine, till Hekamede of the
+fair tresses shall heat warm water for the bath, and wash away the clotted
+blood, but I will speedily go forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming Thrasymedes,
+which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for the son had the
+shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with a point of keen
+bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway beheld a deed of shame, the
+Achaians fleeing in rout, and the high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the
+wall of the Achaians was overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with
+a dumb wave, and dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still
+unmoved nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way and
+that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And thus as he
+pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go to the son of Atreus.
+Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each other, and the stout bronze rang
+about their bodies as they were thrust with swords and double-pointed spears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went up
+from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus’ son, and
+Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the battle were
+their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for these were the first
+they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the wall in front of the
+hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, for as wide as it was, hold all the
+ships, and the host was straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within
+row, and filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held
+between them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears,
+to look on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast.
+And the old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the
+breasts of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast deserted the
+war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the word that dread
+Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us, speaking in the
+assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he return to Ilios from the
+ships, till he had burned the ships with fire, and slain the men. Even so he
+spake, and, lo, now all these things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the
+other well-greaved Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like
+Achilles, and have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these things are
+now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus himself contrive
+them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is overthrown, wherein we
+trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of the ships and of our own
+bodies. And these men by the swift ships have endless battle without sparing,
+and no more couldst thou tell, howsoever closely thou mightst spy, from what
+side the Achaians are driven in rout, so confusedly are they slain, and the cry
+of battle goeth up to heaven. But let us take counsel, how these things may
+best be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we
+should go down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they are
+warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath availed not, nor
+the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much labour, hoping in their hearts
+that it should be the unbroken bulwark of the ships, and of their own
+bodies—such it seemeth must be the will of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians
+should perish here nameless far from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward
+to aid the Danaans, and now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like
+that of the blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come,
+as I declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in
+the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes, if even
+at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we drag down all the
+ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin, yea, even in the night.
+Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels: “Atreus’ son,
+what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of mischief, sure thou shouldst
+lead some other inglorious army, not be king among us, to whom Zeus hath given
+it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of grievous wars, till every
+man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to leave the wide-wayed city of the
+Trojans, the city for which we endure with sorrow so many evils? Be silent,
+lest some other of the Achaians hear this word, that no man should so much as
+suffer to pass through his mouth, none that understandeth in his heart how to
+speak fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath hosts obeying him so
+many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I wholly scorn thy
+thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the midst of war and
+battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the sea, that even
+more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire, albeit they win the
+mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon us. For the Achaians will not
+make good the war, when the ships are drawn down to the salt sea, but will look
+round about to flee, and withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel work a
+mischief, O marshal of the host!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply hast
+thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the sons of the
+Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered ships to the salt sea.
+Now perchance there may be one who will utter a wiser counsel than this of
+mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would it be to me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is near,—not
+long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of me, and each of you
+be not resentful at all, because in years I am the youngest among you. Nay, but
+I too boast me to come by lineage of a noble sire, Tydeus, whom in Thebes the
+piled-up earth doth cover. For Portheus had three well-born children, and they
+dwelt in Pleuron, and steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas, and the third was
+Oineus the knight, the father of my father, and in valour he excelled the
+others. And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither he had
+wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And he
+wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of trees
+apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he excelled all the
+Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak sooth. Therefore ye could
+not say that I am weak and a coward by lineage, and so dishonour my spoken
+counsel, that well I may speak. Let us go down to the battle, wounded as we
+are, since we needs must; and then might we hold ourselves aloof from the
+battle, beyond the range of darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the
+others will we spur on, even them that aforetime gave place to their passion,
+and stand apart, and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they set
+forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in the
+guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon, Atreus’
+son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying: “Atreides, now methinks
+the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his breast, as he beholds the
+slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he hath no wisdom, not a grain.
+Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and god mar him. But with thee the blessed
+gods are not utterly wroth, nay, even yet methinks the leaders and rulers of
+the Trojans will cover the wide plain with dust, and thyself shalt see them
+fleeing to the city from the ships and the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud as nine
+thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the strife of war,
+so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth sent forth from his
+breast, and great strength he put into the heart of each of the Achaians, to
+strive and war unceasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with her
+eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s going to and fro
+through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And she beheld Zeus
+sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he was
+hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might beguile
+the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to be the
+best counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself, if
+perchance he would desire to sleep beside her and embrace her body in love, and
+a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eyelids and his crafty wits.
+And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had fashioned, and
+therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret bolt, that no
+other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the shining doors. With
+ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her winsome body, and anointed
+her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour; if it were but
+shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour thereof went right
+forth to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair body, and combed her
+hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair and ambrosial,
+flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her fragrant robe that
+Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set many things beautifully
+made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold. And she girdled it
+with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set earrings in her
+pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering, therefrom shone grace
+abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless goddess veiled herself, a
+fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath her shining feet she bound goodly
+sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her array, she went forth
+from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other gods, and spake to
+her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that which I shall tell thee?
+or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart, because I succour the Danaans,
+and thou the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart bids me
+fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love and
+Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal men. For I am
+going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the
+gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and nourished me in their halls,
+having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing Zeus imprisoned Kronos beneath the
+earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am I going to visit, and their endless
+strife will I loose, for already this long time they hold apart from each
+other, apart from love and the marriage bed, since wrath hath settled in their
+hearts. If with words I might persuade their hearts, and bring them back to
+love and the marriage bed, ever should I be called dear to them and
+worshipful.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor seemly
+were it to deny that thou askest, for thou sleepest in the arms of Zeus, the
+chief of gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and loving
+converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she laid in her
+hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take this girdle and lay it up in thy
+bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are fashioned; methinks
+thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou
+desirest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the zone
+within her breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera, rushing
+down, left the peak of Olympus, and touched on Pieria and pleasant Emathia, and
+sped over the snowy hills of the Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost
+crests, nor grazed the ground with her feet, and from Athos she fared across
+the foaming sea, and came to Lemnos, the city of godlike Thoas. There she met
+Sleep, the brother of Death, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called
+him by name: “Sleep, lord of all gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear
+my word, obey me again even now, and I will be grateful to thee always. Lull
+me, I pray thee, the shining eyes of Zeus beneath his brows, so soon as I have
+laid me down by him in love. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne,
+imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own
+child, shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a festival.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sweet Sleep answered her and said: “Hera, goddess and queen, daughter of
+mighty Kronos, another of the eternal gods might I lightly lull to slumber,
+yea, were it the streams of Okeanos himself, that is the father of them all.
+But to Zeus the son of Kronos might I not draw near, nor lull him to slumber,
+unless himself commanded it. For ere now did a behest of thine teach me a
+lesson, on the day when that famed high-hearted son of Zeus sailed from Ilios,
+when he had sacked the city of the Trojans. Then verily I lulled the soul of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with my sweet influence poured about him, and thou didst
+contrive evil against him in thy heart, and didst rouse over the sea the blasts
+of violent winds, and Herakles thou then didst bear to well-peopled Kos, far
+from all his friends. But Zeus, when he wakened, was wrathful, and dashed the
+gods about his mansion, and me above all he sought, and he would have cast me
+from the upper air to perish in the deep, if Night had not saved me, Night,
+that subdues both gods and men. To her I came as a suppliant in my flight, and
+he ceased from pursuing, wrathful as he was, for he was in awe of doing aught
+displeasing to swift Night. And now again thou biddest me accomplish this other
+task that may not be accomplished.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera answered him again: “Sleep, wherefore dost thou
+consider these things in thy heart? dost thou deem that Zeus of the far-borne
+voice will succour the Trojans even as he was wroth for the sake of Herakles,
+his own child? Nay come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the Graces,
+to wed and to be called thy wife [even Pasithea, that ever thou longest for all
+thy days].”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said: “Come now, swear to me
+by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands grasp the bounteous
+earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all may be witnesses to us,
+even all the gods below that are with Kronos, that verily thou wilt give me one
+of the younger of the Graces, even Pasithea, that myself do long for all my
+days.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she sware as he
+bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below Tartaros that are
+called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that oath, the twain left the
+citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in mist, and swiftly they
+accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild
+beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the sea, and they twain fared above
+the dry land, and the topmost forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep
+halted, ere the eyes of Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the
+loftiest pine that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air.
+Therein sat he, hidden by the branches of the pine, in the likeness of the
+shrill bird that on the mountains the gods call <i>chalkis</i>, but men
+<i>kymindis</i>.* But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest
+crest of Ida, and Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so
+love came over his deep heart, even as when first they mingled with each other
+in delight, and went together to the couch, their dear parents knowing it not.
+And he stood before her, and spoke, and said: “Hera, with what desire comest
+thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses and chariot are not here, whereon
+thou mightst ascend?”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* The names of Night-jar, Goat-sucker, Doehawk, and Fern-owl are given in
+Bewick for this bird, which is really a kind of swift.—R. W. R.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit the
+limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother
+Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them am I going to
+visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they
+hold apart from each other, from love and the marriage bed, since wrath hath
+settled in their hearts. But my horses are standing at the foot of
+many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall bear me over wet and dry. And now it
+is because of thee that I am thus come hither, down from Olympus, lest
+perchance thou mightest be wroth with me hereafter, if silently I were gone to
+the mansion of deep-flowing Okeanos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera, thither
+mayst thou go on a later day. But come let us twain take pleasure in the bed of
+love. For never once as thus did the love of goddess or woman so mightily
+overflow and conquer the heart within my breast. Not when I loved the wife of
+Ixion, who bore Pirithoos, the peer of gods in counsel, nor when I loved Danae
+of the fair ankles, daughter of Akrisios, who bore Perseus, most renowned of
+all men, nor when I loved the famed daughter of Phoinix, who bore me Minos, and
+godlike Rhadamanthys, nay, nor even when I loved Semele, nor Alkmene in Thebes,
+and she bore Herakles, a child hardy of heart, but Semele bore Dionysos, a
+delight to mortals, nay, nor when I loved the fair-tressed queen, Demeter, nor
+renowned Leto, nay, nor thy very self, as now I love thee, and sweet desire
+possesses me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him the lady Hera answered with crafty purpose: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what a word thou hast spoken! If now thou dost long to be couched in love on
+the crests of Ida, and all stands plain to view, how would it be if someone of
+the eternal gods should see us slumbering, and go and tell it to all the gods?
+It is not I that could arise from the couch and go again to thy house, nay, it
+would be a thing for righteous anger. But if thou wilt, and it is dear to thy
+heart, thou hast a chamber that thine own son Hephaistos builded, and fastened
+strong doors to the pillars, thither let us go and lie down, if the couch be
+thy desire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered her and said: “Hera, fear not lest any
+god, or any man should spy the thing, so great a golden cloud will I cast all
+over thee. Nay, methinks not even the sun might see through it, the sun, whose
+light is keenest of all to behold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the son of Kronos clasped his consort in his arms. And beneath
+them the divine earth sent forth fresh new grass, and dewy lotus, and crocus,
+and hyacinth, thick and soft, that raised them aloft from the ground. Therein
+they lay, and were clad on with a fair golden cloud, whence fell drops of
+glittering dew.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and love
+overcome, with his bedfellow in his arms. But sweet Sleep started and ran to
+the ships of the Achaians, to tell his tidings to the god that holdeth and
+shaketh the earth. And he stood near him, and spake winged words: “Eagerly now,
+Poseidon, do thou aid the Danaans, and give them glory for a little space,
+while yet Zeus sleepeth, for over him have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath
+beguiled him to couch in love.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the more did
+he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang far afront of the
+foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again to yield the victory to
+Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships and win renown? Nay, even so
+he saith and declareth that he will do, for that Achilles by the hollow ships
+abides angered at heart. But for him there will be no such extreme regret, if
+we spur us on to aid each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us all obey.
+Let us harness us in the best shields that are in the host, and the greatest,
+and cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears in our
+hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that Hector,
+son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And whatsoever man
+is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his shoulder, let him give
+it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger shield.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the kings
+themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host, and made exchange of
+weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior harness him in, the worse he
+gave to the worse. But when they had done on the shining bronze about their
+bodies, they started on the march, and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the
+earth, with a dread sword of fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning;
+wherewith it is not permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear
+holds men afar therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even dark-haired
+Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans, the other with the
+Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and they
+gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea
+against the land, stirred up from the deep by the harsh breath of the north
+wind, nor so loud is the roar of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when
+it springs to burn up the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high
+leafy tresses of the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was
+the cry of the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon
+each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him full, and
+did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched across his breast,
+the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded sword; these guarded his
+tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because his swift spear had flown vainly
+from his hand, and he retreated into the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge stone;
+for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the feet of the
+fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the breast, over the
+shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top with the blow, that he
+reeled round and round. And even as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the
+stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and
+whoso stands near and beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of
+great Zeus, even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear
+fell from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to drag him
+away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to wound or smite the
+shepherd of the host, before that might be the bravest gathered about him,
+Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians,
+and noble Glaukos, and of the rest not one was heedless of him, but they held
+their round shields in front of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms,
+and bare him out of the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were
+standing waiting for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the
+rear of the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying Xanthos,
+that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground,
+and poured water over him, and he gat back his breath, and looked up with his
+eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling, he vomited black blood. Then again he
+sank back on the ground, and black night covered his eyes, the stroke still
+conquering his spirit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives when they saw Hector departed rushed yet the more upon the
+Trojans, and were mindful of the delight of battle. There far the foremost did
+swift Aias, son of Oileus, leap on Satnios, son of Enops, and wounded him with
+his sharp spear; Satnios whom the fair Naiad-nymph bore to Enops as he herded
+his flocks by the banks of Satnioeis. Him did the spear-famed son of Oileus
+draw nigh, and wounded him on the flank, and he fell, and round him did Trojans
+and Danaans join in strong battle. Then to his aid came Polydamas, the wielder
+of the spear, son of Panthoos, and smote Prothoenor on the right shoulder,
+Prothoenor, son of Areïlykos, and through his shoulder went the mighty spear,
+and he fell in the dust, and clutched the earth with his palm. And Polydamas
+boasted over him terribly, crying aloud: “Verily methinks that again from the
+strong hand of the high-hearted son of Panthoos, the spear hath not leaped in
+vain. Nay, one of the Argives hath caught it in his flesh, and leaning thereon
+for a staff, methinks that he will go down within the house of Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow came on the Argives by reason of his boasting. And
+chiefly he roused the wrath of the wise son of Telamon, Aias, for the man fell
+close by him. Swiftly he cast at the other, as he departed, with his shining
+spear. And Polydamas himself avoided black Fate, starting to one side, but
+Archelochos, son of Antenor, received the spear, for the gods had willed his
+death. Him the spear struck at the meeting of the head and neck, on the last
+joint of the spine, and cut in twain both the tendons. And his head, and mouth,
+and nose, as he fell, reached the earth long before his legs and knees, and
+Aias again shouted to noble Polydamas: “Consider, Polydamas, and tell me truly,
+whether thou sayst not that this man is worth slaying in place of Prothoenor:
+he seems to me no coward, nor born of cowards, but a brother of horse-taming
+Antenor, or a child, for he most closely favoureth his house.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, knowing the truth right well, and sorrow seized the hearts of the
+Trojans. Then Akamas wounded Promachos the Boiotian with his spear, from where
+he stood above his brother, that Promachos was dragging away by the feet. Over
+him Akamas boasted terribly, shouting aloud: “Ye Argive bowmen, insatiate of
+threats, verily not for us alone shall there be struggle and toil, nay, but
+even as we shall ye likewise perish. Consider how your Promachos sleepeth,
+vanquished by my spear, that my brother’s blood-price may not be long unpaid.
+Even for this it is that a man may well pray to leave some kinsman in his
+halls, that will avenge his fall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and sorrow came on the Argives at his boast. And chiefly he
+stirred the heart of the wise Peneleos, who made for Akamas, and Akamas abode
+not the onset of the prince Peneleos. But Peneleos wounded Ilioneus, the son of
+Phorbas, rich in herds, that Hermes loved most dearly of all the Trojans, and
+gave him wealth. Now his mother bare Ilioneus, an only child, to Phorbas. Him
+did Peneleos wound beneath the brows, at the bases of the eye, and drave out
+the eyeball, and the spear went clean through the eye and through the nape of
+the neck, and he fell back, stretching out both his hands. And Peneleos,
+drawing forth his sharp sword, smote him on the middle of the neck, and smote
+off even to the ground the head with the helmet, and still the strong spear
+stood in the eye, and lifting it up like a poppy head, he showed it to the
+Trojans, and spoke his boastful words: “Ye Trojans, I pray you bid the dear
+father and the mother of proud Ilioneus to wail in their halls, for neither
+will the wife of Promachos, son of Alegenor, rejoice in her dear husband’s
+coming, in that hour when we youths of the Achaians return with our ships out
+of Troy-land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and fear fell on the limbs of all of them; and each man looked
+about to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses, that dwell in the mansions of Olympus, who was the first
+of the Achaians to lift the bloody spoils, when once the renowned Shaker of the
+earth turned the battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Verily it was Aias, son of Telamon, that first wounded Hyrtios, the son of
+Gyrtias, the leader of the Mysians strong of heart, and Antilochos stripped the
+spoils from Phalkes and Mermeros, and Meriones slew Morys and Hippotion, and
+Teukros slew Prothoon and Periphetes, and next Atreus’ son wounded in the flank
+Hyperenor, the shepherd of the host, and the bronze point tore through and let
+out the entrails, and the soul through the stricken wound fled hastily, and
+darkness covered his eyes. But most men did Aias slay, the swift-footed son of
+Oileus, for there was none so speedy of foot as he, to follow when men fled,
+when Zeus sent terror among them.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes of the
+Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and many were
+overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed, and abode beside
+the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and Zeus awoke, on the peaks
+of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he leaped up, and stood, and
+beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in flight, and these driving them on
+from the rear, even the Argives, and among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector
+he saw lying on the plain, and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping
+with difficult breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it
+was not the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera, with
+fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy crafty wile that
+has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has terrified the host. Nay,
+but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be the first to reap the fruits of
+thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember, when
+thou wert hung from on high, and from thy feet I suspended two anvils,* and
+round thy hands fastened a golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst
+hang in the clear air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus,
+but they could not come round and unloose thee.” Nay, whomsoever I might take,
+I would clutch, and throw from the threshold, to come fainting to the earth, yd
+verily not even so did the ceaseless sorrow leave my soul free: sorrow for
+godlike Herakles. Him didst thou drive, when thou hadst suborned the tempest,
+with the help of the North Wind, over the unvintaged deep, out of thine evil
+counsel, and then didst carry him away to well-peopled Kos. Him did I rescue
+thence, and lead again to Argos, the pastureland of horses, after his much
+labour. Of these things will I mind thee again, that thou mayst cease from thy
+wiles, that thou mayst know if it profit thee at all, the dalliance and the
+love, wherein thou didst lie with me, when thou hadst come from among the gods,
+and didst beguile me.”
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote">
+* Or, “thunderbolts”; <i>i.e.</i> meteoric stones.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him winged
+words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven above, and
+that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most terrible to the
+blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own bridal bed, whereby never
+would I forswear myself, that not by my will does earth-shaking Poseidon
+trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour them of the other part. Nay, it is
+his own soul that urgeth and commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians,
+when he beheld them hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him
+also to go even where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her he spake
+winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera, wouldst hereafter
+abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods, thereon would Poseidon,
+howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly turn his mind otherwhere,
+after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou speakest the truth and soothly, go
+thou now among the tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come hither, and
+Apollo, the renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of mail-clad
+Achaians and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get him unto
+his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and breathe
+strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now wears down
+his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred in them
+craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of Achilles
+son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos; and him shall
+renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has slain
+many other youths, and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath therefor
+shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause a new
+pursuit from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the Achaians
+take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour neither
+do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to help
+the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus, as I
+promised him at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head, on
+that day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she sped
+down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus. And even as when the mind of a man
+darts speedily, of one that hath travelled over far lands, and considers in his
+wise heart, “Would that I were here or there,” and he thinketh him of many
+things, so swiftly fled she in her eagerness, the lady Hera, and came to steep
+Olympus, and went among the gathering of the immortal gods in the house
+of Zeus, and when they beheld her they all rose up together, and held out
+their cups to her in welcome. The others she left alone, but took the cup of
+Themis of the fair cheeks, for she was the first that came running to meet
+her, and speaking winged words accosted her: “Hera, wherefore hast thou
+come? thou seemest like one confounded; verily the son of Kronos hath made
+thee adread, thine own husband.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the white-armed goddess Hera answered her, saying: “Ask me not concerning
+this, O goddess Themis; thyself knowest it, how overweening is his heart, and
+unyielding. But do thou begin the equal banquet of the gods in the halls, and
+thus shalt thou hear among all the Immortals, even what evil deeds Zeus
+declareth. Nay, methinks, not equally will it delight the minds of all, neither
+of gods nor mortals, if even now any still sit with pleasure at the feast.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the lady Hera, and sat her down, while the gods were heavy at heart in
+the hall of Zeus. And she laughed with her lips, but her forehead above her
+dark brows was not gladdened, and indignantly she spake among them all:
+“Witless that we are to be wroth in our folly against Zeus! Even still we are
+eager to draw nigh to him, and let him from his will, by word or deed, but he
+sits apart and careth not, nor takes any thought thereof, for he deems that
+among the immortal gods he is manifestly pre-eminent in force and might.
+Wherefore do ye content yourselves with whatsoever sorrow he sends on each of
+you. Already, methinks, has sorrow been wrought for Ares, for his son has
+fallen in the fight, even the dearest of men, Askalaphos, that dread Ares
+deemeth to be verily his own.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, but Ares smote his strong thighs with his hands flatlings, and
+sorrowing he spake: “Hold me not now to blame, ye that keep the mansions of
+Olympus, if I avenge the slaying of my son, and go to the ships of the
+Achaians, even if it be my doom to be smitten with the bolt of Zeus, and lie
+among the dead, in the dust and blood.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and bade yoke his horses, Fear and Dread, and himself did on his
+shining harness. Thereby would yet a greater and more implacable wrath and
+anger have been caused between Zeus and the Immortals, had not Athene, in
+terror for the sake of all the gods, leaped out through the doorway, and left
+the throne wherein she sat, and taken from Ares’ head the helmet, and the
+shield from his shoulders, and drawn the spear of bronze from his stalwart
+hand, and set it apart, and then with words she rebuked the impetuous Ares:
+“Mad that thou art, and distraught of wit—this is thy bane! Verily thou hast
+ears and hearest not, and perished have thine understanding and thine awe.
+Hearest thou not what she saith, the white-armed goddess Hera, that even now is
+come from Olympian Zeus? Dost thou wish both thyself to fill up the measure of
+mischief and so return to Olympus ruefully, of necessity, and for all the other
+gods to sow the seed of a great wrong? For straightway will he leave the
+high-hearted Trojans and the Achaians, and to us will he come to make tumult in
+Olympus: and he will clutch us each in turn, the blameless with the guilty.
+Wherefore now again I bid thee to abate thine anger for thy son, for already
+many a man stronger than he, and more hardy of his hands, has fallen, or yet
+will fall; and a hard thing it is to save the lineage and offspring of all
+men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and made impetuous Ares sit down on his throne. But Hera called
+Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the messenger of the immortal gods,
+and she spake winged words, and addressed them, saying: “Zeus bids you go to
+Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have gone, and looked on the face of
+Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and command.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and returned again, the lady Hera, and sat down on her throne,
+and they flew forward speedily, and came to many-fountained Ida, mother of wild
+beasts, and found far-seeing Zeus seated on topmost Gargaros, and round him a
+fragrant cloud was circled like a crown. And these twain came before the face
+of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and stood there, and he was no wise displeased at
+heart when he beheld them, for that speedily they had obeyed the words of his
+dear wife. And to Iris first he spake winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris,
+to the prince Poseidon, and tell him all these things, nor be a false
+messenger. Command him to cease from war and battle, and to go among the tribes
+of the gods, or into the bright sea. But if he will not obey my words, but will
+hold me in no regard, then let him consider in his heart and mind, lest he dare
+not for all his strength to abide me when I come against him, since I deem me
+to be far mightier than he, and elder born. But this his heart feareth not,—to
+call himself the peer of me whom even the other gods do hold in dread.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went down the
+hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail fleets from the
+clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the clear air, so fleetly
+she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew near the renowned Earth-shaker
+and spake to him, saying: “A certain message to thee, O dark-haired embracer of
+the earth, have I come hither to bring from aegis-bearing Zeus. He biddeth thee
+cease from the battle and war, and go among the tribes of the gods, or into the
+bright sea. And if thou wilt not obey his word, but wilt hold him in no regard,
+he threatens that even himself will come hither against thee in battle, and he
+biddeth thee avoid thee out of his hands since he deemeth him far mightier than
+thou, and elder born, but thy heart feareth not to call thyself the peer of him
+whom even the other gods do hold in dread.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, in great displeasure the renowned Shaker of the earth answered her: “Out
+on it, verily now, for as strong as he is, he hath spoken over-haughtily, if
+indeed he will subdue by force, against my will, me that am his equal in
+honour. For three brethren are we, and sons of Kronos, whom Rhea bare, Zeus,
+and myself, and Hades is the third, the ruler of the folk in the under-world.
+And in three lots are all things divided, and each drew a domain of his own,
+and to me fell the hoary sea, to be my habitation for ever, when we shook the
+lots: and Hades drew the murky darkness, and Zeus the wide heaven, in clear air
+and clouds, but the earth and high Olympus are yet common to all. Wherefore no
+whit will I walk after the will of Zeus, but quietly let him abide, for all his
+strength, in his third portion. And with the might of his hands let him not
+strive to terrify me withal, as if I were a coward. Better for him were it to
+threaten with terrible words his daughters and his sons, that himself begat,
+who will perforce listen to whatso he enjoins.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the fleet wind-footed Iris answered him: “Is it indeed thy will,
+O dark-haired embracer of the earth, that even thus I shall carry to
+Zeus this message, hard and froward, or wilt thou turn thee at all, for
+the hearts of the good may be turned? Thou knowest how the Erinyes do
+always follow to aid the elder-born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he answered her again, Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth: “Goddess Iris,
+most duly hast thou spoken this word. Yea, an excellent thing is this, when the
+bearer of a message has a prudent wit. Yet this is a terrible grief that cometh
+on heart and spirit, whenso any desireth to upbraid with angry words his peer
+to whom fate hath assigned an equal share with himself. But verily now will I
+yield, for all mine anger; but another thing will I tell thee, and make this
+threat in my heart, that if against my will, and the will of Athene, the driver
+of the prey, and of Hera and Hermes, and prince Hephaistos, Zeus shall spare
+steep Ilios, nor choose utterly to destroy it, and give great might to the
+Argives, let him know this, that our wrath will be inappeasable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the Shaker of the earth, and left the host of the Achaians, and passed
+to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go now, dear
+Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze, for, lo, already the embracer of the
+world, the Earthshaker, is gone to the bright sea, shunning our utter wrath,
+ay, and had he not done so, even the others would have heard of our strife,
+even the gods of the nether world, that are with Kronos. But better far is
+this, both for me, and for him, that, despite his wrath, he should yield to my
+hands, for not without sweat would this strife have been accomplished. But do
+thou take in thy hands the tasselled aegis, and shake it fiercely and affright
+the Achaian heroes. But, thou Archer-God, let glorious Hector be thy care, and
+rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their flight to the
+ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I devise word and deed
+wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again from their toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went down
+the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is the swiftest
+of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector,
+sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late got back his life, and knew
+the comrades around him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, from the
+moment when the will of aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then
+far-darting Apollo stood near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of Priam, why
+dost thou sit fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that some trouble
+cometh upon thee?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay, but who
+art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face? Dost thou not
+know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the Achaians, Aias of the loud
+war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone, as I was slaying his comrades, and
+made me cease from mine impetuous might? And verily I deemed that this very day
+I should pass to the dead, and the house of Hades, when I had gasped my life
+away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage now, so
+great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand by thee and
+defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who of old defend
+thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now bid thy many charioteers
+drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and I will go before and
+make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian
+heroes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and even
+as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether and speedeth
+at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to bathe in the
+fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the mane floweth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his knees bear him to the
+haunts and pasture of the mares, even so Hector lightly moved his feet and
+knees, urging on his horsemen, when he heard the voice of the god. But as when
+hounds and country folk pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock
+and shady wood save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their
+clamour a bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them
+all despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on always
+in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed spears, but when
+they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, then were they afraid, and
+the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the Aitolians,
+skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in council did few
+of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate; with
+good intent he made harangue and spake among them: “Alas, and verily a great
+marvel is this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again arisen, and hath
+avoided the Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he
+had died beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods
+again hath delivered and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of
+many of the Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will
+of loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle.
+But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the
+ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with outstretched
+spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear at heart to enter
+into the press of the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were with
+Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Meriones, and Meges the peer of
+Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained the fight with
+Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude returned to the ships of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides Hector led
+them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in
+cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread, circled with a shaggy fringe,
+and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of
+men; with this in his hands did he lead the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on both
+sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears from
+stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men swift in
+fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh, stuck in the
+ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo
+held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts smote either side amain,
+and the folk fell. But when he looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift
+steeds, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their
+heart in their breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two
+wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not
+by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent
+a panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then man fell upon man, when the close fight was scattered. Hector slew
+Stichios, and Arkesilaos, one a leader of the mail-clad Boiotians, the other
+the true comrade of great-hearted Menestheus. And Aineias slew Medon and Iasos,
+whereof one was the bastard son of divine Oileus, even Medon, brother of Aias,
+but he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain a man
+the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, the wife of Oileus. But Iasos was a
+leader of the Athenians, and was called the son of Sphelos, the son of
+Boukolos. And Polydamas slew Mekisteus, and Polites Echios in the forefront of
+the battle, and noble Agenor overcame Klonios. And Deïochos as he was flying
+among the fighters in the foremost rank Paris smote behind the lower part of
+the shoulder, and drave the bronze clean through.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while they were stripping the spoil from these, even then the Achaians were
+dashing into the delved fosse, and against the palisade, fleeing hither and
+thither in their terror, and were driven perforce within the wall, but Hector
+called with a loud shout to the Trojans: “Make ye against the ships, and leave
+the bloody spoils. Whomsoever I shall see apart from the ships on the other
+side, his death will I there devise, nor forthwith shall his kinsmen and
+kinswomen lay him dead on the funeral fire, but dogs shall tear him in front of
+our citadel.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called aloud
+on the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level with his held
+the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous din, and in front of
+them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep
+ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide
+as is a spear-cast, when a man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby
+the Trojans poured forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held
+the splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians,
+as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long toil
+and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other; and
+lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently, and chiefly
+prayed Gerenian Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his hand towards
+the starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in wheat-bearing Argos
+did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and prayed that he might return,
+and thou didst promise and assent thereto, of these things be thou mindful, and
+avert, Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to overcome the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered loudly,
+hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus, rushed yet
+the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the joy of battle. And
+as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the bulwarks of a ship, the
+might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly swells the waves, even so did
+the Trojans with a great cry bound over the wall, and drave their horses on,
+and at the hindmost row of the ships were fighting hand to hand with
+double-pointed spears, the Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing
+up aloft, from the black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships
+for battle at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos, as long as the Achaians and Trojans were fighting about the
+wall, without the swift ships, sat in the hut of kindly Eurypylos, and was
+making him glad with talk, and on his cruel wound was laying herbs, to medicine
+his dark pain. But when he perceived the Trojans rushing over the wall, and the
+din and flight of the Danaans began, then did he groan, and smote his two
+thighs with his hands flatlings, and sorrowing he spake: “Eurypylos, no longer
+at all may I abide with thee here, though great thy need, for verily a great
+strife has arisen. But thee let thy squire comfort, while I hasten to Achilles,
+that I may urge him to join the battle. Who knows but with god’s help I may
+arouse his spirit with my persuasion? and a good thing is the persuasion of a
+friend.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake, his feet were bearing him away, but the Achaians abode the
+onset of the Trojans steadfastly, yet availed not to drive them, though fewer
+they were, from the ships: neither at all could the Trojans break the ranks of
+the Danaans and pour among the huts and the ships. But even as the carpenter’s
+line doth straighten the timber of a ship, in the hands of a cunning shipwright
+that is well skilled in all craft, by the inspiration of Athene, so equally was
+strained their war and battle, and divers of them were fighting about divers
+ships. Now Hector made for renowned Aias, and they twain were warring about the
+same ship, nor could the one drive back the other and set fire to the ship, nor
+could the other thrust him away, since the god urged him on. There did glorious
+Aias smite Kaletor son of Klytios in the breast with a spear, as he was
+carrying fire against the ship, and he fell with a crash, and the torch dropped
+from his hand. But Hector, when he beheld with his eyes his cousin fallen in
+the dust, in front of the black ship, called with a loud cry to the Trojans and
+Lykians: “Ye Trojans, and Lykians, and Dardanians that fight hand to hand,
+slacken not at all from the battle in this strait, but save the son of Klytios;
+lest the Achaians spoil him of his harness, now that he hath fallen in the
+precinct of the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and hurled at Aias with a shining spear and Aias he missed, but
+Lykophron, the son of Mastor, the Kytherian squire of Aias, who dwelt with him,
+having slain a man in divine Kythera, him Hector smote on the head above the
+ear with the sharp bronze, even as he stood near Aias; and backward in the dust
+he fell to earth from the stern of the ship, and his limbs were loosened. And
+Aias shuddered, and spake to his brother: “Dear Teukros, lo our true comrade
+hath been slain, even the son of Mastor out of Kythera whom we honoured at home
+in the halls like our own parents. Him hath great-hearted Hector slain. Where
+now are thy swift shafts of doom, and the bow that Phoebus Apollo gave thee?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the other marked him, and ran, and came and stood close by
+him, with the bended bow in his hand, and the quiver with the arrows, and right
+swiftly he showered his shafts upon the Trojans. And he smote Kleitos, the
+splendid son of Peisenor, the comrade of Polydamas, the haughty son of
+Panthoos, with the reins in his hand, as he was busy with the horses, for
+thither was he driving them where far the most of the companies were broken in
+confusion, and he was showing a favour to Hector and the Trojans. But swiftly
+on himself came his bane, that not one of them could ward off from him, despite
+their desire. For the woful arrow lighted on the back of his neck, and he fell
+from the chariot, and back started his horses, shaking the empty car. But
+straightway the prince Polydamas beheld it, and was the first to come over
+against the horses. Them he gave to Astynoos, the son of Protiaon, and enjoined
+him straitly to hold the horses close at hand, and look on, and himself went
+back, and mingled with the foremost fighters. Then Teukros aimed another shaft
+against Hector of the helm of bronze, and would have made cease the battle by
+the ships of the Achaians, if he had smitten him in his prowess and taken his
+life away. But he escaped not the wise mind of Zeus, who guarded Hector, but
+took away the praise from Teukros son of Telamon, for he brake the well-twisted
+string on the goodly bow, even as Teukros was aiming at Hector, and his arrow
+weighted with bronze wandered otherwhere, and the bow fell from his hands. But
+Teukros shuddered, and spake to his brother saying: “Alas, now verily the god
+breaks altogether the purpose of our battle, in that he hath cast the bow from
+my hand, and hath broken the newly twisted cord, which I bound on but this
+morning, that it might sustain the many shafts that should leap from the bow.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the great Aias son of Telamon answered him saying: “Yea, friend, but let
+the bow and the many arrows lie, even so, since the god has confounded them,
+being jealous of the Danaans, but take in thy hands a long spear, and a shield
+on thy shoulder, and war with the Trojans, and arouse the rest of the host.
+Verily not without labour, for all their victory, let them take the
+well-timbered ships, nay, let us be mindful of the delight of battle.”</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Teukros set the bow within the huts again, but round his
+shoulder he set a fourfold shield, and on his mighty head a well-wrought
+helmet, [with a horse-hair plume, and terribly the crest nodded above.] And he
+seized a strong spear, shod with sharp bronze, and started on his way, and
+started and running right speedily stood beside Aias.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Hector saw the artillery of Teukros harmed, he cried, with a mighty
+shout, to the Trojans and Lykians: “Trojans, and Lykians, and Dardanians
+that love close fight, play the man, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous
+valour, here by the hollow ships, for I have seen with mine eyes, how the
+artillery of the bravest warrior was harmed by Zeus. And most easily discerned is
+the aid of Zeus to men both to whomso he gives the meed of the greater honour
+and whom he would minish and hath no will to aid, as even now he minisheth the
+strength of the Argives, but us he aideth. But fight in your firm companies at the ships,
+and whosoever of you be smitten by dart or blow and meeteth death and fate, so
+let him die. Lo, it is no dishonourable thing for him to fall fighting for his
+country, but his wife and his children after him are safe, and his house
+unharmed, and his lot of land, if but the Achaians fare with their ships to
+their dear native land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and aroused the might and the spirit of every man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Aias again, on the other side, called unto his comrades: “Shame on you,
+Argives: now is one thing sure, either that we must perish utterly, or be
+saved and drive the peril from the ships. Think ye that if Hector of the
+glancing helm take the ships, ye will come by dry land each to his own country?
+Hear ye not Hector exhorting all the host, so eager, verily, is he to burn the
+ships? Truly he bids not men to the dance but to battle. And for us there is no
+better counsel nor device, but to put forth our hands and all our might in
+close combat. Better it were to risk life or death, once for all, than long to
+be straitened in the dread stress of battle, thus vainly by the ships, at the
+hands of worse men than we be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused the might and the spirit of every man. Then Hector
+slew Schedios, the son of Perimedes, a leader of the Phokians, while Aias slew
+Laodamas, the leader of the foot-men, the noble son of Antenor, and Polydamas
+slew Otos, of Kyllene, comrade of Phyleides, a chief of the high-hearted
+Epeians. And Meges, when he beheld it rushed on him, but Polydamas stooped
+downwards, and him Meges missed,—for Apollo suffered not the son of Panthoos to
+be smitten among the foremost fighters,—but he wounded Kroismos in the midst of
+the breast with his spear. And he fell with a crash, and the other set to
+stripping the harness from his shoulders. Then Dolops rose against him, a
+warrior skilled, Dolops son of Lampos, whom Lampos Laomedon’s son begat, his
+bravest son, well skilled in impetuous valour; who then smote the midst of the
+shield of Phyleus’ son, setting on him at close quarters. But his well-wrought
+corslet guarded him, the corslet that he wore, fashioned of plates of mail.
+This corslet did Phyleus once bear out of Ephyre, from the river Selleëis. For
+a guest friend of his had given him the same, even Euphetes, king of men, that
+he might bear it in war, a defence against foemen; and now from his son’s flesh
+too it warded off his bane. Now Meges smote with sharpened spear at the topmost
+crest of his helmet of bronze with horse-hair plume, and brake off his plume of
+horse-hair, and it all fell earthward in the dust, shining with its new scarlet
+dye. Now while he abode, and fought, and yet hoped for victory, there came
+against him to the rescue warlike Menelaos, and stood unmarked on his flank
+with his spear, and smote him on the shoulder from behind, and the eager spear
+rushed through his breast, in forward flight, and then fell he forward. Then
+the twain made for him to strip from his shoulders his harness of bronze. But
+Hector called to all his kinsmen, and first he chid the son of Hiketaon, the
+strong Melanippos. Now till then was Melanippos wont to feed his kine of
+trailing gait in Perkote, far off from hostile men, but when the curved ships
+of the Danaans came, he returned to Ilios, and excelled among the Trojans, and
+dwelt hard by Priam, who honoured him equally with his own children. Him did
+Hector chide, and spake out, and called him by name: “Melanippos, are we to be
+thus slack? Is thy heart not moved at all, at sight of thy kinsman slain? Seest
+thou not how they are busied about the harness of Dolops? nay, follow on, for
+no longer may we fight with the Argives from afar, till either we slay them, or
+they utterly take steep Ilios, and slay her people.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led on, while the other followed him, a godlike man. But the
+great Aias, son of Telamon, exhorted the Argives, saying: “O friends, play the
+man, and take shame in your hearts; yea, have shame each of the other’s
+contempt, in the strong battle. For of men thus shamefast more escape than
+fall, but of men that flee cometh neither glory, nor any avail.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they likewise themselves were eager to drive off the others,
+and laid up his word in their hearts, and begirt the ships with a ring of
+bronze, while Zeus urged on the Trojans. Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry
+exhorted Antilochos, “Antilochos, not one of the Achaians is younger than thou,
+nor swifter of foot, nor strong as art thou in fight; see now if thou canst
+leap out, and smite some man of the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and hasted back again, having heartened the other, and forth
+Antilochos leaped from the foremost ranks, and cast his shining spear, glancing
+all around him, and the Trojans gave ground before him when he threw. And no
+vain dart threw he, but smote Melanippos, the proud son of Hiketaon, as he was
+returning to the combat; on the breast hard by the nipple he smote him. And he
+fell with a crash, and darkness covered his eyes. And Antilochos set on like a
+hound that rushes upon a wounded fawn, that the hunter hath aimed at and
+smitten as it leaped from its lair, and hath loosened all its limbs. Even so
+upon thee, Melanippos, leaped Antilochos steadfast in battle, to spoil thy
+harness. But noble Hector marked him, and came running against him through the
+battle. But Antilochos abode not his onset, swift warrior though he was, but he
+fled, like a wild beast that hath done some evil thing, having slain a dog, or
+a herdsman by the kine, and flees, before the press of men can gather; even so
+fled the son of Nestor. Now the Trojans and Hector, with wonderful clamour,
+showered upon him their dolorous darts, but he turned, and stood, when he had
+reached the host of his comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling the
+behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but softened the
+temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the
+others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to Hector, the son of
+Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire, unwearied, upon the
+beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore
+wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes should see the glare of a burning
+ship. For even from that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the
+Trojans from the ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was
+he rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. And he was raging, like Ares, the brandisher of the spear, or as
+when ruinous fire rages on the hills, in the folds of a deep woodland; and foam
+grew about his mouth, and his eyes shone beneath his dreadful brows, and around
+the temples of Hector as he fought his helm shook terribly. For Zeus out of
+heaven was his ally, and gave him honour and renown, he being but one man
+against so many. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene
+was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus.
+And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he break them
+for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled like a steep rock
+and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the
+shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans
+steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire
+on all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is
+all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail,
+and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way are
+they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the breasts of the
+Achaians. But he came on like a ravening lion making against the kine, that are
+feeding innumerable in the low-lying land of a great marsh, and among them is a
+herdsman that as yet knoweth not well how to fight with a wild beast concerning
+the slaughter of the kine of crooked horn, and ever he paces abreast with the
+rear or the van of the cattle, but the lion leaps into the midst, and devours a
+cow, and they all tremble for fear, even so the Achaians all were made terribly
+adread by Hector and father Zeus. But Hector slew Periphetes of Mykene only,
+the dear son of Kopreus, that was wont to go on the errands of Eurystheus, to
+the mighty Herakles. From him, a far baser father, was born a better son, in
+all manner of excellence, in fleetness of foot, and in war, and of mind he was
+wise among the first of the Mykenaeans. He thus then yielded Hector the greater
+glory. For as he turned back, he tripped against the rim of his shield which he
+was wont to bear, a shield that reached to the feet, a fence against
+javelins—thereon he stumbled, and fell back, and his helm rang wrondrously
+around his temples as he fell. And Hector quickly spied it, and ran up swiftly
+and stood by him, and fixed a spear in his breast, and slew him hard by his
+dear comrades that could not aid him, despite all their sorrow for their
+friend, for themselves greatly dreaded noble Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now were they come between the ships, and the prows protected them, the prows
+of the ships drawn up in the first line, but the Trojans rushed in after them.
+And the Argives were compelled even of necessity to give back from the foremost
+ships, yet there they abode in close rank beside the huts, and did not scatter
+throughout the camp. For shame and fear restrained them and ceaselessly they
+kept shouting each to other. Now Gerenian Nestor above all, the Warden of the
+Achaians, implored each man by the memory of them that begat him, and spake
+beseechingly: “O friends, play the man, and set shame of other men’s contempt
+in hearts. Let each also be mindful of children and wives, and of his
+possessions, and of them that begat him, whether any have parents yet alive or
+they be already dead. For their sake do I here beseech you, for the sake of them
+that are not with us, to stand stoutly, nor turn to flight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused each man’s courage and might, and from their eyes
+Athene lifted the wondrous cloud of mist, and light came mightily upon them
+from either side, both from the side of the ships, and from the quarter of
+even-balanced war. And they beheld Hector of the loud war-cry, and his
+comrades, both them that stood in the rear and were not fighting, and all them
+that fought in the battle by the swift ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor yet did it please the spirit of high-hearted Aias, to stand in the place
+whereto the other sons of the Achaians had withdrawn, but he kept faring with
+long strides, up and down the decks of the ships, and he wielded in his hands a
+great pike for sea-battles, jointed with rings, two and twenty cubits in
+length. And even as a man right well skilled in horsemanship that couples four
+horses out of many, and hurrying them from the plain towards a great city,
+drives along the public way, many men and women marvelling on him, and firmly
+ever he leaps, and changes his stand from horse to horse, while they fly along,
+even so Aias went with long strides, over many a deck of the swift ships, and
+his voice went up unto heaven. And always with terrible cries he summoned the
+Danaans to defend the ships and the huts. Nor did Hector abide in the throng of
+well-armed Trojans, but even as a tawny eagle rushes on a flock of winged fowl,
+that are feeding by a riverside, a flock of geese, or cranes, or long-necked
+swans, even so Hector made straight for a black-beaked ship, rushing right on
+it, and mightily Zeus urged him on from behind with his strong hand, and roused
+on the host along with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that unwearied and
+unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought. And in their
+striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed that never would
+they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped
+in his breast, that they should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the
+Achaians. With these imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized
+the stern of a seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own country. Now
+round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor
+far apart did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing
+hard each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from
+off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his hold,
+keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans: “Bring fire, and
+all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath Zeus given us the dearest
+day of all,—to take the ships that came hither against the will of the gods,
+and brought many woes upon us, by the cowardice of the elders, who withheld me
+when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the ships, and kept back the host.
+But if even then far-seeing Zeus did harm our wits, now he himself doth urge
+and command us onwards.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no longer
+abode their onset, for he was driven back by the darts, but he withdrew a
+little,—thinking that now he should die,—on to the oarsman’s bench of seven
+feet long, and he left the decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the
+watch, and with his spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever
+brought unwearied fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans:
+“O friends, Danaan heroes, men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and
+be mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs,
+or some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend ourselves, having
+a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay, but we are set down in the
+plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our backs against the sea, and far off
+from our own land. Therefore is safety in battle, and not in slackening from
+the fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen spear. And
+whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing fire, to
+pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with his long
+spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he wound.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans from the
+ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew near
+Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a fountain of
+dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream. And noble
+swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his sake, and accosted
+him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore weepest thou, Patroklos, like a
+fond little maid, that runs by her mother’s side, and bids her mother take her
+up, snatching at her gown, and hinders her in her going, and tearfully looks at
+her, till the mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost thou let fall soft
+tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me myself, or is it some
+tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost thou lament for the
+sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships through their own
+transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy spirit, that we may both
+know all.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: “O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth, seeing
+that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of them that
+aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and wounded. Smitten
+is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow.
+And about them the leeches skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds,
+but thou art hard to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold
+of me as that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from
+the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy father,
+nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer cliffs, so
+untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning some oracle, and
+thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth
+quickly, and make the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any
+light may arise from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about
+my shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain
+from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as
+they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh
+drive men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to be his
+own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great heaviness
+spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, what word
+hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that I wot of, nor yet has
+my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but this dread sorrow comes upon my
+heart and spirit, from the hour that a man wishes to rob me who am his equal,
+and to take away my prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread sorrow to me
+is this, after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The maiden that the
+sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I won with my spear
+when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon the son of Atreus
+taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some sojourner dishonourable.
+But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be angry of heart for ever, yet
+verily I said that I would not cease from my wrath, until that time when to
+mine own ships should come the war-cry and the battle. But do thou on thy
+shoulders my famous harness, and lead the war-loving Myrmidons to the fight, to
+ward off destruction from the ships, lest they even burn the ships with blazing
+fire, and take away our desired return. But when thou hast driven them from the
+ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering lord of Hera grant thee to win
+glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight with the war-loving Trojans;
+thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do thou, exulting in war and
+strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward Ilios, lest one of the eternal
+gods from Olympus come against thee; right dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter
+love them. Nay, return back when thou halt brought safety to the ships, and
+suffer the rest to fight along the plain. For would, O father Zeus, and Athene,
+and Apollo, would that not one of all the Trojans might escape death, nor one
+of the Argives, but that we twain might avoid destruction, that alone we might
+undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he was
+overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the shafts of
+the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept ringing terribly
+about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the fair-wrought
+cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as steadfastly he held up
+his glittering shield, nor yet could they make him give ground, as they pressed
+on with their darts around him. And ever he was worn out with difficult breath,
+and much sweat kept running from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw
+breath, so on all sides was evil heaped on evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell on the
+ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of Aias he smote
+with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the point, and shore it clean
+away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his hand no more than a pointless
+spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, even
+how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him avail in war, and
+desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back out of the darts. But the
+Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying fire, and instantly the
+inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon
+Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of the
+seed of Zeus, commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the rush
+of the consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no more
+retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His goodly
+greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs, and next did
+on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the swift-footed son of
+Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of bronze, with studs of
+silver, and next took the great and mighty shield, and on his proud head set a
+well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from
+above. Then seized he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not
+the spear of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the
+horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to abide his
+call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift horses, Xanthos and
+Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses that the harpy Podarge bare
+to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in
+the side-traces he put the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he
+took the city of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the
+immortal horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their hearts
+unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on the horses and
+the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of each of them, and the
+ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard the prince. And as when a man
+builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of
+the winds, even so close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield
+pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by the
+wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them in their
+nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they make for many.
+With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured out now from the ships,
+and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting
+aloud: “Myrmidons, ye comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my friends,
+and be mindful of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for the son
+of Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and whose
+close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the son of
+Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the best
+of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused each man’s heart and courage, and all in a mass they
+fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the cry of the
+Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of Menoitios, himself and
+his squire, shining in their armour, the heart was stirred in all of them, and
+the companies wavered, for they deemed that by the ships the swift-footed son
+of Peleus had cast away his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man
+glanced round, to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press, where
+most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of great-hearted
+Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian horsemen out of
+Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on the right shoulder, and
+he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and his comrades around him, the
+Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew
+their leader that was ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the
+ships, and quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there,
+and the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among
+the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high
+crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a dense
+cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and glades, and
+from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven
+the blazing fire from the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was
+no pause in the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by
+the Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber
+wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves behold
+it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of courage,—even so
+the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight,
+and forgot their impetuous valour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the helm of
+bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad shoulders with his
+shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of the arrows, and the noise of
+spears. And verily well he knew the change in the mastery of war, but even so
+he abode, and was striving to rescue his trusty comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air, when
+Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the war-cry and
+the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again. But his swift-footed
+horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left the host of Troy, whom the
+delved trench restrained against their will. And in the trench did many swift
+steeds that draw the car break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the
+chariots of their masters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full of evil
+will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight filled all the ways,
+for they were scattered, and on high the storm of dust was scattered below the
+clouds, and the whole-hooved horses strained back towards the city, away from
+the ships and the huts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did he
+guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone from their
+chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of shattering. But straight
+over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the swift horses. And the heart of
+Patroklos urged him against Hector, for he was eager to smite him, but his
+swift steeds bore Hector forth and away. And even as beneath a tempest the
+whole black earth is oppressed, on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain
+most vehemently, and all the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents
+tear away, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring
+mightily, and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them backward
+again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city, despite their
+desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, he rushed on
+them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade slain. There first he smote
+Pronoos with a shining spear, where the shield left bare the breast, and
+loosened his limbs, and he fell with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he
+next assailed, as he sat crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck
+distraught, and the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with
+the lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos
+caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with line
+and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping
+from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life left him as he fell.
+Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone,
+and all his head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth
+he fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and
+Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris,
+and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he
+brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he
+cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither do ye
+flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this man that I may know who he is
+that conquers here, and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in that
+he hath loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground. But
+Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his chariot. And
+they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks, that war with loud
+yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with cries against each other.
+And beholding then the son of Kronos of the crooked counsels took pity on them,
+and he spake to Hera, his sister and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is fated
+that Sarpedon, the best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under Patroklos
+son of Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is divided, as I
+ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful war, and set him
+down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue him beneath the
+hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of Kronos, what
+word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to fate dost thou
+desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy will, but all we
+other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another thing I will tell thee, and
+do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own
+house, consider lest thereon some other god likewise desire to send his own
+dear son away out of the strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam
+war many sons of the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible
+wrath. But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos
+son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia, there
+will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar, for this is
+the due of the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he shed
+bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that Patroklos was about
+to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off from his own country. Now
+when they were come near each other in onset, there verily did Patroklos smite
+the renowned Thrasymelos, the good squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower
+part of the belly, and loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his
+shining javelin, as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the
+right shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other twain
+reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were confused on
+them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof did Automedon, the
+spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his long-edged sword from his
+stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the
+pair righted themselves, and strained in the reins, and they met again in
+life-devouring war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the spear
+flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he in turn
+arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his hand, but
+struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating heart. And he fell as
+falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine tree, that on the hills the
+shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be timber for ship-building; even so
+before the horses and chariot he lay at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at
+the bloody dust. And as when a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull,
+tawny and high of heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes
+groaning beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade:
+“Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to be a
+spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if indeed
+thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the heroes that be
+leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself do battle
+for me with the sword. For to thee even in time to come shall I be shame and
+disgrace for ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine armour,
+fallen in the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur on all
+the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his nostrils,
+but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out of his flesh, and
+the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew forth together the spear
+point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the Myrmidons held there his panting
+steeds, eager to fly afar, since the chariot was reft of its lords.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his
+heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with his hand he
+caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound of the arrow
+wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros had smitten him,
+warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in prayer spake Glaukos to
+far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art somewhere in the rich land of
+Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen everywhere to the man that is in
+need, as even now need cometh upon me. For I have this stark wound, and mine
+arm is thoroughly pierced with sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and
+by the wound is my shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go
+and fight against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the
+son of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may
+call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself may fight about
+the dead man fallen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he made
+his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black blood, and put
+courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him, and was glad, for that
+the great god speedily heard his prayer. First went he all about and urged on
+them that were leaders of the Lykians to fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter
+he went with long strides among the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and
+noble Agenor, and he went after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and
+standing by them spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly
+forgetful of the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their
+own country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended Lykia
+by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued beneath the spear
+of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry in your hearts lest the
+Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and dishonour the dead, in wrath for the
+sake of the Danaans, even them that perished, whom we slew with spears by the
+swift ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not to be
+borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a stranger as he was,
+for many people followed with him, and himself the best warrior of them all.
+Then they made straight for the Danaans eagerly, and Hector led them, being
+wroth for Sarpedon’s sake. But the fierce heart of Patrokloa son of Menoitios
+urged on the Achaians. And he spake first to the twain Aiantes that themselves
+were right eager: “Aiantes, now let defence be your desire, and be such as
+afore ye were among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low who first leaped
+on to the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us strive to take him,
+and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his shoulders, and many a
+one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue with the pitiless
+bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both sides they
+strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons and Achaians, and
+they joined battle to fight around the dead man fallen; terribly they shouted,
+and loud rang the harness of men. And as the din ariseth of woodcutters in the
+glades of a mountain, and the sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din
+of them from the wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned
+bulls’ hides smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not even a
+clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with darts
+and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And ever men
+thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the full
+milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the bowls, even so
+thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from the strong fight his
+shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and much in his heart he debated of
+the slaying of Patroklos, whether there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious
+Hector should slay him likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his
+harness from his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer
+labour of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should rob many
+of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and leaping into
+his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of the Trojans to flee,
+for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the
+strong Lykians abide, but fled all in fear, when they beheld their king
+stricken to the heart, lying in the company of the dead, for many had fallen
+above him, when Kronion made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from
+the shoulders of Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son
+of Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus that
+gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go take Sarpedon
+out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from him, and thereafter
+bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, and anoint him
+with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that wax not old, and send him to be
+wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that quickly will
+set him in the rich land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and clansmen
+give him burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the hills
+of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly Sarpedon out of
+the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in the streams of the river,
+and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him in garments that wax not old, and
+sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+swiftly set him down in the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his
+horses and Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son
+of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever
+is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the spirit of
+Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst thou slay,
+Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos first, and Autonoos,
+and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippos, and
+thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and Pylartes; these he slew, but the others
+were each man of them fain of flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he
+raged with the spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall,
+with baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo force
+him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But when for the
+fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting Apollo terribly, and
+spake winged words: “Give back, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not beneath thy
+spear is it fated that the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall, nay nor
+beneath Achilles, a man far better than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining his
+whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into the din and
+fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall. While thus he was
+thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of a young man and a strong,
+Asios, who was the mother’s brother of horse-taming Hector, being own brother
+of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of Sangarios.
+In his guise spake Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector, wherefore dost thou
+cease from fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I were as much stronger
+than thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou stand aloof from war to
+thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy strong-hooved horses, if
+perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned Hector
+bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then Apollo went
+and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the Argives, but to the
+Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let the other Argives be, and
+slew none of them, but against Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses,
+and Patroklos on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a
+spear in his left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone,
+that his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he
+shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the
+charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the
+sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone drave
+together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground in the dust,
+there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought
+car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him,
+knightly Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth! Yea,
+if perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so
+lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans
+too there be diving men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that while
+wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own valour is his
+bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou leap furiously. But
+Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. And these
+twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on the mountain peaks fight, both
+hungering, both high of heart, for a slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’ sake
+these two masters of the war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned
+Hector, were eager each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while Patroklos on
+the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the others, Trojans and
+Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind and the South contend with
+one another in shaking a deep wood in the dells of a mountain, shaking beech,
+and ash, and smooth-barked cornel tree, that clash against each other their
+long boughs with marvellous din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans
+and Achaians were leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any
+thought of ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones,
+and winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote the
+shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty
+and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote either
+side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of the loosing of
+oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the better. The hero
+Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the tumult of the Trojans, and
+stripped the harness from his shoulders, and with ill design against the
+Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three times then rushed he on, peer of
+swift Ares, shouting terribly, and thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth
+time he sped on like a god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life
+appear, for Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And
+Patroklos was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick
+mist did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his
+head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the crests
+were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear was shattered
+in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and strong, and sharp,
+while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the
+ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness seized
+his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in amaze, and at
+close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the back, between the
+shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of Panthoos, who excelled
+them of his age in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of
+foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down twenty men from their chariots,
+though then first had he come with his car to learn the lesson of war. He it
+was that first smote a dart into thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee,
+but ran back again and mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the
+flesh his ashen spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he
+was, in the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give ground, being
+smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through the ranks, and wounded
+him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the belly, and drave the bronze
+clean through. And he fell with a crash, and sorely grieved the host of
+Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in battle an untiring boar, they
+twain fighting with high heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well,
+and both are desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar
+that draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son
+of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at
+close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+“Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from Trojan
+women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to thine own dear
+country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift horses of Hector straining
+their speed for the fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel among the
+war-loving Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but thee
+shall vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his valour,
+availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding there,
+saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow ships, till
+thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his breast;’ so,
+surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in thy witlessness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly, as now,
+Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given the victory, who
+lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my harness from my shoulders.
+But if twenty such as thou had encountered me, here had they all perished,
+subdued beneath my spear. But me have ruinous Fate and the son of Leto slain,
+and of men Euphorbos, but thou art the third in my slaying. But another thing
+will I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou thyself art
+not long to live, but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and strong Fate,
+that thou art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the seed of
+Aiakos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul, fleeting
+from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its own doom, leaving
+manhood and youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos, wherefore to
+me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that Achilles, the child
+of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my spear, and lose his life?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot on
+the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And straightway with the
+spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed Aiakides,
+for he was eager to smite him; but his swift-footed immortal horses bare him
+out of the battle, horses that the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying of
+Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of the fight
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as above a first-born
+calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos strode fair-haired
+Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the circle of his shield, eager to
+slay whoever should encounter him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout ashen
+spear not heedless of noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the circle of
+the shield of Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the point was
+bent back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in his turn made at
+him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and as he gave back
+pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight into the stroke,
+following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck went the point of
+the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour rang upon him. In blood was
+his hair drenched that was like unto the hair of the Graces, and his tresses
+closely knit with bands of silver and gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused against
+him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a man, of Mentes
+chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged words: “Hector, now art
+thou hasting after things unattainable, even the horses of wise Aiakides; for
+hard are they to be tamed or driven by mortal man, save only Achilles whom an
+immortal mother bare. Meanwhile hath warlike Menelaos Atreus’ son stridden over
+Patroklos and slain the best of the Trojans there, even Panthoos’ son
+Euphorbos, and hath stayed him in his impetuous might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief darkened
+Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the lines, and
+straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble arms, and the
+other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the gaping wound. Then he
+went through the front of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, crying a
+shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame unquenchable. Not deaf to his shrill
+cry was Atreus’ son, and sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if
+I shall leave behind me these goodly arms, and Patroklos who here lieth for my
+vengeance’ sake, I fear lest some Danaan beholding it be wroth against me. But
+if for honour’s sake I do battle alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest
+they come about me many against one; for all the Trojans is bright-helmed
+Hector leading hither. But if I might somewhere find Aias of the loud war-cry,
+then both together would we go and be mindful of battle even were it against
+the power of heaven, if haply we might save his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son:
+that were best among these ills.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan ranks
+came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave backward, and left
+the dead man, turning himself ever about like a deep-waned lion which men and
+dogs chase from a fold with spears and cries; and his strong heart within him
+groweth chill, and loth goeth he from the steading; so from Patroklos went
+fair-haired Menelaos, and turned and stood, when he came to the host of his
+comrades, searching for mighty Aias Telamon’s son. Him very speedily he espied
+on the left of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them to
+fight, for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him to
+run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias; let us
+bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least we may
+carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up through the
+front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now Hector, when he had
+stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was dragging him thence that he might
+cut off the head from the shoulders with the keen bronze and carry his body to
+give to the dogs of Troy. But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was
+as a tower; then Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang
+into his chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son
+of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in a
+forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood Atreus’
+son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and Lykians and
+Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and bethink you of
+impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of noble Achilles that I
+stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the strife of
+war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook his comrades, not
+yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’ glorious arms. And standing
+apart from the dolorous battle he changed his armour; his own he gave the
+warlike Trojans to carry to sacred Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of
+Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector arming him
+in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and spake thus unto his
+soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart of death that yet draweth
+nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine armour of a peerless man before
+whom the rest have terror. His comrade, gentle and brave, thou hast slain, and
+unmeetly hast stripped the armour from his head and shoulders; yet now for a
+while at least I will give into thy hands great might, in recompense for this,
+even that nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for Andromache to
+receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread war-god
+entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and strength.
+Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and in the flashing of
+his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus’ great-hearted son. And he
+came to each and encouraged him with his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and Medon
+and Thersilochos and Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys and
+Chromios and the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged
+words: “Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It was
+not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you from
+your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’ wives and infant
+little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying my people
+by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the courage of each of
+you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the foe and live or die, for
+such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead though he
+be, among the horse-taming men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him will I
+award half the spoils and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great as
+mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their weight,
+levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to drag the corpse
+from under Aias, Telamon’s son. Fond men! from full many reft he life over that
+corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Dear Menelaos,
+fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that we two of ourselves shall return
+home out of the war. Nor have I so much dread for the corpse of Patroklos, that
+shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the men of Troy, as for thy head and mine
+lest some evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded by a storm-cloud of war, even
+by Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face. But come, call thou to the best
+men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye leaders and
+counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon
+and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders of the host, on
+whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me to distinguish each
+chief amid the press—such blaze is there of the strife of war. But let each go
+forward of himself and be wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a sport
+among the dogs of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was first to
+run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and Idomeneus’
+brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god. And who shall of
+his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all that after these
+aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And as
+when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth against the
+stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the salt sea belloweth on the
+beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came. But the Achaians stood
+firm around Menoitios’ son with one soul all, walled in with shields of bronze.
+And over their bright helmets the son of Kronos shed thick darkness, for in the
+former time was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him, while he was yet alive and
+squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should become a prey of the dogs
+of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to do battle for him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank before
+them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of them with spears,
+though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But little while would the
+Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the
+first in presence and in deeds of all the Danaans after the noble son of
+Peleus. Right through the fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar
+in his might that in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly
+dogs and lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamon’s son the
+glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as they
+had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and win
+renown.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have been
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the Argives would have
+won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by their power and might. But
+Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on the semblance of Periphas the
+herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old with his old father in his heraldship,
+of friendly thought toward Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of
+Zeus: “Aineias, how could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the will
+of God? Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet ye are
+dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon his
+face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other leaders of the
+Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our weakness overcome we were
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares. Nay, thus saith a god, who
+standeth by my side: Zeus, highest Orderer, is our helper in this fight.
+Therefore let us go right onward against the Danaans. Not easily at least let
+them take the dead Patroklos to the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And the
+Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they as it had
+been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun or moon, for over
+all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain son of Menoitios they
+were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing sunlight was spread over them,
+and on all the earth and hills there was no cloud seen; and they ceased
+fighting now sad again, avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing far
+apart. But they who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness and
+the battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless weight of
+their bronze arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and unabatingly
+ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet of each man and
+arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle around the brave squire of
+fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the hide of a great bull to his folk
+to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they take and stretch it standing in a
+circle, and straightway the moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in
+under the haling of many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they
+on both sides haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their
+hearts were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild, nor might
+Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof, albeit their anger
+were exceeding great.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus on
+that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of Patroklos’ death,
+for far away from the swift ships they were fighting beneath the wall of the
+men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his heart that he was dead, but that
+he should come back alive, after that he had touched the gates; for neither
+that other thought had he anywise, that Patroklos should sack the stronghold
+without his aid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made onset
+relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak among the
+mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not glorious for us to go back to
+the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for us all beneath our feet.
+Far better were that straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming Trojans
+to hale this man to their city and win renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside this
+man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on, and the
+iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen heaven. But the
+horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were weeping, since first
+they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in the dust beneath the hand
+of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon, Diores’ valiant son, plied them oft
+with blows of the swift lash, and oft with gentle words he spake to them and
+oft with chiding, yet would they neither go back to the ships at the broad
+Hellespont nor yet to the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth
+firm that standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from beneath the
+yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son of Kronos beheld
+them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his head and spake to his
+own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to king Peleus, a mortal man,
+while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it that ye should suffer sorrows
+among ill-fated men? For methinketh there is nothing more piteous than a man
+among all things that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector
+Priam’s son shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I not
+suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself
+vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may
+bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further
+will I increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to earth
+the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid Trojans and
+Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief for his comrade,
+swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese; for lightly he would flee
+out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly charge, pursuing them through the
+thick mellay. Yet could he not slay any man as he halted to pursue them, for it
+was impossible that being alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them
+with the spear and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade,
+even Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and
+spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou art
+fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy comrade even
+now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own shoulders the
+armour of Aiakides.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save only
+Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now have death and
+fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will get me
+down from my horses, that I may fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly took
+the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And noble Hector
+espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood near: “Aineias,
+counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two horses of fleet Aiakides
+come forth to battle with feeble charioteers. Therefore might I hope to take
+them if thou in thy heart art willing, since they would not abide our onset and
+stand to do battle against us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And they
+twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried and tough,
+and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios and godlike Aretos,
+and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men and drive off the
+strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not without blood lost were they to get
+them back from Automedon. He praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost
+heart with valour and strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his
+faithful comrade: “Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with their
+very breath upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will not
+refrain him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of goodly
+manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or else
+himself fall among the foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes, leaders of
+the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto whoso may best
+avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and come ye to ward the day
+of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in the dolorous war are Hector and
+Aineias, the best men of the Trojans, pressing hard. Yet verily these issues
+lie in the lap of the gods: I too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus
+decide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on the
+circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the spear, but
+right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his belly low down through
+his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp axe smiting behind the horns of
+an ox of the homestead cleaveth the sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward
+and falleth, so leapt Aretos forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his
+entrails very piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at
+Automedon with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze
+javelin as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered, and
+there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at each other
+with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted them in their fury,
+when they were come through the mellay at their comrades’ call. Before them
+Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios shrank backward and gave ground and
+left Aretos wounded to the death as he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift Ares,
+stripped off the armour of the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily, I have a
+little eased my heart of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son, albeit a worse
+man than him have I slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat him
+thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath devoured a bull.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the Trojans
+their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias son of Telamon:
+“Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool, know that father Zeus
+himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us ourselves devise some excellent
+means, that we may both hale the corpse away and ourselves return home to the
+joy of our friends, who grieve as they look hitherward and deem that no longer
+shall the fury of man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand refrain itself, but
+fall upon the black ships. And would there were some comrade to carry tidings
+with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem that he hath not even heard
+the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is slain. But nowhere can I behold
+such an one among the Achaians, for themselves and their horses likewise are
+wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou the sons of the Achaians from
+the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe sight unto our eyes. In the
+light be it that thou slayest us, since it is thy good pleasure that we die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle which men
+say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though he be far aloft
+the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching beneath a leafy bush, but
+the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in
+that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither
+through the multitude of the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold
+Nestor’s son yet alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole
+battle, heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling of
+Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had never been.
+Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth mischief
+upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is the best man of
+the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for the Danaans. But run
+thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell this to Achilles, if haply
+he may straightway rescue to his ship the naked corpse: but his armour is held
+by Hector of the glancing helmet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long time
+speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears, and his full
+voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the bidding of Menelaos, but
+set him to run, when he had given his armour to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who
+close anigh him was wheeling his whole-hooved horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of Peleus
+carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, chose not to
+stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos departed, and great
+sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and
+himself went again to bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood
+beside the Aiantes and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that man to
+the swift ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he will now
+come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight unarmed
+against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent means, both
+how we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape death and fate
+amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him great Aias Telamon’s son, saying: “All this hast thou said
+well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your shoulders beneath
+the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the fray, while we twain
+behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and noble Hector, one in heart as
+we are in name, for from of old time we are wont to await fierce battle side by
+side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted him
+mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they saw the
+Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring in front of
+hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run in haste to rend
+him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in his might, then they
+give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus for a while the Trojans
+pressed on with all their power, striking with swords and double-headed spears,
+but when the Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they
+changed colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new armour of
+Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles came
+Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his ships of
+upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now were accomplished.
+And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, wherefore again are the
+flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the ships and flying in rout over the
+plain? May the gods not have wrought against me the grievous fears at my heart,
+even as my mother revealed and told me that while I am yet alive the best man
+of the Myrmidons must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of the sun.
+Surely now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely I bade him
+when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to the ships
+nor with Hector fight amain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto him noble
+Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous tidings: “Ay me, wise
+Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear, such as I would had never
+been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are fighting around his body, naked, for
+his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with both
+hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his comely
+face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself in the dust lay
+mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore and marred his hair.
+And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in
+the grief of their hearts, and ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat
+on their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung.
+And Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’ hands
+while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave his
+throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother heard
+him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And thereon
+she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the daughters of
+Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the bright cave was filled,
+and they all beat together on their breasts, and Thetis led the lament:
+“Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what sorrows are in my
+heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first of men! For after
+I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a
+young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very fruitful field I
+sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy; but never
+again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of Peleus. And while
+he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun, he sorroweth,
+neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I will go, that I may
+look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him though he abide
+aloof from the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping, and
+around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the ships of
+the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And as he groaned
+heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a shrill cry clasped the
+bead of her child, and spake unto him winged words of lamentation: “My child,
+why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come to thy heart? Tell it forth, hide it
+not. One thing at least hath been accomplished of Zeus according to the prayer
+thou madest, holding up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians should
+all be pent in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer hateful
+things.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My mother, that
+prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what delight have I
+therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I honoured above all my
+comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost, and Hector that slew him
+hath stripped from him the armour great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the
+gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed
+of a mortal man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the
+sea, and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome
+him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among
+men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay for
+his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween, must thou
+be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after Hector is death
+appointed unto thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway may I
+die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath fallen afar
+from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now therefore, since I go
+not back to my dear native land, neither have at all been succour to Patroklos
+nor to all my other comrades that have been slain by noble Hector, but I sit
+beside my ships a profitless burden of the earth, I that in war am such an one
+as is none else of the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are others
+better—may strife perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that stirreth
+even a wise man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling honey waxeth
+like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now against
+Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain, curbing
+the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I may light on
+the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept my death whensoever
+Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal gods. For not even the
+mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear to Kronian Zeus the king, but
+Fate overcame him and Hera’s cruel wrath. So also shall I, if my fate hath been
+fashioned likewise, lie low when I am dead. But now let me win high renown, let
+me set some Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of Dardanos, staunching
+with both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and wailing bitterly; yea, let
+them know that I am come back, though I tarried long from the war. Hold not me
+then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not prevail with me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea verily, my
+child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy comrades
+in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is held among the
+Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his shoulders in triumph,
+yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein, for death is hard anigh him.
+But thou, go not yet down into the mellay of war until thou see me with thine
+eyes come hither. In the morning will I return, at the coming up of the sun,
+bearing fair armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she spake among
+her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide bosom of the deep, to
+visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s house, and tell him all. I am
+going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of noble skill, if haply he will give unto
+my son noble armour shining gloriously.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the sea. And
+the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she might bring noble
+armour to her son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries were
+fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and to the
+Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse of Patroklos
+Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook him the host and the
+horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might as it were a flame of fire.
+Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from behind by the feet, resolved to drag
+him away, and mightily called upon the men of Troy. Thrice did the two Aiantes,
+clothed on with impetuous might, beat him off from the dead man, but he
+nathless, trusting in his might, anon would charge into the press, anon would
+stand and cry aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds in the
+field avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a carcase,
+so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam from the
+dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown unspeakable, had not
+fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus with a message to the son of
+Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and the other gods, for Hera sent her. And
+she stood anigh and spake to him winged words: “Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of
+all men most redoubtable! Succour Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle
+afoot before the ships. There slay they one another, these guarding the dead
+corpse, while the men of Troy are fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and
+chiefliest noble Hector is fain to drag him, and his heart biddeth him fix the
+head on the stakes of the wall when he hath sundered it from the tender neck.
+But arise, lie thus no longer! let awe enter thy heart to forbid that Patroklos
+become the sport of dogs of Troy. Thine were the shame if he go down mangled
+amid the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god sent
+thee a messenger unto me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent me, the
+wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos nor any other of
+the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their dwelling-place.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I go into
+the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me forbear to array
+me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she promised to bring fair
+armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none whose noble armour I might put
+on, save it were the shield of Aias Telamon’s son. But himself, I ween, is in
+the forefront of the press, dealing death with his spear around Patroklos
+dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also aware that
+thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the trench as thou art
+and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they will shrink back and refrain
+them from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians take breath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus arose,
+and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis, and around his
+head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud, and kindled therefrom a
+blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from a city and riseth up into the
+upper air, from an island afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from
+their city fight all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun
+blaze out the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the heavens. And
+he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet mingled not among the
+Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his mother. There stood he and
+shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror
+unspeakable among the men of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it
+soundeth by reason of slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang
+forth the voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were
+fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts, And
+the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze fierce on
+the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and
+thrice were the men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and
+then perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears.
+But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade he saw
+lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth with chariot
+and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone unwillingly
+unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble Achaians made pause
+from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And first of
+them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon the breast of
+his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore, even as a deep-bearded
+lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched away out of a deep wood; and
+the lion coming afterward grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the
+track of the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most
+bitter anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when I
+cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring back to
+Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that
+should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for
+them. It is appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here
+in Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on
+me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy
+funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of twelve noble
+sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain. Till then beside the
+beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and around thee deep-bosomed women,
+Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee weeping night and day, even they whom we
+toiled to win by our strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities
+of mortal men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on the
+fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody gore. So
+they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured therein water and
+took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped the belly of the tripod,
+and the water grew hot. And when the water boiled in the bright bronze, then
+washed they him and anointed with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh
+ointment, and laid him on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to
+foot, and thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast accomplished
+this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles fleet of foot. Verily
+of thine own children must the flowing-haired Achaians be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of Kronos, what
+is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is to accomplish what he
+may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath not wisdom as we. How then
+was I who avow me the first of goddesses both by birth and for that I am called
+thy wife, and thou art king among all Immortals—how was I not in mine anger to
+devise evil against the men of Troy?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver feet
+came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen among the
+dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the crook-footed god
+himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about his bellows, for he was
+forging tripods twenty in all to stand around the wall of his stablished hall,
+and beneath the base of each he had set golden wheels, that of their own motion
+they might enter the assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a
+marvel to look upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from
+the fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest;
+and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy
+breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in them
+are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods. These moved
+beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set
+him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by
+her name: “Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house, honoured
+that thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak what thou
+hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I can, and if
+it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there verily
+been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many grievous sorrows
+at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid upon me above all others?
+He chose me from among the sisters of the sea to enthrall me to a man, even
+Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I endured wedlock sore against my will. Now
+lieth he in his halls forspent with grievous age, but other griefs are mine. A
+son he gave me to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a
+young branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him and sent him
+forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy, but never
+again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of Peleus. And
+while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun, he
+sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The maiden
+whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath the lord
+Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted he his heart,
+while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered
+them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over
+many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them,
+he put his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked
+the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought much harm,
+Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector.
+Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to
+give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty comrade
+lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with
+anguish in his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good courage,
+let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I avail to hide him
+far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon him, as surely shall
+goodly armour be at his need, such as all men afterward shall marvel at,
+whatsoever may behold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them upon
+the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew on the
+crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his labour and now
+anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on. And he threw bronze that
+weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious gold and silver, and next he
+set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and
+in the other he took the tongs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and set
+thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a silver baldric.
+Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein fashioned he much cunning
+work from his wise heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the unwearying
+sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one wherewith the
+heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Orion’s might, and the Bear that men
+call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place and watcheth Orion, and alone
+hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they were
+leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud arose the
+bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and among them flutes
+and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her door were marvelling.
+But the folk were gathered in the assembly place; for there a strife was
+arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed
+to pay full atonement, expounding to the people, but the other denied him and
+would take naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on polished
+stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves
+from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given
+unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms. And
+two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to share all
+with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city held within. But the
+besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an ambushment. On the wall there
+stood to guard it their dear wives and infant children, and with these the old
+men; but the rest went forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene,
+both wrought in gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great
+were they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their
+feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay
+ambush, in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by them
+afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And
+presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that
+took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white sheep, and
+slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat before the
+speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much din among the oxen,
+mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and came up with speed.
+Then they arrayed their battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one
+another with bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and
+fell Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on her
+shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they hurled
+together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other’s slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth and
+wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave their yokes to
+and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to the boundary of the
+field and turned, then would a man come to each and give into his hands a
+goblet of sweet wine, while others would be turning back along the furrows,
+fain to reach the boundary of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind
+and seemed as it were a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great
+marvel of the work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were reaping
+with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe were falling
+in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were binding in twisted
+bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys
+gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders;
+and among them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a
+feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were
+strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters, wrought fair
+in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung throughout on silver poles.
+And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and round that a fence of tin; and one
+single pathway led to it, whereby the vintagers might go when they should
+gather the vintage. And maidens and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet
+fruit in plaited baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on
+a clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for
+departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling
+together kept time with the music and song.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine were
+fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the byre to
+pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And herdsmen of gold
+were following with the kine, four of them, and nine dogs fleet of foot came
+after them. But two terrible lions among the foremost kine had seized a
+loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as they haled him, and the dogs and
+the young men sped after him. The lions rending the great bull’s hide were
+devouring his vitals and his black blood; while the herdsmen in vain tarred on
+their fleet dogs to set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but stood
+hard by and barked and swerved away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a great
+pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and folds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that which once
+in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely tresses. There were
+youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their hands upon one another’s
+wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the youths well-woven doublets
+faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had the maidens, and the youths
+daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. And now would they run round with
+deft feet exceeding lightly, as when a potter sitting by his wheel that fitteth
+between his hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now anon they would
+run in lines to meet each other. And a great company stood round the lovely
+dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the measure, two tumblers
+whirled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the uttermost
+rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him a
+corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive helmet to
+fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of gold, and he
+wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and laid it
+before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang down from snowy
+Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the Achaians,
+and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light to
+gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the god. Her
+dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud lament; and round
+him many of his company made moan. And the bright goddess stood beside him in
+their midst, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called upon his name:
+“My child, him who lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by the will
+of gods from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from Hephaistos
+arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders yet hath
+borne.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they rang
+all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor dared any to
+gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles looked thereon,
+then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed terribly forth as it were
+a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he held in his hands that splendid
+gift of a god. But when he had satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the
+arms, straightway to his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the arms the
+god has given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals should be,
+and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm me in
+them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of Menoitios’
+valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile his corpse—for the
+life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall rot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no care for
+this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel tribes of flies
+which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie till a whole year’s
+course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better even than
+now. But call thou the Achaian warriors to the place of assembly, and unsay thy
+wrath against Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly for battle,
+and clothe thee with thy strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos she shed
+ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might abide the
+same continually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible cry, and
+roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to abide in the
+circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept the steerage of the
+ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food, even these came then to the
+place of assembly, because Achilles was come forth, after long ceasing from
+grievous war. Limping came two of Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son staunch in fight
+and noble Odysseus, each leaning on his spear, for their wounds were grievous
+still; and they went and sate them down in the forefront of the assembly. And
+last came Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him, for him too in the
+stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with his bronze-tipped spear.
+But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose fleet-footed Achilles and
+spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was this in any wise the better way for
+both thee and me, what time with grief at our hearts we waxed fierce in
+soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would that Artemis had slain her
+with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I took her to me, when I had
+spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many Achaians have bitten the wide
+earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath
+been well for Hector and the Trojans, but the Achaians I think shall long
+remember the strife that was betwixt thee and me. But bygones will we let be,
+for all our pain, and curb under necessity the spirit within our breasts. I now
+will stay my anger: it beseems me not implacably for ever to be wroth; but come
+rouse speedily to the fight the flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth
+against the men of Troy and put them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to
+couch hard by the ships. Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest
+their knees when they are fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from
+before our spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted son of
+Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake Agamemnon king
+of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen to stand forth in
+their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of Ares’ company, seemly is it
+to listen to him who standeth up to speak, nor behoveth it to break in upon his
+words: even toward a skilled man that were hard. For amid the uproar of many
+men how should one listen, or yet speak? even the clearest-voiced speech is
+marred. To the son of Peleus I will declare myself, but ye other Argives give
+heed, and each mark well my word. Oft have the Achaians spoken thus to me, and
+upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause, but Zeus and Destiny and Erinys
+that walketh in the darkness, who put into my soul fierce madness on the day
+when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles of his meed. What could I do?
+it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter of Zeus is Ate who blindeth
+all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet, for not upon the earth she goeth,
+but walketh over the heads of men, making men fall; and entangleth this one or
+that. Ye even Zeus was blinded upon a time, he who they say is greatest among
+gods and men; yet even him Hera with a female wile deceived, on the day when
+Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring forth the strength of Herakles. For
+then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods: ‘Here me ye all, both gods and
+goddesses, while I utter the council of my soul within my heart. This day shall
+Eileithuia, the help of travailing women, bring to the light a man who shall be
+lord over all that dwell round about, among the raise of men who are sprung of
+me by blood.’ And to him in subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the
+cheat and not accomplish thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath
+that verily and indeed shall that man be lord over all that dwell round about,
+who this day shall fall between a woman’s feet, even he among all men who are
+of the lineage of thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her
+subtlety but sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For Hera
+darted from Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were she knew was
+the stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also great with child,
+and her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought to the light, though his
+tale of months was untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the
+Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to Kronos’
+son Zeus she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a word will I speak
+to thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall rule among the
+Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of thy lineage; not
+unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said, but sharp pain smote him
+in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized Ate by her bright-haired
+head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath that never again to
+Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who blindeth all alike. He said,
+and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry heaven, and quickly came
+she down among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned against her when he beheld
+his beloved son in cruel travail at Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what time
+great Hector of the glancing helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our
+ships, could not be unmindful of Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since
+thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and
+recompense manifold for the wrong. Only arise thou to the battle and rouse the
+rest of the host. Gifts am I ready to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went
+yesterday to promise in thy hut. So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager,
+from battle, and squires shall take the gifts from my ship and carry them to
+thee, that thou mayest see that what I give sufficeth thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon
+king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if so thou wilt, or
+to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink us of battle with all
+speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work is yet
+undone. Once more must Achilles be seen in the forefront of the battle, laying
+waste with his brazen spear the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof let each
+of you think as he fighteth with his man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all thy
+valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of Achaians
+fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell shall the battle be,
+when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall breathe valour into both. But
+bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships food and wine; for thence is vigour
+and might. For no man fasting from food shall be able to fight with the foe all
+day till the going down of the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle
+yet his limbs unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his
+knees in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come, disperse
+the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let Agamemnon king
+of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that all Achaians may behold
+them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an
+oath, standing in the midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the
+damsel’s bed or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with woman];
+and let thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him make thee
+a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing lacking of thy
+right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more righteous
+hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make amends if
+he have been the first to deal violently.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to listen
+to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the oath I am
+willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear myself before
+God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle though he be, and all ye
+others abide together, until the gifts come forth from my hut, and we make
+faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose
+thee young men, princes of the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship,
+even all that we promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women.
+And let Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye should be
+busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and the spirit within
+my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie mangled on the field—even they
+whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus gave him glory—and ye call men to
+their food. Verily for my part I would bid the sons of the Achaians to fight
+now unfed and fasting, and with the setting sun make ready a mighty meal, when
+we shall have avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least nor food nor
+drink shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying mangled by the
+sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our comrades mourn,
+wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters, but of slaying, and
+blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’ son,
+mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou than I
+with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since I was born
+first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to listen to my
+speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein the sword streweth
+most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a pitched battle there is
+little plunder, the hope of which might help to sustain men’s efforts in
+storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars
+of men. But it cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for
+exceeding many and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest
+from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when
+once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war
+must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may
+fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it be for
+whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one we will rouse
+against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of Phyleus,
+and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and Melanippos. And
+they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’ son. Forthwith as the
+word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven tripods they bare from the hut, as
+he promised him, and twenty bright caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon they
+led forth women skilled in goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was fair-faced
+Briseis. Then Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all, led the way,
+and with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they set in the
+midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside that shepherd
+of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god’s, and held a boar
+between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his hands his knife,
+which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his sword, cut off the first
+hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands he prayed to Zeus, and all the
+Argives sat silent in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And he prayed
+aloud, looking up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness, highest and
+best of the gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth take
+vengeance upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid hand
+on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she has
+abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may the
+gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth against
+them in his oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be the
+food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the warrior
+Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men. Never could the
+son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast, nor led off the damsel
+implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed that on many of the Achaians
+death should come. But now go forth to your meal, that we may join battle
+thereupon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up the
+gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid them in the
+huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the horses among their
+troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld Patroklos
+mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill lament, and tore with
+her hands her breast and tender neck, and beautiful face. And she spake amid
+her weeping, that woman like unto goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my hapless
+heart, alive I left thee when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the people,
+I am come back to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my lot. My
+husband, unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before our city
+mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother bore, my
+near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when swift Achilles
+slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest ever that I should not
+even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me godlike Achilles’ wedded wife,
+and that ye would take me in your ships to Phthia and make me a marriage feast
+among the Myrmidons. Therefore with all my soul I mourn thy death, for thou
+wert ever kind.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the elders of
+the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied them with a groan:
+“I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me, bid me not sate my heart
+with meat and drink, since terrible grief is come upon me. Till the sun go down
+I will abide, and endure continually until then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons of
+Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and Phoinox,
+ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he could no whit be
+soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war. And bethinking him he
+sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O hapless, dearest of my
+friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth in out hut with ready speed a
+savoury meal, what time the Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming
+Trojans dolorous war. But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of
+meat and drink, that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this
+could I endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I ween
+in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in an
+alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor though
+it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still at least is
+godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within me trusted that I
+alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land,
+but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the
+child in thy swift black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance
+and servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be
+dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting
+ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them what
+each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them sorrowing he
+pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words: “My child, thou
+hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath Achilles then no longer a
+place within thy thought? He before the steep-prowed ships sits mourning his
+dear comrade; the rest are gone to their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But
+go, distil into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of
+hunger come on him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a falcon
+wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven through the
+upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently throughout the camp, she
+in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that grievous
+hunger might not assail his knees, and then herself was gone to the firm house
+of her mighty father. Then the Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As
+when thick snowflakes flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas
+born in the upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And the
+sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in the flash
+of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men, and in the midst
+of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed together, and his eyes
+blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into his heart was intolerable
+anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men of Troy he put on the gift of
+the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the
+fair greaves fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass
+about his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its
+brightness shone afar off as the moon’s. Or as when over the sea there
+appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high
+among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:— so from
+Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot up toward
+heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head, and like a star
+it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold
+that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him
+in his armour to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious
+limbs ran free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the
+shepherd of hosts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles alone
+awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to his father
+dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And Automedon and
+Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them fair breast-straps, and
+bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins behind to the firm-built
+chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up
+behind the horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his
+armour like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort take heed
+to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done with
+battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from beneath the
+yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell from the yoke-cushion
+beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the white-armed goddess Hera gave
+him speech: “Yea verily for this hour, dread Achilles, we will still bear thee
+safe, yet is thy death day nigh at hand, neither shall we be cause thereof, but
+a mighty god, and forceful Fate. For not through sloth or heedlessness of ours
+did the men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip his arms, but the best of
+the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in the forefront of the
+battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind of Zephyr, swiftest,
+they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee thyself it is
+appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore troubled did
+fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why prophesiest thou my death? no
+wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it is appointed me to perish
+here, far from my father dear and mother; howbeit anywise I will not refrain
+till I give the Trojans surfeit of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved steeds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the Achaians
+armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high ground of the
+plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’ brow;
+and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There was no River
+came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that haunt fair thickets
+and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And they came to the house of
+Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them down in the polished colonnades
+which Hephaistos in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker heedless
+of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the rest, and set him
+in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of Zeus: “Wherefore, O Lord
+of the bright lightning, hast thou called the gods again to council? Say,
+ponderest thou somewhat concerning the Trojans and Achaians? for lo, the war
+and the fighting of them are kindled very nigh.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest, O
+Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you hither; even
+in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I will abide here,
+sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden my heart with gazing;
+but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans and Achaians and succour
+these or those, howsoever each of you hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall
+fight against the Trojans, not even a little while shall they hold back the son
+of Peleus, the fleet of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they
+looked upon him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible
+I fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side and on
+that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and
+Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent
+in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his
+strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the
+Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn
+hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the Achaians
+glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his long ceasing
+from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were smitten with sore
+trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror when they beheld the son
+of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But
+when among the mellay of men the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her
+might Strife, rouser of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by
+the hollowed trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the
+storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again
+along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst into
+fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from heaven
+above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and the steep
+mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained Ida, and all her
+crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians. And the
+Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in hell, and leapt from his
+throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the world be cloven above him by
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and
+immortals—grim halls, and vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose
+of that battle of gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his
+winged arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer Artemis,
+sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper Hermes, and
+against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods call Xanthos and men
+Skamandros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all to meet
+Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood chiefliest his spirit
+bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But straightway Apollo, rouser of
+hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son of Peleus, and filled him with brave
+spirit: and he made his own voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in
+his semblance spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans, where
+now are thy threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over thy
+wine, saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles, Peleus’ son?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou me thus
+face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain thereto? Not for
+the first time now shall I match me with Achilles, fleet of foot; once before
+drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he harried our kine and wasted
+Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me out of his hand and put strength
+into my knees that they were swift. Else had I fallen beneath the hands of
+Achilles, and of Athene who went before and gave him light, and urged him to
+slay Leleges and Trojans with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible
+for man to face Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to
+ward off death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair field
+of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast him made of
+bronze throughout.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou too to the
+everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite daughter of
+Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree among the gods. For thy mother is
+child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea. Come, bear up thy
+unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn thee back with revilings and
+bitter words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he went
+onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing bronze. But
+white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’ son as he went through the
+press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering the gods about her she
+spake among them thus: “Consider ye twain, Poseidon and Athene, within your
+hearts, what shall come of these things that are done. Here is Aineias gone
+forth harnessed in flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and it is
+Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back
+straightway; or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give
+him mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war
+and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come
+down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with her
+thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this
+from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him
+in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not fierce
+beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to match gods with
+gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart and seat us there to
+watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if Ares or Phoebus Apollo fall to
+fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles and hinder him from fight, then
+straightway among us too shall go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon,
+methinks, shall they hie them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the
+company of the gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and Pallas
+Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him, what time he
+should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There sate them down
+Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders with impenetrable
+cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the brows of Kallikolon around
+thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of cities. Thus they on either side sat
+devising counsels, but shrank all from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from
+his high seat commanded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together in the
+fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst between the
+hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son, and noble Achilles. First came
+on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm; his rapid shield he held
+before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. And on the other side the
+son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men desire
+to slay, a whole tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding, but
+when some warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth himself
+open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout spirit
+groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his ribs and
+flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight on them
+by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or whether
+himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was Achilles driven
+of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet Aineias great of heart.
+And when they were come near against each other, then first to Aineias spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far come forward
+from the crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight with me in
+hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the horse-taming Trojans?
+Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his kingdom in thy hands,
+for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or have the Trojans
+allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the rest, fair land of
+tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou slay me? But
+methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I ween, have I made
+thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day when thou wert alone
+with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s steeps in
+haste?—then didst thou not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence fleddest thou
+to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having fought against it with the help of Athene
+and of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving them of their day
+of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not this time,
+methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart: therefore I
+bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against me, while as yet
+thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not with words
+to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how to speak taunts and
+unjust speech. We know each other’s race and lineage in that we have heard the
+fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast thou set eyes on my parents, or I
+on thine. Thou, they say, art son of nobie Peleus, and of Thetis of the fair
+tresses, the daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is Anchises great of heart,
+and my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or the other mourn their
+dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we two satisfy our strife
+and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn also this, that thou
+mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men: First Zeus the
+cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for not yet was holy
+Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but still they dwelt on
+slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son, king Erichthonios,
+who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had he that pastured
+along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of them was Boreas
+enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned horse he covered
+them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These when they bounded
+over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened ears of corn and
+break them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of the sea they
+would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then Erichthonios
+begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three noble sons were born,
+Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who became the most beautiful of
+mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for sake of his
+beauty, that he might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat a son, noble
+Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and Klytios and
+Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and Kapys Anchises,
+and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for valour,
+Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will, for he is lord
+of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer like children, standing
+in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in plenty for both of us to
+utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not suffice for the load of them. Glib is
+the tongue of man, and many words are therein of every kind, and wide is the
+range of his speech hither and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt
+thou hear in answer. But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling
+each against each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I
+desire, until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his great
+spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the son of Peleus
+held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in fear, for he thought that
+the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of heart would lightly pierce it
+through—fond man, and knew not in his mind and heart that not lightly do the
+glorious gifts of gods yield to force of mortal men. So did not the great spear
+of wise Aineias pierce that shield, for the gold resisted it, even the gift of
+the god. Yet through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for five folds
+had the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one of gold;
+therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the
+circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where the bronze
+ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon; and right through
+sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked under it. And Aineias
+crouched and held up the shield away from him in dread; and the spear flew over
+his back and fixed itself in the earth, having divided asunder the two circles
+of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and
+a vast anguish drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him
+so nigh. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying
+his terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed) such
+as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with ease wielded
+it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the stone as he charged,
+either on helm or shield, which had warded from him bitter death, and then
+would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him with his sword, had not
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed, and straightway spoken among
+the immortal gods: “Alas, woe is me for Aineias great of heart, who quickly
+will go down to Hades slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey the
+words of Apollo the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him
+from grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to the
+gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of death’s
+way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for it is appointed
+to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without seed or sign,
+even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the children born to him
+from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam hath Zeus already hated. But
+thus shall the might of Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his children’s
+children, who shall be born in the aftertime.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself with
+thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or leave him [to
+be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son]. For by many oaths
+among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas Athene and I, never to
+help the Trojans from their evil day, not even when all Troy shall burn in the
+burning of fierce fire, and they that burn her shall be the warlike sons of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle and
+the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles were. Then
+presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus’ son, and drew the
+bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias great of heart, and set it
+before Achilles’ feet, and lifted Aineias and swung him high from off the
+earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias soaring in
+the hand of the god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle of many
+onsets, where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard beside
+him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against Peleus’
+vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and dearer to Immortals?
+Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even contrary to
+thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall have met his
+death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the foremost, for
+there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things. Then
+quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared with wide
+eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha! verily a great marvel
+behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the ground, nor can I
+anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to slay him. Truly then is
+Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods, howbeit I deemed that his boosting
+thereof was altogether vanity. Away with him! not again will he find heart to
+make trial of me, now that once more he has escaped death to his joy. But come,
+I will call on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some other
+Trojan face to face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No longer stand
+afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match man and throw
+his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be strong, to assail so
+vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares, though an immortal god, nor
+Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my
+utmost power with hands and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack,
+nay, never so little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem
+I that any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called aloud, and
+proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles: “High-hearted Trojans, fear
+not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight even Immortals, but with the spear
+it were hard, for they are stronger far. Neither shall Achilles accomplish all
+his talk, but part thereof he is to accomplish, and part to break asunder in
+the midst. And against him will I go forth, though the hands of him be even as
+fire, yea though his hands be as fire and his fierceness as the flaming steel.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for battle; and
+their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry arose. Then Phoebus
+Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector, no longer challenge Achilles
+at all before the lines, but in the throng await him and from amid the roar of
+the battle, lest haply he spear thee or come near and smite thee with his
+sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he was
+amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with strength,
+crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition, Otrynteus’ valiant son, a
+leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph to Otrynteus waster of cities,
+beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich domain. Him as he came right on did goodly
+Achilles smite with his hurled spear, down through the midst of his head, and
+it was rent asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly Achilles
+exulted over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the Gygaian lake, where
+is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and eddying Hermos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him the
+chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the forefront of the
+battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples, through his
+bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle, Antenor’s son. No
+stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the spear-head and clave the
+bone, and the brain within was all scattered: that stroke made ending of his
+zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from his chariot and fled before him,
+Achilles wounded in the back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit
+with a roar, as when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the
+altar of the Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles
+with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son. Him would his sire
+continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was youngest born
+and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just then in boyish
+folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing through the
+forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did fleet-footed noble
+Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he darted by, where his belt’s
+golden buckles clasped, and the breast and back plates overlapped: and right
+through beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell on his knee with a
+cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped his bowels to him
+with his hands as he sank.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his hands,
+and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer might he endure
+to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles brandishing his sharp
+spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when he saw him, sprang up, and
+spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath deepest stricken into my soul, who
+slew my dear-prized friend; not long shall we now shrink from each other along
+the highways of the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near, that the
+sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of Peleus,
+think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know myself how to
+speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a man of might, and a
+far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in the lap of the gods, whether
+I though weaker shall take thy life with my hurled spear, for mine too hath
+been found keen ere now.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath turned it
+back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly
+Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then Achilles set fiercely upon him,
+eager to slay him, crying his terrible cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very
+easily, as a god may, and hid him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed
+noble Achilles make onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick
+mist. [But when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout
+he spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet
+came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom thou
+must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears. Verily I will
+slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of me too. Now
+will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear, and he
+fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and hurled at Demuchos
+Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him with a stroke upon his
+knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and reft him of life. Then
+springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias, he thrust both from their
+chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast smiting and the other in close
+battle with his sword. Then Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his knees
+to pray him to spare him, and let him live, and slay him not, having compassion
+on his like age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his prayers;
+for nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce mood—with his
+hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but he smote him in the
+liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and black blood therefrom
+filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered his eyes. Then Achilles
+came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and right through the other ear went
+the bronze spear-head. Then he smote Agenor’s son Echeklos on the midst of the
+head with his hilted sword, and all the sword grew hot thereat with blood; and
+dark death seized his eyes, and forceful fate. Then next Deukalion, just where
+the sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he him through the forearm with his
+bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm weighed down, beholding death
+before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with his sword swept far both head
+and helm, and the marrow rose out of the backbone, and the corpse lay stretched
+upon the earth. Then went he onward after Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had
+come from deep-soiled Thrace: him in the midst he smote with his hurled
+javelin, and the point fixed in his lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And
+Areithoos his squire, as he turned the horses round, he pierced in the back
+with his sharp spear, and thrust him from the car, and the horse ran wild with
+fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side, and the
+deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way the flame, so
+raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god, pressing hard on the
+men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. For even as when one yoketh
+wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a stablished threshing-floor, and
+quickly is it trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus
+beneath great-hearted Achilles his whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and
+shields together; and with blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the
+rims that ran around the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves splashed
+them, and blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of Peleus
+pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within their
+gates.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even eddying
+Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he chased the one part
+to the plain toward the city, even where the Achaians were flying in affright
+the day before, when glorious Hector was in his fury—thither poured some in
+flight, and Hera spread before them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were
+pent into the deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty
+noise, and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the eddies.
+And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a river, and the
+unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset, and they huddle in the
+water; so before Achilles was the stream of deep-eddying Xanthos filled with
+the roar and the throng of horses and men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant against
+tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his sword alone, and
+devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him every way about: and
+their groaning went up ghastly as they were stricken by the sword, and the
+water reddened with blood. As before a dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and
+fill the nooks of some fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain
+whichsoever of them he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream
+the Trojans crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were
+weary of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he forth
+amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut thongs,
+which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave them to his
+comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he made his onset,
+athirst for slaying.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river, Lykaon, whom
+once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his father’s orchard, in a
+night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze young shoots of a wild fig tree,
+to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to him an unlooked-for bane came goodly
+Achilles. And at that time he sold him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending him on
+ship board, and the son of Jason gave a price for him; and thence a guest
+friend freed him with a great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to goodly
+Arisbe; whence flying secretly he came to his father’s house. Eleven days he
+rejoiced among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on the twelfth
+once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to send him to
+the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed noble
+Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had thrown
+all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee out of the
+river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in wrath spake
+Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily great marvel is this that I behold
+with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom I have slain rise up
+again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath this man come back escaped
+from his pitiless fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath the deep
+of the hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But come
+then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn in my mind
+whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or whether the
+life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the strong.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to touch
+his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death and black
+destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with intent to smite
+him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his knees; and the spear went
+over his back and stood in the ground, hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon
+besought him, with one hand holding his knees, while with the other he held the
+sharp spear and loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee
+mercy, Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I tasted meal
+of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the well-ordered
+orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my friends unto goodly
+Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred oxen. And now have I been
+ransomed for thrice that, and this is my twelfth morn since I came to Ilios
+after much pain. Now once again hath ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands;
+surely I must be hated of father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto
+thee; and to short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’ daughter—Altes
+who ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos on the
+Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her were we
+two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou smotest him
+with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here, for no hope have I
+to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me thereunto. Yet one thing will
+I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart: slay me not, since I am not of the
+same mother as Hector, who slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but he
+heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these words.
+Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my soul to spare the
+men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the sea: but now there is
+none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios God shall deliver into my
+hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but chiefest among Priam’s sons. Ay, friend,
+thou too must die: why lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who was better far
+than thou. Seest thou not also what manner of man am I for might and
+goodliness? and a good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet
+over me too hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some
+noonday when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew his sharp
+sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all the two-edged sword
+sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the earth, and blood flowed dark
+from him and soaked the earth. Him seized Achilles by the foot and sent him
+down the stream, and over him exulting spake winged words: “There lie thou
+among the fishes, which shall lick off thy wound’s blood heedlessly, nor shall
+thy mother lay thee on a bed and mourn for thee, but Skamandros shall bear thee
+on his eddies into the broad bosom of the sea. Leaping along the wave shall
+many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of the white flesh of Lykaon. So
+perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred Ilios, ye flying and I behind
+destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing, silver-eddied, shall avail you,
+to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many bulls, and among his eddies throw
+whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this yet shall ye die the death, until
+ye pay all for Patroklos’ slaying and the slaughter of Achaians whom at the
+swift ships ye slew while I tarried afar.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and sought in
+his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and ward destruction
+from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his far-shadowing spear
+leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing
+Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set
+Achilles, and Asteropaios stood against him from the river, holding two spears;
+for Xanthos put courage into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered
+youths whom Achilles was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that darest to
+come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them with my might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him, made answer Pelegon’s noble son: “High-hearted son of Peleus, why
+askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a land far off,
+leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now is the eleventh morn
+since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of wide-flowing Axios, who begat
+Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men say, was my father. Now fight we,
+noble Achilles!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash: but the
+warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he could use both
+hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but pierced it not right
+through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god; and with the other he
+grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and there leapt forth dark blood, but
+the point beyond him fixed itself in the earth, eager to batten on flesh. Then
+in his turn Achilles hurled on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash, fain to
+have slain him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and quivering half
+its length in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of Peleus drew his
+sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he availed not to
+draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the steep bank. Thrice
+shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up the strain, but the
+fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen spear of the seed of
+Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft him of life with his sword.
+For in the belly he smote him beside the navel, and all his bowels gushed out
+to the earth, and darkness covered his eyes as he lay gasping. Then Achilles
+trampling on his breast stripped off his armour and spake exultingly: “Lie
+there! It is hard to strive against children of Kronos’ mighty son, even though
+one be sprung from a River-god. Thou truly declarest thyself the seed of a
+wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the linkage of great Zeus. My sire is a
+man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son of Aiakos, and Aiakos was begotten of
+Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than seaward-murmuring rivers, so is the seed of Zeus
+made mightier than the seed of a river. Nay, there is hard beside thee a great
+river, if he may anywise avail; but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not
+possible to fight. For him not even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great
+strength of deep-flowing Ocean, from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and
+all springs and deep wells: yea, even he hath fear of the lightning of great
+Zeus and his dread thunder, when it pealeth out of heaven.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water flooded
+him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the fat about his
+kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones who still along the
+eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their best man in the stress of
+battle slain violently by the hands and the sword of the son of Peleus. There
+slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios
+and Ophelestes; and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain,
+had not the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might and thy
+evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever helping
+thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the Trojans to
+destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim deeds on the plain,
+for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor can I pour my stream to the
+great sea, being choked with dead, and thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then, let
+be; I am astonished, O captain of hosts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease from
+slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made trial with
+Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake the
+deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus, thou
+hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged thee straitly to stand
+by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with light late-setting, and
+darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into his
+midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all his streams
+in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in him, slain by
+Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a bull, and saved the
+living under his fair streams, hiding them within eddies deep and wide. But
+terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous wave, and the stream smote
+violently against his shield, nor availed he to stand firm upon his feet. Then
+he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and it fell uprooted and tore away all the
+bank, and reached over the fair river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed
+the River himself, falling all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the
+eddy, made haste to fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid.
+But the great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s throw, with the swoop
+of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and swiftest of winged
+birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze rang terribly as he fled
+from beneath the onset, and behind him the River rushed on with a mighty roar.
+As when a field-waterer from a dark spring leadeth water along a bed through
+crops and garden grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth hindrances from
+the ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and swiftly gliding it
+murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is its guide:—thus ever
+the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for gods are mightier than
+men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles struggled to stand against it,
+and know whether all immortals be upon him who inhabit spacious heaven, then
+would a great wave of the heaven-sprung River beat upon his shoulders from
+above, and he sprang upward with his feet, sore vexed at heart; and the River
+was wearying his knees with violent rush beneath, devouring the earth from
+under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud, looking up to the broad
+heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods take it on him in pity to save
+me from the River! after that let come to me what may. None other of the
+inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but only my dear mother, who
+beguiled me with false words, saying that under the wall of the mail-clad men
+of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo. Would that Hector had slain
+me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been the slayer, and a brave man
+had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I doomed to die, pent in this mighty
+river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth down as he essayeth to
+cross it in a storm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood beside him,
+in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs pledged him in words.
+And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Son of Peleus,
+tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers of thee are we from the gods,
+approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and I, for to be vanquished of a river is
+not appointed thee, but he will soon give back, and thou wilt thyself perceive
+it: but we will give thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not thy hand
+from hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have pent the
+Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou hast taken
+the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto thee to
+win.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the plain—for
+the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all the plain was
+filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and corpses of slain youths
+were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees as he rushed against the stream
+right on, nor stayed him the wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength
+in him. Neither did Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged
+against the son of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream,
+lifting himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear brother,
+the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he will lay
+waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the battle.
+Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy springs, and urge
+on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and stir huge roaring of
+tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce man who now is lording it,
+and deeming himself match for gods. For neither, I ween, will strength avail
+him nor comeliness anywise, nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath the
+flood shall be o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my sands and
+pour round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the Achaians know
+where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap over them.
+Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need of any
+barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high, thundering with
+foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark wave of the
+heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son of Peleus. But Hera
+cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River sweep him
+away, and straightway she called to Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame god,
+O my son; it was against thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched in
+fight. Help with all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go to
+raise a strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south which
+shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the angry
+flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap himself in fire,
+nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor stay thy
+rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the unwearying fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on the
+plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick, slain by
+Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water stayed. And as
+when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new watered orchard, and
+he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole plain parched, and Hephaistos
+consumed the dead; then against the river he turned his gleaming flame. Elms
+burnt and willow trees and tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale
+which round the fair streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and
+fishes beneath the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams
+tumbled this way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And
+the strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name: “Hephaistos,
+there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee thus ablaze with
+fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans forthwith out of
+their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And as a
+cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of some fatted
+hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie thereunder,—so burned
+his fair streams in the fire, and the water boiled. He had no mind to flow, but
+refrained him, for the breath of cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him.
+Then unto Hera, earnestly beseeching her,’ he spake winged words: “Hera,
+wherefore hath thy son assailed my stream to vex it above others? I am less
+chargeable than all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo, I will
+give over, if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further will
+swear even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans, not
+even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike sons
+of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she spake
+unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it befitteth not
+thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the wave
+once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed them,
+though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter strife, and
+their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they clashed together
+with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the clarion of great Heaven
+rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus, and his heart within him
+laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife of gods. Then no longer stood
+they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields began the battle and first made for
+Athene with his bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O dogfly,
+dost thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy great
+spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes Tydeus’ son
+to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and thrust it straight at
+me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now that thou shalt pay me
+for all that thou hast done.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the lightning
+of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his long spear. But
+she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain,
+black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be the landmark of a field;
+this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on the neck, and unstrung his limbs.
+Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his
+armour rang upon him. And Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words
+exultingly: “Fool, not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou I
+claim to be, that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou
+satisfy thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her wrath,
+for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojan’s aid.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for
+scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed goddess
+Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged words: “Out on
+it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo there the dogfly is
+leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of battle down the throng—nay
+then, pursue her.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her and
+smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees and heart
+were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and she spake winged
+words exultingly: “Such let all be who give the Trojans aid when they fight
+against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and brave as Aphrodite when
+she came to succour Ares and defied my might. Then should we long ago have
+ceased from war, having laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo spake the
+earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth not after the
+rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without fighting we should go
+to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art
+younger; it were not meet for me, since I was born first and know more. Fond
+god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone
+of gods endured at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon
+and served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his
+commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the joyous
+seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable Laomedon robbed
+us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He threatened that he would bind
+together our feet and hands and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of
+both of us he vowed to shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry
+hearts, wroth for the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou
+showest favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth, of no
+sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee for the sake
+of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in glowing life, consuming
+the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into death. Let us with all speed
+cease from combat, and let them do battle by themselves.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild beasts,
+huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou fleest, Far-darter,
+hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and given him glory for naught!
+Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual bow in vain? Let me not hear thee
+again in the halls of our sire boast as before among the immortal gods thou
+wouldst stand up to fight against Poseidon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the noble
+spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:] “How now art
+thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were it for thee to
+match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against women Zeus made thee
+a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on
+the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier
+than thou. But if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far
+stronger am I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the wrist,
+and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and therewith, smiling,
+beat her on the ears as she turned this way and that; and the swift arrows fell
+out of her quiver. And weeping from before her the goddess fled like a dove
+that from before a falcon flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she was not
+fated to be caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and arrows
+where they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus: “Leto, with
+thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to blows with wives
+of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s content among the immortal
+gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and main.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen hither and
+thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow she went back. And
+the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus, and
+weeping set herself on her father’s knee, while round her her divine vesture
+quivered: and her father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked of her,
+laughing gently: “Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child, hath dealt with
+thee thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong thing openly]?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase: “It was
+thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from whom are strife
+and contention come upon the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred
+Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city, lest the
+Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other ever-living gods
+went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly triumphing, and sat down beside
+Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven, when a
+city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to all, and griefs
+to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the Trojans. And the old man
+Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware of dread Achilles, how before
+him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was any succour found of them. Then with
+a cry he went down from the tower, to rouse the gallant warders along the
+walls: “Hold open the gates in your hands until the folk come to the city in
+their rout, for closely is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be
+deadly deeds. And when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath,
+then again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and the
+gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front that he
+might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the city and the
+high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed from the plain, and
+Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his
+heart continually, and he thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of
+the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly
+Agenor, Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put good
+courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous
+visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick
+mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great heart: “Ay
+me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are driven
+terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or
+what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee
+upon my feet from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to
+the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay,
+why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get
+me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet;
+then will it no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I go
+forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and
+there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of
+Kronos giveth him renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his stout
+heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth from a deep
+thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor fleeth when she
+heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first smite her with thrust or
+throw, yet even pierced through with the spear she ceaseth not from her courage
+until she either grapple or be slain, so noble Antenor’s son, goodly Agenor,
+refused to flee till he should put Achilles to the proof, but held before him
+the circle of his shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried aloud:
+“Doubtless thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day to sack the
+city of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful things yet be
+wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who in front of
+our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt here meet
+death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on the leg
+beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of new-wrought tin rang
+terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from him it smote, nor pierced
+him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then the son of Peleus in his turn made
+at godlike Agenor, but Apollo suffered him not to win renown, but caught away
+Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone out of
+the war. Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in
+complete semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river Skamandros, as he
+ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo beguiled him that he kept
+ever hoping to overtake him in the race), meantime the other Trojans in common
+rout came gladly unto their fastness, and the city was filled with the throng
+of them. Neither had they heart to await one another outside the city and wall,
+and to know who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and knees
+might save.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their sweat and
+drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair battlements, while the
+Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to shoulders. But Hector deadly
+fate bound to abide in his place, in front of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then
+to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus, pursuest
+thou me with swift feet, thyself being mortal and I a deathless god? Thou hast
+not even yet known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently. Truly thou
+regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered
+hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast baulked
+me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou hast turned me
+hither from the wall: else should full many yet have bitten the dust or ever
+within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed me of great renown, and
+lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no vengeance to fear thereafter.
+Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I but the power.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like some
+victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed over the
+plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the old man Priam
+first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the star that cometh forth
+at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine forth amid the host of stars in
+the darkness of night, the star whose name men call Orion’s Dog. Brightest of
+all is he, yet for an evil sign is he set, and bringeth much fever upon hapless
+men. Even so on Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he ran. And the old man
+cried aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising them on high, and
+with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he before the gates was
+standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old man spake piteously
+unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector, beloved son, I pray thee await
+not this man alone with none beside thee, lest thou quickly meet thy doom,
+slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier far, a merciless man. Would
+the gods loved him even as do I! then quickly would dogs and vultures devour
+him on the field—thereby would cruel pain go from my heart—the man who hath
+bereft me of many valiant sons, slaying them and selling them captive into
+far-off isles. Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and Polydoros, I cannot
+see among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons whom Laothoe bare me,
+a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the enemy’s host, then will
+we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is store within, for much goods
+gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If they be dead, then even in the
+house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul and to their mother, even to
+us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the folk a briefer sorrow, if but
+thou die not by Achilles’ hand. Nay, come within the wall, my child, that thou
+preserve the men and women of Troy, neither give great triumph to the son of
+Peleus, and be thyself bereft of sweet life. Have compassion also on me, the
+helpless one, who still can feel, ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’ son, will
+bring to naught by a grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full
+many ills, his sons perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his
+chambers laid waste and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible war,
+and his sons’ wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself
+then last of all at the street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by
+stroke or throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs
+I reared in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having
+drunk my blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man all
+beseemeth, even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on
+the field; though he be dead yet is all honourable to him, whate’er be seen:
+but when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this
+is the most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from his
+head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her turn wailed
+tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand she
+showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged words: “Hector, my
+child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if ever I gave thee consolation
+of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and from this side the wall drive back
+the foe, nor stand in front to meet him. He is merciless; if he slay thee it
+will not be on a bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee, my own dear child,
+but far away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift dogs devour thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet they
+persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he drew nigh in
+giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den awaiteth a man, having
+fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered into him, and terribly he
+glared as he coileth himself about his den, so Hector with courage unquenchable
+gave not back, leaning his shining shield against a jutting tower. Then sore
+troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I go within the gates and
+walls, Polydamas will be first to bring reproach against me, since he bade me
+lead the Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when noble Achilles
+arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better far. And now that
+I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before the men of Troy
+and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man than I shall say:
+‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the host.’ So will they speak; then to
+me would it be better far to face Achilles and either slay him and go home, or
+myself die gloriously before the city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield
+and my stout helm, and lean my spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet
+noble Achilles and promise him that Helen, and with her all possessions that
+Alexandros brought in hollow ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will
+give to the Sons of Atreus to take away, and therewithal to divide in half with
+the Achaians all else that this city holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from
+the Trojans an oath of the Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in
+twain [whatever wealth the pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my
+heart debate thus? I might come unto him and he would not pity or regard me at
+all, but presently slay me unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put off my
+armour. No time is it now to dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like
+youth with maiden, as youth and maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better
+is it to join battle with all speed: let us know upon which of us twain the
+Olympian shall bestow renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of Enyalios
+warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder the Pelian ash,
+his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him flashed like the gleam of
+blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was
+aware of him, nor endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind
+him and fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth
+fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill
+screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled beneath
+the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift knees. They past the watch-place and
+wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the wall, along the
+waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains
+rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and
+smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the other
+even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth.
+And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of
+stone, where wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash
+bright raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an
+oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for men’s speed of foot, but for
+the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some great prize
+lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so
+thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain with flying feet, and all the
+gods were gazing on them. Then among them spake first the father of gods and
+men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is woe for
+Hector, who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of
+many-folded Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel, gods,
+and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of the
+bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A man that is
+a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back from ill-boding
+death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be kind
+to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the crests
+of Olympus she darted down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when on the
+mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it from its
+covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle him under a bush,
+yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until he find it; so Hector
+baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed son. Oft as he set himself to dart under the
+well-built walls over against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they
+might succour him with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him
+toward the plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a
+dream one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and
+Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death,
+had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble Achilles
+sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts against Hector, lest
+any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself come second. But when the
+fourth time they had reached the springs, then the Father hung his golden
+balances, and set therein two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of
+horse-taming Hector, and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s fated
+day sank down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left him. But
+to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing near spake to
+him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to Zeus, I have hope that
+we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for the Achaians, having
+slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is it possible for him to
+escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should travail sore, grovelling
+before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now stand and take breath,
+and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood leaning on
+his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to noble Hector, like
+unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and standing near spake to him
+winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet Achilles doth thee violence, chasing
+thee round Priam’s town with swift feet: but come let us make a stand and await
+him on our defence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall honour
+thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou sawest me, to
+come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother, of a
+truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me much,
+entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all tremble before
+him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And now fight we with
+straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of spears, that we may know
+whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our bloody spoils to the hollow ships,
+or whether he might be vanquished by thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of the glancing
+helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before I thrice ran round
+the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy onset. Now my heart
+biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay or be slain. But come
+hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they shall be best witnesses and
+beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus
+grant me to outstay thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled
+thee of thy glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk not to
+me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is no pledge of
+faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine evil continually
+against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me to be friends, neither
+shall be any pledge between us until one or other shall have fallen and glutted
+with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of all thy soldiership:
+now behoveth it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and valiant man of war. No
+longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas Athene will straightway
+subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou pay back for all my
+sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he crouched,
+and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas
+Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles, unknown of Hector shepherd of
+hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed, so no
+wise yet, godlike Achilles, has thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom,
+though thou thoughtest it. Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech,
+that fearing thee I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt
+thou plant thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I
+set on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the war be
+lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their greatest
+bane.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the midst
+of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far from the shield the
+spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon had left his hand
+in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second ashen spear. And he called
+with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white shield, and asked of him a long
+spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart, and
+spake and said: “Ay me, now verily the gods have summoned me to death. I deemed
+the warrior Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the wall, and it was
+Athene who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come very nigh me, not
+far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of old the pleasure of
+Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before were fain to succour
+me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not die without a struggle
+or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms whereof men yet to be born
+shall hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and strong,
+and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that darteth to the plain
+through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or crouching hare. So Hector
+swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles made at him, for his heart
+was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with
+his fair graven shield, and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it
+waved fair golden plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a
+star goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars
+set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing his
+fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his flesh was
+covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong Patroklos when he
+slew him, but there was an opening where the collar bones coming from the
+shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet, where destruction of life cometh
+quickliest; there, as he came on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear,
+and right through the tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen
+spear clave not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou
+wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left behind,
+who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear foully, but his
+funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I pray thee
+by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the Achaians to
+devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold, gifts that my
+father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them home my body back
+again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give me my due of fire after my
+death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me not, dog,
+by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so bid me myself to
+carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought me, as surely is
+there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even should they bring ten
+or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and promise even more, not even
+were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid pay thy weight in gold, not even so shall thy
+lady mother lay thee on a bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds shall devour
+thee utterly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know thee and
+behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee; truly thy heart
+is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon thee wrath of gods, in
+the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee, for all thy valour, at the
+Skaian gate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth
+of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate, leaving her
+vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles: “Die: for my
+death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other immortal gods are minded
+to accomplish it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it aside, and
+stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons of Achaians ran
+up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor
+did any stand by but wounded him, and thus would many a man say looking toward
+his neighbour: “Go to, of a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than when
+he burnt the ships with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say, and wound him
+as he stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled him, he stood
+up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends, chiefs and counsellors
+of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to vanquish this man who hath
+done us more evil than all the rest together, come let us make trial in arms
+round about the city, that we may know somewhat of the Trojans’ purpose,
+whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the citadel, or whether they are
+minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more. But wherefore doth my heart debate
+thus? There lieth by the ships a dead man unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him
+will I not forget, while I abide among the living and my knees can stir. Nay if
+even in the house of Hades the dead forget their dead, yet will I even there be
+mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye sons of the Achaians, let us now,
+singing our song of victory, go back to the hollow ships and take with us our
+foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain the noble Hector, unto whom the
+Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had been a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of both feet
+behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust therethrough thongs of
+ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving his head to trail. And when he
+had mounted the chariot and lifted therein the famous armour, he lashed his
+horses to speed, and they nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that
+was dragged, and his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay
+all his once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld her son,
+tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried aloud with an
+exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and around them the folk
+fell to crying and moaning throughout the town. Most like it seemed as though
+all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep
+back the old man in his hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For
+he besought them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man
+by his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me forth of
+the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this accursed
+horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows and pity
+an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who begat and reared
+him to be a bane of Trojans—and most of all to me hath he brought woe. So many
+sons of mine hath he slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for the rest I
+mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief will bring me
+down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in my arms; then
+would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him to her ill hap,
+and I myself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him. And
+among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah, woe is me!
+wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who night and day wert
+my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both men and women of Troy
+throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for verily an exceeding glory to
+them wert thou in thy life:—now death and fate have overtaken thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates, but in
+an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double purple web, and
+broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to her goodly-haired
+handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, that Hector
+might have warm washing when he came home out of the battle fond heart, and was
+unaware how, far from all washings, bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the
+hand of Achilles. But she heard shrieks and groans from the battlements, and
+her limbs reeled, and the shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again
+among her goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me that
+I may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s noble mother
+that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth and my knees
+are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against the children
+of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet terribly I dread
+lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the city by himself and
+chased him to the plain and ere this ended his perilous pride that possessed
+him, for never would he tarry among the throng of men but ran out before them
+far, yielding place to no man in his hardihood.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating heart, and
+with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the battlements and the
+throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and gazed, and beheld him dragged
+before the city:—swift horses dragged him recklessly toward the hollow ships of
+the Achaians. Then dark night came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell
+backward and gasped forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright
+attiring thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And around her
+thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives, who held her up among
+them, distraught even to death. But when at last she came to herself and her
+soul returned into her breast, then wailing with deep sobs she spake among the
+women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me! to one fate then were we both born, thou
+in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe under woody Plakos, in the house
+of Eetion, who reared me from a little one—ill-fated sire of cruel-fated child.
+Ah, would he have begotten me not. Now thou to the house of Hades beneath the
+secret places of the earth departest, and me in bitter mourning thou leavest a
+widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant child—son of unhappy parents,
+thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector, since thou art dead, neither he
+thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’ woful war, yet shall labour and
+sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men shall seize his lands. The day
+of orphanage sundereth a child from his fellows, and his head is bowed down
+ever, and his cheeks are wet with tears. And in his need the child seeketh his
+father’s friends, plucking this one by cloak and that by coat, and one of them
+that pity him holdeth his cup a little to his mouth, and moisteneth his lips,
+but his palate he moisteneth not. And some child unorphaned thrusteth him from
+the feast with blows and taunting words, ‘Out with thee! no father of thine is
+at our board.’ Then weeping to his widowed mother shall he return, even
+Astyanax, who erst upon his father’s knee ate only marrow and fat flesh of
+sheep; and when sleep fell on him and he ceased from childish play, then in bed
+in his nurse’s arms he would slumber softly nested, having satisfied his heart
+with good things; but now that he hath lost his father he will suffer many
+ills, Astyanax—that name the Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the
+defence of their gates and their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far
+from thy parents, shall coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their
+fill, as thou liest naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate
+and fair, wrought by the hands of women. But verily all these will I consume
+with burning fire—to thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie therein, yet
+that his be honour to thee from the men and the women of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were come
+to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own ship: only
+the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but spake among his
+comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed Myrmidons, my trusty comrades,
+let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved steeds from their cars, but with horses
+and chariots let us go near and mourn Patroklos, for such is the honour of the
+dead. Then when we have our fill of grievous wailing, we will unyoke the horses
+and all sup here.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led their
+mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned steeds,
+moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing. Bedewed were the
+sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great a lord of fear they
+sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail, laying his man-slaying hands
+on his comrade’s breast: “All hail, Patroklos, even in the house of Hades; for
+all that I promised thee before am I accomplishing, seeing I have dragged
+hither Hector to give raw unto dogs to devour, and twelve noble children of the
+Trojans to slaughter before thy pyre, because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him prone in
+the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put off each his
+glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing horses, and sate them
+down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed Aiakides, and he gave them
+ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were stretched out, their throats cut with
+steel, and many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well
+grown in fat were spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides
+round the corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble Agamemnon
+by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his heart was wroth
+for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnon’s hut, forthwith they
+bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the fire, if haply they might
+persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him the bloody gore. But he denied them
+steadfastly, and sware moreover an oath: “Nay, verily by Zeus, who is highest
+and best of gods, not lawful is it that water should come nigh my head or ever
+I shall have laid Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a barrow, and shaved my
+hair, since never again shall second grief thus reach my heart, while I remain
+among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us to our mournful meal:
+but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the folk to bring wood and
+furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he goeth beneath the
+misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn him quickly from sight, and
+the host betake them to their work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly making
+ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of equal feast. But
+when they had put off from them the desire of meat and drink, the rest went
+down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the son of Peleus upon the
+beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in
+an open place, where waves were breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold
+on him, easing the cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for
+sore tired were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like
+his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his
+body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and spake to him: “Thou
+sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast thou ever
+unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I pass the gates
+of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of men outworn, nor
+suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but vainly I wander along the
+wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy hand,
+for never more again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me my due
+of fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear comrades and
+take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up which was
+appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles peer of
+gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one thing
+will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay not my
+bones apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured in
+your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your
+country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew Amphidamas’
+son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then took me the knight
+Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy squire: so
+therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two handled, thy lady
+mother’s gift].”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my brother,
+hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should do? Verily I
+will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But stand more nigh me;
+for one moment let us throw our arms around each other, and take our fill of
+dolorous lament.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for like a
+vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek. And Achilles
+sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and spake a word of woe:
+“Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of Hades a spirit and phantom of
+the dead, albeit the life be not anywise therein: for all night long hath the
+spirit of hapless Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan, and charged
+me everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self it seemed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around the
+piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the huts to
+fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even Meriones, squire of
+kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with wood-cutting axes in their hands and
+well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules, and uphill and downhill and
+sideways and across they went. But when they came to the spurs of
+many-fountained Ida, straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged
+oaks with the long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then
+splitting them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore
+up the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones, squire
+of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in line, where
+Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate them down
+all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the warlike Myrmidons
+gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his chariot; and they arose and
+put their armour on, and mounted their chariots, both fighting men and
+charioteers. In front were the men in chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed
+after, numberless; and in the midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they
+heaped all the corpse with their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and
+behind did goodly Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he
+speeding forth unto the realm of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set down
+the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre he shore off a
+golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer unto the River
+Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth over the wine-dark sea:
+“Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father Peleus unto thee that I returning
+thither to my native land should shear my hair for thee and offer a holy
+hecatomb, and fifty rams should sacrifice there above thy springs, where is the
+sacred close and altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou hast not
+accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear native land,
+unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and stirred in
+all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light of the sun have
+gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said quickly to Agamemnon as
+he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy words most will the host of the
+Achaians have regard—of lamentation they may sate them to the full. But now
+disperse them from the burning and bid them make ready their meal, and we to
+whom the dead is dearest will take pains for these things; yet let the chiefs
+tarry nigh unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the host
+among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and piled the
+wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on the pyre’s top
+set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many lusty sheep and
+shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready before the pyre; and
+taking from all of them the fat, great hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse
+therein from head to foot, and heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set
+therein two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and
+four strong-necked horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine
+house-dogs had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them
+on the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless might of
+the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in the house of Hades, for
+all that I promised thee before am I now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons of
+great-hearted Trojans, behold these all in company with thee the fire
+devoureth: but Hector son of Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon,
+but to dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day and
+night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him with
+rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from heaven to earth and
+covered all that place whereon the dead man lay, lest meanwhile the sun’s
+strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his sinews and limbs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed to the two Winds
+of North and West, and promised them fair offerings, and pouring large
+libations from a golden cup besought them to come, that the corpses might blaze
+up speedily in the fire, and the wood make haste to be enkindled. Then Iris,
+when she heard his prayer, went swiftly with the message to the Winds. They
+within the house of the gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat,
+when Iris sped thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw
+her with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by him.
+But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I must go back to
+the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where they sacrifice hecatombs to
+the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their rites. But Achilles is praying
+the North Wind and the loud West to come, and promising them fair offerings,
+that ye may make the pyre be kindled whereon lieth Patroklos, for whom all the
+Achaians are making moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound, rolling the
+clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the sea, and the wave
+rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troy, and fell
+upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty fire. So all night drave they the
+flame of the pyre together, blowing shrill; and all night fleet Achilles,
+holding a two-handled cup, drew wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth
+and drenched the earth, calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a
+father waileth when he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death
+is woe to his hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon the
+earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and spreadeth over the
+salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame died down. And the Winds
+went back again to betake them home over the Thracian main, and it roared with
+a violent swell. Then the son of Peleus turned away from the burning and lay
+down wearied, and sweet sleep leapt on him. But they who were with Atreus’ son
+gathered all together, and the noise and clash of their approach aroused him;
+and he sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son of Atreus and ye other
+chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine all the burning so far
+as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let us gather up the bones of
+Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well, and easy are they to discern,
+for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the rest apart at the edge
+burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us put within a golden urn,
+and double-folded fat, until that I myself be hidden in Hades. But no huge
+barrow I bid you toil to raise—a seemly one, no more: then afterward do ye
+Achaians build it broad and high, whosoever of you after I am gone may be left
+in the benched ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus. First
+quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame went, and the
+ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered up the white bones of
+their gentle comrade into a golden urn and double-folded fat, and placed the
+urn in the hut and covered it with a linen veil. And they marked the circle of
+the barrow, and set the foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway
+heaped thereon a heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they
+were for going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes, caldrons and
+tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and fair-girdled women, and grey
+iron.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman skilled in
+fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared tripod that held
+two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and for the second he
+ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal in her womb; and for the
+third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by fire, holding four measures,
+bright as when first made; and for the fourth he ordained two talents of gold;
+and for the fifth a two-handled urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved
+Achaians, for the chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists.
+If in some other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it would be I
+who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know how far my
+pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and Poseidon gave
+them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I will abide, I and my
+whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have they lost, and one so kind,
+who on their manes full often poured smooth oil, when he had washed them in
+clear water. For him they stand and mourn, and their manes are trailing on the
+ground, and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But ye others
+throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans hath trust
+in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were gathered. First
+of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a skilful charioteer; and
+next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant Diomedes, and yoked his horses of the
+breed of Tros, which on a time he seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved their
+lord. And after him arose Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung Menelaos, and
+yoked him a swift pair Aithe, Agamemnon’s mare, and his own horse Podargos. Her
+unto Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in fee, that he might escape
+from following him to windy Ilios and take his pleasure at home; for great
+wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon of spacious lawns:— so
+Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the race. And fourth,
+Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble son of Nestor,
+high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet horses bred at Pylos
+drew his car. And his father standing by his side spake counselling him to his
+profit, though himself was well advised: “Antilochos, verily albeit thou art
+young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved thee and taught thee all skill with horses;
+wherefore to teach thee is no great need, for thou well knowest how to wheel
+round the post; yet are thy horses very slow in the race: therefore methinks
+there will be sad work for thee. For the horses of the others are fleeter, yet
+the men know not more cunning than thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind
+with all manner of cunning, that the prize escape thee not. By cunning is a
+woodman far better than by force; by cunning doth a helmsman on the wine-dark
+deep steer his swift ship buffeted by winds; by cunning hath charioteer the
+better of charioteer. For whoso trusting in his horses and car alone wheeleth
+heedlessly and wide at either end, his horses swerve on the course, and he
+keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of crafty mind, though he drive worse
+horses, he ever keeping his eye upon the post turneth closely by it, neither is
+unaware how far at first to force his horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth
+them safe in hand and watcheth the leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a
+certain sign, and it shall not escape thee. A fathom’s height above the ground
+standeth a withered stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in the rain,
+and two white stones on either side thereof are fixed at the joining of the
+track, and all round it is smooth driving ground. Whether it be a monument of
+some man dead long ago, or have been made their goal in the race by ancient
+men, this now is the mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou
+drive close and bear thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on
+the well-knit car slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with
+voice and lash, and give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the
+post so that the nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it—yet beware of
+touching the stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would
+that be triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise
+and on thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is
+none shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the
+goodly Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the
+horses of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he had
+told his son the sum of every matter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then went
+they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles shook them, and
+forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the next lot had lord
+Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaos, and next to
+him drew Meriones his place; then lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew
+his lot for his chariot’s place. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles
+showed to them the turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and beside it he
+placed an umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower, that he might note
+the running and tell the truth thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them with the
+reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they forthwith sped swiftly
+over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and beneath their breasts stood the
+rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes waved on the blowing
+wind. And the chariots ran sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles
+would bound into the air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of
+every man beat in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses,
+that flew amid their dust across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course, back
+toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the horses
+strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet mares of
+Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions of the breed of Tros,
+not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as they would mount
+Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back was warm and his broad shoulders,
+for they bent their heads upon him as they flew along. Thus would Tydeus’ son
+have either outstripped the other or made it a dead heat, had not Phoebus
+Apollo been wroth with him and smitten from his hand the shining lash. Then
+from his eyes ran tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at speed,
+even swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as running
+without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile against Tydeides,
+and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him back the lash, and
+put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of Admetos was the
+goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and the mares ran sideways off the
+course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And Eumelos was hurled out of
+the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth and nose were flayed, and
+his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his eyes filled with tears and his
+lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides held his whole-hooved horses on one side,
+darting far out before the rest, for Athene put spirit into his steeds and shed
+glory on himself. Now next after him came golden-haired Menelaos Atreus’ son.
+But Antilochos called to his father’s horses: “Go ye too in, strain to your
+fleetest pace. Truly I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of wise
+Tydeides, unto which Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on their
+charioteer. But overtake Atreides’ horses with all haste, and be not
+outstripped by them, lest Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are
+ye outstripped, brave steeds? Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be
+brought to pass—ye will find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but
+straightway he will slay you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness
+we win but the worse prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my
+part will devise a plan to pass them in the strait part of the course, and this
+shall fail me not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier some
+little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a strait place
+in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth, where torrent water
+gathered and brake part of the track away, and hollowed all the place; there
+drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of the wheels. But Antilochos turned his
+whole-hooved horses out of the track, and followed him a little at one side.
+And the son of Atreus took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos, thou
+art driving recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon thou
+mayest pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us both.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying his
+lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk swung from
+the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his force, even so
+far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave back, for he ceased of
+himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds should encounter on the
+track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the drivers fall in the dust in
+their zeal for victory. So upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos:
+“Antilochos, no mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way, since
+falsely have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not bear off
+the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand still
+with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before yours, for
+they both lack youth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on, and
+were quickly close upon the others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they came
+flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them was
+Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the concourse in
+the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of one that shouted,
+though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a horse showing plainly in the
+front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but in the forehead marked with a white
+star round like the moon. And he stood upright and spoke among the Argives:
+“Friends, chiefs, and counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see the
+horses, or do ye also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new
+charioteer appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither post,
+but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere along the
+Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he could not drive
+aright round the post and failed in the turn? There, methinks, must he have
+been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and the mares must have left the
+course, in the wildness of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for
+myself I discern not certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian
+race, and he ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort: “Idomeneus, why art
+thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the high-stepping mares are coursing
+over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far the youngest among the Argives,
+nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from thy head, yet continually
+braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a braggart, for there are here
+better men. And the mares leading are they that led before, Eumelos’ mares, and
+he standeth and holdeth the reins within the car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of railing,
+ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for thy mind is
+unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and make Agamemnon
+Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that thou mayest pay and
+learn.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to answer
+with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone further, had not
+Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer answer each other with
+harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for it beseemeth not. Surely ye are
+displeased with any other who should do thus. Sit ye in the concourse and keep
+your eyes upon the horses; soon they in zeal for victory will come hither, and
+then shall ye know each of you the Argives’ horses, which follow, and which
+lead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote now and
+again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as they sped swiftly
+on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the charioteer, and his
+chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his fleet-footed steeds, and
+small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind in the fine dust, as they flew
+speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from
+the horses’ heads and chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth from
+the shining car, and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart Sthenelos
+tarried not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud comrades the
+woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the horses from
+the yoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his swift
+steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which draweth his
+master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost tail-hairs touch the
+tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much space between, as he
+speedeth far over the plain—by so much was Menelaos behind high-born
+Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole disk-cast behind, but quickly he
+was catching Antilochos up, for the high mettle of Agamemnon’s mare,
+sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her. And if yet further both had had to run
+he would have passed his rival nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones,
+stout squire of Idomeneus, came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for
+tardiest of all were his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a
+chariot in the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his goodly
+car driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles beheld he
+pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives: “Last
+driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come let us give
+him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but the first let the
+son of Tydeus take.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given him the
+mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of great-hearted
+Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf of his right: “O
+Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou accomplish this word, for
+thou art minded to take away my prize, because thou thinkest of how his chariot
+and fleet steeds miscarried, and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it
+behoved him to pray to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of
+all in the race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even a
+richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee. But the
+mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the battle at my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with Antilochos,
+for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him winged words:
+“Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some other thing beside from
+out my house, that also will I do. I will give unto him a breast-plate that I
+took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon a casting of bright tin is overlaid,
+and of great worth will it be to him.” He said, and bade his dear comrade
+Automedon bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then he placed it
+in Eumelos’ hands, and he received it gladly.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly against
+Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called for silence
+among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man: “Antilochos, who
+once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou hast shamed my skill
+and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in front that are far worse. Come
+now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us both,
+and favour neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any time:
+‘By constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone off with the
+mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in rank and
+power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem that none other of
+the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just. Antilochos,
+fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up before thy
+horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash wherewith thou dravest
+erst, and touching thy horses swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of the earth
+that not wilfully didst thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger am I than
+thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou knowest how a
+young man’s transgressions come about, for his mind is hastier and his counsel
+shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will of myself give to thee the mare
+I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask some other greater thing from my house,
+I were fain to give it thee straightway, rather than fall for ever from my
+place in thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner against the
+gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her in the
+hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew cometh upon the
+ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are bristling. So gladdened
+was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he spake unto Antilochos and
+uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now will I of myself put away mine anger
+against thee, since no wise formerly wert thou flighty or light-minded, howbeit
+now thy reason was overcome of youthfulness. Another time be loth to outwit
+better men. Not easily should another of the Achaians have persuaded me, but
+thou hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father and brother, for my
+sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even give unto thee the
+mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my heart was never
+overweening or implacable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away, and then
+took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold in the
+fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was left unclaimed, a
+two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this, bearing it to him through the
+concourse of Argives, and stood by him and said: “Lo now for thee too, old man,
+be this a treasure, a memorial of Patroklos’ burying; for no more shalt thou
+behold him among the Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon, for not in
+boxing shalt thou strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin match, nor
+race with thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and spake
+unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast meetly said; for
+no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor do my arms at all swing
+lightly from my shoulders either side. Would that my youth were such and my
+force so firm as when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynkes at Buprasion, and
+his sons held the king’s funeral games. Then was no man found like me, neither
+of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves or the great-hearted Aitolians. In
+boxing I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in wrestling Ankaios of
+Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I outran Iphiklos, a
+right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and Polydoros; only in the
+chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding their horses in front
+of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were left at home.] Now
+they were twins—one ever held the reins, the reins he ever held, the other
+called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but now let younger men
+join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but then was I of mark among
+heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with games. This gift do
+I accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou rememberest ever my
+friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour wherewith it is meet that
+I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods for this grant thee due
+grace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of Achaians, when
+he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then he ordained prizes of
+the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led forth and tethered amid the
+assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest of all to break; and for the loser
+set a two-handled cup. Then he stood up and spake a word among the Argives:
+“Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for these rewards we summon
+two men of the best to lift up their hands to box amain. He to whom Apollo
+shall grant endurance to the end, and all the Achaians acknowledge it, let him
+take the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut; and the loser shall take
+with him the two-handled-cup.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled in
+boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule and said
+aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the mule I say none
+other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his fists, for I claim to be
+the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall short of you in battle? Not
+possible is it that in all arts a man be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it shall
+be accomplished: I will utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and break his
+bones, so let his friends abide together here to bear him forth when vanquished
+by my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against him
+Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos, Mekisteus,
+who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his burial, and there
+he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides famous with the spear made
+ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him with speech, and greatly desired for
+him victory. And first he cast about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut
+thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to,
+and their hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on, and as
+the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could he much more
+stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as when beneath the
+North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered beach, and then the
+black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted
+Epeios took him in his hands and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood
+around him, and led him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out
+clotted blood, drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among
+them and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest, offering
+them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the winner a great
+tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians among them at twelve
+oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman into the midst, skilled in
+manifold work, and they prized her at four oxen. And he stood up and spake a
+word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of many
+wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went into the midst
+of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with stalwart hands, like
+gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed craftsman joineth, that he may
+baffle the wind’s force. And their backs creaked, gripped firmly under the
+vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in streams, and frequent weals along their
+ribs and shoulders sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove amain for
+victory, to win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias and bear
+him to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld him. But when
+they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to Odysseus great Aias,
+Telamon’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, or lift
+thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be with Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his craft. He
+smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed his limbs, and
+threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest, and the folk gazed
+and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring noble Odysseus tried to lift, and
+moved him a little from the ground, but lifted him not, so he crooked his knee
+within the other’s, and both fell on the ground nigh to each other, and were
+soiled with dust, And now starting up again a third time would they have
+wrestled, had not Achilles himself arisen and held them back: “No longer press
+each the other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is with both; take equal
+prizes and depart, that other Achaians may contend.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the dust from
+them and put their doublets on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness of
+foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in beauty it
+was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon wrought it
+cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the misty sea, and landed
+it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and Euneos son of Jason gave it to
+the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon Priam’s son. Now this cup did Achilles
+set forth as a prize in honour of his friend, for whoso should be fleetest in
+speed of foot. For the second he set an ox great and very fat, and for the last
+prize half a talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and Odysseus of
+many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he was best of all the
+youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles showed to
+them the goal. Right eager was the running from the start, but Oileus’ son
+forthwith shot to the front, and close behind him came noble Odysseus, as close
+as is a weaving-rod to a fair-girdled woman’s breast when she pulleth it deftly
+with her hands, drawing the spool along the warp, and holdeth the rod nigh her
+breast— so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod in his footsteps or ever the
+dust had settled there, and on his head fell the breath of noble Odysseus as he
+ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians applauded his struggle for the
+victory and called on him as he laboured hard. But when they were running the
+last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus prayed in his soul to bright-eyed
+Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou a good helper of my feet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs feel
+light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on the prize,
+then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race, where filth was strewn
+from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that fleet Achilles slew in honour of
+Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and nostrils were filled with that filth of oxen. So
+much-enduring noble Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the mixing-bowl, and
+famous Aias took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the horn of the ox of
+the field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the Argives: “Out on it,
+it was the goddess who marred my running, she who from of old like a mother
+standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then Antilochos
+smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the Argives:
+“Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even herein also the
+immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older than I, but Odysseus of
+an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A green old age is his, they
+say, and hard were it for any Achaian to rival him in speed, save only
+Achilles.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be given; a
+half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said, and set it in
+his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with flowers; and men
+that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus’ son wide-ruling
+Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave squire. And swift-footed noble
+Achilles spake among them: “Son of Atreus, for that we know how far thou
+excellest all, and how far the first thou art in the might of thy throw, take
+thou this prize with thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero Meriones let us
+give the spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at least advise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones he
+gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave the
+goodliest prize.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake them
+each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper and sweet
+sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear comrade, nor
+did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he kept turning him to this
+side and to that, yearning for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour, and all
+the toils he achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the battles of
+men and the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears, now lying
+on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would arise
+upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would he be
+unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he had
+yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot to
+drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the dead son
+of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on his
+face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for he
+had pity on him even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis, that
+Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the blessed
+gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the clear-sighted slayer of
+Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the others seemed it good, yet not to
+Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed Maiden, but they continued as when at the
+beginning sacred Ilios became hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by
+reason of the sin of Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they
+came to his steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector never
+burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have ye not taken
+heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon and his mother and
+his child and his father Priam and his people, who speedily would burn him in
+the fire and make his funeral. But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to abet,
+whose mind is nowise just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned away, but
+he is cruelly minded as a lion that in great strength and at the bidding of his
+proud heart goeth forth against men’s flocks to make his meal; even thus
+Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth both harm and
+profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some dearer one than
+was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son; yet bringeth he
+his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul have the Fates
+given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his life bindeth
+him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of his dear comrade:
+not, verily, is that more honourable or better for him. Let him take heed lest
+we wax wroth with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is entreating
+shamefully the senseless clay.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou speak,
+O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to Achilles and to
+Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a woman’s breast, but
+Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up and reared and gave to a
+man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was dearest of all men to the Immortals’
+heart. And all ye gods came to her bridal, and thou among them wert feasting
+with thy lyre, O lover of ill company, faithless ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be not wroth
+utterly with the gods: for these men’s honour is not to be the same, yet Hector
+also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios. So was he to me
+at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I loved. Never did my altar lack
+seemly feast, drink-offering and the steam of sacrifice, even the honour that
+falleth to our due. But verily we will say no more of stealing away brave
+Hector, for it cannot be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth ever nigh
+to him night and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would call
+Thetis to come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake he, and
+airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and rocky
+Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her with a noise.
+And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that mounted on horn of a
+field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in a
+hollow cave; about her sat gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in
+their midst was wailing for the fate of her noble son who must perish in
+deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed
+Iris spake to her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore biddeth me
+that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals, for I have
+countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in vain, whatsoever he
+saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no blacker
+raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and wind-footed swift
+Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge of the sea was sundered.
+And when they had come forth upon the shore they sped up to heaven, and found
+the far-seeing son of Kronos, and round him sat gathered all the other blessed
+gods that are for ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave
+her place. And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with
+words, and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself. Nevertheless will
+I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days hath dispute arisen among
+the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles waster of cities.
+Fain are they to send clear-sighted Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear
+what glory I accord herein to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come
+thy honour and good will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my
+bidding. Say to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the beaked
+ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and give Hector
+back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him go to the ships of
+the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient to his
+word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of Olympus. And she
+came to her son’s hut; there found she him making grievous moan, and his dear
+comrades round were swiftly making ready and furnishing their early meal, and a
+sheep great and fleecy was being sacrificed in the hut. Then his lady-mother
+sate her down close beside him, and stroked him with her hand and spake to him
+by his name: “My child, how long with lamentation and woe wilt thou devour
+thine heart, taking thought of neither food nor rest? good were even a woman’s
+embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me; already death and
+forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith unto me, for I am
+the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are displeased at thee,
+and that himself above all Immortals is wroth, because with furious heart thou
+holdest Hector at the beaked ships and hast not given him back. But come
+restore him, and take ransom for the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso bringeth
+ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s intent the Olympian
+biddeth it himself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each other many
+winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy Ilios: “Go forth,
+fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my message within Ilios to
+great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom his dear
+son and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart; let him go alone,
+and no other man of the Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald attend
+on him to guide the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to the city
+the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought nor any
+fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who shall lead
+him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have led him
+within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any other
+herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she came to
+the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His children sitting
+around their father within the court were bedewing their raiment with their
+tears, and the old man in their midst was close wrapped all over in his cloak;
+and on his head and neck was much mire that he had gathered in his hands as he
+grovelled upon the earth. And his daughters and his sons’ wives were wailing
+throughout the house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had lost
+their lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the messenger
+of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling came upon
+his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of Dardanos, and be not
+dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to forebode to thee, but with
+good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who, though he be afar off, hath
+great care and pity for thee. The Olympian biddeth thee ransom noble Hector and
+carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart: go thou alone, let none
+other of the Trojans go with thee. Only let some elder herald attend on thee to
+guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to carry back to the city the
+dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in thy thought, nor any
+fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of Argus, who shall lead
+thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when he shall have led thee
+into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee, nor suffer any other
+herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons make
+ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage thereon. And
+himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar wood, high-roofed, that
+held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he called and spake: “Lady, from
+Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to me, that I go to the ships of the
+Achaians and ransom my dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden
+his heart. Come tell me how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my
+desire and heart bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide
+camp of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe is me,
+whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among stranger men
+and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone to the ships of the
+Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of thy brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he light on thee and behold thee with
+his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity thee,
+neither reverence thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make lament
+afar off. Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her thread at
+his beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut fleet-footed dogs,
+far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose inmost vitals I
+were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against my son be paid
+again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him, but championing
+the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he him of shelter or
+of flight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for I am
+fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls, for thou wilt
+not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of earth that bade me this,
+whether some seer or of the priests that divine from sacrifice, then would we
+declare it false and have no part therein; but now, since I have heard the
+voice of the goddess myself and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and her
+word shall not be void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the
+mail-clad Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed,
+when once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very goodly
+women’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a like number
+and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he weighed and brought forth
+talents of gold ten in all, and two shining tripods and four caldrons, and a
+goblet exceeding fair that men of Thrace had given him when he went thither on
+an embassy, a chattel of great price, yet not that even did the old man grudge
+from his halls, for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his dear son. Then
+he drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them with words of
+rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye no mourning of your
+own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a small thing that Zeus
+Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him that was the best man of my
+sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier far shall ye be to the Achaians
+to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere I behold with mine eyes the city sacked
+and wasted, let me go down into the house of Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth before
+the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding Helenos and
+Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and Polites of the loud
+war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud Dios; nine were they whom the
+old man called and bade unto him: “Haste ye, ill sons, my shame; would that ye
+all in Hector’s stead had been slain at the swift ships! Woe is me all unblest,
+since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but none of them is left for
+me to claim, neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his chariot of war, nor
+Hector who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the son of a mortal man
+but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my shames all left to me,
+false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance, plunderers of your own
+people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready a wain with all speed, and
+lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our way?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on the
+frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke with knob
+well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the yoke-band of nine
+cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the polished pole on the rest
+at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over the upright pin, which with three
+turns of the band they lashed to the knob, and then belayed it close round the
+pole and turned the tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and
+heaped on the polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and yoked
+strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam, a
+splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old man kept
+for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with
+wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with
+honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make
+libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to
+Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou mayest
+come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth to the
+ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of the
+Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask of
+him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to
+him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his
+messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the
+Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not disregard
+this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply he will
+have pity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water
+on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash
+withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then
+he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he
+looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father Zeus that bearest sway
+from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity
+under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is
+dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon the
+right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto the
+ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter
+called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of
+some rich man’s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and he
+appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they saw
+the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their breasts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from the
+doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wain,
+and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses which the old man urged with
+the lash at speed along the city: and his friends all followed lamenting loud
+as though he were faring to his death. And when they were come down from the
+city and were now on the plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and
+marriage kin. But the two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of
+far-seeing Zeus. But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee especially
+is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou wilt, go forth
+and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians that no man behold or be
+aware of him, among all the Danaans’ host, until he come to the son of Peleus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not disobedient unto
+his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his fair sandals, golden,
+divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the boundless land with the
+breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand wherewith he entranceth the
+eyes of such men as he will, and others he likewise waketh out of sleep: this
+did the strong slayer of Argus take in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he
+to Troy-land and the Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young
+man that is a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men
+is the comeliest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios, halted
+the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come down over the
+earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and marked him, and spake
+and said to Priam: “Consider, son of Dardanos; this is matter of prudent
+thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let
+us flee in our chariot, or else at least touch his knees and entreat him that
+he have mercy on us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed exceedingly,
+and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood still amazed. But the
+Helper came nigh of himself and took the old man’s hand, and spake and
+questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou thus guide these horses and mules
+through the divine night, when other mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no fear of
+the fierce-breathing Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh thee? If one
+of them should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift black night,
+what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself, and thy
+companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that should
+assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any other from
+thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind son, are
+all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god stretched forth his
+hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer such as thou to meet me, a
+bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy form and semblance; and thou art
+wise of heart and of blessed parents art thou sprung.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this, old sire,
+hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me truly whether
+thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto alien men, where it may
+abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye are all forsaking holy Ilios in
+fear; so far the best man among you hath perished, even thy son; for of battle
+with the Achaians abated he never a jot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou, noble
+sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate of my
+hapless son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art proving
+me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft seen with mine
+eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was slaying the Argives he
+drave thither, piercing them with the keen bronze, and we stood still and
+marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered us not to fight, being wroth against
+Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and came in the same well-wrought ship. From the
+Myrmidons I come, and my father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and an old man even
+as thou, and six other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With the others I
+cast lots, and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now am I come
+from the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed Achaians will
+set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to be sitting
+here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou art a
+squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth, whether still my
+son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath riven him limb from limb
+and cast him to the dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire, not yet
+have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by Achilles’ ship,
+even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn now hath risen upon him,
+nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither worms consume it, such as devour men
+slain in war. Truly Achilles draggeth him recklessly around the barrow of his
+dear comrade so oft as divine day dawneth, yet marreth he him not; thou wouldst
+marvel if thou couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh he lieth, and is washed
+clean of blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his wounds wherewith he was
+stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he be but a dead corpse,
+for they held him dear at heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My son, it
+is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the Immortals, for never
+did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in our halls the gods who
+inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered this for him, albeit his
+portion is death. But come now take from me this goodly goblet, and guard me
+myself and guide me, under Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of Peleus’
+son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art proving
+me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not prevail upon me, in
+that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without Achilles’ privity. I were
+afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him, lest some evil come to pass on me
+hereafter. But as thy guide I would go even unto famous Argos, accompanying
+thee courteously in swift ship or on foot. Not from scorn of thy guide would
+any assail thee then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he swiftly
+took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit into horses and
+mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench of the ships, there
+were the sentinels just busying them about their supper. Then the Messenger,
+the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them all, and straightway opened the gates
+and thrust back the bars, and brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon
+his wain. And they came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the
+Myrmidons made for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and
+thatched it with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and
+around it made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and
+the door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but Achilles by
+himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes the door for the old
+man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’ fleet-footed son, and
+descended from the chariot to the earth and spake aloud: “Old sire, I that have
+come to thee am an immortal god, even Hermes, for my father sent me to
+companion thee on thy way. But now will I depart from thee nor come within
+Achilles’ sight; it were cause of wrath that an immortal god should thus show
+favour openly unto mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of Peleus’ son
+and entreat him for his father’s sake and his mother’s of the lovely hair and
+for his child’s sake that thou mayest move his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from the car
+to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind the horses and
+mules; but the old man made straight for the house where Achilles dear to Zeus
+was wont to sit. And therein he found the man himself, and his comrades sate
+apart: two only, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were
+busy in attendance; and he was lately ceased from meat, even from eating and
+drinking: and still the table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great
+Priam as he came in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees
+of Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his own
+country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to the house of
+some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on him—so Achilles wondered
+when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest wondered likewise, and looked upon one
+another. Then Priam spake and entreated him, saying: “Bethink thee, O Achilles
+like to gods, of thy father that is of like years with me, on the grievous
+pathway of old age. Him haply are the dwellers round about entreating evilly,
+nor is there any to ward from him ruin and bane. Nevertheless while he heareth
+of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart, and hopeth withal day after day
+that he shall see his dear son returning from Troy-land. But I, I am utterly
+unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but declare unto
+thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had, when the sons of the Achaians
+came; nineteen were born to me of one mother, and concubines bare the rest
+within my halls. Now of the more part had impetuous Ares unstrung the knees,
+and he who was yet left and guarded city and men, him slewest thou but now as
+he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake come I unto the ships of
+the Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I bring with me untold
+ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have compassion on me, even me,
+bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more piteous than he, and have
+braved what none other man on earth hath braved before, to stretch forth my
+hand toward the face of the slayer of my sons.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old man’s hand and gently moved him back. And as
+they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying Hector wept
+sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet, and Achilles wept for his own
+father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan went up throughout the
+house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him with lament, and the desire
+thereof departed from his heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat
+and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and
+spake unto him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily thou
+hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the
+Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we
+will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable men,
+that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For two urns
+stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and one with
+blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled
+lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he
+giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth
+him over the goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor
+men. Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and
+mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on
+him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death. Neither may
+I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country I am dwelling in
+Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard
+how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar,
+boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after
+that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and
+man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy
+heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a seat, O
+fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the huts, but
+straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine eyes; and accept thou
+the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou have pleasure thereof, and come
+unto thy native land, since thou hast spared me from the first.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer chafe
+me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee, for there came
+to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me, daughter of the
+Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind, nor am unaware that
+some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift ships of the Achaians. For no
+mortal man, even though in prime of youth, would dare to come among the host,
+for neither could he escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of our
+doors. Therefore now stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave not
+even thee in peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant, and
+lest I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son of
+Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone, for with him
+went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom above all his
+comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was dead. They then loosed
+from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led in the old man’s crier-herald
+and set him on a chair, and from the wain of goodly felloes they took the
+countless ransom set on Hector’s head. But they left two robes and a well-spun
+doublet, that Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave him to be
+carried home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and anoint him
+when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon his son, lest
+he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he should look upon
+his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat and he slay him and
+transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had washed the body
+and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe and a doublet,
+then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his comrades with
+him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud and called on
+his dear comrade by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with me if thou hear
+even in the house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector unto his dear
+father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof I will deal to
+thee again thy rightful share.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down on the
+cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite wall, and spake a
+word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given back as thou wouldest and lieth on
+a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt see him thyself as thou carriest
+him. But now bethink we us of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe bethought her
+of meat, she whose twelve children perished in her halls, six daughters and six
+lusty sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew with arrows from
+his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that Niobe matched
+herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare but twain but
+herself many children: so they though they were but twain destroyed the other
+all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there any to bury them, for
+Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on the tenth day the gods of heaven
+buried them, and she then bethought her of meat, when she was wearied out with
+weeping tears. And somewhere now among the cliffs, on the lonely mountains,
+even on Sipylos, where they say are the couching-places of nymphs that dance
+around Acheloos, there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still over her troubles
+from the gods. But come let us too, noble father, take thought of meat, and
+afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou carriest him to Ilios; and
+many tears shall be his due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep, and his
+comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and divided it cunningly
+and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off. And
+Automedon took bread and served it on a table in fair baskets, while Achilles
+dealt out the flesh. And they stretched forth their hands to the good cheer
+lying ready before them. But when they had put off the desire of meat and
+drink, then Priam son of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was
+and how goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words.
+But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the old
+man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me whereon to lie,
+fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our fill at rest:
+for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids since at thy hands my
+son lost his life, but I continually mourn and brood over countless griefs,
+grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted
+bread and poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted naught.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead beneath
+the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread coverlets above
+and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over all. And the maids went
+forth from the inner hail with torches in their hands, and quickly spread two
+beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning [in his reference to Agamemnon] said
+fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam: “Lie thou without, dear sire, lest there come
+hither one of the counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take counsel with
+me by my side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee through the
+swift black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon shepherd of
+the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead. But come say
+this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art fain to make funeral
+for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide and may keep back the
+host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art verily
+willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as thou sayest, O
+Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we are pent within the
+city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch, and the Trojans are much in
+fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in our halls, and on the tenth we
+will hold funeral and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we will make, a
+barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle if need be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle even
+so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he clasped the old man’s right hand at the wrist, lest he should
+be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house laid them
+down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their hearts, but Achilles
+slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and beside him lay fair-cheeked
+Briseis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night, by soft
+sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold as he sought
+within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from the ships unespied
+of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head and spake a word to him:
+“Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any evil, seeing thou yet sleepest
+among men that are thine enemies, for that Achilles spared thee. Truly now hast
+thou won back thy dear son, and at great price. But for thy life will thy sons
+thou hast left behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon Atreus’
+son be aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes yoked
+the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly through the camp,
+and none was aware of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high Olympus,
+and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And they with wail
+and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew the dead. Nor marked
+them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite,
+having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her dear father as he stood in the
+car, and the herald that was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay
+upon the bier behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud
+throughout all the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and look upon
+Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from battle,
+since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all came
+unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home the dead.
+First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast them on the
+fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them stood the throng and
+wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun they had lamented Hector in
+tears without the gate, had not the old man spoken from the car among the folk:
+“Give me place for the mules to pass through; hereafter ye shall have your fill
+of wailing, when I have brought him unto his home.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And the
+others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a fretted
+bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who wailed a mournful
+lay, while the women made moan with them. And among the women white-armed
+Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands she held the head of Hector
+slayer of men: “Husband, thou art gone young from life, and leavest me a widow
+in thy halls. And the child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated
+parents, thee and me; nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then
+shall this city be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst
+watch over it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant
+little ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where thou
+shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some harsh lord, or
+else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee from the battlement,
+a grievous death, for that he is wroth because Hector slew his brother or
+father or son, since full many of the Achaians in Hector’s hands have bitten
+the firm earth. For no light hand had thy father in the grievous fray.
+Therefore the folk lament him throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and
+mourning hast thou left to thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall
+grievous pain abide. For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed
+in thy death, neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have
+thought on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them Hekabe
+again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far dearest to my heart,
+verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the gods, and even in thy doom
+of death have they had care for thee. For other sons of mine whom he took
+captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and
+Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee
+of thy life he was fain to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even
+Patroklos whom thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all
+dewy and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen led their
+sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest to my heart! Truly
+my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to Troy-land—would I had died ere
+then. For this is now the twentieth year since I went thence and am gone from
+my own native land, but never yet heard I evil or despiteful word from thee;
+nay, if any other haply upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether brother or
+sister of thine or brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy mother—but thy father is
+ever kind to me as he were my own—then wouldst thou soothe such with words and
+refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by thy gentle words.
+Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless self with thee, for
+no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and kind to me, but all
+men shudder at me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring wood, men of
+Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a crafty ambush of
+the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he sent me from the black
+ships, that they should do us no hurt until the twelfth morn arise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then they
+flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of wood. But
+when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they forth brave Hector,
+weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the dead man, and thereon cast
+fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they with
+bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went, and then his
+brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting, and big tears flowed
+down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid in a golden urn, shrouding
+them in soft purple robes, and straightway laid the urn in a hollow grave and
+piled thereon great close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow, while
+watchers were set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians should make
+onset before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they went back, and
+gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at the palace of
+Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 3059 ***</div>
+</body>
+
+</html>
+
+
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+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #3059 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3059)
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: The Iliad
+
+Author: Homer
+
+Translators: Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf and Ernest Meyers
+
+Release Date: February, 2002 [eBook #3059]
+[Most recently updated: October 29, 2019]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: Sandra Stewart and Jim Tinsley
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***
+
+
+
+
+The Iliad
+
+by Homer
+
+Done into English Prose
+by
+
+Andrew Lang, M.A.    Walter Leaf, Litt. D.
+Late fellow of Merton College,    Late fellow of Trinity College,
+Oxford    Cambridge
+
+and
+
+Ernest Meyers, M.A.
+Late fellow of Wadham College,
+Oxford
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+ PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+ THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+ BOOK I.
+ BOOK II.
+ BOOK III.
+ BOOK IV.
+ BOOK V.
+ BOOK VI.
+ BOOK VII.
+ BOOK VIII.
+ BOOK IX.
+ BOOK X.
+ BOOK XI.
+ BOOK XII.
+ BOOK XIII.
+ BOOK XIV.
+ BOOK XV.
+ BOOK XVI.
+ BOOK XVII.
+ BOOK XVIII.
+ BOOK XIX.
+ BOOK XX.
+ BOOK XXI.
+ BOOK XXII.
+ BOOK XXIII.
+ BOOK XXIV.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY NOTE.
+
+The execution of this version of the _Iliad_ has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+
+Books I. — IX. . . . . W. Leaf.
+Books X. — XVI. . . . . A. Lang.
+Books XVII. — XXIV. . . . . E. Myers.
+
+
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the
+whole has been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of
+passages or phrases recurring in more than one portion has been
+determined after deliberation in common. Even in these, however, a
+certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
+translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by
+the third. Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X. - XVI. Would
+have preferred “c” and “us” to “k” and “os” in the spelling of all
+proper names.
+
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except
+where the adoption of a different reading has been specified in a
+footnote. Where the balance of evidence, external and internal, has
+seemed to the Translator to be against the genuineness of the passage,
+such passage has been enclosed in brackets [].
+
+The Translator of Books X. - XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. Raper, Fellow
+of Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the
+proof-sheets of these Books.
+
+NOTE TO REVISED EDITION
+
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised
+throughout, and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at
+the end of the volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of
+the Translators hopes to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad
+for English readers, which will deal fully with most of the points
+therein referred to.
+
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to
+passages where there is external evidence, such as absence from the
+best MSS., for believing in interpolation. One or two departures from
+this Rule are noticed in footnotes.
+
+_November_ 1891
+
+The reader will perhaps also be helped by the following list of the
+Greek and Latin names of the gods and goddesses who play important
+parts in the narrative. When the Greek names are new to him, the
+corresponding Latin names may be more familiar.
+
+Greek	            Latin
+Zeus.	            Jupiter.
+Hera.	            Juno.
+(Pallas) Athene.	Minerva.
+Aphrodite.	        Venus.
+Poseidon.	        Neptune.
+Ares.	            Mars.
+Hephaestus.         Vulcan.
+
+
+
+The sacred soil of Ilios is rent
+With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow
+Through plains where Simois and Scamander went
+To war with gods and heroes long ago.
+Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low
+In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;
+The bones of Agamemnon are a show,
+And ruined is his royal monument.
+The dust and awful treasures of the dead
+Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,
+Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,
+And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she
+To know the crown on thine immortal head
+Of indivisible supremacy. A.L.
+
+
+Athwart the sunrise of our western day
+The form of great Achilles, high and clear,
+Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.
+The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,
+Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,
+Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,
+Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.
+But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,
+More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;
+Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,
+Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.
+What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?
+Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;
+Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death. E.M.
+
+
+
+THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles
+withdrew himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong
+should be avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
+
+
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus’ son, the ruinous wrath
+that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into
+Hades many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey
+to dogs and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out
+its accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king
+of men and noble Achilles.
+
+Who among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Apollo, the
+son of Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague
+upon the host, so that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had
+done dishonour to Chryses the priest. For the priest had come to the
+Achaians’ fleet ships to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a
+ransom beyond telling; and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
+Far-darter upon a golden staff; and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
+host; “Ye sons of Atreus and all ye well-greaved Achaians, now may the
+gods that dwell in the mansions of Olympus grant you to lay waste the
+city of Priam, and to fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear child
+free, and accept the ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus,
+far-darting Apollo.”
+
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and
+accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern
+charge upon him, saying: “Let me not find thee, old man, amid the
+hollow ships, whether tarrying now or returning again hereafter, lest
+the staff and fillet of the god avail thee naught. And her will I not
+set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on her in our house, in
+Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the loom and serve
+my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the rather go in
+peace.”
+
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared
+silently along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged
+man apart and prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks
+bare: “Hear me, god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and
+holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built
+a temple gracious in thine eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh
+of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil thou this my desire; let the
+Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from
+the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow
+and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath,
+as the god moved; and he descended like to night. Then he sate him
+aloof from the ships, and let an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread
+clanging of the silver bow. First did the assail the mules and fleet
+dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his piercing dart, he smote; and
+the pyres of the dead burnt continually in multitude.
+
+Now for nine days ranged the god’s shafts through the host; but on the
+tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did
+goddess Hera of white arms put the thought, because she had pity on the
+Danaans when she beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered and
+were met in assembly, then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and spake
+among them: “Son of Atreus, now deem I that we shall return wandering
+home again—if verily we might escape death—if war at once and
+pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But come, let us now
+inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter of
+dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore
+Phoebus Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or
+hecatomb; if perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or
+unblemished goats, and so would take away the pestilence from us.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas
+son of Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that
+were and that should be and that had been before, and guided the ships
+of the Achaians to Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo
+bestowed on him. He of good intent made harangue and spake amid them:
+“Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest me tell the wrath of Apollo, the
+king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I speak; but do thou make
+covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy heart thou wilt
+aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I shall
+provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the
+Achaians obey. For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a
+meaner man; even though for the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth
+he still keep his displeasure thereafter in his breast till he
+accomplish it. Consider thou, then, if thou wilt hold me safe.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: “Yea, be of
+good courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo
+dear to Zeus, him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy
+soothsaying to the Danaans, not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now
+avoweth him to be greatest far of the Achaians.”
+
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: “Neither by reason
+of a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest’s
+sake to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and
+accepted not the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes
+upon us, yea, and will bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly
+pestilence from the Danaans till we have given the bright-eyed damsel
+to her father, unbought, unransomed, and carried a holy hecatomb to
+Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our prayer.”
+
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero
+son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark
+heart within him was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like
+flashing fire. To Kalchas first spake he with look of ill: “Thou seer
+of evil, never yet hast thou told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil
+is ever the joy of thy heart to prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell
+any good matter nor bring to pass. And now with soothsaying thou makest
+harangue among the Danaans, how that the Far-darter bringeth woes upon
+them because, forsooth, I would not take the goodly ransom of the
+damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her own self
+within mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded
+wife; in no wise is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor
+stature, nor wit nor skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if
+that is better; rather would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only
+make ye me ready a prize of honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the
+Argives be disprized, which thing beseemeth not; for ye all behold how
+my prize is departing from me.”
+
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: “Most noble son
+of Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted
+Achaians give thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of
+common store, but what spoil soe’er we took from captured cities hath
+been apportioned, and it beseemeth not to beg all this back from the
+folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to the god, and we Achaians will pay
+thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever Zeus grant us to sack some
+well-walled town of Troy-land.”
+
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: “Not in this wise, strong
+as thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt
+not outwit me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep
+thy meed of honour, for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me
+give her back? Nay, if the great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed
+suited to my mind, that the recompense be equal—but if they give it
+not, then I myself will go and take a meed of honour, thine be it or
+Aias’, or Odysseus’ that I will take unto me; wroth shall he be to
+whomsoever I come. But for this we will take counsel hereafter; now let
+us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather picked oarsmen, and
+set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair cheeks herself,
+and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or goodly
+Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice
+for us and propitiate the Far-darter.”
+
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: “Ah me,
+thou clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any
+Achaian hearken to thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a
+journey or to fight the foe amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen
+came I hither to fight, for they have not wronged me; never did they
+harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever waste my harvest in deep-soiled
+Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth between us long space of
+shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou shameless one,
+followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at the
+Trojans’ hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this thou
+threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed
+much, and the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like
+unto thine, when the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men;
+my hands bear the brunt of furious war, but when the apportioning
+cometh then is thy meed far ampler, and I betake me to the ships with
+some small thing, yet my own, when I have fought to weariness. Now will
+I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to return home on my beaked
+ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee thy fill of
+riches and wealth.”
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him “yea, flee, if thy soul
+be set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I
+have others by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus,
+lord of counsel. Most hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings
+of Zeus; thou ever lovest strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be
+very strong, yet that I ween is a gift to thee of God. Go home with thy
+ships and company and lord it among thy Myrmidons; I reck not aught of
+thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all this shall be my threat
+to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of Chryseis, her with my
+ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self will I go to
+thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
+honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and
+so shall another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival
+me to my face.”
+
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus’ son, and his heart within his
+shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade
+from his thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to
+assuage his anger and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in
+heart and soul, and was drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene
+came to him from heaven, sent forth of the white-armed goddess Hera,
+whose heart loved both alike and had care for them. She stood behind
+Peleus’ son and caught him by his golden hair, to him only visible, and
+of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles marvelled, and turned him
+about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and terribly shone her eyes.
+He spake to her winged words, and said: “Why now art thou come hither,
+thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the insolence of
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall even
+be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
+life.”
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: “I came from
+heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being
+sent forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike
+and careth for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine
+hand draw the sword; yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall
+come to pass. For thus will I say to thee, and so it shall be
+fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come to thee, yea in threefold
+measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine hand, and hearken
+to us.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: “Goddess, needs
+must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very
+wroth at heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods,
+to him they gladly hearken.”
+
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the
+great Sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying
+of Athene; and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods
+in the palace of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then Peleus’ son spake again with bitter words to Atreus’ son, and in
+no wise ceased from anger: “Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of dog
+and heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle
+among thy folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that
+to thee were even as death. Far better booteth it, for sooth, to seize
+for thyself the meed of honour of every man through the wide host of
+the Achaians that speaketh contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king!
+seeing thou rulest men of naught; else were this despite, thou son of
+Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to thee, and swear a mighty
+oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no more put forth leaf
+or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the hills,
+neither shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of
+leaves and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise
+judgment bear it in their hands, even they that by Zeus’ command watch
+over the traditions—so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes—verily
+shall longing for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians
+one and all; and then wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all
+thy grief, when multitudes fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then
+shalt thou tear thy heart within thee for anger that thou didst in no
+wise honour the best of the Achaians.”
+
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden
+nails, and himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed
+furious. Then in their midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed
+discourse sweeter than honey. Two generations of mortal men already had
+he seen perish, that had been of old time born and nurtured with him in
+goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He of good intent made
+harangue to them and said: “Alas, of a truth sore lamentation cometh
+upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and Priam’s sons,
+and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were they to hear
+all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the
+Danaans in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are
+younger both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even
+than you, and never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such
+warriors, nor shall behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of
+the host and Kaineus and Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus
+son of Aigeus, like to the Immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of
+all men upon the earth; mightiest they were and with the mightiest
+fought they, even the wild tribes of the Mountain caves, and destroyed
+them utterly. And with these held I converse, being come from Pylos,
+from a distant land afar; for of themselves they summoned me. So I
+played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that are now
+on earth do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to
+my voice. Even so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither
+do thou, though thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but
+leave her as she was given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to
+be a meed of honour; nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a
+king, might against might; seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a
+sceptred king to whom Zeus apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong,
+and a goddess mother bare thee, yet his is the greater place, for he is
+king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate thy fury; nay, it is even I
+that beseech thee to let go thine anger with Achilles, who is made unto
+all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil war.”
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: “Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all
+others, he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all;
+wherein I deem none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made
+him a spearman, do they therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to
+utter?”
+
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: “Yea, for I should
+be called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
+howsoe’er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
+master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover,
+will I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by
+violence will I strive for the damsel’s sake, neither with thee nor any
+other; ye gave and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine
+beside my fleet black ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or
+bear it away against my will. Yea, go to now, make trial, that all
+these may see; forthwith thy dark blood shall gush about my spear.”
+
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they
+stood up and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides
+went his way to his huts and trim ships with Menoitios’ son [Patroklos]
+and his company; and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and
+picked twenty oarsmen therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god,
+and brought Chryseis of the fair cheeks and set her therein; and
+Odysseus of many devices went to be their captain.
+
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the
+folk purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the
+defilements into the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished
+hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea;
+and the sweet savour arose to heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not
+from the strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake
+to Talthybios and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires:
+“Go ye to the tent of Achilles Peleus’ son, and take Briseis of the
+fair cheeks by the hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not,
+then will I myself go, and more with me, and seize her; and that will
+be yet more grievous for him.”
+
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them.
+Unwillingly went they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came
+to the huts and ships of the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside
+his hut and black ship; nor when he saw them was Achilles glad. So they
+in dread and reverence of the king stood, and spake to him no word, nor
+questioned him. But he knew in his heart, and spake to them: “All hail,
+ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, come near; ye are not guilty in
+my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the sake of the damsel
+Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the damsel, and
+give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be my
+witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and
+of him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of
+me hereafter to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth
+with baleful mind, and hath not knowledge to look before and after,
+that so his Achaians might battle in safety beside their ships.”
+
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth
+from the hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead
+away. So these twain took their way back along the Achaians’ ships, and
+with them went the woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and
+sat him down apart, aloof from his comrades on the beach of the grey
+sea, gazing across the boundless main; he stretched forth his hands and
+prayed instantly to his dear mother: “Mother, seeing thou didst of a
+truth bear me to so brief span of life, honour at the least ought the
+Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that thundereth on high; but now
+doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily Atreus’ son,
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath taken away
+my meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.”
+
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey
+sea, like a mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and
+stroked him with her hand, and spake and called on his name: “My child,
+why weepest thou? What sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it
+forth, hide it not in thy mind, that both may know it.”
+
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: “Thou knowest
+it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to
+Thebe, the holy city of Eetion, and laid it waste and carried hither
+all the spoils. So the sons of the Achaians divided among them all
+aright; and for Atreides they set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks.
+But Chryses, priest of Apollo the Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships
+of the mail-clad Achaians to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a
+ransom beyond telling, and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
+Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
+host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest
+and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern
+charge upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard
+his prayers, seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the
+Argives his deadly darts. So the people began to perish in multitudes,
+and the god’s shafts ranged everywhither throughout the wide host of
+the Achaians. Then of full knowledge the seer declared to us the oracle
+of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade propitiate the god; but wrath
+gat hold upon Atreus’ son thereat, and anon he stood up and spake a
+threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her the
+glancing-eyed Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and
+bear with them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds
+went and took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons
+of the Achaians gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard
+thine own son; betake thee to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any word
+whereby thou ever didst make glad his heart. For oft have I heard thee
+proclaiming in my father’s halls and telling that thou alone amid the
+immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord of the storm-cloud, from
+shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would have bound him, even
+Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O goddess, enter
+in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to high
+Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all men
+call Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate him by
+Kroniol’s side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods feared
+him withal and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his remembrance and
+sit by him and clasp his knees, if perchance he will give succour to
+the Trojans; and for the Achaians, hem them among their ships’ sterns
+about the bay, given over to slaughter; that they may make trial of
+their king, and that even Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may perceive
+his blindness, in that he honoured not at all the best of the
+Achaians.”
+
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: “Ah me, my child, why reared I
+thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
+griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no
+long while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable
+beyond all men; in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go
+myself to snow-clad Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy
+is in the thunder, [perhaps rather, “hurler of the thunderbolt.”] if
+perchance he may hearken to me. But tarry thou now amid thy
+fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with the Achaians, and refrain
+utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to Okeanos, unto the noble
+Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with him; but on the
+twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I fare to Zeus’
+palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and think to win
+him.”
+
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled womal’s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his
+will: and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb.
+When they were now entered within the deep haven, they furled their
+sails and laid them in the black ship, and lowered the mast by the
+forestays and brought it to the crutch with speed, and rowed her with
+oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the mooring stones and made
+fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to the sea-beach, and
+forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo, and forth
+came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
+counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father’s arms,
+and spake unto him: “Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to
+bring thee thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the
+Danaans’ behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought
+sorrow and lamentation on the Argives.”
+
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child;
+and anon they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his
+well-builded altar; next washed they their hands and took up the barley
+meal. Then Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud for them:
+“Hearken to me, god of the silver bow that standest over Chryse and
+holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might; even as erst thou heardest
+my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily afflictest the people of
+the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire: remove thou from
+the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had
+prayed and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims’
+heads and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the
+thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
+collops thereon, and the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made
+libation over them of gleaming wine; and at his side the young men in
+their hands held five-pronged forks. Now when the thighs were burnt and
+they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest and pierced
+it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off
+again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the
+banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair
+banquet. But when they had put away from them the desire of meat and
+drink, the young men crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his
+portion after the drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all
+day long worshipped they the god with music, singing the beautiful
+paean, the sons of the Achaians making music to the Far-darter [or,
+“the Averter” (of pestilence)]; and his heart was glad to hear. And
+when the sun went down and darkness came on them, they laid them to
+sleep beside the ship’s hawsers; and when rosy-fingered Dawn appeared,
+the child of morning, then set they sail for the wide camp of the
+Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent them a favouring gale. They
+set up their mast and spread the white sails forth, and the wind filled
+the sail’s belly and the dark wave sang loud about the stem as the ship
+made way, and she sped across the wave, accomplishing her journey. So
+when they were now come to the wide camp of the Achaians, they drew up
+their black ship to land high upon the sands, and set in line the long
+props beneath her; and themselves were scattered amid their huts and
+ships.
+
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the
+heaven-sprung son of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him
+neither to the assembly that is the hero’s glory, neither to war, but
+consumed his heart in tarrying in his place, and yearned for the
+war-cry and for battle.
+
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are
+for ever fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis
+forgat not her sol’s charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at
+early morn mounted up to great heaven and Olympus. There found she
+Kronos’ son of the far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the
+topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. So she sat before his face and
+with her left hand clasped his knees, and with her right touched him
+beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king Zeus son of Kronos:
+“Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the immortal gods, whether
+by word or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour to my son, that
+is doomed to earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king of men
+done him dishonour, for he hath taken away his meed of honour and
+keepeth her of his own violent deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of
+Olympus, lord of counsel; grant thou victory to the Trojans the while
+until the Achaians do my son honour and exalt him with recompense.”
+
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat
+long time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held
+she by him clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: “Promise me
+now this thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me,
+seeing there is naught for thee to fear; that I may know full well how
+I among all gods am least in honour.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: “Verily it
+is a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene’er
+she provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever
+amid the immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But
+do thou now depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought
+for these things to fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee,
+that thou mayest be of good courage; for that, of my part, is the
+surest token amid the immortals; no word of mine is revocable nor false
+nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath pledged it.”
+
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved
+from the king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the
+deep sea from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All
+the gods in company arose from their seats before their father’s face;
+neither ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him.
+So he sate him there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not
+ignorant how that the daughter of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the
+silver-footed, had devised counsel with him. Anon with taunting words
+spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: “Now who among the gods, thou
+crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is ever thy good
+pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give thy
+judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
+declare unto me the thing thou purposest.”
+
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: “Hera, think not thou
+to know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my
+wife. But whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than
+thou shall know, be he god or man. Only when I will to take thought
+aloof from the gods, then do not thou ask of every matter nor make
+question.”
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have
+not asked thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou
+have been won over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of
+the sea, for she at early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To
+her I deem thou gavest a sure pledge that thou wilt do honour to
+Achilles, and lay many low beside the Achaians’ ships.”
+
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: “Lady, Good lack! ever art
+thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have
+power to fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be
+even the worse for thee. And if it be so, then such must my good
+pleasure be. Abide thou in silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all
+the gods that are in Olympus keep not off from thee my visitation, when
+I put forth my hands unapproachable against thee.”
+
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence,
+curbing her heart; but throughout Zeus’ palace the gods of heaven were
+troubled. Then Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue
+among them, to do kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: “Verily
+this will be a sorry matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain
+thus fight for mortals’ sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods;
+neither will there any more be joy of the goodly feast, seeing that
+evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my mother, though herself is
+wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that our father upbraid
+us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the Olympian,
+the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is
+strongest far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the
+Olympian forthwith be gracious unto us.”
+
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother’s hand the
+twy-handled cup, and spake to her: “Be of good courage, mother mine,
+and endure, though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so
+dear, chastised before mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all
+my sorrow to save thee; for the Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea,
+once ere this, when I was fain to save thee, he caught me by my foot
+and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all day I flew, and at the
+set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me. There did the
+Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.”
+
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the
+cup at her sol’s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from
+right to left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter
+unquenchable arose amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling
+through the palace.
+
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul
+aught stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that
+Apollo held, and the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his
+own house to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning
+device by famed Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the
+lord of lightning, departed to his couch where he was wont of old to
+take his rest, whenever sweet sleep visited him. There went he up and
+slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden throne.
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the
+Achaians and their marching forth to battle. And of the names and
+numbers of the hosts of the Achaians and the Trojans.
+
+
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only
+Zeus was not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his
+heart how he should do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the
+Achaians’ ships. And this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit,
+to send a baneful dream upon Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and
+uttered to him winged words: “Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the
+Achaians’ fleet ships, enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus,
+and tell him every word plainly as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms
+the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now he may take
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang.”
+
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge.
+With speed he came to the Achaians’ fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber
+poured over him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son
+of Neleus, even Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured;
+in his likeness spake to him the heavenly Dream:
+
+“Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are
+entrusted and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me,
+for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath
+great care for thee and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the
+flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now thou mayest take
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart, not let
+forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave thee.”
+
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his
+mind things that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to
+take Priam’s city that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the
+plans that Zeus had in mind, who was willed to bring yet more grief and
+wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans throughout the course of stubborn
+fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the heavenly voice was in his
+ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft tunic, fair and
+bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his glistering
+feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
+silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires’ sceptre, imperishable for
+ever, wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians’ ships.
+
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus
+and all the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds
+summon to the assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those
+summon, and these gathered with speed.
+
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship
+of king Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed
+his cunning counsel: “Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to
+me in my sleep through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly
+Nestor was very like in shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over
+my head and charged me saying: ‘Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer
+of horses? To sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a
+counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted and so many cares belong. But
+now hearken straightway to me, for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus,
+who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He biddeth
+thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that
+now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the
+immortals that dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and
+over the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep
+this in thy heart.’ So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet
+sleep left me. So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of
+the Achaians. But first I will speak to make trial of them as is
+fitting, and bid them flee with their benched ships; only do ye from
+this side and from that speak to hold them back.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor,
+who was king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them
+and said: “My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any
+other of the Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false
+thing, and rather turn away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of
+all Achaians avoweth himself far greatest. So come, let us call to arms
+as we may the sons of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other
+sceptred chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and
+the people hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees
+issue from the hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly
+clustering among the flowers of spring, and some on this hand and some
+on that fly thick; even so from ships and huts before the low beach
+marched forth their many tribes by companies to the place of assembly.
+And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of Zeus, urging them
+to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was in an
+uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and
+there was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if
+perchance they might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings,
+the fosterlings of Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit,
+and keep them to their benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord
+Agamemnon bearing his sceptre, that Hephaistos had wrought curiously.
+Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to
+the messenger-god the slayer of Argus [Or, possibly, “the
+swift-appearing”]; and king Hermes gave it to Pelops the charioteer,
+and Pelops again gave it to Atreus shepherd of the host. And Atreus
+dying left it to Thyestes rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left
+it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many islands and all Argos he should
+be lord. Thereon he leaned and spake his saying to the Argives:
+
+“My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, Zeus Kronos’ son
+hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart
+is he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not
+till I had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that
+he planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured,
+with the loss of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty
+Zeus, who hath laid low the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay
+low; for his is highest power. Shame is this even for them that come
+after to hear; how so goodly and great a folk of the Achaians thus
+vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier enemies, and no end
+thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both Achaians and
+Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if the
+Trojans should gather together all that have their dwellings in the
+city, and we Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every
+company choose a Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a
+cup-bearer: so much, I say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the
+Trojans that dwell within the city. But allies from many cities, even
+warriors that wield the spear, are therein, and they hinder me
+perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to waste the populous
+citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus passed away,
+and our ships’ timbers have rotted and the tackling is loosed; while
+there our wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet
+is our task utterly unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come,
+even as I bid let us all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear
+native land; for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout
+the multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly
+swayed like high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south
+wind raise, rushing upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even
+as when the west wind cometh to stir a deep cornfield with violent
+blast, and the ears bow down, so was all the assembly stirred, and they
+with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the dust from beneath their
+feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his neighbor to
+seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared out
+the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will
+of fate, but that Hera spake a word to Athene: “Out on it, daughter of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed
+flee homeward to their dear native land over the sea’s broad back? But
+they would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away
+from his dear native land. But go thou now amid the host of the
+mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle words refrain thou every man,
+neither suffer them to draw their curved ships down to the salt sea.”
+
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but
+went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the
+fleet ships of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of
+Zeus in counsel, neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship,
+because grief had entered into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed
+Athene stood by him and said: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus
+of many devices, will ye indeed fling yourselves upon your benched
+ships to flee homeward to your dear native land? But ye would leave to
+Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for whose sake
+many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear native land.
+But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and with
+gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their
+curved ships down to the salt sea.”
+
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and
+set him to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered
+up, even Eurybated of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went
+to meet Agamemnon son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre
+of his sires, imperishable for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by
+his side, and refrained him with gentle words: “Good sir, it is not
+seemly to affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make
+all thy folk sit down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the
+purpose of Atreus’ son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will
+afflict the sons of the Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he
+spake in the council? Beware lest in his anger he evilly entreat the
+sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul of heaven-fostered kings;
+because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of counsel loveth them.”
+
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he
+drave with his sceptre and chode him with loud words: “Good sir, sit
+still and hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou
+art no warrior, and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in
+council. In no wise can we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of
+masters is no good thing; let there be one master, one king, to whom
+the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath granted it, [even the
+sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among you”].
+
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly
+from ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea
+roareth on the long beach and the main resoundeth.
+
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only
+Thersites still chattered on, the uncontrolled speech, whose mind was
+full of words many and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the
+chiefs idly and in no good order, but even as he deemed that he should
+make the Argives laugh. And he was ill-favored beyond all men that came
+to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of one foot, and his two
+shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over them his head
+was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he to
+Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But
+now with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly
+Agamemnon. With him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in
+their souls. But he with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon:
+“Atreides, for what art thou now ill content and lacking? Surely thy
+huts are full of bronze and many women are in they huts, the chosen
+spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all, whene’er we take a
+town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well, such as some one of
+the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his son, whom I
+perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some young
+girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it
+is not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the
+Achaians to ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia
+and men no more, let us depart home with our ships, and leave this
+fellow here in Troy-land to gorge him with meeds of honour, that he may
+see whether our aid avail him aught or no; even he that hath now done
+dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he; for he hath taken away
+his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent deed. Of a very
+surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles’ mind, but he is slack;
+else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.”
+
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with
+hard words rebuked him: “Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator
+though thou art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against
+kings. For I deem that no mortal is baser than thou of all that with
+the sons of Atreus came before Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou
+shouldest not have kings in thy mouth as thou talkest, and utter
+revilings against them and be on the watch for departure. We know not
+yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons of the Achaians
+shall return for good or ill. Therefore now dost thou revile
+continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the
+Danaan warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly.
+But I will tell thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to
+pass: if I find thee again raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus’
+head no longer abide upon his shoulders, nor may I any more be called
+father of Telemachos, if I take thee not and strip from thee thy
+garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy nakedness, and for
+thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee out of the
+assembly with shameful blows.”
+
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he
+bowed down and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up
+from his back beneath the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was
+amazed, and in pain with helpless look wiped away the tear. But the
+rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly at him, and thus would
+one speak looking at another standing by: “Go to, of a truth Odysseus
+hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing foremost in
+wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing the
+best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he
+hath stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again,
+forsooth, will his proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with
+slanderous words.”
+
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with
+sceptre in his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness
+of a herald bade the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the
+Achaians, both the nearest and the farthest, might hear his words
+together and give heed to his counsel. He of good intent made harangue
+to them and said: “Atreides, now surely are the Achaians for making
+thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will they fulfil
+the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching hither
+from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow
+women do they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is
+toil to make a man depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but
+one single month far from his wife in his benched ship fretteth himself
+when winter storms and the furious sea imprison him; but for us, the
+ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its course. Therefore do I
+not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their beaked ships; yet
+nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty. Be of
+good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether
+Kalchas be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in
+our hearts, and ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates
+of death have not borne away. It was as it were but yesterday or the
+day before that the Achaians’ ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted
+with trouble for Priam and the Trojans; and we round about a spring
+were offering on the holy altars unblemished hecatombs to the
+immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed bright water, when
+there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the back,
+terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light
+of day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now
+there were there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the
+topmost branch, nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the
+mother of the little ones was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these
+cheeping pitifully. And the mother fluttered around wailing for her
+dear little ones; but he coiled himself and caught her by the wing as
+she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the sparrow’s little
+ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him made of him a
+sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to stone,
+and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread
+portent brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas
+forthwith prophesy, and said: ‘Why hold ye your peace, ye
+flowing-haired Achaians? To us hath Zeus the counsellor shown this
+great sign, late come, of late fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never
+perish. Even as he swallowed the sparrow’s little ones and herself, the
+eight wherewith the mother that bare the little ones was the ninth, so
+shall we war there so many years, but in the tenth year shall we take
+the wide-wayed city.’ So spake the seer; and now are all these things
+being fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye well-greaved Achaians, even
+where ye are, until we have taken the great city of Priam.”
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships
+echoed terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying
+of god-like Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia: “Out on it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys
+that have no care for deeds of war. What shall come of our covenants
+and our oaths? Let all counsels be cast into the fire and all devices
+of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
+fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving with words
+nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here. Son
+of Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the
+Argives amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one
+or two Achaians that take secret counsel—to depart to Argos first,
+before they know whether the promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or
+no. Yea, for I say that most mighty Kronion pledged us his word that
+day when the Argives embarked upon their fleet ships, bearing unto the
+Trojans death and fate; for by his lightning upon our right he
+manifested signs of good. Therefore let Trojal’s wife and paid back his
+strivings and groans for Helel’s sake. But if any man is overmuch
+desirous to depart homewards, let him lay his hand upon his decked
+black ship, that before all men he may encounter death and fate. But do
+thou, my king, take good counsel thyself, and whate’er it be, shall not
+be cast away. Separate thy warriors by tribes and by clans, Agamemnon,
+that clan may give aid to clan and tribe to tribe. If thou do thus and
+the Achaians hearken to thee, then wilt thou know who among thy
+captains and who of the common sort is a coward, and who too is brave;
+for they will fight each after their sort. So wilt thou know whether it
+is even by divine command that thou shalt not take the city, or by the
+baseness of thy warriors and their ill skill in battle.”
+
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: “Verily hast thou again
+outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus
+and Athene and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such
+councillors; then would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our
+hands, captive and wasted. But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos,
+hath brought sorrows upon me, in that he casteth my lot amid fruitless
+wranglings and strifes. For in truth I and Achilles fought about a
+damsel with violent words, and I was first to be angry; but if we can
+only be at one in council, then will there no more be any putting off
+the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go ye
+to your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his
+spear and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his
+fleet-footed steeds their meal, and look well to his chariot on every
+side and take thought for battle, that all day long we may contend in
+hateful war. For of respite shall there intervene no, not a whit, only
+that the coming of night shall part the fury of warriors. On each mal’s
+breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield be wet with sweat, and
+his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each mal’s horse shall
+sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And whomsoever I perceive
+minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him
+shall there be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of prey.”
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep
+shore, when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting
+rock, that is never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise
+from this side and from that. And they did sacrifice each man to one of
+the everlasting gods, praying for escape from death and the tumult of
+battle. But Agamemnon king of men slew a fat bull of five years to most
+mighty Kronion, and called the elders, the princes of the Achaian host,
+Nestor first and king Idomeneus, and then the two Aiantes and Tydeus’
+son, and sixthly Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel. And Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry came to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart how his
+brother toiled. Then stood they around the bull and took the
+barley-meal. And Agamemnon made his prayer in their midst and said:
+“Zeus, most glorious, most great, god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest
+in the heaven, vouchsafe that the sun set not upon us nor the darkness
+come near, till I have laid low upon the earth Priam’s palace smirched
+with smoke, and burnt the doorways thereof with consuming fire, and
+rent on Hector’s breast his doublet cleft with the blade; and about him
+may full many of his comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.”
+
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he
+accepted the sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew
+back the bull’s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices
+from the thigh’s and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and
+laid raw collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of
+leaves, and spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos’ flame.
+Now when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then
+sliced they all the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted
+it carefully and drew all off again. So when they had rest from the
+task and had made ready the banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart
+aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they had put away from them
+the desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor of Gerenia open
+his saying to them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men,
+let us not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay the
+work that god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the
+mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them
+throughout the ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide
+host of the Achaians, that the speedier we may arouse keen war.”
+
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he
+bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired
+Achaians. So those summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the
+kings, the fosterlings of Zeus that were about Atreus’ son, eagerly
+marshalled them, and bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy
+aegis that knoweth neither age nor death, whereon wave an hundred
+tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven and each one an hundred oxen
+worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the Achaian folk, urging
+them forth; and in every mal’s heart she roused strength to battle
+without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to them than to
+depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as
+ravaging fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountail’s peaks, and
+the blaze is seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling
+gleam from the innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the
+heavens.
+
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or
+long-necked swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios’ stream, fly hither
+and thither joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever
+onwards, and the mead resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of
+warriors from ships and huts into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth
+echoed terribly beneath the tread of men and horses. So stood they in
+the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as are leaves and flowers in
+their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies that hover about a
+herdsmal’s steading in the spring season, when milk drencheth the
+pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon the
+plain in face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as
+the goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they
+mingle in the pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side
+and that, to enter into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon,
+his head and eyes like unto Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his
+waist like unto Ares and his breast unto Poseidon. Even as a bull
+standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for his is pre-eminent amid
+the pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on that day,
+pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that
+ye are goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only
+a rumour and know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and
+their lords. But the common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not
+if ten tongues were mine and ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my
+heart of bronze within me, did not the Muses of Olympus, daughters of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all that came to Ilios. So will I
+tell the captains of the ships and all the ships in order.
+
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoenor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky
+Aulis and Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and
+Graia and Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and
+Eilesion and Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and
+Hyle, Okalea and the stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis
+and Thisbe haunt of doves; and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos,
+and that possessed Plataia and that dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed
+the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes and holy Onchestos, Poseidol’s
+bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich in vineyards, and Mideia and
+sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders. Of these there came
+fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the Boiotians an
+hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos of
+the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom
+Astyoche conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of
+Azeus, having entered her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty
+Ares lay with her privily. And with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of
+great-hearted Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed
+Kyparissos and rocky Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus,
+and they that dwelt about Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that
+lived by the goodly river Kephisos and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos’
+springs. And with them followed thirty black ships. So they marshalled
+the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had their station hard by the
+Boiotians on the left.
+
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less,
+that was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small
+was he, with linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the
+Hellenes and Achaians. These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and
+Kalliaros and Bessa and Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and
+Thronion, about the streams of Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty
+black ships of the Lokrians that dwell over against holy Euboia.
+
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis
+and Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and
+the steep fortress of Dios and they that possessed Karytos, and they
+that dwelt in Styra, all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock
+of Ares, even the son of Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes.
+And with him followed the fleet Abantes with hair flowing behind,
+spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched to tear the corslets on
+the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships followed.
+
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of
+Erechtheus the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered
+when Earth, the grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a
+resting-place in Athens in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons
+of the Athenians worship him with bulls and rams as the years turn in
+their courses—these again were led of Menestheus son of Peteos. And
+there was no man upon the face of earth that was like him for the
+marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield. Only Nestor
+rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled him,
+for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them
+where the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione
+and Asine that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eionai and Epidauros
+full of vines, and the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and
+Mases, these were led of Diomedes of the loud war-cary and Sthenelos,
+dear son of famous Kapaneus. And the third with them came Euryalos, a
+godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus son of Talaos. But Diomedes
+of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with them eighty black ships
+followed.
+
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and
+wealthy Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely
+Araithyrea and Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of
+them that possessed Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt
+about Aigion and through all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of
+them did lord Agamemnon son of Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him
+followed most and goodliest folk by far; and in their midst himself was
+clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was pre-eminent amid all
+warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far greatest in number.
+
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills,
+and Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in
+Bryseiai and lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and
+the sea-coast fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt
+about Oitylos, of these was the king’s brother leader, even Menelaos of
+the loud war-cry, leader of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart.
+And himself marched among them confident in his zeal, urging his men to
+battle: and his heart most of all was set to take vengeance for his
+strivings and groans for Helel’s sake [Or, “for Helel’s searchings of
+heart and groans.”].
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the
+fording-place of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were
+inhabitants of Kyparisseis and Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and
+Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the Thracian, and made an end of
+his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from Eurytos the
+Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even did
+the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing
+Zeus; but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him
+the high gift of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these
+was knightly Nestor of Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety
+hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of
+Kyllene, beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand
+to hand; and of them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in
+flocks, and Rhipe and Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed
+Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in
+Parhasie, of these was Ankaios’ son lord Agapenor leader, even of sixty
+ships; and in each ship embarked many Arkadian warriors skilled in
+fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them benched ships
+wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus; for
+matters of seafaring concerned them not.
+
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof
+as Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and
+Aleision bound between them, of these men there were four captains, and
+ten swift ships followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon.
+So some were led of Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor,
+sons one of Kteatos and one of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores
+captain, son of Amarynkes; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos
+was captain, son of king Agasthenes Augeias’ son.
+
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond
+the sea over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares,
+Phyleides to wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus,
+him that erst changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against
+his father. And with him followed forty black ships.
+
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed
+Ithaka and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and
+rugged Aigilips, and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in
+Samos, and possessed the mainland and dwelt in the parts over against
+the isles. Them did Odysseus lead, the peer of Zeus in counsel, and
+with him followed twelve ships with vermillion prow.
+
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of
+them that dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the
+sea-shore and rocky Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were
+no more, neither did he still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was
+dead, to whose hands all had been committed, for him to be king of the
+Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed forty black ships.
+
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of
+them that possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and
+Miletos and chalky Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities
+all; and of all others that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of
+these men was Idomeneus the famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer
+of the man-slaying war-god. With these followed eighty black ships.
+
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles’ son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
+ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold
+ordering, in Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of
+Tlepolemos the famous spearman, that was born to great Herakles by
+Astyocheia, whom he had brought away from Ephyre by the river Selleeis,
+when he laid waste many cities of strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now
+when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood within the strong palace walls,
+anon he slew his own father’s dear uncle, an old man now, Likymnios of
+the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships and gathered much
+folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the other sons
+and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes a
+wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
+tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and
+Kronion poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
+
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia
+and king Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under
+Ilios of all the Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was
+a weakling, and a scanty host followed him.
+
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
+
+city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
+
+Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
+
+With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos
+and Alope and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair
+women, and were called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all
+these, even fifty ships, Achilles was captain. But these took no
+thought of noisy war; for there was no man to array them in line of
+battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle amid the ships, wroth
+for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair, whom he had won
+from Lyrnessos and the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and
+Epistrophos, warriors that bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos’
+son. For her sake lay Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise
+again.
+
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter’s
+sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and
+Pteleos couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader
+while yet he lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His
+wife with marred visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal
+chamber half builded; for a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from
+his ship far first of the Achaians. Yet neither were his men
+leaderless, though they sorrowed for their leader; for Podarkes of the
+stock of Ares marshalled them, son of Phylakos’ son Iphiklos was he,
+the lord of many flocks, own brother of great-hearted Protesilaos, and
+younger-born than he: but the other was alike the elder and the braver,
+even Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not the host lack at
+all a leader, only they yearned for the noble dead. With him followed
+forty black ships.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
+
+Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos’
+
+dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
+
+Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
+
+Pelias.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia
+and rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader,
+the cunning archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to
+fight amain with the bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in
+the isle of goodly Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaians left him sick
+of a grievous wound from a deadly water-snake. There lay he pining; yet
+were the Argives soon to bethink them beside their ships of king
+Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless, only they sorrowed
+for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus’ bastard son, whom
+Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced ithome and that
+possessed Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again
+Asklepios’ two sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and
+Machaon. And with them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and
+possessed Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was
+Eurypylos leader, Euaimol’s glorious son; and with him, forty black
+ships followed.
+
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and
+Elone and the white city of Olooson, of these was captain unflinching
+Polypoites, son of Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites
+did famed Hippodameia conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took
+vengeance of the shaggy wild folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion
+and drave them to the Aithikes. And Polypoites ruled not alone, but
+with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son of high-hearted Koronos
+Kaineus’ son. And with them forty black ships followed.
+
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed
+the Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes
+about wintry Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios
+that poureth his fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not
+mingle with the silver eddies of Peneios, but floweth on over him like
+unto oil, seeing that he is an offspring from the water of Styx, the
+dread river of the oath.
+
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that
+dwelt about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet
+Prothoos lead, and with him forty black ships followed.
+
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell
+me, O Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike
+and horses that followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres’
+son were far goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like
+of coat, like of age, matched to the measure of a levelling line across
+their backs. These were reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow,
+two mares carrying onward the terror of battle. But of warriors far
+best was the Telamonian Aias, while the wrath of Achilles yet endured;
+for he was greatest of all, he and his horses that bore him, even
+Peleus’ noble son. But he lay idle among his seafaring ships, in sore
+wrath against Agamemnon Atreus’ son, shepherd of the host; and his folk
+along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins
+and archery; and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,
+champing clover and parsley of the marsh, and their lords’ chariots lay
+well covered up within the huts, while the men yearned for their
+warrior chief, and wandered hither and thither through the camp and
+fought not.
+
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire;
+and the earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is
+in the thunder, when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country
+of the Arimoi, where men say is Typhoeus’ couch. Even so groaned the
+earth aloud at their tread as they went: and with speed advanced they
+across the plain.
+
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding
+assembly at Priam’s gate, being gathered all together both young men
+and old. And fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she
+made her voice like to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the
+sentinel of the Trojans and was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness
+upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old, and on the top thereof wait the
+sallying of the Achaians forth from their ships. Even in his likeness
+did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: “Old man, words beyond number are
+still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace; but war without
+respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered into
+battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so
+great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the
+sands of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the
+city. But Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall
+say. Seeing that the allies are very many throughout Priam’s great
+city, and diverse men, being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues;
+therefore let each one give the word to those whose chieftain he is,
+and them let him lead forth and have the ordering of his countrymen.”
+
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess,
+and straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And
+the gates were thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and
+horsemen, and mighty din arose.
+
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain,
+with a clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call
+this “Batieia,” but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe Myrine.”
+There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son
+of Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were
+arrayed, eager warriors of the spear.
+
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias,
+whom bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a
+goddess wedded to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were
+Antenor’s two sons, Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the
+ways of war.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida,
+the men of substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the
+Troes; of these Lykaol’s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom
+Apollo himself gave the bow.
+
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and
+possessed Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was
+captain, and Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of
+Perkote, that beyond all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered
+his children marching to murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for
+the fates of black death led them on.
+
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and
+Abydos and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios, a
+prince of men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds
+brought from Arisbe, from the river Selleeis.
+
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
+
+them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos
+and
+
+Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
+
+Teutamos.
+
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they
+that the strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was
+captain of the Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos’ son,
+fosterling of Zeus.
+
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in
+Amydon, from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the
+fairest that floweth over the face of the earth.
+
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of
+the Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that
+possessed Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed
+dwellings round the river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty
+Erythini.
+
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
+
+Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
+
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all
+his auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by
+the hand of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of
+the Trojans there and of the rest.
+
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania,
+and these were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes’
+two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the
+Maionians, whose birthplace was under Tmolos.
+
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos
+and the mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of
+Maiandros and the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos
+and Nastes: Nastes and Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And
+he came, forsooth, to battle with golden attire like a girl—fond man:
+that held not back in any wise grievous destruction, but he was
+vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, and
+wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
+
+Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued
+Paris. And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls
+of Troy.
+
+
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the
+Trojans marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as
+when there goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from
+the coming of winter and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the
+streams of ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in
+early morn offer cruel battle. But on the other side marched the
+Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at heart to give succour
+man to man.
+
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a
+mountain, mist unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than
+night, and a man can see no further than he casteth a stone; even so
+thick arose the gathering dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and
+with all speed they advanced across the plain.
+
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike
+Alexandros played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders
+panther-skin and curved bow and sword; and he brandished two
+bronze-headed spears and challenged all the chieftains of the Argives
+to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But when Menelaos dear to
+Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude with long
+strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
+carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an
+hungered; and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds
+and lusty youths set upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his
+eyes beheld godlike Alexandros; for he thought to take vengeance upon
+the sinner. So straightway he leap in his armour from his chariot to
+the ground.
+
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his
+heart was smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades,
+avoiding death. And even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a
+mountain glade starteth backward and trembling seizeth his feet beneath
+him, and he retreateth back again, and paleness hath hold of his
+cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of Atreus’ son shrink
+back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector beheld and upbraided
+him with scornful words: “Ill Paris, most fair in semblance, thou
+deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed. Yea,
+that were my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our shame
+and looked at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired
+Achaians laugh, deeming that a prince is our champion only because a
+goodly favour is his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any
+courage. Art thou indeed such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou
+didst sail over the deep with the company of thy trusty comrades, and
+in converse with strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a far
+country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the
+spear, that she might be a sore mischief to they father and city and
+all the realm, but to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of
+the head? And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou
+mightest see what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast.
+Thy lyre will not avail thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy
+locks and fair favour, when thou grovellest in the dust. But the
+Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst thou donned a robe of
+stone [i.e., been stoned by the people] for all the ill thou hast
+wrought.”
+
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: “Hector, since in
+measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—they heart is ever keen,
+even as an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a
+ship’s timber with skill, and thereby is the mal’s blow strengthened;
+even such is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth
+the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the
+gods’ glorious gifts that of their own good will they give; for by his
+desire can no man win them. But now if thou wilt have me do battle and
+fight, make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians, and set ye
+me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to fight for Helen and all
+her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let
+him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home. And
+let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
+deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses,
+and Achaia home of fair women.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went
+into the midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his
+spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down. But the
+flowing-haired Achaians kept shooting at him, aiming with arrows and
+casting stones. But Agamemnon king of men cried aloud: “Refrain, ye
+Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the Achaians; for Hector of the glancing
+helm hath set himself to say somewhat.”
+
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily.
+And Hector spake between the two hosts, “Hear of me, Trojans and
+well-greaved Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
+hath come about. He biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to
+lay down their goodly armour on the bounteous earth, and himself in the
+midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to fight alone for Helen and all her
+wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him
+take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home; but let
+all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
+
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their
+midst spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Hearken ye now to me, too;
+for into my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the
+parting of Argives and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have
+endured many ills because of my quarrel and the first sin of
+Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and fate are prepared, let
+him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye two lambs, one
+white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring one
+for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath
+himself, seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest
+any by transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young mel’s
+hearts are ever lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he
+looketh both before and after, whereby the best issue shall come for
+either side.”
+
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they
+should have rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to
+the ranks, and themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these
+they laid upon the earth each close to each, and there was but small
+space between. And Hector sent two heralds to the city will all speed,
+to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And lord Agamemnon sent forth
+Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him bring a ram; and he
+was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of
+her husband’s sister, the spouse of Antenor’s son, even her that lord
+Helikaon Antenor’s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of Priam’s
+daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web
+of double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at
+the hands of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said:
+“Come hither, dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of
+horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged
+tearful war upon each other in the plain, eager for deadly battle, even
+they sit now in silence, and the tall spears are planted by their
+sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their
+tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him
+that conquereth.”
+
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her
+former husband and her city and parents.
+
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her
+chamber, letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed
+with her two handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed
+Klymene. Then came she straightway to the place of the Skaian gates.
+And they that were with Priam and Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of Ares, Oukalegon withal and
+Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people, sat at the Skaian
+gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were they
+right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree
+and utter their lily-like [supposed to mean “delicate” or “tender”]
+voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans upon the tower. Now when
+they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly spake winged words one
+to the other: “Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+should for such a woman long time suffer hardships; marvellously like
+is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon. Yet even so, though she
+be so goodly, let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and
+our children after us.”
+
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: “Come
+hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former
+husband and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame;
+nay, I hold the gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the
+Achaians—so mayest thou now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian
+warrior so goodly and great. Of a truth there are others even taller by
+a head; yet mine eyes never behold a man so beautiful nor so royal; for
+he is like unto one that is a king.”
+
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: “Reverend art thou
+to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been
+my pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my
+kinsfolk and my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine
+age-fellows. But that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now
+will I tell thee that whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is
+Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, one that is both a goodly king and
+mighty spearman. And he was my husband’s brother to me, ah shameless
+me; if ever such an one there was.”
+
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: “Ah, happy
+Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons
+of the Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the
+land of vines, and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the
+nimble steeds, were very many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike
+Mygdon, that were then encamped along the banks of Sangarios. For I too
+being their ally was numbered among them on the day that the Amazons
+came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they so many as are the
+glancing-eyed Achaians.”
+
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me of
+this man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His
+armour lieth upon the bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether
+rangeth the ranks of warriors. Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram
+ordering a great flock of ewes.”
+
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: “Now this is Laertes’
+son, crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged
+though it be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
+
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: “Lady, verily the thing thou
+sayest is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an
+embassage for thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave
+them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect
+of both and their wise devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans
+in the assembly, while all stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the
+measure of his broad shoulders; but when both sat down, Odysseus was
+the more stately. And when they began to weave the web of words and
+counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued fluently, in few
+words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech, neither
+random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
+of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the
+ground, and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held
+it stiff, like to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be
+churlish, and naught but a fool. But when he uttered his great voice
+from his chest, and words like unto the snowflakes of winter, then
+could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then marvelled we not thus
+to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
+
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other
+Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the
+measure of his head and broad shoulders?”
+
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: “This is huge Aias,
+bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans
+standeth Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains
+of the Cretans. Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our
+house whene’er he came from Crete. And now behold I all the other
+glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and tell their names;
+but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer of horses
+and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same
+mother bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely
+Lakedaimon; or they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but
+now will not enter into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the
+many scornings and revilings that are mine.”
+
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
+
+Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
+
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy
+oath-offerings, two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the
+earth, in a goat-skin bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining
+bowl and golden cups; and came to the old man and summoned him and
+said: “Rise, thou son of Laomedon. The chieftains of the horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee to go down into the plain,
+that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to
+Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady’s sake; and let
+lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that are
+left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy,
+and they shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home
+of fair women.”
+
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the
+horses; and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back
+the reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the
+two drave the fleet horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And
+when they had come even to the Trojans and Achaians, they went down
+from the chariots upon the bounteous earth, and marched into the midst
+of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose up Agamemnon king of men,
+and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly heralds gathered
+together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the wine in a
+bowl, and poured water over the princes’ hands. And Atreides put forth
+his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword’s great
+sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs’ heads; and then the
+heralds portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then
+in their midst Atreus’ son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud:
+“Father Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou
+Sun that seest all things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and
+thou Earth, and ye that in the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever
+sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses, and watch over the faithful oath. If
+Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him have Helen to himself and all
+her possessions; and we will depart on our seafaring ships. But if
+golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the Trojans give back
+Helen and all her possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that
+is seemly, such as shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if
+so be that Priam and Priam’s sons will not pay the recompense unto me
+when Alexandros falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for the price
+of sin, and abide here till I compass the end of war.”
+
+So said he, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
+laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had
+taken their strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the
+bowl into the cups, and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that
+live for ever. And thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans:
+“Zeus most glorious, most great, and all ye immortal gods, which folk
+soe’er be first to sin against the oaths, may their brains be so poured
+forth upon the earth even as this wine, theirs and their childrel’s;
+and let their wives be made subject unto strangers.”
+
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And
+in their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return
+back to windy Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with
+mine eyes my dear son fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus
+knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for whether of the twain the doom
+of death is appointed.”
+
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and
+entered in himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor
+mounted the splendid chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and
+Hector son of Priam and goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and
+then they took the lots, and shook them in a bronze-bound helmet, to
+know whether of the twain should first cast his spear of bronze. And
+the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the gods; and thus would
+say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Father Zeus, that rulest from
+Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe’er it be that brought this
+trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and enter the
+house of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty oaths.”
+
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet,
+looking behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the
+people sat them down by ranks where each mal’s high-stepping horses and
+inwrought armour lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned
+his beauteous armour, even he that was lord to Helen of the lovely
+hair. First upon his legs set he his greaves, beautiful, fastened with
+silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he donned the corslet of his
+brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over his shoulders cast
+he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield great and
+sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
+crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong
+spear fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his
+armour.
+
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they
+strode between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came
+on them that beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then took they their stand near together in the
+measured space, brandishing their spears in wrath each against other.
+First Alexandros hurled his far shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides’
+round shield; but the bronze brake not through, for its point was
+turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos son of Atreus lifted up his
+hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus: “King Zeus, grant me
+revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly
+Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of men
+that shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown
+him kindness.”
+
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote
+on the round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went
+the ponderous spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed
+on; and straight beside his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he
+swerved and escaped black death. Then Atreides drew his silver-studded
+sword, and lifted up his hand and smote the helmet-ridge; but the sword
+shattered upon it into three, yea four, and fell from his hand. Thereat
+Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried: “Father Zeus, surely
+none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I thought to have gotten
+vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my sword breaketh
+in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have not
+smitten him.”
+
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest,
+and swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians;
+and he was strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat,
+drawn tight below his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have
+dragged him away and won glory unspeakable, but that Zeus’ daughter
+Aphrodite was swift to mark, and tore asunder for him the strap of
+slaughtered ox’s hide; so the helmet came away empty in his stalwart
+hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a swing toward the well-greaved
+Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and himself sprang back
+again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite snatched up
+Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness, and
+sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to
+summon Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan
+women thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and
+shook it and spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a
+wool-comber that was wont to work for her fair wool when she dwelt in
+Lakedaimon, whom too she greatly loved. Even in her likeness fair
+Aphrodite spake: “Come hither; Alexandros summoneth thee to go
+homeward. There is he in his chamber and inlaid bed, radiant in beauty
+and vesture; nor wouldst thou deem him to be come from fighting his
+foe, but rather to be faring to the dance, or from the dance to be just
+resting and set down.”
+
+So said she, and stirred Helel’s soul within her breast; and when now
+she marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the
+goddess, she marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her
+name: “Strange queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily
+thou wilt lead me further on to some one of the people cities of
+Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if there too thou hast perchance some other
+darling among mortal men, because even now Menelaos hath conquered
+goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me, to his home.
+Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou by
+his side and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet ever
+bear thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and guard
+him till he make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But thither will
+I not go— that were a sinful thing—to array the bed of him; all the
+women of Troy will blame me thereafter; and I have griefs untold within
+my soul.”
+
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: “Provoke me not, rash
+woman, lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I
+love thee beyond measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between
+both, even betwixt Trojans and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil
+wise.”
+
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in
+her bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her
+not; and the goddess led the way.
+
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the
+handmaidens turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went
+to the high-roofed chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her
+a chair and brought it, even she the goddess, and set it before the
+face of Paris. There Helen took her seat, the child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and chode her lord: “Thou
+comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished there, vanquished of
+that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it was once thy
+boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in the
+might of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear
+to Ares to fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee
+refrain, nor fight a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man,
+neither attack him recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear
+anon.”
+
+And Paris made answer to her and said: “Chide not my soul, lady, with
+cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene’s
+aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with
+us. But come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet
+hath love so enwrapped my heart—not even then when first I snatched
+thee from lovely Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my sea-faring
+ships, and in the isle of Kranae had converse with thee upon thy couch
+in love—as I love thee now and sweet desire taketh hold upon me.” So
+saying he led the way to the couch, and the lady followed with him.
+
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while
+strode through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set
+eyes on godlike Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed
+allies could discover Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely
+did they in no wise hide him for kindliness, could any have seen him;
+for he was hated of all even as black death. So Agamemnon king of men
+spake among them there: “Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and
+allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to Ares; give ye back
+Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the recompense
+such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter.” So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his
+chief captains to battle.
+
+
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in
+the midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden
+goblets pledged one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans.
+Then did Kronos’ son essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake
+maliciously: “Twain goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera
+of Argos and Alalkomenean Athene. Yet these sit apart and take there
+pleasure in beholding; but beside that other ever standeth
+laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from him, and now hath
+she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the victory is to
+Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things shall
+be; whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din,
+or put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to
+all and well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation,
+and Menelaos take back Helen of Argos.”
+
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by
+him and devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and
+said not anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold
+upon her: But Hera’s breast contained not her anger, and she spake:
+“Most dread son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast
+thou the will to make my labour void and of none effect, and the sweat
+of my toil that I sweated, when my horses were wearied with my
+summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam and his sons? Do as
+thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve thee.”
+
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: “Good lack,
+how have Priam and Priam’s sons done thee such great wrong that thou
+art furiously minded to sack the established citadel of Ilios?
+Perchance wert thou to enter within the gates and long walls and devour
+Priam raw, and Priam’s sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou
+assuage thine anger. Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel
+hereafter be to me and thee a sore strife between us both. And this
+moreover will I say to thee, and do thou lay it to they heart; whene’er
+I too be of eager mind to lay waste to a city where is the race of men
+that are dear to thee, hinder thou not my wrath, but let me be, even as
+I yield to thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling. For all cities
+beneath sun and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal men, holy
+Ilios was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam of
+the good ashen spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast,
+even drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.”
+
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: “Of a surety three
+cities are there that are dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and
+wide-wayed Mykene; these lay thou waste whene’er they are found hateful
+to thy heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee
+them. For even if I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them,
+yet will my jealousy not avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than
+I. Still must my labour too not be made of none effect; for I also am a
+god, and my lineage is even as thine, and Kronos the crooked counsellor
+begat me to the place of honour in double wise, by birthright, and
+because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among all the
+immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
+to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do
+thou with speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of
+Trojans and Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon
+them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the
+oaths.”
+
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith
+he spake to Athene winged words: “Betake thee with all speed to the
+host, to the midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans
+may first take upon them to do violence to the Achaians in their
+triumph, despite the oaths.”
+
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
+Olympus’ heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
+counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of
+men, bright shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude;
+even in such guise sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their
+midst; and astonishment came on them that beheld, on horse-taming
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And thus would many an one say,
+looking at his neighbor: “Of a surety either shall sore war and the
+fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth stablish peace
+between the foes, even he that is mel’s dispenser of battle.”
+
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess
+entered the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor’s
+son Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if
+haply she might find him. Lykaol’s son found she, the noble and
+stalwart, standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from the streams of Aisepos. So
+she came near and spake winged words: “Wilt thou now hearken to me,
+thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou take heart to shoot a swift
+arrow at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory before all the
+Trojans, and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him first
+of any wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see
+Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to
+the grievous pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to
+Apollo, the son of light [Or, perhaps, “the Wolf-born”], the lord of
+archery, to sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou
+art returned to thy home, in the city of holy Zeleia.”
+
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool’s heart. Forthwith he
+unsheathed his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had
+erst smitten beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while
+he awaited in a lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that
+it fell backward on the rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of
+sixteen palms; these the artificer, even the worker in horn, joined
+cunningly together, and polished them all well and set the top of gold
+thereon. So he laid it down when he had well strung it, by resting it
+upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held their shields before
+him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first set on them,
+ere Menelaos, Atreus’ son, were smitten. Then opened he the lid of his
+quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a source of
+grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the string and
+vowed to Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to sacrifice a
+goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when he should have returned to his
+home in the city of holy Zeleia. Then he took the notch and string of
+oxes’ sinew together, and drew, bringing to his breast the string, and
+to the bow the iron head. So when he had now bent the great bow into a
+round, the horn twanged, and the string sang aloud, and the keen arrow
+leapt eager to wing his way amid the throng.
+
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all
+the daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee
+and warded off the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the
+flesh, even as a mother driveth a fly from her child that lieth in
+sweet slumber; and with her own hand guided it where the golden buckles
+of the belt were clasped and the doubled breastplate met them. So the
+bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through the inwrought belt it
+sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it pressed on and
+through the taslet [and apron or belt set with metal, worn below the
+corslet] he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against darts; and this
+best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this. Then did the
+arrow graze the warrior’s outermost flesh, and forthwith the dusky
+blood flowed from the wound.
+
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to
+make a cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure
+chamber, and many a horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up
+to be a king’s boast, alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for
+his charioteer; even in such wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs
+stained with blood and thy legs and thy fair ankles beneath.
+
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood
+flowing from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered;
+but when he saw how thread [by which the iron head was attached to the
+shaft] and bards were without, his spirit was gathered in his breast
+again. Then lord Agamemnon moaned deep, and spake among them, holding
+Menelaos by the hand; and his comrades made moan the while: “Dear
+brother, to thy death, meseemeth, pledged I these oaths, setting thee
+forth to fight the Trojans alone before the face of the Achaians;
+seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden under floor
+the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect, and the
+blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
+fellowship wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about
+the fulfilment forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear
+amends, even with their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea
+of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy
+Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
+spear; and Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned on high, that dwelleth in
+the heaven, himself shall brandish over them all his lowring aegis, in
+indignation at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void; yet shall
+I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot
+of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing
+that the Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and
+so should we leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos. And the earth shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy
+task unfinished: and thus shall many an overweening Trojan say as he
+leapeth upon the tomb of glorious Menelaos: ‘Would to God Agamemnon
+might so fulfil his wrath in every matter, even as now he led hither
+the host of the Achaians for naught, and hath gone home again to his
+dear native land with empty ships, and hath left noble Menelaos
+behind.’ Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let the wide earth
+gape for me.”
+
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: “Be of good
+courage, neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart
+lighted not upon a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it,
+and the kirtle of mail beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths
+fashioned.”
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: “Would it may be so, dear
+Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs
+that shall assuage thy dire pangs.”
+
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: “Talthybios, with
+all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble
+leech, to see Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, whom one well skilled in
+archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his
+glory and our grief.”
+
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his
+way through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon.
+Him he found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from Trike, pasture land of
+horses. So he came near and spake his winged words: “Arise, thou son of
+Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth thee to see Menelaos, captain of the
+Achaians, whom one well skilled in archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath
+wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief.”
+
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way
+amid the throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they
+were now come where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many
+as were chieftains gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero
+came and stood in their midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the
+clasped belt; and as it was drawn forth the keen barbs were broken
+backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt and kirtle of mail
+beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when he saw the
+wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood and
+cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good
+will had imparted to his sire.
+
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms
+again, and bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble
+Agamemnon slumbering, nor cowering, unready to fight, but very eager
+for glorious battle. He left his horses and his chariot adorned with
+bronze; and his squire, even Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios Peiraieus’
+son, kept apart the snorting steeds; and he straitly charged him to
+have them at hand whenever weariness should come upon his limbs with
+marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he through the ranks of
+warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans he found
+eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: “Ye Argives,
+relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be no
+helper of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the
+oaths, so shall their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we
+shall bear away their dear wives and little children in our ships, when
+once we take the stronghold.”
+
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode
+sore with angry words: “Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of
+dishonour, have ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that
+are weary with running over the long plain and so stand still, and no
+valour is found in their hearts at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and
+fight not. Is it that ye wait for the Trojans to come near where your
+good ships’ sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey sea, to see if
+Kronion will stretch his arm over you indeed?”
+
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to
+the Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were
+taking arms around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant
+as a wild boar, and Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost
+battalions. Then Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to see them, and anon
+spake to Idomeneus with kindly words: “Idomeneus, more than all the
+fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee, whether in war or in task of
+other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of the Argives mingle
+in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even though all
+the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet thy
+cup standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul
+biddeth thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest
+thyself to be of old.”
+
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: “Atreides,
+of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
+promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
+Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have
+disannulled the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter
+shall be their lot, because they were the first to transgress against
+the oaths.”
+
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the
+Aiantes as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were
+arming, and a cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a
+goatherd from a place of outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep
+before the blast of the west wind; and to him being afar it seemeth
+ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along the deep, and bringeth a
+great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and driveth his flock
+beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried battalions of young
+men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes into furious
+war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears. And
+lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
+said: “Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing
+it is not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves
+ye do indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene
+and Apollo, would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would
+king Priam’s city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands.”
+
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor,
+the clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and
+urging them to fight, around great Pelegon and Alastor and Chromios and
+lord Haimon and Bias shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the
+horsemen with horses and chariots, and behind them the footmen many and
+brave, to be a bulwark of battle; but the cowards he drave into the
+midst, that every man, even though he would not, yet of necessity must
+fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen; these he bade hold in
+their horses nor be entangled in the throng. “Neither let any man,
+trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager to fight the Trojans
+alone and before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for so will ye be
+enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car can
+come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even
+so is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low
+cities and walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their
+breasts.”
+
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words,
+and said: “Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine
+own breast, thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the
+common lot of age is heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some
+other man, and thou wert amid the young.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Atreides, I verily, even
+I too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion.
+But the gods in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a
+youth, so doth old age now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the
+horsemen and urge them by counsel and words; for that is the right of
+elders. But the young men shall wield the spear, they that are more
+youthful than I and have confidence in their strength.”
+
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus
+the charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were
+the Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty
+Odysseus, and round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble
+folk, stood still; for their host had not yet heard the battle-cry,
+seeing the battalions of horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just
+bestirred them to move; so these stood still tarrying till some other
+column of the Achaians should advance to set upon the Trojans and begin
+the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw it, he upbraided them,
+and spake to them winged words, saying: “O son of king Peteos
+fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
+mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth
+it to stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery
+battle; for ye are the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as
+we Achaians prepare a feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to
+eat roast meat and drink your cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye
+will. But now would ye gladly behold it, yea, if ten columns of
+Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless sword.”
+
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said:
+“Atreides, what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips?
+How sayest thou that we are slack in battle? When once our [Or, “that
+we are slack in battle, when once we Achaians,” putting the note of
+interrogation after “tamers of horses.”] Achaians launch furious war on
+the Trojans, tamers of horses, then shalt thou, if thou wilt, and if
+thou hast any care therefor, behold Telemachos’ dear father mingling
+with the champions of the Trojans, the tamers of horses. But that thou
+sayest is empty as air.”
+
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and
+took back his saying: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of
+devices, neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I
+know that thy heart within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy
+thoughts are as my thoughts. Go to, we will make amends hereafter, if
+any ill word hath been spoken now; may the gods bring it all to none
+effect.”
+
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus
+found he, high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot
+well compact; and by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord
+Agamemnon saw and upbraided, and spake to him winged words, and said:
+“Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou,
+why gazest thou at the highways of the battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont
+to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far in front of his dear
+comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for never did I meet
+him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid all. Of a
+truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying
+against the holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that
+valiant allies might be given them, and our folk were fain to grant
+them and made assent to their entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill
+and turned their minds. So when these were departed and were come on
+their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in rushes, that maketh his
+bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to be their
+ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
+feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus,
+even though a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of
+the Kadmeians, but challenged them all to feats of strength, and in
+every one vanquished he them easily; so present a helper was Athene
+unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers of horses, were wroth, and as
+he fared back again they brought and set a strong ambush, even fifty
+young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon, like to the
+immortals, and Autophonos’ son Polyphontes staunch in battle. Still
+even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one
+that he sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the
+omens of heaven. Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in
+battle is worse than he; only in harangue is he the better.”
+
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to
+the chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus
+answered him: “Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how
+to speak truly. We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our
+fathers were: we did take the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we
+led a scantier host against a stronger wall, because we followed the
+omens of the gods and the salvation of Zeus; but they perished by their
+own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any wise have our fathers in
+like honour with us.”
+
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: “Brother, sit
+silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the
+host should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the
+glory will attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy
+Ilios; and his will be the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go
+to now, let us too bethink us of impetuous valour.”
+
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and
+terribly rang the bronze upon the chieftail’s breast as he moved;
+thereat might fear have come even upon one stout-hearted.
+
+As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close
+array before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it
+first raise its head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth
+aloud and goeth with arching crest about the promontories, and speweth
+the foaming brine afar; even so in close array moved the battalions of
+the Danaans without pause to battle. Each captain gave his men the
+word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest not deem that all the
+great host following them had any voice within their breasts; in
+silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
+inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like
+sheep beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great
+substance, to be milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing
+to hear their lambs’ cry, even so arose the clamour of the Trojans
+through the wide host. For they had not all like speech nor one
+language, but their tongues were mingled, and they were brought from
+many lands. These were urged on of Ares, and those of bright-eyed
+Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury wearieth not, sister
+and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at the first, but
+afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk upon the
+earth. She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared through
+the throng and made the lamentation of men to wax.
+
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
+they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed
+shields pressed each on each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the
+voice of groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and
+the slain, and the earth streamed with blood. As when two winter
+torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and join their furious
+flood within the ravine from their great springs, and the shepherd
+heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the joining
+of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew
+a Trojan warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos
+son of Thalysios; him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his
+crested helmet, and he drave the spear into his brow and the point of
+bronze passed within the bone; darkness clouded his eyes, and he
+crashed like a tower amid the press of fight. As he fell lord Elephenor
+caught him by the foot, Chalkodol’s son, captain of the great-hearted
+Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts, eager with all speed
+to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured his essay;
+great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his side
+was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he
+him with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life
+departed from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians
+grew hot; like wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
+
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemiol’s son, the lusty stripling
+Simoeisios, whose erst is mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on
+the way down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see
+their flocks. Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not
+his dear parents the recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of
+life by reason of the spear of great-hearted Aias that laid him low.
+For as he went he first was smitten on his right breast beside the pap;
+straight though his shoulder passed the spear of bronze, and he fell to
+the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath grown up smooth in
+the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the top
+thereof; this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him
+a felloe for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river’s
+banks. In such a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of
+Anthemion; then at him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam’s son,
+made a cast with his keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but
+smote Odysseus’ valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the
+corpse his way, so that he fell upon it and the body dropped from his
+hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth at heart for the slaying of him,
+and strode through the forefront of the battle harnessed in flashing
+bronze, and went and stood hard by and glanced around him, and cast his
+bright javelin; and the Trojans shrank before the casting of the hero.
+He sped not the dart in vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam’s bastard son
+that had come to him from tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him
+Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade’s sake, smote with his javelin on
+one temple; and through both temples passed the point of bronze, and
+darkness clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his armour
+clanged upon him. Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded,
+and the Argives shouted aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and
+pressed yet further onward. But Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and
+had indignation, and with a shout called to the Trojans: “Arise, ye
+Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not to the Argives in fight; not of
+stone nor iron is their flesh, that it should resist the piercing
+bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son of Thetis of the
+fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his bitter
+anger.”
+
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were
+urged on of Zeus’ daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she
+passed through the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he
+was smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and
+the caster thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peirros son of
+Imbrasos that had come from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly
+the two sinews and the bones; back fell he in the dust, and stretched
+out both his hands to his dear comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he
+that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at him and pierced him with a
+spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed forth upon the ground,
+and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos departed from him
+Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap, and the
+point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
+his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he
+smote his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not
+off his armour; for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the
+top-knot, stood around, their long spears in their hands, and albeit he
+was great and valiant and proud they drave him off from them and he
+gave ground reeling. So were the two captains stretched in the dust
+side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad Epeians; and
+around them were many others likewise slain.
+
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it
+be that a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam
+in the midst, being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her
+guarded from the flying shafts. For many Trojans that day and many
+Achaians were laid side by side upon their faces in the dust.
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded
+even Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+
+
+But now to Tydeus’ son Diomedes Athene gave might and courage, for him
+to be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown. She
+kindled flame unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the star of
+summer that above all others glittereth bright after he hath bathed in
+the ocean stream. In such wise kindled she flame from his head and
+shoulders and sent him into the midst, where men thronged the thickest.
+
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of
+Hephaistos; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in
+all the art of battle. These separated themselves and assailed him face
+to face, they setting on him from their car and he on foot upon the
+ground. And when they were now come near in onset on each other, first
+Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over Tydeides’ left
+shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body. Then next
+Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
+vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
+chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared
+not to bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped
+black fate: but Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of
+darkness, that he might not have his aged priest all broken with
+sorrow. And the son of great-hearted Tydeus drave away the horses and
+gave them to his men to take to the hollow ships. But when the
+great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was fled, and
+one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
+bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and
+said: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of
+walls, can we not now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on
+whichsoever it be that father Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain
+give place, and escape the wrath of Zeus.”
+
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit
+down beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
+
+So they laboured in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not
+tell with whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or
+with Achaians. For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at
+the full, that in swift course scattereth the causeys [Causeways.];
+neither can the long lines of causeys hold it in, nor the fences of
+fruitful orchards stay its sudden coming when the rain of heaven
+driveth it; and before it perish in multitudes the fair works of the
+sons of men. Thus before Tydeides the serried battalions of the Trojans
+were overthrown, and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+
+But when Lykaol’s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow
+against Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his
+right shoulder the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through
+and held straight upon its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood.
+Over him then loudly shouted Lykaol’s glorious son: “Bestir you,
+great-hearted Trojans, urgers of horses; the best man of the Achaians
+is wounded, and I deem that he shall not for long endure the violent
+dart.”
+
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift
+dart, only he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot
+and spake to Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: “Haste thee, dear son of
+Kapaneus; descend from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the
+bitter arrow.”
+
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood
+beside him and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder;
+and the blood darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the
+loud war-cry prayed thereat: “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+unwearied maiden! If ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in
+the heat of battle, even so now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene.
+Grant me to slay this man, and bring within my spear-cast him that took
+advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me, deeming that not for long
+shall I see the bright light of the sun.”
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs
+nimble, his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged
+words: “Be of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in
+thy breast I have set thy father’s courage undaunted, even as it was in
+knightly Tydeus, wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from
+thine eyes the mist that erst was on them, that thou mayest well
+discern both god and man. Therefore if any god come hither to make
+trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any of the immortal
+gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the battle,
+her smite thou with the keen bronze.”
+
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and
+entered the forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was
+eager to do battle with the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come
+upon him, as upon a lion whom some shepherd in the field guarding his
+fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung into the fold, yet hath not
+vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then cannot beat him
+back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
+affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the
+lion in his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled
+mighty Diomedes with the Trojans.
+
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his
+way along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike
+Pandaros, if haply he might find him. Lykaol’s son he found, the noble
+and stalwart, and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him.
+“Pandaros, where now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame
+wherein no man of this land rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth
+to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot
+thy dart at this fellow, whoe’er he be that lordeth it here and hath
+already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing he hath unstrung the
+knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god wroth with the
+Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a sore
+thing to fall on men.”
+
+And Lykaol’s glorious son made answer to him: “Aineias, counsellor of
+the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of
+Tydeus; I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the
+aspect of his horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if
+it be the man I deem, even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without
+help of a god is he thus furious, but some immortal standeth beside him
+with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders and turned aside from him my
+swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I shot my dart at him
+and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate of his
+corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
+vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. Already have I
+aimed at two princes, Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons, and both I smote and
+surely drew forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore in an
+evil hour I took from the peg my curved bow on that day when I led my
+Trojans to lovely Ilios, to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I return
+and mine eyes behold my native land and wife and great palace
+lofty-roofed, then may an alien forthwith cut my head from me if I
+break not this bow with mine hands and cast it upon the blazing fire;
+worthless is its service to me as air.”
+
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: “Nay, talk not thus;
+naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone
+to face this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon
+my car that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly
+across the plain; they will e’en bring us to the city safe and sound,
+even though Zeus hereafter give victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come
+therefore, take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will stand upon
+the car to fight; or else withstand thou him, and to the horses will I
+look.”
+
+To him made answer Lykaol’s glorious son: “Aineias, take thou thyself
+the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car
+for their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
+Tydeus’ son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
+fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus
+attack us and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So
+drive thou thyself thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his
+onset with my keen spear.” So saying mounted they upon the well dight
+chariot, and eagerly drave the fleet horses against Tydeides, And
+Sthenelos, the glorious son of Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to
+Tydeides winged words: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I
+behold two stalwart warriors eager to fight against thee, endued with
+might beyond measure. The one is well skilled in the bow, even
+Pandaros, and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaol’s son; and Aineias
+boasteth himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and his
+mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot,
+neither rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest
+perchance thou lose thy life.”
+
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: “Speak to me no
+word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not
+in my blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is
+steadfast still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am
+will I go to face them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as
+for these, their fleet horses shall not take both back from us again,
+even if one or other escape. And this moreover tell I thee, and lay
+thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel grant me this glory, to
+slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet horses, and bind
+the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap upon
+Aineias’ horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the
+well-greaved Achaians. For they are of that breed whereof farseeing
+Zeus gave to Tros recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were
+the best of all horses beneath the daylight and the sun.”
+
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain
+came near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaol’s
+glorious son: “O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus,
+verily my swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will
+I make trial with my spear if I can hit thee.”
+
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides’ shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
+the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaol’s glorious son:
+“Thou art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not
+long hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown.”
+
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: “Thou hast missed, and
+not hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall
+have fallen and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.”
+
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside
+the eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut
+through his tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base
+of the chin. He fell from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming
+clanged upon him, and the fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there
+his soul and strength were unstrung.
+
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest
+perchance the Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over
+him like a lion confident in his strength, and held before him his
+spear and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoe’er should come
+to face him, crying his terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand
+a stone—a mighty deed—such as two men, as men now are, would not avail
+to lift; yet he with ease wielded it all alone. Therewith he smote
+Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the hip joint, and this
+men call the “cup-bone.” So he crushed his cup-bone, and brake both
+sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the skin. Then the hero
+stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon the earth;
+and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias king
+of men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
+mark. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before
+his face a fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the
+darts, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into
+his breast and take away his life.
+
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of
+Kapaneus forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had
+laid upon him; he refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the
+tumult, binding the reins tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the
+sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and drave them from the Trojans to the
+well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to Deipylos his dear comrade whom
+he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows, because he was
+like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow ships.
+Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly.
+Now Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris
+[Aphrodite], knowing how she was a coward goddess and none of those
+that have mastery in battle of the warriors. Now when he had pursued
+her through the dense throng and come on her, then great-hearted
+Tydeus’ son thrust with his keen spear, and leapt on her and wounded
+the skin of her weak hand; straight through the ambrosial raiment that
+the Graces themselves had woven her pierced the dart into the flesh,
+above the springing of the palm. Then flowed the goddess’s immortal
+blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed gods; for they eat no bread
+neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore they are bloodless and are
+named immortals. And she with a great cry let fall her son: him Phoebus
+Apollo took into his arms and saved him in a dusky cloud, lest any of
+the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take
+away his life. But over her Diomedes of the loud war-cry shouted afar:
+“Refrain thee, thou daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not
+enough that thou beguilest feeble women? But if in battle thou wilt
+mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt shudder at the name of battle, if
+thou hear it even afar off.”
+
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and
+wind-footed Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with
+her pain, and her fair skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares
+sitting, on the battle’s left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and
+his fleet steeds. Then she fell on her knees and with instant prayer
+besought of her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds: “Dear
+brother, save me and give me thy steeds, that I may win to Olympus,
+where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am I afflicted with a
+wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now would fight
+even with father Zeus.”
+
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she
+mounted on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in
+her hands grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and
+they flew onward nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of
+the gods, even steep Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the
+horses from the chariot and stabled them, and set ambrosial forage
+before them; but fair Aphrodite fell upon Dione’s knees that was her
+mother. She took her daughter in her arms and stroked her with her
+hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Who now of the sons of
+heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as though thou
+wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?”
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: “Tydeus’ son wounded
+me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
+son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the
+fierce battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are
+fighting even the immortals.”
+
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: “Be of good heart, my child,
+and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions
+of Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one
+upon another.”
+
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld,
+and with bitter words provoked Zeus the son, of Kronos. Of them was the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene first to speak: “Father Zeus, wilt thou
+indeed be wroth with me whate’er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was
+urging some woman of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so
+marvellously loveth; and stroking such an one of the fair-robed women
+of Achaia, she tore upon the golden brooch her delicate hand.”
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto
+him golden Aphrodite and said: “Not unto thee, my child, are given the
+works of war; but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to
+all these things shall fleet Ares and Athene look.”
+
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of
+the loud war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo
+himself had spread his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the
+great god, but still was eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his
+glorious armour. So thrice he leapt on him, fain to slay him, and
+thrice Apollo beat back his glittering shield. And when the fourth time
+he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the Far-darter spake to him
+with terrible shout: “Think, Tydeides, and shrink, nor desire to match
+thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison of the race of
+immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.”
+
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the
+wrath of Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the
+throng in holy Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer
+Artemis healed him in the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but
+Apollo of the silver bow made a wraith like unto Aineias’ self, and in
+such armour as his; and over the wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians
+each hewed the others’ bucklers on their breasts, their round shields
+and fluttering targes.
+
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this
+man and withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would
+fight even with father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in
+her hand hard by the wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a
+god.”
+
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares
+entered among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of
+fleet Akamas, captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of
+Priam he called saying: “O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king,
+how long will ye yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians?
+Shall it be even until they fight about our well-builded gates? Low
+lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like unto goodly Hector, even
+Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let us save from the
+tumult our valiant comrade.”
+
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon
+sorely chode noble Hector: “Hector, where now is the spirit gone that
+erst thou hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies
+thou wouldest hold the city, alone with thy sisters’ husbands and thy
+brothers; but now can I not see any of these neither perceive them, but
+they are cowering like hounds about a lion; and we are fighting that
+are but allies among you.”
+
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he
+leapt from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two
+keen spears went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and
+roused the dread battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the
+Achaians: and the Argives withstood them in close array and fled not.
+Even as a wind carrieth the chaff about the sacred threshing-floors
+when men are winnowing, and the chaff-heaps grow white—so now grew the
+Achaians white with falling dust which in their midst the horses’
+hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as fight was joined again, and
+the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they forward the fury of their
+hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of night to aid the
+Trojans in the battle, ranging everywhere. And Apollo himself sent
+forth Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of
+him, shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his
+comrades, and they were glad to see him come among them alive and sound
+and full of valiant spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all
+the toil forbade them that the god of the silver bow was stirring and
+Ares bane of men and Strife raging insatiably.
+
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred
+the Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the
+Trojans’ violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos’ son
+setteth in windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might
+of the north wind sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with
+keen breath and scatter apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans
+withstood the Trojans steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged
+through the throng exhorting instantly: “My friends, quit you like men
+and take heart of courage, and shun dishonour in one another’s eyes
+amid the stress of battle. Of men that shun dishonour more are saved
+than slain, but for them that flee is neither glory found nor any
+safety.”
+
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost
+warrior, even great-hearted Aineias’ comrade Deikoon son of Pergasos,
+whom the Trojans held in like honour with Priam’s sons, because he was
+swift to do battle amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his
+dart upon the shield, and it stayed not the spear, but the point passed
+through, so that he drave it through the belt into his nethermost
+belly: and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of
+Diokles, Krethon and Orsilochos. Like them, two lions on the mountain
+tops are nurtured by their dam in the deep forest thickets; and these
+harry the kine and goodly sheep and make havoc of the farmsteads of
+men, till in their turn they too are slain at mel’s hands with the keen
+bronze; in such wise were these twain vanquished at Aineias’ hands and
+fell like tall pine-trees.
+
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode
+through the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his
+spear; and Ares stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall
+beneath Aineias’ hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor’s son,
+beheld him, and strode through the forefront; because he feared
+exceedingly for the shepherd of the host, lest aught befall him and
+disappoint them utterly of their labour. So those two were now holding
+forth their hands and sharp spears each against the other, eager to do
+battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd of the
+host. But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he
+beheld two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to
+the Achaians’ host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades’ arms,
+and themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
+
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a
+shout, and the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might:
+and Ares led them on and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of
+war, the while Ares wielded in his hands his monstrous spear, and
+ranged now before Hector’s face, and now behind.
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as
+a shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming
+river flowing on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth
+backwards, even so now Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host:
+“Friends, how marvel we that noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of
+war! Yet ever is there beside him some god that wardeth off
+destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in likeness of a mortal
+man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground backwards,
+neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.”
+
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither
+turned them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward
+in battle, but still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the
+Trojans. But when the white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc
+of the Argives in the press of battle, anon she spake winged words to
+Athene: “Out on it, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied
+maiden! Was it for naught we pledged our word to Menelaos, that he
+should not depart till he had laid waste well-walled Ilios,—if thus we
+let baleful Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain also take thought of
+impetuous valour.”
+
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So
+Hera the goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the
+gold-frontleted steeds. And Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+cast down at her father’s threshold her woven vesture many-coloured,
+that herself had wrought and her hands had fashioned, and put on her
+the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in her armour for
+dolorous battle. About her shoulders cast she the tasselled aegis
+terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown all round about, and Strife is
+therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught withal, and therein is the
+dreadful monster’s Gorgon head, dreadful and grim, portent of
+aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested golden helm
+with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred cities.
+Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her heavy spear,
+great and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of
+heroes with whom she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly
+smote the horses with the lash; self-moving groaned upon their hinges
+the gates of heaven whereof the Hours are warders, to whom is committed
+great heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick cloud or set
+it to. There through the gates guided they their horses patient of the
+lash. And they found the son of Kronos sitting apart from all the gods
+on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the white-armed
+goddess Hera stayed her horses and questioned the most high Zeus, the
+son of Kronos, and said: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation with
+Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a company of
+Achaians hath he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise, unto my
+sorrow. But here in peace Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow take
+their pleasure, having set on this mad one that knoweth not any law.
+Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth with me if I smite Ares and
+chase him from the battle in sorry plight?”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: “Go to now, set
+upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore
+pain upon him.”
+
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and
+lashed her horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry
+heaven. As far as a man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance
+as he sitteth on a place of outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea,
+so far leap the loudly neighing horses of the gods. Now when they came
+to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even to where Simoeis and
+Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed goddess Hera
+stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick mist
+round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to
+graze. So the goddesses went their way with step like unto
+turtle-doves, being fain to bring succour to the men of Argos. And when
+they were now come where the most and most valiant stood, thronging
+about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the semblance of ravening
+lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then stood the
+white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
+Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty
+other men: “Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in
+semblance! While yet noble Achilles entered continually into battle,
+then issued not the Trojans even from the Dardanian gate; for they had
+dread of his terrible spear. But now fight they far from the city at
+the hollow ships.”
+
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to
+Tydeides’ side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she
+found beside his horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros
+with his dart had pierced, for his sweat vexed it by reason of the
+broad baldrick of his round shield; therewith was he vexed and his arm
+grew weary, so he was lifting up the baldrick and wiping away the dusky
+blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his horses’ yoke, and said:
+“Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after his own likeness. Tydeus
+was short of stature, but a man of war.”
+
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: “I know thee,
+goddess daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart
+will I tell thee my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening
+terror taken hold upon me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of
+thy behest that thou didst lay upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face
+to face with all the blessed gods, save only if Zeus’ daughter
+Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to wound her with the keen
+bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have bidden all the
+Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares lording it
+in the fray.”
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: “Diomedes son of
+Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor
+any other of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now,
+at Ares first guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to
+hand, nor have any awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse
+incarnate, the renegade that of late in converse with me and Hera
+pledged him to fight against the Trojans and give succour to the
+Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath forgotten these.”
+
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from
+the chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess
+mounted the car by noble Diomedes’ side right eagerly. The oaken axle
+creaked loud with its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of
+might. Then Athene grasped the whip and reins; forthwith against Ares
+first guided she the whole-hooved horses. Now he was stripping huge
+Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians, Ochesios’ glorious son.
+Him was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene donned the helm of
+Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when Ares scourge
+of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying there,
+where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and made
+straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse’s reins
+with spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene with her hand seized the spear and thrust it up over the
+car, to spend itself in vain. Next Diomedes of the loud war-cry
+attacked with spear of bronze; and Athene drave it home against Ares’
+nethermost belly, where his taslets were girt about him. There smote he
+him and wounded him, rending through his fair skin, and plucked forth
+the spear again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as nine thousand
+warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they join in strife and fray.
+Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear, so
+mightily bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after beat a stormy
+wind ariseth, even so to Tydeus’ son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
+clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods’ dwelling,
+steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart,
+and shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously
+spake to him winged words: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to
+behold these violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one
+another’s devices, in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at
+variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful,
+whose thought is ever of iniquitous deeds. For all the other gods that
+are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are subject every one; only her
+thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on,
+because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she urged
+on Tydeus’ son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously against
+the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist
+of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god.
+Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish
+there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless
+from the smitings of the spear.”
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: “Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all
+gods that dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and
+battles. Truly thy mother’s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even
+Hera’s; her can I scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her
+prompting thou art in this plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see
+thee in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to me thy mother bare
+thee.”
+
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs
+upon the wound. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk,
+that is liquid but curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly
+healed he impetuous Ares. And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in
+gracious raiment, and he sate him down by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying
+in his might.
+
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera and
+
+Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals from his man-slaying.
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each
+other, and parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city
+bade farewell to Andromache his wife.
+
+
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the
+battle swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed
+against each other their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the
+streams of Xanthos.
+
+Now had the Trojans been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up
+into Ilios, in their weakness overcome, but that Prism’s son Helenos,
+far best of augurs, stood by Aineias’ side and Hector’s, and spake to
+them: “Aineias and Hector, seeing that on you lieth the task of war in
+chief of Trojans and Lykians, because for every issue ye are foremost
+both for fight and counsel, stand ye your ground, and range the host
+everywhither to rally them before the gates, ere yet they fall fleeing
+in their womel’s arms, and be made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye
+have aroused all our battalions we will abide here and fight the
+Danaans, though in sore weariness; for necessity presseth us hard: but
+thou, Hector, go into the city, and speak there to thy mother and mine;
+let her gather the aged wives to bright-eyed Athene’s temple in the
+upper city, and with her key open the doors of the holy house; and let
+her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the most gracious and greatest in
+her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the knees of
+beauteous-haired Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple
+twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy
+on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little children. So may she
+perchance hold back Tydeus’ son from holy Ilios, the furious spearman,
+the mighty deviser of rout, whom in good sooth I deem to have proved
+himself mightiest of the Achaians. Never in this wise feared we
+Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a goddess; nay, but he
+that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him for might.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother’s word, but leapt
+forthwith from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two
+sharp spears passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to
+battle, and stirred the dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood
+to face the Achaians, and the Argives gave ground and ceased from
+slaughter, and deemed that some immortal had descended from starry
+heaven to bring the Trojans succour, in such wise rallied they. Then
+Hector called to the Trojans with far-reaching shout: “O high-souled
+Trojans and ye far-famed allies, quit you like men, my friends, and
+take thought of impetuous courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid the
+elders of the council and our wives pray to the gods and vow them
+hecatombs.”
+
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat
+on either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran
+uttermost about his bossed shield.
+
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus’ son met in the mid-space of
+the foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in
+onset on each other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry:
+“Who art thou, noble sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee
+in glorious battle ere this, yet now hast thou far outstripped all men
+in thy hardihood, seeing thou abidest my far-shadowing spear. Luckless
+are the fathers whose children face my might. But if thou art some
+immortal come down from heaven, then will not I fight with heavenly
+gods. But if thou art of men that eat the fruit of the field, come
+nigh, that anon thou mayest enter the toils of destruction.”
+
+Then Hippolochos’ glorious son made answer to him: “Great-hearted
+Tydeides, why enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the
+generations of leaves such are those likewise of men; the leaves that
+be the wind scattereth on the earth, and the forest buddeth and putteth
+forth more again, when the season of spring is at hand; so of the
+generations of men one putteth forth and another ceaseth. Yet if thou
+wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well know our lineage,
+whereof many men have knowledge. Hippolochos, son of Bellerophon, begat
+me, and of him do I declare me to be sprung; he sent me to Troy and
+bade me very instantly to be ever the best and to excel all other men,
+nor put to shame the lineage of my fathers that were of noblest blood
+in Ephyre and in wide Lykia. This is the lineage and blood whereof I
+avow myself to be.”
+
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his
+spear in the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd
+of the host: “Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times
+through my father: for goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble
+Bellerophon in his halls and kept him twenty days. Moreover they gave
+each the other goodly gifts of friendship; Oineus gave a belt bright
+with purple, and Bellerophon a gold two-handled cup. Therefore now am I
+to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost Argos, and thou in Lykia,
+whene’er I fare to your land. So let us shun each other’s spears, even
+amid the throng; Trojans are there in multitudes and famous allies for
+me to slay, whoe’er it be that God vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake;
+and for thee are there Achaians in multitude, to slay whome’er thou
+canst. But let us make exchange of arms between us, that these also may
+know how we avow ourselves to be guest-friends by lineage.”
+
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other
+by his hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took
+from Glaukos his wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus’
+son of golden armour for bronze, the price of five score oxen for the
+price of nine.
+
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak tree, there
+came running round about him the Trojans’ wives and daughters,
+enquiring of sons and brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade
+them thereat all in turn pray to the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+
+But when he came to Priam’s beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades—and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded
+hard by one another, wherein Priam’s sons slept beside their wedded
+wives; and for his daughters over against them on the other side within
+the courtyard were twelve roofed chambers of polished stone builded
+hard by one another, wherein slept Priam’s sons-in-law beside their
+chaste wives—then came there to meet him his bountiful mother, leading
+with her Laodike, fairest of her daughters to look on; and she clasped
+her hand in his, and spake, and called upon his name: “My son, why hast
+thou left violent battle to come hither. Surely the sons of the
+Achaians—name of evil!—press thee hard in fight about thy city, and so
+thy spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth thy
+hands to Zeus from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet
+wine, that thou mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals
+first, and then shalt thou thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt
+drink. When a man is awearied wine greatly maketh his strength to wax,
+even as thou art awearied in fighting for thy fellows.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bring me no
+honey-hearted wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage
+and I be forgetful of my might. But go thou to the temple of Athene,
+driver of the spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged wives
+together; and the robe that seemeth to thee the most gracious and
+greatest in thy palace, and dearest unto thyself, that lay thou upon
+the knees of beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to her to sacrifice in
+her temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will
+have mercy on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little children. So
+go thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will go
+after Paris, to summon him, if perchance he will hearken to my voice.
+Would that the earth forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian
+fostered him to be a sore bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted
+Priam, and to Priam’s sons. If I but saw him going down to the gates of
+death, then might I deem that my heart had forgotten its sorrows.”
+
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens,
+and they gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself
+went down to her fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the
+work of Sidonian women, whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from
+Sidon, when he sailed over the wide sea, that journey wherein he
+brought home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe took one to bear for an
+offering to Athene, the one that was fairest for adornment and
+greatest, and shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then went
+she her way and the multitude of aged wives hasted after her. And
+Hector was come to Alexandros’ fair palace, that himself had builded
+with them that were most excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled
+Troy-land; these made him his chamber and hall and courtyard hard by to
+Priam and Hector, in the upper city. There entered in Hector dear to
+Zeus, and his hand bare his spear, eleven cubits long: before his face
+glittered the bronze spear-point, and a ring of gold ran round about
+it. And he found Paris in his chamber busied with his beauteous arms,
+his shield and breastplate, and handling his curved bow; and Helen of
+Argos sate among her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork for
+her handmaidens. Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful
+words: “Good sir, thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy
+heart. The folk are perishing about the city and high wall in battle,
+and for thy sake the battle-cry is kindled and war around this city;
+yes thyself wouldest thou fall out with another, didst thou see him
+shrinking from hateful war. Up then, lest the city soon be scorched
+with burning fire.”
+
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: “Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou
+it to thine heart and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the
+Trojans, for wrath and indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain
+would I yield me to my sorrow. Even now my wife hath persuaded me with
+soft words, and urged me into battle; and I moreover, even I, deem that
+it will be better so; for victory shifteth from man to man. Go to then,
+tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of war; or else fare thou forth,
+and I will follow; and I think to overtake thee.”
+
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word.
+But Helen spake to him with gentle words: “My brother, even mine that
+am a dog, mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my
+mother bare me at the first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a
+mountain or a billow of the loud-sounding sea, where the billow might
+have swept me away before all these things came to pass. Howbeit,
+seeing the gods devised all these ills in this wise, would that then I
+had been mated with a better man, that felt dishonour and the multitude
+of mel’s reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he now sound heart,
+nor ever will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap the
+fruit. But now come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my
+brother, since thy heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake
+of me, that am a dog, and for Alexandros’ sin; on whom Zeus bringeth
+evil doom, that even in days to come we may be a song in the ears of
+men that shall be hereafter.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bid me not sit,
+Helen, of thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set
+to succour the men of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not
+with them. But rouse thou this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to
+overtake me yet within the city. For I shall go into mine house to
+behold my housefolk and my dear wife, and infant boy; for I know not if
+I shall return home to them again, or if the gods will now overthrow me
+at the hands of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to
+his well-stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in
+the halls; she with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her
+stand upon the tower, weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not
+his noble wife within, he came and stood upon the threshold and spake
+amid the serving women: “Come tell me now true, my serving women.
+Whither went white-armed Andromache forth from the hall? Hath she gone
+out to my sisters or unto my brothers’ fair-robed wives, or to Athene’s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women propitiate the awful
+goddess?”
+
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: “Hector, seeing thou
+straitly chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any
+of thy sisters or thy brothers’ fair-robed wives, neither to Athene’s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the
+awful goddess; but she went to the great tower of Ilios, because she
+heard the Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory was for the
+Achaians. So hath she come in haste to the wall, like unto one
+frenzied; and the nurse with her beareth the child.”
+
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the
+same way down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the
+great city and was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to
+issue upon the plain, then came his dear-won wife, running to meet him,
+even Andromache daughter of great-hearted Eetion. So she met him now,
+and with her went the handmaid bearing in her bosom the tender boy, the
+little child, Hector’s loved son, like unto a beautiful star. Him
+Hector called Skamandrios, but all the folk Astyanax [Astyanax = “City
+King.”]; for only Hector guarded Ilios. So now he smiled and gazed at
+his boy silently, and Andromache stood by his side weeping, and clasped
+her hand in his, and spake and called upon his name. “Dear my lord,
+this thy hardihood will undo thee, neither hast thou any pity for thine
+infant boy, nor for me forlorn that soon shall be thy widow; for soon
+will the Achaians all set upon thee and slay thee. But it were better
+for me to go down to the grave if I lose thee; for never more will any
+comfort be mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met thy fate, but only
+sorrow. Nay, Hector, thou art to me father and lady mother, yea and
+brother, even as thou art my goodly husband. Come now, have pity and
+abide here upon the tower, lest thou make thy child an orphan and thy
+wife a widow.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Surely I take
+thought for all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of
+the Trojans and Trojan dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I
+shrink away from battle. Moreover mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I
+have learnt ever to be valiant and fight in the forefront of the
+Trojans, winning my father’s great glory and mine own. Yea of a surety
+I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be
+laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear. Yet
+doth the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so much trouble me,
+neither Hekabe’s own, neither king Priam’s, neither my brethrel’s, the
+many and brave that shall fall in the dust before their foemen, as doth
+thine anguish in the day when some mail-clad Achaian shall lead thee
+weeping and rob thee of the light of freedom. So shalt thou abide in
+Argos and ply the loom at another womal’s bidding, and bear water from
+fount Messeis or Hypereia, being grievously entreated, and sore
+constraint shall be laid upon thee. And then shall one say that
+beholdeth thee weep: ‘This is the wife of Hector, that was foremost in
+battle of the horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.’ Thus
+shall one say hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such
+an husband as thou hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in
+death may the heaped-up earth be covering, ere I hear thy crying and
+thy carrying into captivity.”
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the
+child shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at
+his dear father’s aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair
+crest that he beheld nodding fiercely from the helmet’s top. Then his
+dear father laughed aloud, and his lady mother; forthwith glorious
+Hector took the helmet from his head, and laid it, all gleaming, upon
+the earth; then kissed he his dear son and dandled him in his arms, and
+spake in prayer to Zeus and all the gods, “O Zeus and all ye gods,
+vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise prove even as I, pre-eminent
+amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be a great king of
+Ilios. Then may men say of him, ‘Far greater is he than his father’ as
+he returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him blood-stained
+spoils from the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother’s heart be
+glad.”
+
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife’s arms; and she took him
+to her fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to
+see her, and caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her
+name: “Dear one, I pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man
+against my fate shall hurl me to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man
+hath escaped, be he coward or be he valiant, when once he hath been
+born. But go thou to thine house and see to thine own tasks, the loom
+and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their work; but for war
+shall men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in Ilios.”
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet;
+and his dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting
+fall big tears. Anon she came to the well-stablished house of
+man-slaying Hector, and found therein her many handmaidens, and stirred
+lamentation in them all. So bewailed they Hector, while yet he lived,
+within his house: for they deemed that he would no more come back to
+them from battle, nor escape the fury of the hands of the Achaians.
+
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his
+brave armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city,
+trusting to his nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at
+the manger, breaketh his tether and speedeth at the gallop across the
+plain, being wont to bathe him in the fair-flowing stream, exultingly;
+and holdeth his head on high, and his mane floateth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his limbs bear him
+to the haunts and pasturages of mares; even so Priam’s son Paris,
+glittering in his armour like the shining sun, strode down from high
+Pergamos laughingly, and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook
+his brother noble Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away
+from the spot where he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake
+godlike Alexandros: “Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine
+haste by my tarrying, and came not rightly as thou badest me.”
+
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: “Good brother,
+no man that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight,
+seeing thou art strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care;
+and for this my heart is grieved within me, that I hear shameful words
+concerning thee in the Trojans’ mouths, who for thy sake endure much
+toil. But let us be going; all this will we make good hereafter, if
+Zeus ever vouchsafe us to set before the heavenly gods that are for
+everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls, when we have chased
+out of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians.”
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the burying of the
+dead, and the building of a wall about the Achaian ships.
+
+
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went
+his brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and
+battle. Even as God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have
+grown weary of beating the main with polished oars, and their limbs are
+fordone with toil, even so appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the
+Argives in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of
+Olympus to holy Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her
+from Pergamos, and would have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met
+each the other by the oak-tree. To her spake first king Apollo son of
+Zeus: “Why now art thou come thus eagerly from Olympus, thou daughter
+of great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart sent thee? Surely it is to
+give the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing thou hast no mercy
+on the Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to me—and it
+were far better so—let us now stay battle and warring for the day;
+hereafter shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios,
+since thus it seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay
+waste this city.”
+
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: “So be it,
+
+Far-darter; in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of
+
+Trojans and Achaians. But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of
+
+the warriors?”
+
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: “Let us arouse the
+stalwart spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some
+one of the Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly
+combat. So shall the bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one
+to fight singly with goodly Hector.” So spake he and the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene disregarded not. Now Helenos Priam’s dear son understood
+in spirit their resolve that the gods in counsel had approved; and he
+went to Hector and stood beside him, and spake a word to him: “Hector
+son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel, wouldest thou now hearken at all
+to me? for I am thy brother. Make the other Trojans sit, and all the
+Achaians, and thyself challenge him that is best of the Achaians to
+meet thee man to man in deadly combat. It is not yet thy destiny to die
+and meet thy doom; for thus heard I the voice of the gods that are from
+everlasting.” So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his
+saying, and went into the midst and refrained the battalions of the
+Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them
+down: and Agamemnon made the well-greaved Achaians sit. And Athene
+withal and Apollo of the silver bow, in the likeness of vulture birds,
+sate them upon a tall oak holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus, rejoicing
+in their warriors; and the ranks of all of them sate close together,
+bristling with shields and plumes and spears. Even as there spreadeth
+across the main the ripple of the west wind newly risen, and the sea
+grows black beneath it, so sate the ranks of Achaians and Trojans upon
+the plain. And Hector spake between both hosts: “Hearken to me, Trojans
+and well-greaved Achaians, that I may speak what my mind within my
+breast biddeth me. Our oaths of truce Kronos’ son, enthroned on high,
+accomplished not; but evil is his intent and ordinance for both our
+hosts, until either ye take fair-towered Troy or yourselves be
+vanquished beside your seafaring ships. But in the midst of you are the
+chiefest of all the Achaians; therefore now let the man whose heart
+biddeth him fight with me come hither from among you all to be your
+champion against goodly Hector. And this declare I, and be Zeus our
+witness thereto; if that man slay me with the long-edged sword, let him
+spoil me of my armour and bear it to the hollow ships, but give back my
+body to my home, that Trojans and Trojans’ wives may give me my due of
+burning in my death. But if I slay him and Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I
+will spoil him of his armour and bear it to holy Ilios and hang it upon
+the temple of far-darting Apollo, but his corpse will I render back to
+the well-decked ships, that the flowing-haired Achaians may entomb him,
+and build him a barrow beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say even of
+men that be late born, as he saileth in his benched ship over the
+wine-dark sea: ‘This is the barrow of a man that died in days of old, a
+champion whom glorious Hector slew.’ So shall a man say hereafter, and
+this my glory shall never die.”
+
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him
+they were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up
+Menelaos and spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned
+deep at heart: “Ah me, vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more
+men, surely all this shall be a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the
+Danaans now goeth to meet Hector. Nay, turn ye all to earth and water,
+sitting there each man disheartened, helplessly inglorious; against him
+will I myself array me; and from on high the threads of victory are
+guided of the immortal gods.”
+
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the
+end of life appeared for thee at Hector’s hands, seeing he was stronger
+far, but that the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee.
+And Atreus’ son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right
+hand and spake a word and called upon his name: “Thou doest madly,
+Menelaos fosterling of Zeus; yet is it no time for this thy madness.
+Draw back, though it be with pain, nor think for contentiol’s sake to
+fight with one better than thou, with Hector Priam’s son, whom others
+beside thee abhor. Yea, this man even Achilles dreadeth to meet in
+battle, wherein is the warrior’s glory; and Achilles is better far than
+thou. Go therefore now and sit amid the company of thy fellows; against
+him shall the Achaians put forth another champion. Fearless though he
+be and insatiate of turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to rest his
+knees, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother’s heart with just counsel;
+and he obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour
+from his shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives:
+“Fie upon it, verily sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia.
+Verily old Peleus driver of chariots would groan sore, that goodly
+counsellor of the Myrmidons and orator, who erst questioned me in his
+house, and rejoiced greatly, inquiring of the lineage and birth of all
+the Argives. If he heard now of those that all were cowering before
+Hector, then would he lift his hands to the immortals, instantly
+praying that his soul might depart from his limbs down to the house of
+Hades. Would to God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then
+would Hector of the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of
+you that be chieftains of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man
+of good heart to meet Hector face to face.” So the old man upbraided
+them, and there stood up nine in all. Far first arose Agamemnon king of
+men, and after him rose Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes, and after them
+the Aiantes clothed with impetuous might, and after them Idomeneus and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men,
+and after them Eurypylos Euaimol’s glorious son; and up rose Thoas
+Andraimol’s son and goodly Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight
+with goodly Hector. And among them spake again knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia: “Now cast ye the lot from the first unto the last, for him
+that shall be chosen: for he shall in truth profit the well-greaved
+Achaians, yea and he shall have profit of his own soul, if he escape
+from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the
+helmet of Agamemnon Atreus’ son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up
+their hands to the gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide
+heaven: “O father Zeus, vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or
+Tydeus’ son, or else on the king of Mykene rich in gold.”
+
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and
+there leapt forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of
+Aias. And Aias saw and knew the token upon the lot, and rejoiced in
+heart, and spake: “My friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself
+am glad at heart, because I deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector.
+But come now, while I clothe me in my armour of battle, pray ye the
+while to Kronos’ son king Zeus, in silence to yourselves, that the
+Trojans hear you not—nay rather, openly if ye will, for we have no fear
+of any man soever. For none by force shall chase me, he willing me
+unwilling, neither by skill; seeing I hope that not so skill-less,
+either, was I born in Salamis nor nurtured.”
+
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos’ son, king Zeus; and thus would
+one speak, looking up to wide heaven: “O father Zeus that rulest from
+Ida, most glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the
+winning of great glory. But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest
+for him, grant unto either equal prowess and renown.”
+
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he
+had now clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge
+Ares coming forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos’ son
+setteth to fight in fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge
+Aias, bulwark of the Achaians, with a smile on his grim face: and went
+with long strides of his feet beneath him, shaking his far-shadowing
+spear. Then moreover the Argives rejoiced to look upon him, but sore
+trembling came upon the Trojans, on the limbs of every man, and
+Hector’s own heart beat within his breast. But in no wise could he now
+flee nor shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing he had
+challenged him to battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like
+shield of bronze, with sevenfold ox-hide, and stood near to Hector, and
+spake to him threatening: “Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man
+to man, what manner of princes the Danaans likewise have among them,
+even after Achilles, render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his
+beaked seafaring ships lieth in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of
+the host; yet are we such as to face thee, yea and many of us. But make
+thou beginning of war and battle.”
+
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: “Aias of the seed
+of Zeus, son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like
+some puny boy or woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well
+know wars and slaughterings. To right know I, to left know I the
+wielding of my tough targe; therein I deem is stalwart soldiership. And
+I know how to charge into the mellay of fleet chariots, and how in
+close battle to join in furious Ares’ dance. Howbeit, I have no mind to
+smite thee, being such an one as thou art, by spying thee unawares; but
+rather openly, if perchance I may hit thee.”
+
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote
+Aias’ dread shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the
+eighth layer that was thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn
+bronze cleaving, but in the seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung
+Aias hurled next his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the circle of
+the shield of Priam’s son. Through the bright shield passed the violent
+spear, and through the curiously wrought corslet pressed it on; and
+straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his doublet; but he
+swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with their
+hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions
+or wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam’s son smote the
+shield’s midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the
+point turned back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and
+straight through went the spear and staggered him in his onset, and
+cleft its way unto his neck, so that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even
+then did not Hector of the glancing helm cease from fight, but yielded
+ground and with stout hand seized a stone lying upon the plain, black
+and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and smote Aias’ dread shield
+of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss, and the bronze
+resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and hurled
+it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and
+burst it inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his
+knees; and he was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but
+Apollo straightway raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to
+hand with swords, but that the heralds, messengers of gods and men,
+came, one from the Trojans, one from the mail-clad Achaians, even
+Talthybios and Idaios, both men discreet. Between the two held they
+their staves, and herald Idaios spake a word, being skilled in wise
+counsel: “Fight ye no more, dear sons, neither do battle; seeing Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are men of war; that
+verily know we all. But night already is upon us: it is well withal to
+obey the hest [behest] of night.”
+
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: “Idaios, bid ye Hector
+to speak those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our
+best. Let him be first, and I will surely follow as he saith.”
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: “Aias, seeing God
+gave thee stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art
+excellent above all the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and
+battle for the day; but hereafter will we fight until God judge between
+as, giving to one of us the victory: But come, let us give each the
+other famous gifts, that men may thus say, Achaians alike and Trojans:
+‘These, having fought for sake of heart-consuming strife, parted again
+reconciled in friendship.’”
+
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and
+well-cut baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they
+parted, and one went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the
+throng of Trojans. And these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive
+and sound, escaped from the fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable;
+and they brought him to the city saved beyond their hope. And Aias on
+their side the well-greaved Achaians brought to noble Agamemnon,
+exulting in his victory.
+
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon
+king of men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most
+mighty son of Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it
+all, and minced it cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and
+roasted it carefully, and drew all off again. Then as soon as they had
+rest from the task and had made ready the meal, they began the feast,
+nor was their soul aught stinted of the equal banquet. And the hero son
+of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias slices of the chine’s
+full length for his honour. And when they had put from them the desire
+of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave the web of
+counsel, even Nestor whose rede [counsel] of old time was proved most
+excellent. He made harangue among them and said: “Son of Atreus and ye
+other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired Achaians
+are dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about fair-flowing
+Skamandros, and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades;
+therefore it behoveth thee to make the battle of the Achaians cease
+with daybreak; and we will assemble to wheel hither the corpses with
+oxen and mules; so let us burn them; and let us heap one barrow about
+the pyre, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto build
+with speed high towers, a bulwark for our ships and for ourselves. In
+the midst thereof let us make gates well compact, that through them may
+be a way for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep foss hard
+by, to be about it and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle of
+the lordly Trojans be heavy on us hereafter.”
+
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in
+the high town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused,
+beside Priam’s gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give
+Helen of Argos and the wealth with her for the sons of Atreus to take
+away. Now fight we in guilt against the oaths of faith; therefore is
+there no profit for us that I hope to see fulfilled, unless we do
+thus.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble
+Alexandros, lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and
+spake winged words: “Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my
+pleasure; yet thou hast it in thee to devise other sayings more
+excellent than this. But if indeed thou sayest this in earnest, then
+verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy wit. But I will speak
+forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare outright; my wife will
+I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to our home, all
+that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own substance.”
+
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of
+the seed of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to
+them, and said: “Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that
+I may tell you that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat
+your supper throughout the city as of old, and take thought to keep
+watch, and be wakeful every man. And at dawn let Idaios fare to the
+hollow ships to tell to Atreus’ sons Agamemnon and Menelaos the saying
+of Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come about: and likewise to ask
+them this wise word, whether they are minded to refrain from noisy war
+till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight again, till
+heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed: and at
+dawn Idaios fared to the hollow ships. He found the Danaans in
+assembly, the men of Ares’ company, beside the stern of Agamemnol’s
+ship; and so the loud-voiced herald stood in their midst and said unto
+them: “Atreides and ye other princes of the Achaians, Priam and all the
+noble Trojans bade me tell you-if perchance it might find favour and
+acceptance with you-the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
+hath come about. The wealth that Alexandros brought in his hollow ships
+to Troy-would he had perished first!-all that he hath a mind to give,
+and to add more thereto of his substance. But the wedded wife of
+glorious Menelaos he saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid
+him do it. Moreover they bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are
+minded to refrain from noisy war until we have burned our dead;
+afterwards will we fight again, till heaven part us and give one or
+other victory.”
+
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: “Let no man now
+accept Alexandros’ substance, neither Helel’s self; known is it, even
+to him that hath no wit at all, how that the issues of destruction hang
+already over the Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to
+Idaios: “Idaios, thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how
+they answer thee; and the like seemeth good to me. But as concerning
+the dead, I grudge you not to burn them; for dead corpses is there no
+stinting; when they once are dead, of the swift propitiation of fire.
+And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the loud-thundering lord of
+Hera.”
+
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and
+Idaios departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in
+assembly, gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he
+came and stood in their midst and declared his message. Then they made
+them ready very swiftly for either task, some to bring the dead, and
+some to seek for wood. And on their part the Argives hasted from their
+well-decked ships, some to bring the dead and some to seek for wood.
+
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from
+the deep stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together.
+Then was it a hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them
+with water clean of clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted
+them upon the wains. But great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in
+silence heaped they the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart; and
+when they had burned them with fire departed to holy Ilios. And in like
+manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians heaped the corpses on
+the pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned them with fire
+departed to the hollow ships.
+
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the
+chosen folk of the Achaians gathered together around the pyre, and made
+one barrow about it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and
+thereto built they a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships
+and for themselves. In the midst thereof made they gates
+well-compacted, that through them might be a way for chariot-driving.
+And without they dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great, and
+planted a palisade therein.
+
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the
+lord of lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad
+Achaians. And Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: “O father
+Zeus, is there any man throughout the boundless earth that will any
+more declare to the immortals his mind and counsel? Seest thou not how
+the flowing-haired Achaians have now again built them a wall before
+their ships, and drawn a foss around it, but gave not excellent
+hecatombs to the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall reach as far as
+the dawn spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and Phoebus
+Apollo built with travail for the hero Laomedon.”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: “Out on it,
+far-swaying Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might
+some other god fear this device, one that were far feebler than thou in
+the might of his hands: but thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn
+spreadeth. Go to now, hereafter when the flowing-haired Achaians be
+departed upon their ships to their dear native land, then burst thou
+this wall asunder and scatter it all into the sea, and cover the great
+sea-beach over with sand again, that the great wall of the Achaians be
+brought to naught.”
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles’ wrong on
+Agamemnon; and therefore bade the gods refrain from war, and gave
+victory to the Trojans.
+
+
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus
+whose joy is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the
+topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them
+and all the gods gave ear: “Hearken to me, all gods and all ye
+goddesses, that I may tell you what my heart within my breast
+commandeth me. One thing let none essay, be it goddess or be it god, to
+wit, to thwart my saying; approve ye it all together, that with all
+speed I may accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive minded
+to go, apart from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in
+no seemly wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him
+into misty Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath
+the earth; there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far
+beneath Hades as heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how
+far I am mightiest of all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye
+all may know. Fasten ye a rope of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay
+hold thereof and all goddesses; yet could ye not drag from heaven to
+earth Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye toiled sore. But once I
+likewise were minded to draw with all my heart, then should I draw you
+up with very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind the rope
+about a pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in
+air. By so much am I beyond gods and beyond men.”
+
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet
+of foot, with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold
+upon his flesh, and grasped the whip of gold, well wrought, and mounted
+upon his car, and lashed the horses to start them; they nothing loth
+sped on between earth and starry heaven. So fared he to many-fountained
+Ida, mother of wild beasts, even unto Gargaros, where is his demesne
+and fragrant altar. There did the father of men and gods stay his
+horses, and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist about them;
+and himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to behold
+the city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and
+thereafter arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed
+them throughout the town—a smaller host, yet for all that were they
+eager to fight in battle, of forceful need, for their childrel’s sake
+and their wives’. And the gates were opened wide and the host issued
+forth, footmen and horsemen; and mighty din arose.
+
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
+they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed
+shields pressed each on each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the
+voice of groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and
+the slain, and the earth streamed with blood.
+
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either
+side lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun
+bestrode mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and
+put therein two fates of death that layeth men at their length, one for
+horse-taming Trojans, one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the
+scale-yard by the midst and lifted it, and the Achaians’ day of destiny
+sank down. So lay the Achaians’ fates on the bounteous earth, and the
+Trojans’ fates were lifted up towards wide heaven. And the god
+thundered aloud from Ida, and sent his blazing flash amid the host of
+the Achaians; and they saw and were astonished, and pale fear gat hold
+upon all.
+
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood
+the twain Aiantes, men of Ares’ company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood
+his ground, he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but
+his horse was fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helel’s
+lord, had smitten with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the
+foremost hairs of horses grow upon the skull; and there is the most
+deadly spot. So the horse leapt up in anguish and the arrow sank into
+his brain, and he brought confusion on the steeds as he writhed upon
+the dart. While the old man leapt forth and with his sword began to hew
+the traces, came Hector’s fleet horses through the tumult, bearing a
+bold charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the old man lost his life,
+but that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark. Terribly
+shouted he, summoning Odysseus: “Heaven-born son of Laertes, Odysseus
+of many wiles, whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward
+in the throng? Beware lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy
+shoulders. Nay, stand thy ground, till we thrust back from the old man
+his furious foe.”
+
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but
+hastened by to the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though
+but one, mingled amid the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand
+before the steeds of the old man, Neleus’ son, and spake to him winged
+words, and said: “Old man, of a truth young warriors beset thee hard;
+and thy force is abated, and old age is sore upon thee, and thy squire
+is but a weakling, and thy steeds are slow. Come then, mount upon my
+car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across
+the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of fear.
+Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also
+rageth in my hands.”
+
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the
+two squires tended Nestor’s horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and
+kindly Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes’ car.
+And Nestor took into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the
+horses; and soon they drew nigh Hector. Then Tydeus’ son hurled at him
+as he charged straight upon them: him missed he, but his squire that
+drave his chariot, Eniopeus, high-hearted Thebaios’ son, even him as he
+held the reins, he smote upon the breast beside the nipple. So he fell
+from out the car, and his fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there
+his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed Hector’s
+soul for sake of his charioteer. Yet left he him there lying, though he
+sorrowed for his comrade, and drave in quest of a bold charioteer; and
+his horses lacked not long a master, for anon he found Iphitos’ son,
+bold Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his fleet horses, and
+gave the reins into his hands.
+
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so
+had they been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods
+and men been swift to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his
+white lightning and hurled it before Diomedes’ steeds to earth; and
+there arose a terrible flame of sulphur burning, and the two horses
+were affrighted and cowered beneath the car. And the shining reins
+dropped from Nestor’s hands, and he was afraid at heart and spake to
+Diomedes: “Come now Tydeides, turn back thy whole-hooved horses to
+flight: seest thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth not on thee?
+Now doth Kronos’ son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the day;
+hereafter shall he grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at
+all ward off the will of Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he
+verily is mightier far.”
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: “Yea verily, old man,
+all this thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore
+grief that entereth my heart and soul: Hector some day shall say as he
+maketh harangue amid the Trojans: ‘Tydeides betook him to the ships in
+flight before my face.’ So shall he boast—in that day let the wide
+earth yawn for me.”
+
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through
+the tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon
+them their dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of
+the glancing helm: “Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to
+honour thee with the highest place, and meats, and cups brimful, but
+now will they disdain thee; thou art after all no better than a woman.
+Begone, poor puppet; not for my flinching shalt thou climb on our
+towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy ships; ere that will I
+deal thee thy fate.”
+
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his
+horses and fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul,
+and thrice from Ida’s mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and
+gave to the Trojans a sign, the turning of the course of battle. And
+Hector with loud shout called to the Trojans: “Trojans and Lykians and
+Dardanians that love close fight, be men, my friends, and bethink you
+of impetuous valour. I perceive that of good will Kronion vouchsafest
+me victory and great glory, and to the Danaans destruction. Fools, that
+devised these walls weak and of none account; they shall not withhold
+our fury, and lightly shall our steeds overleap the delved foss. But
+when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then be thought taken of
+consuming fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and slay the men.”
+
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: “Xanthos, and thou
+Podargos, and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending,
+even the abundance that Andromache, great-hearted Eetiol’s daughter,
+set before you of honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the
+heart’s bidding. Pursue ye now and haste, that we may seize Nestor’s
+shield, the fame whereof now reacheth unto heaven, how that it is of
+gold throughout, armrods and all; and may seize moreover from
+horse-taming Diomedes’ shoulders his richly dight breastplate that
+Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could we but take these, then might I
+hope this very night to make the Achaians to embark on their fleet
+ships.”
+
+And now had he burned the trim ships with blazing fire, but that queen
+Hera put it in Agamemnol’s heart himself to bestir him and swiftly
+arouse the Achaians. So he went his way along the huts and ships of the
+Achaians, holding a great cloak of purple in his stalwart hand, and
+stood by Odysseus’ black ship of mighty burden, that was in the midst,
+so that a voice could be heard to either end. Then shouted he in a
+piercing voice, and called to the Danaans aloud: “Fie upon you,
+Argives, ye sorry things of shame, so brave in semblance! Whither are
+gone our boastings when we said that we were bravest, the boasts ye
+uttered vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate your fill of flesh of
+tall-horned oxen and drank goblets crowned with wine, and said that
+every man should stand in war to face fivescore yea tenscore Trojans?
+yet now can we not match one, even this Hector that anon will burn our
+ships with flame of fire. O Father Zeus, didst ever thou blind with
+such a blindness any mighty king, and rob him of great glory? Nay,
+Zeus, this hope fulfil thou me; suffer that we ourselves at least flee
+and escape, neither suffer that the Achaians be thus vanquished of the
+Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed
+him that his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an
+eagle—surest sign among winged fowl—holding in his claws a fawn, the
+young of a fleet hind; beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall
+the fawn, where the Achaians did sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all
+oracles. So when they saw that the bird was come from Zeus, they sprang
+the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the joy of battle.
+
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast
+that he before Tydeus’ son had guided his fleet horses forth, and
+driven them across the trench and fought man to man; first by far was
+Tydeides to slay a warrior of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos
+son of Phradmon. Now he had turned his steeds to flee; but as he
+wheeled the other plunged the spear into his back between his
+shoulders, and drave it through his breast. So fell he from his
+chariot, and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+And after him came Atreus’ sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after
+them the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them
+Idomeneus and Idomeneus’ brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios
+slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos, Euaimol’s glorious son. And
+ninth came Teukros, stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand
+beneath the shield of Aias son of Telamon. And so Aias would stealthily
+withdraw the shield, and Teukros would spy his chance; and when he had
+shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell such an one and gave up
+the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child beneath his mother,
+so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+
+And Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to behold him making havoc with his
+stalwart bow of the battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood by
+his side and spake to him, saying: “Teukros, dear heart, thou son of
+Telamon, prince of the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou
+mayest be found the salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father
+Telamon.”
+
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, why urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such
+strength as is in me forbear I not, but ever since we drave them
+towards Ilios I watch with my bow to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed
+arrows have I now sped, and all are buried in the flesh of young men
+swift in battle; only this mad dog can I not smite.”
+
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector;
+and his heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for
+Apollo turned the dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector’s bold
+charioteer, he smote on the breast beside the nipple as he hasted into
+battle: so he fell from his car and his fleet-footed horses swerved
+aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief
+encompassed Hector’s soul for his charioteer’s sake; yet left he him,
+though he sorrowed for his comrade, and bade Kebriones his own brother,
+being hard by, take the chariot reins; and he heard and disregarded
+not. And himself he leapt to earth from the resplendent car, with a
+terrible shout; and in his hand he caught a stone, and made right at
+Teukros, and his heart bade him smite him. Now Teukros had plucked
+forth from his quiver a keen arrow, and laid it on the string; but even
+as he drew it back, Hector of the glancing helm smote him with the
+jagged stone, as he aimed eagerly against him, even beside his
+shoulder, where the collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where
+is the most deadly spot; and he brake the bowstring, and his hand from
+the wrist grew numb, and he stayed fallen upon his knee, and his bow
+dropped from his hand. But Aias disregarded not his brother’s fall, but
+ran and strode across him and hid him with his shield. Then two trusty
+comrades bent down to him, even Mekisteus son of Echios and goodly
+Alastor, and bare him, groaning sorely, to the hollow ships. And once
+again the Olympian aroused the spirit of the Trojans. So they drove the
+Achaians straight toward the deep foss, and amid the foremost went
+Hector exulting in his strength. And even as when a hound behind wild
+boar or lion, with swift feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or
+buttock, and watcheth for him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on
+the flowing-haired Achaians, slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled
+on. But when they were passed in flight through palisade and foss, and
+many were fallen beneath the Trojans’ hands, then halted they and
+tarried beside the ships, calling one upon another, and lifting up
+their hands to all the gods prayed each one instantly. But Hector
+wheeled round his beauteous-maned steeds this way and that, and his
+eyes were as the eyes of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion,
+and anon spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou child of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, shall not we twain any more take thought for the
+Danaans that perish, if only for this last time? Now will they fill up
+the measure of evil destiny and perish by one mal’s onslaught; seeing
+that he is furious now beyond endurance, this Hector son of Priam, and
+verily hath wrought many a deed of ill.”
+
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, “Yea in good
+sooth, may this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the
+Argives’ hands in his native land; only mine own sire is furious, with
+no good intent, headstrong, ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes. But
+now make thou ready our whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the
+palace of aegis-bearing Zeus and gird me in my armour for battle, that
+I may see if Priam’s son, Hector of the glancing helm, shall be glad at
+the appearing of us twain amid the highways of the battle. Surely shall
+many a Trojan likewise glut dogs and birds with fat and flesh, fallen
+dead at the ships of the Achaians.”
+
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. But when
+father Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris
+golden-winged to bear a message: “Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them
+back, neither suffer them to face me; for in no happy wise shall we
+join in combat. For thus will I declare, and even so shall the
+fulfilment be; I will maim their fleet horses in the chariot, and them
+will I hurl out from the car, and will break in pieces the chariot;
+neither within the courses of ten years shall they heal them of the
+wounds the thunderbolt shall tear; that the bright-eyed one may know
+the end when she striveth against her father. But with Hera have I not
+so great indignation nor wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart
+me, whate’er I have decreed.”
+
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and
+departed from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the
+entrance of the gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed
+them, and told them the saying of Zeus.
+
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble
+Shaker of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and
+spread a cloth thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his
+golden throne, and beneath his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene
+and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and spake no word to him neither
+questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his heart, and said, “Why
+are ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are not wearied of making
+havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye cherish bitter
+hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for
+you twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye
+beheld war and war’s fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so
+had the fulfilment been—never had ye, once smitten with the
+thunderbolt, fared on your chariots back unto Olympus where is the
+habitation of the immortals.”
+
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her;
+but Hera’s heart contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread
+son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we,
+that thy might is no wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan
+spearmen, that now shall perish and fill up the measure of grievous
+fate.”
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: “At morn shalt thou
+behold most mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed
+queen, making yet more havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for
+headlong Hector shall not refrain from battle till that Peleus’ son
+fleet of foot have arisen beside the ships, that day when these shall
+fight amid the sterns in most grievous stress, around Patroklos fallen.
+Such is the doom of heaven. And for thine anger reck I not, not even
+though thou go to the nethermost bounds of earth and sea, where sit
+Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of Hyperion the
+Sun-god, neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about them.
+Though thou shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I
+not of thy vexation, seeing there is no thing more unabashed than
+thou.”
+
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sul’s
+bright light dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the
+grain-giver. Against the Trojans’ will daylight departed, but welcome,
+thrice prayed for, to the Achaians came down the murky night.
+
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart
+from the ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was
+found a spot clear of dead. And they came down from their chariots to
+the ground to hear the word that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He
+in his hand held his spear eleven cubits long; before his face gleamed
+the spearhead of bronze, and a ring of gold ran round about it. Thereon
+he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying: “Hearken to me, Trojans and
+Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to make havoc of the ships and
+all the Achaians and depart back again to windy Ilios; but dusk came
+too soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives and the ships
+beside the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black night, and
+make our supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your fair-maned
+horses, and set fodder beside them. And from the city bring kine and
+goodly sheep with speed; and provide you with honey-hearted wine, and
+corn from your houses, and gather much wood withal, that all night long
+until early-springing dawn we may burn many fires, and the gleam may
+reach to heaven; lest perchance even by night the flowing-haired
+Achaians strive to take flight over the broad back of the sea. Verily
+must they not embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease: but see ye that
+many a one of them have a wound to nurse even at home, being stricken
+with arrow or keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his ship; that so
+many another man may dread to wage dolorous war on the horse-taming men
+of Troy. And let the heralds dear to Zeus proclaim throughout the city
+that young maidens and old men of hoary heads camp round the city on
+the battlements builded of the gods; and let the women folk burn a
+great fire each in her hall; and let there be a sure watch set, lest an
+ambush enter the city when the host is absent. Howbeit for the night
+will we guard our own selves, and at morn by daybreak, arrayed in our
+armour, let us awake keen battle at the hollow ships. I will know
+whether Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from the ships
+back to the wall, or I shall lay him low with my spear and bear away
+his gory spoils. To-morrow shall he prove his valour, whether he can
+abide the onslaught of my spear. Would that I were immortal and ageless
+all my days and honoured like as Athene is honoured and Apollo, so
+surely as this day bringeth the Argives ill.”
+
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they
+loosed their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with
+thongs, each man beside his chariot; and from the city they brought
+kine and goodly sheep with speed, and provided them with honey-hearted
+wine and corn from their houses, and gathered much wood withal. And
+from the plain the winds bare into heaven the sweet savour. But these
+with high hopes sate them all night along the highways of the battle,
+and their watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when in heaven the
+stars about the bright moon shine clear to see, when the air is
+windless, and all the peaks appear and the tall headlands and glades,
+and from heaven breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars are seen,
+and the shepherd’s heart is glad; even in like multitude between the
+ships and the streams of Xanthos appeared the watchfires that the
+Trojans kindled in front of Ilios. A thousand fires burned in the plain
+and by the side of each sate fifty in the gleam of blazing fire. And
+the horses champed white barley and spelt, and standing by their
+chariots waited for the throned Dawn.
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him to be
+appeased; and how Achilles denied him.
+
+
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of
+heaven-sent panic, handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were
+stricken to the heart with grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up
+the main, the home of fishes, even the north wind and the west wind
+that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly; and the dark billow straightway
+lifteth up its crest and casteth much tangle out along the sea; even so
+was the Achaians’ spirit troubled in their breast.
+
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about
+bidding the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the
+assembly, but not to shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the
+foremost. So they sat sorrowful in assembly, and Agamemnon stood up
+weeping like unto a fountain of dark water that from a beetling cliff
+poureth down its black stream; even so with deep groaning he spake amid
+the Argives and said: “My friends, leaders and captains of the Argives,
+Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of
+soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised and gave his
+pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I
+depart, but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in
+dishonour to Argos with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is
+the good pleasure of most mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of
+many cities, yea and shall lay low; for his is highest power. So come,
+even as I shall bid let us all obey; let us flee with our ships to our
+dear native land, for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time
+were the sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid them and said: “Atreides: with
+thee first in thy folly will I contend, where it is just, O king, even
+in the assembly; be not thou wroth therefor. My valour didst thou blame
+in chief amid the Danaans, and saidst that I was no man of war but a
+coward; and all this know the Argives both young and old. But the son
+of crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee but by halves; he
+granted thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men, but
+valour he gave thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou
+that the sons of the Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as
+thou sayest? If thine own heart be set on departing, go thy way; the
+way is before thee, and thy ships stand beside the sea, even the great
+multitude that followed thee from Mykene. But all the other
+flowing-haired Achaians will tarry here until we lay waste Troy. Nay,
+let them too flee on their ships to their dear native land; yet will we
+twain, even I and Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of Ilios;
+for in God’s name are we come.”
+
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding
+the saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and
+said amid them: “Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in
+council art thou best among thine equals in years; none of all the
+Achaians will make light of thy word nor gainsay it. Now let us yield
+to black night and make ready our meal; and let the sentinels bestow
+them severally along the deep-delved foss without the wall. This charge
+give I to the young men; and thou, Atreides, lead then the way, for
+thou art the most royal. Spread thou a feast for the councillors; that
+is thy place and seemly for thee. Thy huts are full of wine that the
+ships of the Achaians bring thee by day from Thrace across the wide
+sea; all entertainment is for thee, being king over many. In the
+gathering of many shalt thou listen to him that deviseth the most
+excellent counsel; sore need have all the Achaians of such as is good
+and prudent, because hard by the ships our foemen are burning their
+watch-fires in multitude; what man can rejoice thereat? This night
+shall either destroy or save the host.”
+
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied
+the sentinels in their harness. Seven were the captains of the
+sentinels, and with each went fivescore young men bearing their long
+spears in their hands; and they took post midway betwixt foss and wall,
+and kindled a fire and made ready each man his meal.
+
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to
+his hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth
+their hands to the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had
+put away from them the desire of meat and drink, then the old man first
+began to weave his counsel, even Nestor, whose rede of old time was
+approved the best. He spake to them and said: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, in thy name will I end and with thy name
+begin, because thou art king over many hosts, and to thy hand Zeus hath
+entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest take counsel for thy folk.
+Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to speak and hearken, and
+to accomplish what another than thou may say. No other man shall have a
+more excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old time even
+until now, since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king, didst go and
+take the damsel Briseis from angry Achilles’ hut by no consent of ours.
+Nay, I right heartily dissuaded thee; but thou yieldedst to thy proud
+spirit, and dishonouredst a man of valour whom even the immortals
+honoured; for thou didst take and keepest from him his meed of valour.
+Still let us even now take thought how we may appease him and persuade
+him with gifts of friendship and kindly words.”
+
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: “Old sir, in no
+false wise hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it
+not. Worth many hosts is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now
+he honoureth this man and destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But
+seeing I was a fool in that I yielded to my sorry passion, I will make
+amends and give a recompense beyond telling. In the midst of you all I
+will name the excellent gifts; seven tripods untouched of fire, and ten
+talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and twelve stalwart
+horses, winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their speed. No
+lackwealth were that man whose substance were as great as the prizes my
+whole-hooved steeds have borne me off. And seven women will I give,
+skilled in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom I chose me from the
+spoils the day that he himself took stablished Lesbos, surpassing
+womankind in beauty. These will I give him, and with them shall be she
+whom erst I took from him, even the daughter of Briseus. All these
+things shall be set straightway before him; and if hereafter the gods
+grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, then let him enter in
+when we Achaians be dividing the spoil, and lade his ship full of gold
+and bronze, and himself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that
+there be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands,
+even Achaian Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold him in like
+honour with Orestes, my stripling boy that is nurtured in all
+abundance. Three daughters are mine in my well-builded hall,
+Chrysothemis and Laodike and Iphianassa; let him take of them which he
+will, without gifts of wooing, to Peleus’ house; and I will add a great
+dower such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven
+well-peopled cities will I give him, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy
+Hire and holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and
+Pedasos land of vines. And all are nigh to the salt sea, on the
+uttermost border of sandy Pylos; therein dwell men abounding in flocks
+and kine, men that shall worship him like a god with gifts, and beneath
+his sway fulfil his prosperous ordinances. All this will I accomplish
+so he but cease from wrath. Let him yield; Hades I ween is not to be
+softened neither overcome, and therefore is he hatefullest of all gods
+to mortals. Yea, let him be ruled by me, inasmuch as I am more royal
+and avow me to be the elder in years.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be
+esteemed that thou offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed
+forth picked men to go with all haste to the hut of Peleus’ son
+Achilles. Lo now, whomsoever I appoint let them consent. First let
+Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the way, and after him great Aias and noble
+Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and Eurybates be their companions.
+And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep holy silence, that we
+may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he will have mercy
+upon us.”
+
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith
+the heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the
+bowls with drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured
+the libation in the cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as
+their heart desired, they issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus. And knightly Nestor of Gerenia gave them full charge, with many
+a glance to each, and chiefest to Odysseus, how they should essay to
+prevail on Peleus’ noble son.
+
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making
+instant prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that
+they might with ease prevail on Aiakides’ great heart. So they came to
+the huts and ships of the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his
+pleasure of a loud lyre, fair, of curious work, with a silver cross-bar
+upon it. Therein he was delighting his soul, and singing the glories of
+heroes. And over against him sate Patroklos alone in silence, watching
+till Aiakides should cease from singing. So the twain came forward, and
+noble Odysseus led the way, and they stood before his face; and
+Achilles sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand, and left the seat
+where he was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he beheld the
+men arose. Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and said: “Welcome;
+verily ye are friends that are come—sore indeed is the need—even ye
+that are dearest of the Achaians to me even in my wrath.”
+
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on
+settles and carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being
+near: “Bring forth a greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle
+stronger drink, and prepare each man a cup, for dearest of men are
+these that are under my roof.”
+
+Then put they forth their hands to the good cheer lying before them.
+And when they had put from them the desire of meat and drink, Aias
+nodded to Phoinix. But noble Odysseus marked it, and filled a cup with
+wine and pledged Achilles: “Hail, O Achilles! The fair feast lack we
+not either in the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in thine;
+for feasting is there abundance to our heart’s desire, but our thought
+is not for matters of the delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore
+destruction, thou fosterling of Zeus, and are afraid. Now is it in
+doubt whether we save the benched ships or behold them perish, if thou
+put not on thy might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the high-hearted
+Trojans and famed allies pitched their camp, and kindled many fires
+throughout their host, and ween that they shall no more be withheld but
+will fall on our black ships. And Zeus son of Kronos sheweth them signs
+upon the right by lightning, and Hector greatly exulteth in his might
+and rageth furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not of god nor man,
+for mighty madness hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn to shine
+forth with all speed, for he bath passed his word to smite off from the
+ships the ensigns’ tops, and to fire the hulls with devouring flame,
+and hard thereby to make havoc of the Achaians confounded by the smoke.
+Therefore am I sore afraid in my heart lest the gods fulfil his
+boastings, and it be fated for us to perish here in Troy-land, far from
+Argos pasture-land of horses. Up then! if thou art minded even at the
+last to save the failing sons of the Achaians from the war-din of the
+Trojans. Eschew thy grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee worthy
+gifts, so thou wilt cease from anger. Lo now, hearken thou to me, and I
+will tell thee all the gifts that in his hut Agamemnon promised thee.
+But if Agamemnon be too hateful to thy heart, both he and his gifts,
+yet have thou pity on all the Achaians that faint throughout the host;
+these shall honour thee as a god, for verily thou wilt earn exceeding
+great glory at their hands. Yea now mightest thou slay Hector, for he
+would come very near thee in his deadly madness, because he deemeth
+that there is no man like unto him among the Danaans that the ships
+brought hither.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: “Heaven-sprung
+son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare
+unto you my saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof
+shall be, that ye may not sit before me and coax this way and that. For
+hateful to me even as the gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in
+his heart and uttereth another: but I will speak what meseemeth best.
+Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of Atreus persuade, nor the other
+Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for battling with the foemen
+ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath equal share with him
+that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both the coward and
+the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that hath
+toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation
+of soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her
+unfledged chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it
+goeth hard, even so I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and
+pass through many bloody days of battle, warring with folk for their
+womel’s sake. Twelve cities of men have I laid waste from ship-board,
+and from land eleven, throughout deep-soiled Troy-land; out of all
+these took I many goodly treasures and would bring and give them all to
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying behind amid the fleet ships
+would take them and portion out some few but keep the most. Now some he
+gave to be meeds of honour to the princes and the kings, and theirs are
+left untouched; only from me of all the Achaians took he my darling
+lady and keepeth her. But why must the Argives make war on the Trojans?
+why hath Atreides gathered his host and led them hither? is it not for
+lovely-haired Helel’s sake? Do then the sons of Atreus alone of mortal
+men love their wives? surely whatsoever man is good and sound of mind
+loveth his own and cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine with all my
+heart, though but the captive of my spear. But now that he hath taken
+my meed of honour from mine arms and hath deceived me, let him not
+tempt me that know him full well; he shall not prevail. Nay, Odysseus,
+let him take counsel with thee and all the princes to ward from the
+ships the consuming fire. Verily without mine aid he hath wrought many
+things, and built a wall and dug a foss about it wide and deep, and set
+a palisade therein; yet even so can he not stay murderous Hector’s
+might. But so long as I was fighting amid the Achaians, Hector had no
+mind to array his battle far from the wall, but scarce came unto the
+Skaian gates and to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone and
+scarce escaped my onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight with
+noble Hector, I will to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods,
+and store well my ships when I have launched them on the salt sea—then
+shalt thou see, if thou wilt and hast any care therefor, my ships
+sailing at break of day over Hellespont, the fishes’ home, and my men
+right eager at the oar; and if the great Shaker of the Earth grant me
+good journey, on the third day should I reach deep-soiled Phthia. There
+are my great possessions that I left when I came hither to my hurt; and
+yet more gold and ruddy bronze shall I bring from hence, and
+fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at least that were mine by lot;
+only my meed of honour hath he that gave it me taken back in his
+despitefulness, even lord Agamemnon son of Atreus. To him declare ye
+everything even as I charge you, openly, that all the Achaians likewise
+may have indignation, if haply he hopeth to beguile yet some other
+Danaan, for that he is ever clothed in shamelessness. Verily not in my
+face would he dare to look, though he have the front of a dog. Neither
+will I devise counsel with him nor any enterprise, for utterly he hath
+deceived me and done wickedly; but never again shall he beguile me with
+fair speech—let this suffice him. Let him begone in peace; Zeus the
+lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me are his gifts,
+and I hold him at a straw’s worth. Not even if he gave me ten times,
+yea twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him
+otherwhence, even all the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes
+where the treasure-houses are stored fullest—Thebes of the hundred
+gates, whence sally forth two hundred warriors through each with horses
+and chariots—nay, nor gifts in number as sand or dust; not even so
+shall Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back all the
+bitter despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not
+wed, not were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for
+handiwork matched bright-eyed Athene—not even then will I wed her; let
+him choose him of the Achaians another that is his peer and is more
+royal than I. For if the gods indeed preserve me and I come unto my
+home, then will Peleus himself seek me a wife. Many Achaian maidens are
+there throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of princes that ward
+their cities; whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear lady. Very
+often was my high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help
+meet for me, and have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus
+possesseth. For not of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth
+that men say was possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of
+peace gone by, before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the
+treasure that the stone threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo
+encompasseth in rocky Pytho. For kine and goodly flocks are to be had
+for the harrying, and tripods and chestnut horses for the purchasing;
+but to bring back mal’s life neither harrying nor earning availeth when
+once it hath passed the barrier of his lips. For thus my goddess mother
+telleth me, Thetis the silver-footed, that twain fates are bearing me
+to the issue of death. If I abide here and besiege the Trojans’ city,
+then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall be
+imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is
+taken from me, but my life shall endure long while, neither shall the
+issue of death soon reach me. Moreover I would counsel you all to set
+sail homeward, seeing ye shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of
+a surety far-seeing Zeus holdeth his hand over her and her folk are of
+good courage. So go your way and tell my answer to the princes of the
+Achaians, even as is the office of elders, that they may devise in
+their hearts some other better counsel, such as shall save them their
+ships and the host of the Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this
+counsel availeth them naught that they have now devised, by reason of
+my fierce wrath. But let Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest,
+that he may follow with me on my ships to our dear native land
+to-morrow, if he will; for I will not take him perforce.”
+
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and
+marvelled at his saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the
+last spake to them the old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because
+he was sore afraid for the ships of the Achaians: “If indeed thou
+ponderest departure in thy heart, glorious Achilles, and hast no mind
+at all to save the fleet ships from consuming fire, because that wrath
+bath entered into thy heart; how can I be left of thee, dear son, alone
+thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus send me the day he sent
+thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet unskilled in equal
+war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore sent he me to
+teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a doer
+of deeds. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou godlike Achilles,
+with my heart’s love; for with none other wouldest thou go unto the
+feast, neither take meat in the hall, till that I had set thee upon my
+knees and stayed thee with the savoury morsel cut first for thee, and
+put the wine-cup to thy lips. Oft hast thou stained the doublet on my
+breast with sputtering of wine in thy sorry helplessness. Thus I
+suffered much with thee, and much I toiled, being mindful that the gods
+in nowise created any issue of my body; but I made thee my son, thou
+godlike Achilles, that thou mayest yet save me from grievous
+destruction. Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit; neither
+beseemeth it thee to have a ruthless heart. Nay, even the very gods can
+bend, and theirs withal is loftier majesty and honour and might. Nay,
+come for the gifts; the Achaians shall honour thee even as a god. But
+if without gifts thou enter into battle the bane of men, thou wilt not
+be held in like honour, even though thou avert the fray.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Phoinix my
+father, thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise;
+for I deem that I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which
+shall abide upon me amid my beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in
+my body and my limbs are strong. Moreover I will say this thing to thee
+and lay thou it to thine heart; trouble not my soul by weeping and
+lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior Atreides; neither beseemeth
+it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me that cherish thee. It
+were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth me. Be thou
+king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear my
+message. So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and
+with break of day will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or
+to abide.”
+
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for
+Phoinix a thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart
+from the hut with speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamol’s godlike
+son, and said: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles,
+let us go hence; for methinks the purpose of our charge will not by
+this journey be accomplished; and we must tell the news, though it be
+no wise good, with all speed unto the Danaans, that now sit awaiting.
+But Achilles hath wrought his proud soul to fury within him—stubborn
+man, that recketh naught of his comrades’ love, wherein we worshipped
+him beyond all men amid the ships—unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept
+recompense of his brother’s murderer or for his dead son; and so the
+man-slayer for a great price abideth in his own land, and the kinsmal’s
+heart is appeased, and his proud soul, when he hath taken the
+recompense. But for thee, the gods have put within thy breast a spirit
+implacable and evil, by reason of one single damsel. And now we offer
+thee seven damsels, far best of all, and many other gifts besides;
+entertain thou then a kindly spirit, and have respect unto thine home;
+because we are guests of thy roof, sent of the multitude of Danaans,
+and we would fain be nearest to thee and dearest beyond all other
+Achaians, as many as there be.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Aias sprung of
+Zeus, thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak
+all this almost after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath
+as oft as I bethink me of those things, how Atreides entreated me
+arrogantly among the Argives, as though I were some worthless
+sojourner. But go ye and declare my message; I will not take thought of
+bloody war until that wise Priam’s son, noble Hector, come to the
+Myrmidons’ huts and ships, slaying the Argives, and smirch the ships
+with fire. But about mine hut and black ship I ween that Hector, though
+he be very eager for battle, shall be refrained.”
+
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation
+and went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And
+Patroklos bade his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a
+thick couch for Phoinix; and they obeyed and spread a couch as he
+ordained, fleeces and rugs and fine flock of linen. Then the old man
+laid him down and tarried for bright Dawn.
+
+Now when those were come unto Atreides’ huts, the sons of the Achaians
+stood up on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold,
+and questioned them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: “Come
+now, tell me, Odysseus full of praise, thou great glory of the
+Achaians; will he save the ships from consuming fire, or said he nay,
+and hath wrath yet hold of his proud spirit?”
+
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but
+is yet more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth
+thee take counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships
+and folk of the Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break
+of day he will launch upon the sea his trim well-benched ships.
+Moreover he said that he would counsel all to sail for home, because ye
+now shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus
+holdeth his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. Even so
+said he, and here are also these to tell the tale that were my
+companions, Aias and the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old
+man Phoinix laid him there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he
+may follow with him on his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if
+he will; for he will not take him perforce.”
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at
+his saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the
+Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of
+men, would thou hadst never besought Peleus’ glorious son with offer of
+gifts innumerable; proud is he at any time, but now hast thou yet far
+more encouraged him in his haughtiness. Howbeit we will let him bide,
+whether he go or tarry; hereafter he shall fight, whenever his heart
+within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come now, even as I shall say
+let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your hearts’ desire of meat
+and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but when fair rosy-fingered
+Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the ships thy folk and
+horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the foremost.”
+
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of
+Diomedes tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every
+man to his hut, and there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+
+
+
+BOOK X.
+
+How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans, and
+themselves spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses of Rhesos, the
+Thracian king.
+
+
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were
+sleeping all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, shepherd of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he
+debated in his mind. And even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera
+lighteneth, fashioning either a mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or
+snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the ploughed lands, or fashioning
+perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so oft in his breast
+groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his spirits
+trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at
+the sound of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to
+the ships he glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a
+lock clean forth from his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly
+groaned his noble heart.
+
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all
+to Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some
+right device that should be for the warding off of evil from all the
+Danaans.
+
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+shining feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the
+tawny skin of a lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet,
+and he grasped his spear.
+
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for
+neither on his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should
+befall the Argives, who verily for his sake over wide waters were come
+to Troy-land, with fierce war in their thoughts.
+
+With a dappled pard’s akin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he
+raised and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his
+strong hand. Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that
+mightily ruled over all the Argives, and as a god was honoured by the
+people. Him found he harnessing his goodly gear about his shoulders, by
+the stern of the ship, and glad to his brother was his coming. Then
+Menelaos of the loud war-cry first accosted him: “Wherefore thus, dear
+brother, art thou arming? Wilt thou speed forth any of thy comrades to
+spy on the Trojans? Nay, terribly I fear lest none should undertake for
+thee this deed, even to go and spy out the foeman alone through the
+ambrosial night; needs must he be a man right hardy of heart.”
+
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: “Need of good counsel
+have I and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help
+and save the Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned
+again. Surely on the sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather
+than on ours. For never did I see, nor heard any tell, that one man
+devised so many terrible deeds in one day, as Hector, dear to Zeus,
+hath wrought on the sons of the Achaians, unaided; though no dear son
+of a goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath done deeds that methinks will
+be a sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long, such evils hath he
+devised against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the ships, and
+summon Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and
+bid him arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company
+of the sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others
+would they listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and
+the brother in arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all
+we entrusted this charge.”
+
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: “How meanest thou this
+word wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there
+with them, waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I
+have well delivered to them thy commandment?”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “There do thou
+abide lest we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through
+the camp. But call aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake,
+naming each man by his lineage, and his father’s name, and giving all
+their dues of honour, nor be thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us
+ourselves be labouring, for even thus did Zeus from our very birth
+dispense to us the heaviness of toil.”
+
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the
+host, whom he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside
+him lay his arms, a shield, and two spears, and a shining helmet.
+Beside him lay his glittering girdle wherewith the old man was wont to
+gird himself when he harnessed him for war, the bane of men, and led on
+the host, for he yielded not to grievous old age. Then he raised him on
+his elbow, lifting his head, and spake to the son of Atreus, inquiring
+of him with this word: “Who art thou that farest alone by the ships,
+through the camp in the dark night, when other mortals are sleeping?
+Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy comrades? speak, and come not
+silently upon me. What need hast thou?”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “O Nestor, son of
+Neleus, great glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of
+Atreus, whom above all men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours,
+while my breath abides within my breast, and my knees move. I wander
+thus, for that sweet sleep rests not on mine eyes, but war is my care,
+and the troubles of the Achaians. Yea, greatly I fear for the sake of
+the Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am tossed to and fro, and my
+heart is leaping from my breast, and my good knees tremble beneath me.
+But if thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh sleep, let us
+go thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be fordone
+with toil, and so are slumbering, and have quite forgotten to keep
+watch. And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at all but that they
+are keen to do battle in the night.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Verily will I follow
+after thee, but let us also rouse others again, both the son of Tydeus,
+spearman renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and the strong son of
+Phyleus. But well it would be if one were to go and call those also,
+the godlike Aias, and Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are
+furthest of all, and nowise close at hand. But Menelaos will I blame,
+dear as he is and worshipful, yea, even if thou be angry with me, nor
+will I hide my thought, for that he slumbereth, and to thee alone hath
+left the toil; now should he be toiling among all the chiefs and
+beseeching them, for need no longer tolerable is coming upon us.”
+
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “Old man, another
+day I even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not
+to labour, yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart,
+but looking toward me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke
+far before me, and came to me, and him I sent forward to call those
+concerning whom thou inquirest. But let us be gone, and them shall we
+find before the gates, among the sentinels, for there I bade them
+gather.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “So will none of the
+Argives be wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any
+one, and give him his commands.”
+
+So spake he, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+bright feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple
+cloak, with double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went
+among the ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the
+peer of Zeus in counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of
+sleep, with his voice, and quickly the cry came all about his heart,
+and he came forth from the hut and spake to them saying: “Wherefore
+thus among the ships and through the camp do ye wander alone, in the
+ambrosial night; what so great need cometh upon you?”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Laertes’ son, be not
+wroth, for great trouble besetteth the Achaians. Nay follow, that we
+may arouse others too, even all that it behoveth to take counsel,
+whether we should fly, or fight.”
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and
+cast a shield about his shoulders, and went after them.
+
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found
+outside his hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were
+sleeping with their shields beneath their heads, but their spears were
+driven into the ground erect on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone
+the bronze, like the lightning of father Zeus. Now that hero was
+asleep, and under him was strewn the hide of an ox of the field, but
+beneath his head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside him went and
+stood knightly Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of his
+foot, and aroused him, chiding him to his face, saying: “Wake, son of
+Tydeus, why all night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the
+Trojans on the high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and
+but a little space holdeth them apart?”
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to
+him winged words: “Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never
+ceasest. Now are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who
+might rouse when there is need each of the kings, going all around the
+host? but thou, old man, art indomitable.”
+
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, “Nay verily, my son,
+all this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I,
+and there be many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the
+others. But a right great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to
+all of us it standeth on a razor’s edge, either pitiful ruin for the
+Achaians, or life. But come now, if indeed thou dost pity me, rouse
+swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for thou art younger than I.”
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great
+fiery lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and
+started on his way, and roused the others from their place and led them
+on.
+
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not
+the leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with
+their arms. And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in
+a fold, having heard a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood
+among the hills, and much clamour riseth round him of hounds and men,
+and sleep perisheth from them, even so sweet sleep did perish from
+their eyes, as they watched through the wicked night, for ever were
+they turning toward the plains, when they heard the Trojans moving.
+
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his
+saying, and calling out to them he spake winged words: “Even so now,
+dear children, do ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we
+become a cause of rejoicing to them that hate us.”
+
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the
+kings of the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them
+went Meriones, and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to
+share their counsel. So they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat
+down in the open, where the mid-space was clear of dead men fallen,
+where fierce Hector had turned again from destroying the Argives, when
+night covered all. There sat they down, and declared their saying each
+to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia began discourse:
+“O friends, is there then no man that would trust to his own daring
+spirit, to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might
+take some straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour
+among the Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves,
+whether they are fain to abide there by the ships, away from the city,
+or will retreat again to the city, now that they have conquered the
+Achaians? All this might such an one learn, and back to us come
+scathless: great would be his fame under heaven among all men, and a
+goodly gift will be given him. For all the best men that bear sway by
+the ships, each and all of them will give him a black ewe, with her
+lamb at her foot, and ever will he be present at feasts and
+clan-drinkings.”
+
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but
+to them spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Nestor, my heart and
+manful spirit urge me to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of
+the Trojans: and if some other man will follow with me, more comfort
+and more courage will there be. If two go together, one before another
+perceiveth a matter, how there may be gain therein; but if one alone
+perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter, and weak his device.”
+
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two
+Aiantes were willing, men of Ares’ company, and Meriones was willing,
+and right willing the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos,
+spearman renowned, yea and the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into
+the throng of Trojans, for always daring was his heart within him. But
+among them spake the king of men, Agamemnon: “Diomedes son of Tydeus,
+joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily shalt thou choose, whomsoever
+thou wilt, the best of them that be here, for many are eager. But do
+not thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man behind, and give
+thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and looking to
+their lineage, even if one be more kingly born.”
+
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But
+to them again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “If indeed ye bid
+me choose myself a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike
+Odysseus, whose heart is passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all
+manner of toils; and Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with me,
+even out of burning fire might we both return, for he excelleth in
+understanding.”
+
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: “Son of Tydeus,
+praise me not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus
+among the Argives that themselves know all. But let us be going, for
+truly the night is waning, and near is the dawn, and the stars have
+gone onward, and the night has advanced more than two watches, but the
+third watch is yet left.”
+
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of
+Tydeus did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his
+own was left by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm
+of bull’s hide, without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and
+keeps the heads of stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow
+and a quiver, and a sword, and on his head set a helm made of leather,
+and with many a thong was it stiffly wrought within, while without the
+white teeth of a boar of flashing tusks were arrayed thick set on
+either side, well and cunningly, and in the midst was fixed a cap of
+felt.
+
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set
+forth to go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did
+Pallas Athene send forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way,
+and they beheld it not with their eyes, through the dark night, but
+they heard its shrill cry. And Odysseus was glad in the omen of the
+bird, and prayed to Athene: “Listen to me, thou child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, that ever in all toils dost stand by me, nor doth any motion of
+mine escape thee: but now again above all be thou friendly to me,
+Athene, and grant that we come back with renown to the ships, having
+wrought a great work, that shall be sorrow to the Trojans.”
+
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Listen now likewise to
+me, thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when
+with my father thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when
+he went forth as a messenger from the Achaians. Even so now stand thou
+by me willingly, and protect me. And to thee will I sacrifice a
+yearling heifer, broad of brow, unbroken, that never yet hath man led
+below the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to thee, and gild her horns with
+gold.”
+
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when
+they had prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on
+their way, like two lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter,
+amid the slain men, through the arms and the black blood.
+
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he
+called together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders
+of the Trojans, them did he call together, and contrived a crafty
+counsel: “Who is there that would promise and perform for me this deed,
+for a great gift? yea his reward shall be sufficient. For I will give
+him a chariot, and two horses of arching neck, the best that be at the
+swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever shall dare the deed, and for
+himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to go near the
+swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded,
+as of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the
+foes are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch
+through the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there
+was among the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald,
+and he was rich in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill
+favoured to look upon, but swift of foot. So he spake then a word to
+the Trojans and to Hector: “Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me
+to go near the swift-faring ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray
+thee, hold up the staff, and swear to me, that verily thou wilt give me
+the horses and the chariots bedight with bronze that bear the noble son
+of Peleus. But to thee I will prove no vain spy, nor disappoint thy
+hope. For I will go straight to the camp, until I may come to the ship
+of Agamemnon, where surely the chiefs are like to hold council, whether
+to fight or flee.”
+
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him:
+“Now let Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera,
+that no other man of the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I
+declare, shalt rejoice in them for ever.”
+
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to
+go. And straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did
+on thereover the skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of
+ferret-skin, and took a sharp javelin, and went on his way to the ships
+from the host. But he was not like to come back from the ships and
+bring word to Hector.
+
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth
+eagerly on the way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as
+he approached, and said unto Diomedes: “Lo, here is some man, Diomedes,
+coming from the camp, I know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to
+strip certain of the dead men fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by
+us a little way on the plain, and thereafter may we rush on him and
+take him speedily, and if it chance that he outrun us by speed of foot,
+ever do thou hem him in towards the ships and away from the camp,
+rushing on him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape towards the
+city.”
+
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the
+bodies of the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness.
+But when he was as far off as is the length of the furrow made by
+mules, these twain ran after him, and he stood still when he heard the
+sound, supposing in his heart that they were friends come from among
+the Trojans to turn him back, at the countermand of Hector. But when
+they were about a spear-cast off, or even less, he knew them for
+foe-men, and stirred his swift limbs to fly, and speedily they started
+in pursuit.
+
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press
+ever hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs
+screaming before them, even so Tydeus’ son and Odysseus the sacker of
+cities cut Dolon off from the host, and ever pursued hard after him.
+But when he was just about to come among the sentinels, in his flight
+towards the ships, then Athene poured strength into the son of Tydeus,
+that none of the mail-clad Achaians might boast himself the first to
+smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes leaped upon him with the
+spear, and said: “Stand, or I shall overtake thee with the spear, and
+methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer destruction at my hand.”
+
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the
+man, and passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished
+spear stuck fast in the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread
+and trembling, and the teeth chattered in his mouth, and he was green
+with fear. Then the twain came up with him, panting, and gripped his
+hands, and weeping he spake: “Take me alive, and I will ransom myself,
+for within our house there is bronze, and gold, and smithied iron,
+wherefrom my father would do you grace with ransom untold, if he should
+learn that I am alive among the ships of the Achaians.”
+
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “Take
+courage, let not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly
+all the tale, why thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the
+ships, through the black night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest
+thou to strip certain of the dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee
+forth to spy out everything at the hollow ships, or did thine own
+spirit urge thee on?”
+
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: “With many a
+blind hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the
+whole-hooved horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight
+with bronze: and he bade me fare through the swift black night, and
+draw nigh the foemen, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded,
+as of old, or whether, already, being subdued beneath our hands, they
+are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch
+through the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer:
+“Verily now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the
+wise son of Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and
+hard to drive, for any but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare.
+But come, tell me all this truly, all the tale: where when thou camest
+hither didst thou leave Hector, shepherd of the host, and where lie his
+warlike gear, and where his horses? And how are disposed the watches,
+and the beds of the other Trojans? And what counsel take they among
+themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh the ships afar from the
+city, or will they return to the city again, seeing that they have
+subdued unto them the Achaiana?”
+
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: “Lo, now all these
+things will I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are
+counsellors holdeth council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from
+the din, but as for the guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen
+watch nor guard keepeth the host. As for all the watch fires of the
+Trojans—on them is necessity, so that they watch and encourage each
+other to keep guard; but, for the allies called from many lands, they
+are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep watch, for no
+wise near dwell the children and wives of the allies.” Then Odysseus of
+the many counsels answered him and said: “How stands it now, do they
+sleep amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell me clearly, that
+I may know.”
+
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: “Verily all this likewise will
+I recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians
+of the bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi.
+And towards Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty
+Mysians, and the Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians
+lords of chariots. But wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly
+concerning all these things? for if ye desire to steal into the throng
+of Trojans, lo, there be those Thracians, new comers, at the furthest
+point apart from the rest, and among them their king Rhesos, son of
+Eioneus. His be the fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the
+greatest, whiter than snow, and for speed like the winds. And his
+chariot is fashioned well with gold and silver, and golden is his
+armour that he brought with him, marvellous, a wonder to behold; such
+as it is in no wise fit for mortal men to bear, but for the deathless
+gods. But bring me now to the swift ships, or leave me here, when ye
+have bound me with a ruthless bond, that ye may go and make trial of me
+whether I have spoken to you truth, or lies.”
+
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: “Put no thought of
+escape, Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast
+brought, since once thou halt come into our hands. For if now we
+release thee or let thee go, on some later day wilt thou come to the
+swift ships of the Achaians, either to play the spy, or to fight in
+open war, but if subdued beneath my hands thou lose thy life, never
+again wilt thou prove a bane to the Argives.”
+
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin,
+and implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck,
+rushing on him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the
+head of him still speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped
+him of the casque of ferret’s skin from off his head, and of his
+wolf-skin, and his bended bow, and his long spear, and these to Athene
+the Giver of Spoil did noble Odysseus hold aloft in his hand, and he
+prayed and spake a word: “Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for to thee
+first of all the immortals in Olympus will we call for aid; nay, but
+yet again send us on against the horses and the sleeping places of the
+Thracian men.”
+
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them
+on a tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see,
+gathering together reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they
+should miss the place as they returned again through the swift dark
+night.
+
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and
+quickly they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were
+slumbering, fordone with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on
+the ground, all orderly, in three rows, and by each man his pair of
+steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses
+were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of the chariot. Him Odysseus
+spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes: “Lo, Diomedes, this is
+the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon that we slew did give
+us tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength; it doth not
+behove thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses; or
+do thou slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed.”
+
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and
+he began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their
+groaning, as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was
+reddened with blood. And like as a lion cometh on flocks without a
+herdsman, on goats or sheep, and leaps upon them with evil will, so set
+the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace, till he had slain twelve. But
+whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote with the sword, him
+did Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from behind, and
+drag him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the
+fair-maned horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit,
+when they trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men.
+But when the son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth
+from whom he took sweet life away, as he was breathing hard, for an
+evil dream stood above his head that night through the device of
+Athens. Meanwhile the hardy Odysseus loosed the whole-hooved horses,
+and bound them together with thongs, and drave them out of the press,
+smiting them with his bow, since he had not taken thought to lift the
+shining whip with his hands from the chariot; then he whistled for a
+sign to noble Diomedes.
+
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do,
+whether he should take the chariot, where lay the armour, and drag it
+out by the pole, or lift it upon high, and so bear it forth, or whether
+he should take the life away from yet more of the Thracians. And while
+he was pondering this in his heart, then Athene drew near, and stood,
+and spake to noble Diomedes: “Bethink thee of returning, O son of
+great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow ships, lest perchance thou come
+thither in flight, and perchance another god rouse up the Trojans
+likewise.”
+
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the
+goddess, and swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them
+with his bow, and they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld
+Athene caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole
+among the crowded press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the
+Thracians, Hippokoon, the noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out
+of sleep, when he beheld the place desolate where the swift horses had
+stood, and beheld the men gasping in the death struggle; then he
+groaned aloud, and called out by name to his comrade dear. And a
+clamour arose and din unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together, and
+they marvelled at the terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had
+wrought, and had gone thereafter to the hollow ships.
+
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of
+Hector, there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and
+Tydeus’ son, leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands
+of Odysseus, and again mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped
+onward nothing loth. But Nestor first heard the sound, and said: “O
+friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, shall I be wrong or
+speak sooth? for my heart bids me speak. The sound of swift-footed
+horses strikes upon mine ears. Would to god that Odysseus and that
+strong Diomedes may even instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses
+from among the Trojans; but terribly I fear in mine heart lest the
+bravest of the Argives suffer aught through the Trojans’ battle din.”
+
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and
+leaped down to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with
+hand-clasping, and with honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia make question: “Come, tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great
+glory of the Achaians, how ye twain took those horses? Was it by
+stealing into the press of Trojans? Or did some god meet you, and give
+you them? Wondrous like are they to rays of the sun. Ever with the
+Trojans do I mix in fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the ships, old
+warrior as I am. But never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of such.
+Nay, methinks some god must have encountered you and given you these.
+For both of you doth Zeus the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, bright-eyed Athene.”
+
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: “O Nestor, son of
+Neleus, great glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he
+would, give even better steeds than these, for the gods are far
+stronger than we. But as for these new-come horses, whereof, old man,
+thou askest me, they are Thracian, but their lord did brave Diomedes
+slay, and beside him all the twelve best men of his company. The
+thirteenth man was a spy we took near the ships, one that Hector and
+the other haughty Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp.”
+
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the foss,
+laughing; and the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they
+had come to the well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the
+horses with well-cut thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of
+Diomedes stood eating honey-sweet barley.
+
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the
+ship, that they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for
+themselves, they went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from
+shins, and neck, and thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed
+the thick sweat from their skin, and their hearts revived again, they
+went into polished baths, and were cleansed.
+
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat
+down at supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the
+honey-sweet wine, and poured it forth to Athene.
+
+
+
+BOOK XI.
+
+Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press hard on the
+Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on Patroklos.
+
+
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to
+the immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord
+unto the fleet ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the
+signal of war. And she stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that
+was in the midst, to make her voice heard on either side, both to the
+huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to the huts of Achilles, for these
+twain, trusting in their valour and the might of their hands, had drawn
+up their trim ships at the two ends of the line. There stood the
+goddess and cried shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and mighty
+strength she set in the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight
+unceasingly. And straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in
+the hollow ships to their dear native land.
+
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them
+in by the foss, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms
+were hasting about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the
+cry arose into the Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they
+arrayed at the foss, but after them a little way came up the drivers.
+And among them the son of Kronos aroused an evil din, and from above
+rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper air, for that he was
+about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain,
+gathered them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias
+that as a god was honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three
+sons of Antenor, Polybos, and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto
+the immortals. And Hector in the foremost rank bare the circle of his
+shield. And as from amid the clouds appeareth glittering a baneful
+star, and then again sinketh within the shadowy clouds, even so Hector
+would now appear among the foremost ranks, and again would be giving
+command in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the lightning of
+aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths
+through a rich mal’s field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the
+handfuls, even so the Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other,
+destroying, and neither side took thought of ruinous flight; and equal
+heads had the battle, and they rushed on like wolves. And woful Discord
+was glad at the sight, for she alone of the gods was with them in the
+war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in peace they sat
+within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded in the
+folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of
+the storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But
+of them took the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat
+apart, glad in his glory, looking toward the city of the Trojans, and
+the ships of the Achaians, and the glitter of bronze, and the slayers
+and the slain.
+
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the
+shafts of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when
+a woodman maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he
+hath tired his hands with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on
+his soul, and desire of sweet food taketh his heart, even then the
+Danaans by their valour brake the battalions, and called on their
+comrades through the lines. And in rushed Agamemnon first of all, where
+thickest clashed the battalions, there he set on, and with him all the
+well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as they were driven
+in flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and from
+beneath them rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering
+hooves of horses. And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after,
+calling on the Argives. And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense
+woodland, and the whirling wind beareth it everywhere, and the thickets
+fall utterly before it, being smitten by the onset of the fire, even so
+beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus fell the heads of the Trojans as they
+fled; and many strong-necked horses rattled empty cars along the
+highways of the battle, lacking their noble charioteers; but they on
+the earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures than to their
+wives. But Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the dust, from
+the man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus
+followed on, crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of
+ancient Ilos, son of Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of
+the wild fig-tree they sped, making for the city, and ever the son of
+Atreus followed shouting, and his invincible hands were defiled with
+gore. But when they were come to the Skaian gates, and the oak-tree,
+there then they halted, and awaited each other. But some were still in
+full flight through the mid plain, like kine that a lion hath
+scattered, coming on them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered,
+but to one sheer death appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck
+first, seizing her with strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth
+greedily the blood and all the guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of
+Atreus followed hard on the Trojans, ever slaying the hindmost man, and
+they were scattered in flight, and on face or back many of them fell
+from their chariots beneath the hands of Agamemnon, for mightily he
+raged with the spear. But when he was nowabout coming below the city,
+and the steep wall, then did the father of men and gods sit him down on
+the crests of many-fountained Ida, from heaven descending, with the
+thunderbolt in his hands.
+
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: “Up and
+go, swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees
+Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters,
+and ruining the ranks of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the
+rest of the host war with the foe in strong battle. But when, or
+smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow shot, Agamemnon leapeth
+into his chariot, then will I give Hector strength to slay till he come
+even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and sacred
+darkness draw on.”
+
+So swift-footed Iris spake to Hector the words of Zeus and departed,
+but Hector with his harness leaped from the chariot to the ground, and,
+shaking his sharp spears went through all the host, stirring up his men
+to fight, and he roused the dread din of battle. And they wheeled
+round, and stood and faced the Achaians, while the Argives on the other
+side strengthened their battalions. And battle was made ready, and they
+stood over against each other, and Agamemnon first rushed in, being
+eager to fight far in front of all.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that
+first encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of
+their allies renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and
+mighty, who was nurtured in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep;
+he it was that then encountered Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they
+were come near in onset against each other, Atreus’ son missed, and his
+spear was turned aside, but Iphidamas smote him on the girdle, below
+the corslet, and himself pressed on, trusting to his heavy hand, but
+pierced not the gleaming girdle, for long ere that the point struck on
+the silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon caught
+the spear with his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like a lion,
+and snatched it out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with
+the sword, and unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a
+sleep of bronze most piteously. Then did Agamemnon son of Atreus strip
+him, and went bearing his goodly harness into the throng of the
+Achaians.
+
+Now when Koon beheld him, Koon Antenor’s eldest son, illustrious among
+men, strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother’s
+fall: and he stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble
+Agamemnon smote him on the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean
+through went the point of the shining spear. Then Agamemnon king of men
+shuddered, yet not even so did he cease from battle and war, but rushed
+against Koon, grasping his wind-nurtured spear. Verily then Koon seized
+right lustily by the foot Iphidamas, his brother, and his father’s son,
+and called to all the best of his men; but him, as he dragged the dead
+through the press, beneath his bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a
+bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his limbs, and drew near and cut off
+his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, at the hands of
+Agamemnon the king, filled up the measure of their fate, and went down
+within the house of Hades.
+
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and
+great stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his
+wound. But when the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then
+keen pangs came on the might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped he into
+his chariot, and bade his charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he
+was sore vexed at heart. And he called in a piercing voice, and shouted
+to the Danaans: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do
+ye now ward from the seafaring ships the harsh din of battle, for Zeus
+the counsellor suffers me not all day to war with the Trojans.”
+
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the
+hollow ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were
+covered with foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they
+bore the wounded king away from the war.
+
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and
+Lykians with a loud shout: “Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that
+war in close fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your
+impetuous valour. The best man of them hath departed and to me hath
+Zeus, the son of Kronos, given great renown. But straightway drive ye
+the whole-hooved horses against the mighty Danaans, that ye may be the
+masters and bear away the higher glory.”
+
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. Himself
+with high thoughts he fared among the foremost, and fell upon the
+fight; like a roaring blast, that leapeth down and stirreth the
+violet-coloured deep. There whom first, whom last did he slay, even
+Hector, son of Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed him renown?
+
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast
+in the fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter
+smote the multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of
+the white South Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth
+huge, rolling onward, and the spray is scattered on high beneath the
+rush of the wandering wind; even so many heads of the host were smitten
+by Hector.
+
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would
+all the Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had
+not called to Diomedes, son of Tydeus: “Tydeus’ son, what ails us that
+we forget our impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy
+stand by me, for verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm
+take the ships.”
+
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: “Verily will I abide and
+endure, but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer,
+clearly desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.”
+
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting
+him with the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the
+godlike squire of that prince. These then they let be, when they had
+made them cease from war, and then the twain fared through the crowd
+with a din, as when two boars full of valour fall on the hunting
+hounds; so rushed they on again, and slew the Trojans, while gladly the
+Achaians took breath again in their flight from noble Hector.
+
+But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks, and rushed upon them
+shouting, and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. And
+beholding him, Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered, and straightway
+spake to Odysseus that was hard by: “Lo, on us this ruin, even mighty
+Hector, is rolling: let us stand, and await him, and ward off his
+onset.”
+
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and
+smote him nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the
+crest, and bronze by bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for
+it was stopped by the threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus
+Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector sprang back a wondrous way, and
+mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen on his knee, and leaned
+on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night veiled his eyes.
+
+But while Tydeus’ son was following after his spear-cast, far through
+the foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat
+breath again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the
+throng, and avoided black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty
+Diomedes spake to him: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet
+came ill very nigh thee: but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is
+helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may
+seize.”
+
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at
+Tydeides, shepherd of the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on
+the barrow, by men fashioned, of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the
+people in time gone by. Now Diomedes was stripping the shining corslet
+of strong Agastrophos from about his breast, and the shield from his
+shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the centre of his
+bow; nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the flat
+of the right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and
+stood fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up
+from his lair, and boasted, and said: “Thou art smitten, nor vainly
+hath the dart flown forth; would that I had smitten thee in the nether
+belly, and taken thy life away. So should the Trojans have breathed
+again from their trouble, they that shudder at thee, as bleating goats
+at a lion.”
+
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: “Bowman, reviler,
+proud in thy bow of horn, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou madest
+trial in full harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts would
+nothing avail thee, but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou hast
+grazed the sole of my foot. I care not, more than if a woman had struck
+me or a senseless boy, for feeble is the dart of a craven man and a
+worthless. In other wise from my hand, yea, if it do but touch, the
+sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its man, and torn are
+the cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he, reddening
+the earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than women round
+him.”
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in
+front of him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp
+arrow from his foot, and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then
+sprang he into his car, and bade his charioteer drive back to the
+hollow ships, for he was hurt at heart. Then Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, was left alone, nor did one of the Argives abide by him, for
+fear had fallen on them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own
+great-hearted spirit: “Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil
+it is if I flee, in dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be
+taken all alone, for the other Danaans bath Kronion scattered in
+flight. But wherefore doth my heart thus converse with herself? for I
+know that they are cowards, who flee the fight, but whosoever is a hero
+in war, him it mainly behoves to stand stubbornly, whether he be
+smitten, or whether he smite another.”
+
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the
+Trojans under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them
+their own bane. And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom
+press round a boar, and he cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting
+his white tusk between crooked jaws, and round him they rush, and the
+sound of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and straightway they await his
+assault, so dread as he is, even so then round Odysseus, dear to Zeus,
+rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble Deiopites, from above,
+in the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and next he slew
+Thoon and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his
+chariot, he smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield,
+and he fell in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his
+hand. These left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the
+spear, the brother of high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a
+godlike man, and stood hard by him, and spake saying: “O renowned
+Odysseus, insatiable of craft and toil, to-day shalt thou either boast
+over two sons of Hippasos, as having slain two such men of might, and
+stripped their harness, or smitten by my spear shaft lose thy life.”
+
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the
+shining shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight
+corslet it was thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but
+Pallas Athens did not suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero,
+and Odysseus knew that the dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot,
+and drawing backward, he spake unto Sokos “Ah, wretched one, verily
+sheer destruction is come upon thee. Surely thou hast made me to cease
+from warring among the Trojans, but here to thee I declare that slaying
+and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and beneath my spear
+overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades of the
+noble steeds.”
+
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as
+he turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it
+through the breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus
+boasted over him: “Ah, Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of
+horses, the end of death hath come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou
+avoided. Ah, wretch, thy father and lady mother shall not close thine
+eyes in death, but birds that eat flesh raw shall tear thee, shrouding
+thee in the multitude of their wings. But to me, if I die, the noble
+Achaians will yet give due burial.”
+
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from
+his flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when
+the spear was drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the
+great-hearted Trojans when they beheld the blood of Odysseus, with
+clamour through the throng came all together against him. But he gave
+ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he shouted then, as loud
+as mal’s mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos dear to Zeus hear his
+call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him: “Aias, of the
+seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the shout of
+Odysseus of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans
+were oppressing him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong
+battle. Nay, let us speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue
+him. I fear lest he suffer some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so
+brave as he is, and lest great sorrow for his loss come upon the
+Danaans.”
+
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike
+man. Then found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him
+like tawny jackals from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a
+man hath smitten with an arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath
+fled from him by speed of foot, as long as the blood is warm and his
+limbs are strong, but when the swift arrow hath overcome him, then do
+the ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a dark wood, and then
+god leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee before him,
+but he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the crafty
+counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew
+near, bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the
+Trojans fled from him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led
+Odysseus out of the press, holding him by the hand, till the squire
+drave up the horses.
+
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of
+Priam, and thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros,
+and Pyrasos, and Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down
+upon the plain, in winter flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of
+Zeus, and many dry oaks and many pines it sucketh in, and much soil it
+casteth into the sea, even so renowned Aias charged them, pursuing
+through the plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist Hector thereof at
+all, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle, by the banks of
+the river Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and an
+unquenchable cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And
+Hector with them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the
+spear and in horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young
+men. Nor would the noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path,
+if Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon
+shepherd of the host in his valorous deeds, and smitten him on the
+right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow. Therefore were the Achaians,
+breathing valour, in great fear, lest men should seize Machaon in the
+turning of the fight.
+
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with
+thee let Machaon go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved
+horses. For a leech is worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and
+spread soothing medicaments.”
+
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but
+straightway gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of
+Asklepios the good leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew
+they forward to the hollow ships, where they desired to be.
+
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in
+flight, and spake to him, and said: “Hector, here do we contend with
+the Danaans, at the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other
+Trojans are driven in flight confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son
+of Telamon is driving them; well I know him, for wide is the shield
+round his shoulders. Nay, let us too urge thither the horses and
+chariot, there where horsemen and footmen thickest in the forefront of
+evil strife are slaying each other, and the cry goes up unquenchable.”
+
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding
+whip, and they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among
+the Trojans and Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and
+with blood was sprinkled all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round
+the car with the drops from the hooves of the horses, and with drops
+from the tires about the wheels. And Hector was eager to enter the
+press of men, and to leap in and break through, and evil din of battle
+he brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he from smiting
+with the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men, with
+spear, and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of
+Aias son of Telamon.
+
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he
+stood in amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull’s
+hide, and gazed round in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast,
+turning this way and that, and slowly retreating step by step. And as
+when hounds and country folk drive a tawny lion from the mid-fold of
+the kine, and suffer him not to carry away the fattest of the herd; all
+night they watch, and he in great desire for the flesh maketh his
+onset, but takes nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from strong
+hands against him, and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all
+his fury, and in the dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at
+that time departed Aias, vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right
+unwillingly, for he feared sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as
+when a lazy ass going past a field hath the better of the boys with
+him, an ass that hath had many a cudgel broken about his sides, and he
+fareth into the deep crop, and wasteth it, while the boys smite him
+with cudgels, and feeble is the force of them, but yet with might and
+main they drive him forth, when he hath had his fill of fodder, even so
+did the high-hearted Trojans and allies, called from many lands, smite
+great Aias, son of Telamon, with darts on the centre of his shield, and
+ever followed after him. And Aias would now be mindful of his impetuous
+valour, and turn again, and hold at bay the battalions of the
+horse-taming Trojans, and once more he would turn him again to flee.
+Yet he hindered them all from making their way to the fleet ships, and
+himself stood and smote between the Trojans and the Achaians, and the
+spears from strong hands stuck some of them in his great shield, fain
+to win further, and many or ever they reached his white body stood fast
+halfway in the earth, right eager to sate themselves with his flesh.
+
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and
+also carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble
+Achilles, swift of foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was
+standing by the stern of his great ship, watching the dire toil, and
+the woful rout of battle. And straightway he spake to his own comrade,
+Patroklos, calling to him from beside the ship, and he heard, and from
+the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to him was the beginning of
+evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to Achilles: “Why
+dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of me?”
+
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: “Noble son of
+Menoitios, dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand
+in prayer about my knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon
+them. But go now, Patroklos dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this
+that he bringeth wounded from the war. Verily from behind he is most
+like Machaon, that child of Asklepios, but I beheld not the eyes of the
+man, for the horses sped past me, straining forward eagerly.”
+
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran
+past the ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down
+on the bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of
+that old man from the car, and they dried the sweat from their
+doublets, standing before the breeze, by the shore of the sea, and
+thereafter came they to the hut, and sat them down on chairs. And
+fair-tressed Hekamede mixed for them a mess, Hekamede that the old man
+won from Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, and she was the daughter of
+great-hearted Arsinoos, and her the Achaians chose out for him, because
+always in counsel he excelled them all. First she drew before them a
+fair table, polished well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of
+bronze, with onion, for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the
+grain of sacred barley, and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old
+man brought from home, embossed with studs of gold, and four handles
+there were to it, and round each two golden doves were feeding, and to
+the cup were two feet below. Another man could scarce have lifted the
+cup from the table, when it was full, but Nestor the Old raised it
+easily. In this cup the woman, like unto the goddesses, mixed a mess
+for them, with Pramnian wine, and therein grated cheese of goats’ milk,
+with a grater of bronze, and scattered white barley thereover, and bade
+them drink, whenas she had made ready the mess.
+
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took
+their pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos
+stood at the doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he
+arose from his shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in,
+and bade him be seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for
+refusing, and spake and said: “No time to sit have I, old man,
+fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou persuade me. Revered and dreaded is
+he that sent me forth to ask thee who this man is that thou bringest
+home wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see Machaon, shepherd of
+the host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to speak a word to
+Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus, how
+terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is
+blameless.”
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: “Wherefore is
+Achilles thus sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are
+wounded with darts? He knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the
+camp: for the best men lie in the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by
+spear. Wounded with the shaft is strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and
+smitten is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon, and this other
+have I but newly carried out of battle, wounded with an arrow from the
+bowstring. But Achilles, for all his valiance, careth not for the
+Danaans, nor pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet ships hard
+by the shore shall burn in the consuming fire, and till we be slain one
+upon another? Nay, but even now speak thou thus and thus to
+wise-hearted Achilles, if perchance he will obey thee. Who knows but
+that, God helping, thou mightst stir his spirit with thy persuading?
+and good is the persuasion of a friend. But if in his heart he be
+shunning some oracle of God, and his lady mother hath told him somewhat
+from Zeus, natheless let him send forth thee, and let the rest of the
+host of the Myrmidons follow with thee, if perchance any light shall
+arise from thee to the Danaans; and let him give thee his fair harness,
+to bear into the war, if perchance the Trojans may take thee for him,
+and withhold them from the strife, and the warlike sons of the Achaians
+might take breath, being wearied; for brief is the breathing time in
+battle. And lightly might ye, being unwearied, drive men wearied in the
+war unto the city, away from the ships and the huts.”
+
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and
+ran by the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos.
+
+
+
+BOOK XII.
+
+How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the Achaians.
+
+
+So in the huts the strong son of Menortios was tending the wounded
+Eurypylos, but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans.
+Nor were the fosse of the Danaans and their wide wall above long to
+protect them, the wall they had builded for defence of the ships, and
+the fosse they had drawn round about; for neither had they given goodly
+hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard with its bounds their swift
+ships and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless gods was it builded,
+wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While Hector yet lived,
+and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of Priam the
+king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode steadfast.
+But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,—some were taken, and some were left,—and the city of Priam was
+sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships
+to their own dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo take
+counsel to wash away the wall, bringing in the might of the rivers, of
+all that flow from the hills of Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and
+Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios, Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly
+Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields and helms fell in the
+dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths of all these
+waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he drave
+their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker
+of the earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader,
+and sent forth into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones
+that the Achaians had laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong
+current of the Hellespont, and covered again the great beach with sand,
+when he had swept away the wall, and turned the rivers back to flow in
+their channel, where of old they poured down their fair flow of water.
+
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and
+the din of war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of
+the towers rang beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the
+scourge of Zeus, were penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in
+dread of Hector, the mighty maker of flight, but he, as aforetime,
+fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among hounds and hunting men, a
+boar or lion wheeleth him about, raging in his strength, and these
+array themselves in fashion like a tower, and stand up against him,
+casting many javelins from their hands; but never is his stout heart
+confused nor afraid, and his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth
+him about, and maketh trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he
+maketh onset there the ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and
+besought his comrades through the press, and spurred them on to cross
+the dyke. But his swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed,
+standing by the sheer edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither
+easy to leap from hard by, nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood
+round about it all on either hand, and above it was furnished with
+sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaians had planted there, thick set
+and great, a bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not lightly might a
+horse enter, drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen were
+eager, if they might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant
+Hector, and spake to him: “Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans
+and allies, foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke;
+nay right hard it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over
+against them the wall of the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and
+fight in chariots, for strait is the place wherein, methinks, we might
+come by a mischief. For if Zeus that thunders on high is utterly to
+destroy them in his evil will, and is minded to help the Trojans,
+verily then I too would desire that even instantly this might be, that
+the Achaians should perish here nameless far from Argos: but and if
+they turn again, and we flee back from among the ships, and rush into
+the delved ditch, then methinks that not even one from among us to bear
+the tidings will win back to the city before the force of the Achaians
+when they rally. But come as I declare, let us all obey. Let our
+squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we being harnessed in our
+gear as foot soldiers follow all together with Hector, and the Achaians
+will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of death be made fast upon
+them.”
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and
+straightway in his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground.
+Nor were the other Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all
+leaped forth, when they beheld goodly Hector. There each gave it into
+the charge of his own charioteer, to keep the horses orderly there by
+the fosse. And they divided, and arrayed themselves, and ordered in
+five companies they followed with the leaders.
+
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most,
+and bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the
+hollow ships; and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for
+Hector had left another man with his chariot, a weaker warrior than
+Kebriones. The second company Paris led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and
+the third company Helenos led, and godlike Deiphobos,—two sons of
+Priam,—the third was the warrior Asios, Asios Hyrtakos’ son, whom his
+tall sorrel steeds brought out of Arisbe, from the river Selleeis. And
+of the fourth company was the brave son of Anchises leader, even
+Aineias; and with him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and Akamas,
+both well skilled in all warfare.
+
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose
+Glaukos and warlike Asteropaios, for they seamed to him to be
+manifestly the bravest of all after himself but he was excellent, yea,
+above all the host. And these when they had arrayed one another with
+well-fashioned shields of bulls’ hide, went straight and eager against
+the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer resist them, but that
+themselves should fall on the black ships.
+
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the
+counsel of blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of
+men, willed not to leave his horses there, and his squire the
+charioteer, but with them he drew near the swift ships, fond man! for
+never was he, avoiding evil Fates, to return, rejoicing in his horses
+and chariot, back from the ships to windy Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate
+of ill name over-shadowed him, by the spear of Idomeneus, the haughty
+son of Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank of the ships,
+whereby the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and
+horses: there he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the
+doors shut on the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them
+open if perchance they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of
+the battle towards the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with
+unswerving aim, and his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they
+deemed that the Achaians could no longer hold them off, but that
+themselves would fall on the black ships: fools, for in the gates they
+found two men of the bravest, the high-hearted sons of the warrior
+Lapithae, one the son of Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and one
+Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These twain stood in front of
+the lofty gates, like high-crested oak trees in the hills, that for
+ever abide the wind and rain, firm fixed with roots great and long;
+even so these twain, trusting to the mightiness of their hands, abode
+the coming of great Asios, and fled not. But straight came the Trojans
+against the well-builded wall, holding their shields of dry bulls’ hide
+on high, with mighty clamour, round the prince Asios, and Iamenos, and
+Orestes, and Adamas, son of Asios, and Thoon, and Oinomaos. But the
+other twain for a while, being within the wall, urged the well-greaved
+Achaians to fight for the ships; but when they saw the Trojans
+assailing the wall, while the Danaans cried and turned in flight, then
+forth rushed the twain, and fought in front of the gates like wild
+boars that in the mountains abide the assailing crew of men and dogs,
+and charging on either flank they crush the wood around them, cutting
+it at the root, and the clatter of their tusks wages loud, till one
+smite them and take their life away: so clattered the bright bronze on
+the breasts of the twain, as they were smitten in close fight, for
+right hardily they fought, trusting to the host above them, and to
+their own strength.
+
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded
+towers, in defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the
+swift-faring ships. And like snowflakes the stones fell earthward,
+flakes that a tempestuous wind, as it driveth the dark clouds, rains
+thickly down on the bounteous earth: so thick fell the missiles from
+the hands of Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms rang harsh and
+their bossy shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily then
+Asios, son of Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and
+indignantly he spake: “Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie,
+for I deemed not that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and
+our hands invincible. But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that
+have made their dwellings in a rugged path, and leave not their hollow
+hold, but abide and keep the hunters at bay for the sake of their
+little ones, even so these men have no will to give ground from the
+gates, though they are but two, ere they slay or be slain.”
+
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for
+his will was to give renown to Hector.
+
+But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were
+for me like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the
+wall of stone rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow,
+defending the ships of necessity; and all the gods were grieved at
+heart, as many as were defenders of the Danaans in battle. And together
+the Lapithae waged war and strife.
+
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the
+spear, through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the
+bronze helm stay the spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through
+the bone, and all the brain within was scattered, and the spear
+overcame him in his eagerness. Thereafter he slew Pylon and Ormenos.
+And Leonteus of the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos, son of Antimachos,
+with the spear, striking him on the girdle. Then again he drew his
+sharp sword from the sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close fight,
+rushing on him through the throng, that he fell on his back on the
+ground; and thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes
+one after the other, to the bounteous earth.
+
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men
+who followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number
+and bravest, and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on
+fire, these still stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager
+to pass over a bird had appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight,
+skirting the host on the left hand. In its talons it bore a blood-red
+monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still; yea, not yet had it
+forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote the bird
+that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the
+throng; then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the
+Trojans shuddered when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst
+of them; an omen of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: “Hector, ever
+dost thou rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since
+it by no means beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee,
+in council or in war, but always to increase thy power; but now again
+will I say all that seemeth to me to be best. Let us not advance and
+fight with the Danaans for the ships. For even thus, methinks, the end
+will be, if indeed this bird hath come for the Trojans when they were
+eager to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host
+on the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red monstrous snake,
+yet living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he reached his
+own nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings.
+Even so shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall
+of the Achaians, and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return
+in disarray from the ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans
+shall we leave behind, whom the Achaians will slay with the sword, in
+defence of the ships. Even so would a soothsayer interpret that in his
+heart had clear knowledge of omens, and whom the people obeyed.”
+
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: “Polydamas,
+that thou speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how
+to conceive another counsel better than this. But if thou verily
+speakest thus in earnest, then the gods themselves have utterly
+destroyed thy wits; thou that bidst us forget the counsels of
+loud-thundering Zeus, that himself promised me, and confirmed with a
+nod of his head! But thou bidst us be obedient to birds long of wing,
+whereto I give no heed, nor take any care thereof, whether they fare to
+the right, to the dawn and to the sun, or to the left, to mist and
+darkness. Nay, for us, let us trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who
+is king over all mortals and immortals. One omen is best, to fight for
+our own country. And wherefore dost thou fear war and battle? For if
+all the rest of us be slain by the ships of the Argives, yet needst
+thou not fear to perish, for thy heart is not warlike, nor enduring in
+battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from the fight, or winnest any
+other with thy words to turn him from war, straightway by my spear
+shalt thou be smitten, and lose thy life.”
+
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and
+Zeus that joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida, a blast
+of wind, which bare the dust straight against the ships; and he made
+weak the heart of the Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to
+Hector. Trusting then in his omens, and their might, they strove to
+break the great wall of the Achaians. They dragged down the
+machicolations [projecting galleries] of the towers, and overthrew the
+battlements, and heaved up the projecting buttresses, that the Achaians
+set first in the earth, to be the props of the towers. These they
+overthrew, and hoped to break the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now
+did the Danaans give ground from the path, but closed up the
+battlements with shields of bulls’ hides, and cast from them at the
+foemen as they went below the walls.
+
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and
+arousing the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with
+honeyed words, another with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever
+they saw utterly giving ground from the fight: “O friends, whosoever is
+eminent, or whosoever is of middle station among the Argives, ay, or
+lower yet, for in no wise are all men equal in war, now is there work
+for all, and this yourselves well know. Let none turn back to the
+ships, for that he hath heard one threatening aloud; nay, get ye
+forward, and cheer another on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, will grant us to drive back the assault, and push the foe to
+the city.”
+
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the
+Achaians. But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus
+the Counsellor bath begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his to
+men, and he hath lulled the winds, and he snoweth continually, till he
+hath covered the crests of the high hills, and the uttermost headlands,
+and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of men; and the snow is
+scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and only the wave
+as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are swathed
+over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides their
+stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the Trojans
+against the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over all the
+wall the din arose.
+
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the
+gates of the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not
+roused his son Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the
+kine of crooked horn. Straightway he held forth his fair round shield,
+of hammered bronze, that the bronze-smith had hammered out, and within
+had stitched many bulls’ hides with rivets of gold, all round the
+circle, this held he forth, and shook two spears; and sped on his way,
+like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh meat, and his brave
+spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come even against a
+well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby, guarding
+the sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven
+without an effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep,
+and seizeth it, or himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart
+from a strong hand. So did his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon
+to rush against the wall, and break through the battlements. And
+instantly he spake to Glaukos, son of Hippolochos: “Glaukos, wherefore
+have we twain the chiefest honour,—seats of honour, and messes, and
+full cups in Lykia, and all men look on us as gods? And wherefore hold
+we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a fair demesne of
+orchard-land, and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it behoveth us to
+take our stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter fiery
+battle, that certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, ‘Verily our
+kings that rule Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep,
+and drink the choice wine honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of
+excellent might, for they war in the foremost ranks of the Lykians.’
+Ah, friend, if once escaped from this battle we were for ever to be
+ageless and immortal, neither would I fight myself in the foremost
+ranks, nor would I send thee into the war that giveth men renown, but
+now—for assuredly ten thousand fates of death do every way beset us,
+and these no mortal may escape nor avoid—now let us go forward, whether
+we shall give glory to other men, or others to us.”
+
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they
+twain went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for
+against his tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked
+along the tower of the Achaians if perchance he might see any of the
+leaders, that would ward off destruction from his comrades, and he
+beheld the two Aiantes, insatiate of war, standing there, and Teukros
+hard by, newly come from his hut; but he could not cry to be heard of
+them, so great was the din, and the noise went up unto heaven of
+smitten shields and helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates, for
+they had all been shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove
+by force to break them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the
+herald Thootes: “Go, noble Thootes, and run, and call Aias: or rather
+the twain, for that will be far the best of all, since quickly here
+will there be wrought utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the
+Lykians, who of old are fierce in strong battle. But if beside them too
+war and toil arise, yet at least let the strong Telamonian Aias come
+alone and let Teukros the skilled bowman follow with him.”
+
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started
+and ran by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by
+the Aiantes, and straightway spake: “Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the
+mail-clad Achaians, the dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth
+you go thither, that, if it be but for a little while, ye may take your
+part in battle: both of you he more desireth, for that will be far the
+best of all, since quickly there will there be wrought utter ruin. For
+thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce in
+strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at least
+let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly
+spake winged words to the son of Oileus: “Aias, do ye twain stand here,
+thyself and strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all
+their might; but I go thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly
+will I come again, when I have well aided them.”
+
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his
+brother by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow
+of Teukros.
+
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing
+within the wall,—and to men sore pressed they came,—the foe were
+climbing upon the battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong
+leaders and counsellors of the Lykians; and they hurled together into
+the war and the battle-cry arose. Now first did Aias Telamol’s son slay
+a man, Epikles great of heart, the comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged
+stone he smote him, a great stone that lay uppermost within the wall,
+by the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it in both hands,
+however strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but Aias
+lifted it, and cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold
+crest, and broke the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from
+the lofty tower, and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote
+Glaukos, the strong son of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow
+from the lofty wall; even where he saw his shoulder bare he smote him,
+and made him cease from delight in battle. Back from the wall he leapt
+secretly, lest any of the Achaians should see him smitten, and speak
+boastfully. But sorrow came on Sarpedon when Glaukos departed, so soon
+as he was aware thereof, but he forgot not the joy of battle. He aimed
+at Alkmaon, son of Thestor, with the spear, and smote him, and drew out
+the spear. And Alkmaon following the spear fell prone, and his
+bronze-dight arms rang round him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong
+hands the battlement, and dragged, and it all gave way together, while
+above the wall was stripped bare, and made a path for many.
+
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an
+arrow, on the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast,
+but Zeus warded off the Fates from his son, that he should not be
+overcome beside the ships’ sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his
+shield, nor did the spear pass clean through, yet shook he Sarpedon in
+his eagerness. He gave ground a little way from the battlement, yet
+retreated not wholly, since his heart hoped to win renown. Then he
+turned and cried to the godlike Lykians: “O Lykians, wherefore thus are
+ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is for me, stalwart as I am,
+alone to break through, and make a path to the ships, nay, follow hard
+after me, for the more men, the better work.”
+
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on
+the harder around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other
+side made strong their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil
+began for them. For neither could the strong Lykians burst through the
+wall of the Danaans, and make a way to the ships, nor could the warlike
+Danaans drive back the Lykians from the wall, when once they had drawn
+near thereto. But as two men contend about the marches of their land,
+with measuring rods in their hands, in a common field, when in narrow
+space they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements divided
+them, and over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the
+breasts of either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were
+wounded in the flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of
+any of the warriors was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean
+through the very shield. Yea, everywhere the towers and battlements
+swam with the blood of men shed on either side, by Trojans and
+Achaians. But even so they could not put the Argives to rout, but they
+held their ground, as an honest woman that laboureth with her hands
+holds the balance, and raises the weight and the wool together,
+balancing them, that she may win scant wages for her children; so
+evenly was strained their war and battle, till the moment when Zeus
+gave the greater renown to Hector, son of Priam, who was the first to
+leap within the wall of the Achaians. In a piercing voice he cried
+aloud to the Trojans: “Rise, ye horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of
+the Argives, and cast among the ships fierce blazing fire.”
+
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears,
+and in one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears
+in their hands climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And
+Hector seized and carried a stone that lay in front of the gates, thick
+in the hinder part, but sharp at point: a stone that not the two best
+men of the people, such as mortals now are, could lightly lift from the
+ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it alone, for the son of
+crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as when a
+shepherd lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand,
+and little doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it
+straight against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set
+portals, double gates and tall, and two cross bars held them within,
+and one bolt fastened them. And he came, and stood hard by, and firmly
+planted himself, and smote them in the midst, setting his legs well
+apart, that his cast might lack no strength. And he brake both the
+hinges, and the stone fell within by reason of its weight, and the
+gates rang loud around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this
+way and that beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped
+in, with face like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was
+clad about his body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met
+him could have held him back when once he leaped within the gates: none
+but the gods, and his eyes shone with fire. Turning towards the throng
+he cried to the Trojans to overleap the wall, and they obeyed his
+summons, and speedily some overleaped the wall, and some poured into
+the fair-wrought gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear among the
+hollow ships, and a ceaseless clamour arose.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIII.
+
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of
+Idomeneus.
+
+
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the
+ships, left them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere
+again he turned his shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the
+Thracian horsebreeders, and the Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand,
+and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the
+most righteous of men. To Troy no more at all he turned his shining
+eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the Immortals would
+draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled
+on the war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace,
+for thence all Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of
+Priam, and the ships of the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea
+and sate him down, and he had pity on the Achaians, that they were
+subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his anger against Zeus.
+
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift
+steps, and the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the
+immortal footsteps of Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and
+with the fourth he reached his goal, even Aigae, and there was his
+famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his glistering golden mansions
+builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and let harness to the
+car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with their
+golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized
+the well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he
+drove across the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on
+all sides out of the deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with
+gladness the sea stood asunder, and swiftly they sped, and the axle of
+bronze was not wetted beneath, and the bounding steeds bare him on to
+the ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between
+Tenedos and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth,
+stay his horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before
+them ambrosial food to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about
+their hooves, tethers neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the
+horses might continually await their lord’s return. And he went to the
+host of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array,
+with fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries
+they came, and thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay
+thereby all the bravest of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the
+world, the Shaker of the earth, was urging on the Argives, and forth he
+came from the deep salt sea, in form and untiring voice like unto
+Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that themselves were eager
+for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the people of the
+Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill fear.
+For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the
+Trojans, that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the
+well-greaved Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I
+greatly dread lest some evil befall us, even here where that furious
+one is leading like a flame of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son
+of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may some god put it into the hearts of
+you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and urge others to do the
+like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring ships, despite
+his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him to
+war.”
+
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the
+twain with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their
+limbs he made light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even
+as a swift-winged hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall
+sheer rock, and swoops to chase some other bird across the plain, even
+so Poseidon sped from them, the Shaker of the world. And of the twain
+Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias, was the first to know the god, and
+instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon: “Aias, since it is one of
+the gods who hold Olympus, that in the semblance of a seer commands us
+now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is he, the prophet and
+sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and knees as he
+turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own heart
+within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.”
+
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within
+me, and both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even
+in single fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which
+the god put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up
+the Achaians that were in the rear and were renewing their strength
+beside the swift ships. Their limbs were loosened by their grievous
+toil, yea, and their souls filled with sorrow at the sight of the
+Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in their multitude. And
+they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows, thinking that
+never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth right
+easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos,
+and Thoas, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the
+war-cry, all these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you,
+Argives, shame, ye striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the
+salvation of our ships. But if you are to withdraw from grievous war,
+now indeed the day doth shine that shall see us conquered by the
+Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this that mine eyes
+behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to pass, the
+Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and
+wolves, and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle.
+Even so the Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and
+the hands of the Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting
+far from the town, by the hollow ships, all through the baseness of our
+leader and the remissness of the people, who, being at strife with the
+chief, have no heart to defend the swift-faring ships, nay, thereby
+they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the hero Agamemnon, the
+wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for that he did
+dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we refrain in
+any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for easily
+righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I
+myself would not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained
+from war, but with you I am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye
+make the mischief more through this remissness,—but let each man
+conceive shame in his heart, and indignation, for verily great is the
+strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the loud war-cry is
+fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath burst in
+sunder.”
+
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians.
+And straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands
+that Ares himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that
+marshals the host. Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the
+Trojans and goodly Hector, and spear on spear made close-set fence, and
+shield on serried shield, buckler pressed on buckler, and helm on helm,
+and man on man. The horse-hair crests on the bright helmet-ridges
+touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood each by other,
+and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their hearts
+were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them,
+pressing straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the
+winter-swollen water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken
+the foundations of the stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping
+aloft it flies, and the wood echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its
+course, till it reaches the level plain, and then it rolls no more for
+all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a while threatened lightly to win
+to the sea through the huts and the ships of the Achaians, slaying as
+he came, but when he encountered the serried battalions, he was stayed
+when he drew near against them. But they of the other part, the sons of
+the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed spears, and
+drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the
+Achaians will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed
+themselves in fashion like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee
+back before the spear, if verily the chief of gods has set me on, the
+loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and
+Deiphobos, the son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and
+held in front of him the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped
+with his feet, advancing beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones
+aimed at him with a shining spear, and struck, and missed not, but
+smote the circle of the bulls-hide shield, yet no whit did he pierce
+it; nay, well ere that might be, the long spear-shaft snapped in the
+socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the bulls-hide shield,
+and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that hero shrunk
+back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for the
+loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set
+forth to go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long
+spear, that he had left in his hut.
+
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an
+inextinguishable cry. First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the
+spearman Imbrios, the son of Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he
+dwelt, before the coming of the sons of the Achaians, and he had for
+wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock, Medesikaste; but when
+the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again to Ilios, and
+was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who honoured
+him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the ear
+with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an
+ash that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of
+bronze, and brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell,
+and round him rang his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed
+forth, most eager to strip his armour, and Hector cast at him as he
+came with his shining spear. But Teukros, steadily regarding him,
+avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so Hector struck Amphimachos,
+son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the spear, as he was
+returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour rang upon
+him.
+
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted
+Amphimachos the helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at
+Hector as he came, with a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his
+body, for he was all clad in dread armour of bronze; but he smote the
+boss of his shield, and drave him back by main force, and he gave place
+from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians drew them out of the
+battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the Athenians,
+conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but Imbrios
+the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and
+carry it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the
+ground in their jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and
+spoiled his arms. Then the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate
+neck, in wrath for the sake of Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a
+ball through the throng, and it dropped in the dust before the feet of
+Hector.
+
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his sol’s son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidol’s son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur
+on the Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then
+Idomeneus, spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that
+had but newly returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee
+with the sharp bronze. Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus
+gave charge to the leeches, and so went on to his hut, for he still was
+eager to face the war. Then the mighty Shaker of the earth addressed
+him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon, that ruled over the
+Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was honoured
+like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the Cretans,
+say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the Achaians
+threatened the Trojans?”
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos,
+now is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in
+war. Neither is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any
+that gives place to cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even
+thus, methinks, must it have seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that
+the Achaians should perish nameless here, far away from Argos. But
+Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and dost spur on some
+other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground, therefore
+slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the
+sport of dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come,
+take thy weapons and away: herein we must play the man together, if any
+avail there may be, though we are no more than two. Ay, and very
+cowards get courage from company, but we twain know well how to battle
+even with the brave.”
+
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but
+Idomeneus, so soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair
+armour about his body, and grasped two spears, and set forth like the
+lightning that Kronion seizes in his hand and brandishes from radiant
+Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal men, and far seen are the
+flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the breast of Idomeneus
+as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he was still
+near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest
+of my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and
+strife? Art thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost
+thou come with a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have
+no desire to sit in the huts, but to fight.”
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which
+before I carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud
+Deiphobos.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut,
+against the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have
+spoiled their slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with
+foemen from afar, wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and
+helms, and corslets of splendid sheen.”
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand.
+Nay, for methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand
+forth among the foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth
+the strife of battle. Any other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians
+should sooner forget my prowess, but thou art he that knoweth it.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what
+a man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay,
+if now beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an
+ambush—wherein the valour of men is best discerned; there the coward,
+and the brave man most plainly declare themselves: for the colour of
+the coward changes often, and his spirit cannot abide firm within him,
+but now he kneels on one knee, now on the other, and rests on either
+foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as he thinks of doom,
+and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave man does not
+change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters the
+ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war.
+Were we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any
+man reckon lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if
+thou wert stricken in battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the
+dart would not strike thee in the hinder part of the neck, nor in the
+back, but would encounter thy breast or belly, as thou dost press on,
+towards the gathering of the foremost fighters. But come, no more let
+us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man be vehemently
+wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the
+spear of bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high
+thoughts of battle. And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into
+the war, and with him follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless,
+that terrifies even the hardy warrior; and these twain leave Thrace,
+and harness them for fight with the Ephyri, or the great-hearted
+Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but give honour to one
+only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, set
+forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager
+to enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the
+centre, or on the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the
+flowing-haired Achaians so like to fail in fight.”
+
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two
+Aiantes, and Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good
+man in close fight; these will give Hector Priam’s son toil enough,
+howsoever keen he be for battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart.
+Hard will he find it, with all his lust for war, to overcome their
+strength and their hands invincible, and to fire the ships, unless
+Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning brand. But not
+to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man that is
+mortal and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be chosen with the sword of
+bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles the
+breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but
+for speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide
+us twain, as thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily
+we may learn whether we are to win glory from others, or other men from
+us.”
+
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till
+they came to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire
+with him, and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him
+through the press. Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships.
+And as the gusts speed on, when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust
+lies thickest on the roads, and the winds raise together a great cloud
+of dust, even so their battle clashed together, and all were fain of
+heart to slay each other in the press with the keen bronze. And the
+battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears, the piercing
+spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming helmets
+dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would
+he have been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of
+battle.
+
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were
+contriving sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for
+the Trojans and Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he
+did not wish the Achaian host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only
+to give renown to Thetis and her strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went
+among the Argives and stirred them to war, stealing secretly forth from
+the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that they were overcome by the
+Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus. Verily both were of the
+same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was the elder and
+the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness
+of a man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong
+strife and equal war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and
+Achaians, a knot that none might break nor undo, for the loosening of
+the knees of many.
+
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on
+the Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he
+slew Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had
+followed after the rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of
+the daughters of Priam, Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with
+promise of mighty deed, namely that he would drive perforce out of
+Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him the old man Priam had
+promised and appointed that he would give her, so he fought trusting in
+his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright spear, and cast
+and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet of bronze
+that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and
+lifted up his voice, saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above
+all mortal men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast
+promised Priam, son of Dardanos, that promised thee again his own
+daughter. Yea, and we likewise would promise as much to thee, and
+fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest daughter of the son of
+Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee, if only thou
+wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us that
+we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are
+no hard exacters of gifts of wooing.”
+
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce
+mellay. But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the
+charioteer guided so that still their breath touched the shoulders of
+Asios. And the desire of his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was
+beforehand with him, and smote him with the spear in the throat, below
+the chin, and drove the point straight through. And he fell as an oak
+falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that craftsmen have felled on
+the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s timber; even so he lay
+stretched out before the horses and the chariot, groaning, and
+clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and kept not
+his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of the
+hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and
+pierced the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the
+corslet of bronze he was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in
+the midst of his belly. Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought
+chariot, and Antilochos, the son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the
+horses out from the Trojans, among the well-greaved Achaians. Then
+Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh Idomeneus, and cast at
+him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily watching him,
+avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of his
+shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that
+he allows bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched
+together, and the spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang
+sharply, as the spear grazed thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the
+heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the
+shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the midriff, and instantly
+unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him terribly, crying
+aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay, methinks, that even
+on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will rejoice at
+heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and
+stirred above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite
+his sorrow, he was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood
+over him, and covered him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions,
+Mekisteus, son of Echios, and goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted
+him, and with heavy groaning bare him to the hollow ships.
+
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving,
+either to cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to
+fall in warding off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of
+Aisyetes, fosterling of Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who
+was son-in-law of Anchises, and had married the eldest of his
+daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her lady mother dearly
+loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her age in
+beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus,
+throwing a spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs;
+so that he might neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but
+stood steady as a pillar, or a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when
+the hero Idomeneus smote him in the midst of the breast with the spear,
+and rent the coat of bronze about him, that aforetime warded death from
+his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the spear. And he fell
+with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still beating,
+shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud:
+“Deiphobos, are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three
+men for one, since thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also
+thyself against me, that thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am
+I that have come hither! For Zeus first begat Minos, the warden of
+Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble Deukalion, and Deukalion
+begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and now have the ships
+brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all the Trojans.”
+
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he
+should retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted
+Trojans, or should try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his
+mind it seemed the better, to go after Aineias, whom he found standing
+the last in the press, for Aineias was ever wroth against goodly Priam,
+for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his valour among men. So
+Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him: “Aineias, thou
+counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need that thou
+shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth touch
+thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband, who
+of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one,
+and now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went
+to seek Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold
+upon Idomeneus, as though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at
+bay, like a boar on the hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides
+the great assailing throng of men in a lonely place, and he bristles up
+his back, and his eyes shine with fire, while he whets his tusks, and
+is right eager to keep at bay both men and hounds. Even so stood
+spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came to the rescue,
+and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos,
+all masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake
+winged words: “Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and
+terribly I dread the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is
+assailing me; for he is right strong to destroy men in battle, and he
+hath the flower of youth, the greatest avail that may be. Yea, if he
+and I were of like age, and in this spirit whereof now we are, speedily
+should he or I achieve high victory.”
+
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood
+hard by each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the
+other side, cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris,
+and noble Agenor, that with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then
+the hosts followed them, as sheep follow their leader to the water from
+the pasture, and the shepherd is glad at heart; even so the heart of
+Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw the hosts of the people
+following to aid him.
+
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long
+spears, and round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed
+at each other in the press, while two men of war beyond the rest,
+Aineias and Idomeneus, the peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the
+flesh of the other with the pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at
+Idomeneus, who steadily watching him avoided the spear of bronze, and
+the point of Aineias went quivering in the earth, since vainly it had
+flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote Oinomaos in the midst
+of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the bronze let
+forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the
+far-shadowing spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the
+rest of the fair armour from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard
+on him. Nay, and his feet no longer served him firmly in a charge, nor
+could he rush after his own spear, nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in
+close fight he still held off the pitiless day of destiny, but in
+retreat: his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the battle. And as he
+was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining spear,
+for verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalapbos, the son of
+Enyalios, with his dart, and the strong spear passed through his
+shoulder, and he fell in the dust, and clutched the earth in his
+outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful Ares was not yet aware at all
+that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he was reclining on the
+peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held there by the
+design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods, restrained
+from the war.
+
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos
+tore from Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift
+Ares, leaped forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and
+from his hand the vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And
+Meriones sprang forth instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong
+spear from the shoulder of Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of
+his comrades. But the own brother of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his
+hands round his waist, and led him forth from the evil din of war, even
+till he came to the swift horses, that waited for him behind the battle
+and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight chariot. These
+bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and the
+blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched.
+There Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his
+throat, that chanced to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his
+head dropped down and his shield and helm fell with him, and death that
+slays the spirit overwhelmed him. And Antilochos watched Thoon as he
+turned the other way, and leaped on him, and wounded him, severing all
+the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the neck; this he
+severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching out
+both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the
+Trojans gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining
+shield, yet did not avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate
+flesh of Antilochos with the pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the
+Shaker of the earth, did guard on every side the son of Nestor, even in
+the midst of the javelins. And never did Antilochos get free of the
+foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was his spear at rest,
+but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart was to smite
+a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he was
+aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of
+Asios, who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting
+on nigh at hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no
+avail, grudging him the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode
+there, like a burned stake, in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay
+on the earth, and back retreated Adamas to the ranks of his comrades,
+avoiding Fate. But Meriones following after him as he departed, smote
+him with a spear between the privy parts and the navel, where a wound
+is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he fixed the spear in
+him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull that
+herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long,
+till the hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body.
+And darkness covered his eyes.
+
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great
+Thracian sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged,
+fell on the ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up
+as it rolled between his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of
+Deipyros.
+
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud
+war-cry, and he went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the
+prince, shaking his sharp spear, while the other drew the centre-piece
+of his bow. And both at once were making ready to let fly, one with his
+sharp spear, the other with the arrow from the string. Then the son of
+Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his arrow, on the plate of the
+corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from a broad shovel in
+a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and pulse, before
+the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s shovel, even so
+from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far aside the
+bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into
+the bow, clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back
+he withdrew to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand
+hanging down at his side, for the ashen spear dragged after him. And
+the great-hearted Agenor drew the spear from his hand, and himself
+bound up the hand with a band of twisted sheep’s-wool, a sling that a
+squire carried for him, the shepherd of the host.
+
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate
+was leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome
+in the dread strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in
+onset upon each other, the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was
+turned aside, but Peisandros smote the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet
+availed not to drive the bronze clean through, for the wide shield
+caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet Peisandros rejoiced
+in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of Atreus drew his
+silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And Peisandros, under
+his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long and
+polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close
+below the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came
+forward, on the brow, above the base of the nose, and the bones
+cracked, and the eyes, all bloody, fell at his feet in the dust. Then
+he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot on his breast, and
+stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even thus then
+surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds, ye
+Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye
+shall not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me
+ashamed, ye hounds of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong
+wrath of loud-thundering Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day
+will destroy your steep citadel. O ye that wantonly carried away my
+wedded wife and many of my possessions, when ye were entertained by
+her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the seafaring
+ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain you
+from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say that thou
+dost excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these
+things are from thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of
+violence, even the Trojans, whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can
+they have their fill of the din of equal war. Of all things there is
+satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of sweet song, and dance
+delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than of war, but
+the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body,
+and gave them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again,
+and mingled in the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of
+king Pylaimenes, leaped out against him, Harpalion that followed his
+dear father to Troy, to the war, nor ever came again to his own
+country. He then smote the middle of the shield of Atreus’ son with his
+spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding Fate,
+glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod
+arrow, and smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right
+through the bladder and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even
+there, in the arms of his dear comrades, he breathed away his soul,
+lying stretched like a worm on the earth, and out flowed the black
+blood, and wetted the ground. And the Paphlagonians great of heart,
+tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and drove him to sacred
+Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding tears, and
+there was no atonement for his dead son.
+
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had
+been his host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his
+sake, he let fly a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor,
+the son of Polyidos the seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was
+in Corinth. And well he knew his own ruinous fate, when he went on
+ship-board, for often would the old man, the good Polyidos, tell him,
+that he must either perish of a sore disease in his halls, or go with
+the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the Trojans. Wherefore he
+avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and the hateful
+disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit
+departed from his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not
+heard nor knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was
+being subdued by the Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won
+renown, so mighty was the Holder and Shaker of the earth that urged on
+the Argives; yea, and himself mightily defended them. But Hector kept
+where at first he had leaped within the walls and the gate, and broken
+the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even where were the ships
+of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the hoary sea, while
+above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the heroes and
+their horses were raging in battle.
+
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught
+on the ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector,
+like a flame of fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians;
+among them Menestheus son of Peteos was the leader; and there followed
+with him Pheidas and Stichios, and brave Bias, while the Epeians were
+led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion and Drakios, and in front of
+the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in war. Now the one,
+Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of Aias, and he
+dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain a
+man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the
+other, Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in
+their armour, in the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending
+the ships, and fighting among the Boiotians.
+
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the
+side of Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in
+fallow land two wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen
+plough, and round the roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat,
+and nought sunders them but the polished yoke, as they labour through
+the furrow, till the end of the furrow brings them up, so stood the two
+Aiantes close by each other. Now verily did many and noble hosts of his
+comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and bore his shield when
+labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians followed not
+with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of
+bronze, shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen
+spears, but trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool,
+they followed with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick
+and fast, and brake the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front
+contended with the Trojans, and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while
+the others from behind kept shooting from their ambush, and the Trojans
+lost all memory of the joy of battle, for the arrows confounded them.
+
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans
+have withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant
+Hector and said: “Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that
+would counsel thee; for that god has given thee excellence in the works
+of war, therefore in council also thou art fain to excel other men in
+knowledge. But in nowise wilt thou be able to take everything on
+thyself. For to one man has god given for his portion the works of war,
+[to another the dance, to another the lute and song,] but in the heart
+of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent understanding,
+whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and himself best
+knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me. Behold
+all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being
+scattered among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the
+best of the warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully,
+whether we should fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god
+willeth to give us victory, or after counsel held, should return
+unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear lest the Achaians repay
+their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there tarrieth a man
+insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand aloof from
+battle.”
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake
+to him winged words and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all the
+best of the host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly
+will return again, when I have straitly laid on them my commands.”
+
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and
+shouting aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all
+sped to Polydamas, the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the
+voice of Hector. But he went seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince
+Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the
+warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he might find them. But them
+he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but, lo, some among the
+sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by the hands of
+the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or cast.
+But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with
+words of shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest
+for women, thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong
+prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and
+where is Othryoneus? Now hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now,
+too, thou seest, is sheer destruction sure.”
+
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather
+withdraw me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a
+coward. For from the time that thou didst gather the battle of thy
+comrades about the ships, from that hour do we abide here, and war with
+the Danaans ceaselessly; and our comrades concerning whom thou
+inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the strong prince Helenos have
+both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the hand with long
+spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have
+strength; but beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he
+be.”
+
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went
+forth where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble
+Polydamas, and Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and
+Palmys, and Askanios, and Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in
+their turn, out of deep-soiled Askanie, on the morn before, and now
+Zeus urged them to fight. And these set forth like the blast of violent
+winds, that rushes earthward beneath the thunder of Zeus, and with
+marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and therein are many
+swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white with
+foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in
+van and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of
+men. In front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and
+plates of beaten bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm.
+And everywhere he went in advance and made trial of the ranks, if
+perchance they would yield to him as he charged under cover of his
+shield. But he could not confound the heart within the breast of the
+Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged him first:
+“Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the Argives?
+We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus are
+we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your
+peopled city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked.
+But for thee, I tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt
+pray in thy flight to Zeus, and the other immortal gods, that thy
+fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than falcons: thy steeds that are to
+bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust across the plain.”
+
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of
+lofty flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged
+by the omen, but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering
+boaster, what sayest thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely
+the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and
+that I were held in such honour as Apollo and Athene, as verily this
+day is to bring utter evil on all the Argives! And thou among them
+shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my long spear, which
+shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat and flesh
+the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and
+the whole host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side
+answered with a shout, and forgot not their valiance, but abode the
+onslaught of the bravest of the Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts
+went up through the higher air, to the splendour of Zeus.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIV.
+
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and
+Poseidon spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was
+wounded.
+
+
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he
+spake winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble
+Machaon, what had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong
+warriors by the ships. Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the
+bright wine, till Hekamede of the fair tresses shall heat warm water
+for the bath, and wash away the clotted blood, but I will speedily go
+forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming
+Thrasymedes, which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze,
+for the son had the shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear,
+with a point of keen bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway
+beheld a deed of shame, the Achaians fleeing in rout, and the
+high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the wall of the Achaians was
+overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with a dumb wave, and
+dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still unmoved
+nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way
+and that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the
+swift steeds, or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the
+host. And thus as he pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to
+go to the son of Atreus. Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each
+other, and the stout bronze rang about their bodies as they were thrust
+with swords and double-pointed spears.
+
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they
+went up from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze,
+Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart
+from the battle were their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey
+sea, for these were the first they had drawn up to the plain, but had
+builded the wall in front of the hindmost. For in no wise might the
+beach, wide as it was, hold all the ships, and the host was straitened.
+Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row, and filled up the wide
+mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between them. Therefore
+the kings were going together, leaning on their spears, to look on the
+war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the
+old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the
+breasts of the Achaians.
+
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast
+deserted the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the
+word that dread Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened
+us, speaking in the assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would
+he return to Ilios from the ships, till he had burned the ships with
+fire, and slain the men. Even so he spake, and, lo, now all these
+things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the other well-greaved
+Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like Achilles, and
+have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could
+Zeus himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the
+wall is overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken
+bulwark of the ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel,
+how these things may best be done, if wit may do aught: but into the
+war I counsel not that we should go down, for in no wise may a wounded
+man do battle.”
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they
+are warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath
+availed not, nor the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much
+labour, hoping in their hearts that it should be the unbroken bulwark
+of the ships, and of their own bodies—such it seemeth must be the will
+of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians should perish here nameless far
+from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward to aid the Danaans, and
+now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like that of the
+blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come, as I
+declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up
+in the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt
+sea divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night
+comes, if even at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then
+might we drag down all the ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from
+ruin, yea, even in the night. Better doth he fare who flees from
+trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels: “Atreus’
+son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of mischief, sure
+thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among us, to
+whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to
+leave the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure
+with sorrow so many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians
+hear this word, that no man should so much as suffer to pass through
+his mouth, none that understandeth in his heart how to speak fit
+counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath hosts obeying him so
+many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I wholly scorn thy
+thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the midst of
+war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire,
+albeit they win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon
+us. For the Achaians will not make good the war, when the ships are
+drawn down to the salt sea, but will look round about to flee, and
+withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel work a mischief, O marshal
+of the host!”
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid
+the sons of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered
+ships to the salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a
+wiser counsel than this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would
+it be to me.”
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of
+me, and each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the
+youngest among you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a
+noble sire, Tydeus, whom in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For
+Portheus had three well-born children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and
+steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas, and the third was Oineus the
+knight, the father of my father, and in valour he excelled the others.
+And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither he had
+wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full
+of livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of
+trees apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he
+excelled all the Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak
+sooth. Therefore ye could not say that I am weak and a coward by
+lineage, and so dishonour my spoken counsel, that well I may speak. Let
+us go down to the battle, wounded as we are, since we needs must; and
+then might we hold ourselves aloof from the battle, beyond the range of
+darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the others will we spur on,
+even them that aforetime gave place to their passion, and stand apart,
+and fight not.”
+
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they
+set forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in
+the guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus’ son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+“Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since
+he hath no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise,
+and god mar him. But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth,
+nay, even yet methinks the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover
+the wide plain with dust, and thyself shalt see them fleeing to the
+city from the ships and the huts.”
+
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud
+as nine thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the
+strife of war, so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the
+earth sent forth from his breast, and great strength he put into the
+heart of each of the Achaians, to strive and war unceasingly.
+
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw
+with her eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s
+going to and fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her
+heart. And she beheld Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of
+many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he was hateful. Then she took
+thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might beguile the mind of
+aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to be the best
+counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself, if
+perchance a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eye lids and
+his crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son
+Hephaistos had fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the
+pillars, with a secret bolt, that no other god might open. There did
+she enter in and closed the shining doors. With ambrosia first did she
+cleanse every stain from her winsome body, and anointed her with olive
+oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour; if it were but shaken, in
+the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour thereof went right forth
+to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair body, and combed
+her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair and
+ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set
+many things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with
+clasps of gold. And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred
+tassels, and she set earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three
+drops, and glistering, therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a
+veil over all the peerless goddess veiled herself, a fair new veil,
+bright as the sun, and beneath her shining feet she bound goodly
+sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her array, she went
+forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other gods,
+and spake to her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that which
+I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?”
+
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart
+bids me fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal
+men. For I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and
+Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and
+nourished me in their halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing
+Zeus imprisoned Kronos beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them
+am I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, since wrath hath
+settled in their hearts. If with words I might persuade their hearts,
+and bring them back to love, ever should I be called dear to them and
+worshipful.”
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms
+of Zeus, the chief of gods.”
+
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle,
+fair-wrought, wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and
+desire, and loving converse, that steals the wits even of the wise.
+This girdle she laid in her hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take
+this girdle and lay it up in thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle,
+wherein all things are fashioned; methinks thou wilt not return with
+that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou desirest.”
+
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the
+zone within her breast.
+
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera,
+rushing down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped’ over the snowy hills
+of the Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the
+ground with her feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea,
+and came to Lemnos, the city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the
+brother of Death, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called him
+by name: “Sleep, lord of all gods and of all men, if ever thou didst
+hear my word, obey me again even now, and I will be grateful to thee
+always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes of Zeus beneath his
+brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne, imperishable
+for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own child,
+shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a
+festival. Nay come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the
+Graces, to wed and to be called thy wife.”
+
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:—“Come now,
+swear to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands
+grasp the bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all
+may be witnesses to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos,
+that verily thou wilt give me one of the younger of the Graces, even
+Pasithea, that myself do long for all my days.”
+
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she
+sware as he bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below
+Tartaros that are called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that
+oath, the twain left the citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on
+in mist, and swiftly they accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida
+they came, the mother of wild beasts, to Lekton, where first they left
+the sea, and they twain fared above the dry land, and the topmost
+forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep halted, ere the eyes of
+Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the loftiest pine
+that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air. But Hera
+swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came
+over his deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said:
+“Hera, with what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy
+horses and chariot are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?”
+
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit
+the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and
+mother Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them
+am I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, since wrath hath
+settled in their hearts. But my horses are standing at the foot of
+many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall bear me over wet and dry. And
+now it is because of thee that I am thus come hither, down from
+Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me hereafter, if
+silently I were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing Okeanos.”
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the
+love of goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart
+within my breast.”
+
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and
+love overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the
+Achaians, to tell his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the
+earth. And he stood near him, and spake winged words: “Eagerly now,
+Poseidon, do thou aid the Danaans, and give them glory for a little
+space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for over him have I shed soft slumber,
+and Hera hath beguiled him.”
+
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the
+more did he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang
+far afront of the foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again
+to yield the victory to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our
+ships and win renown? Nay, even so he saith and declareth that he will
+do, for that Achilles by the hollow ships abides angered at heart. But
+for him there will be no such extreme regret, if we spur us on to aid
+each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us all obey. Let us harness
+us in the best shields that are in the host, and the greatest, and
+cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears in our
+hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness.
+And whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on
+his shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a
+larger shield.”
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the
+kings themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and
+Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host,
+and made exchange of weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior
+harness him in, the worse he gave to the worse. But when they had done
+on the shining bronze about their bodies, they started on the march,
+and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the earth, with a dread sword of
+fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning; wherewith it is not
+permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear holds men afar
+therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even
+dark-haired Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans,
+the other with the Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships
+of the Argives, and they gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so
+loudly bellows the wave of the sea against the land, stirred up from
+the deep by the harsh breath of the north wind, nor so loud is the roar
+of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when it springs to burn up
+the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high leafy tresses of
+the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was the cry of
+the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon each
+other.
+
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him
+full, and did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched
+across his breast, the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded
+sword; these guarded his tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because
+his swift spear had flown vainly from his hand, and he retreated into
+the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a
+huge stone; for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled
+among the feet of the fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote
+Hector on the breast, over the shield-rim, near the neck, and made him
+spin like a top with the blow, that he reeled round and round. And even
+as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the stroke of father Zeus, and a
+dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and whoso stands near and
+beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of great Zeus,
+even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear fell
+from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to
+drag him away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to
+wound or smite the shepherd of the host, before that might be the
+bravest gathered about him, Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor,
+and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians, and noble Glaukos, and of the rest
+not one was heedless of him, but they held their round shields in front
+of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms, and bare him out of
+the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were standing waiting
+for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the rear of
+the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying
+Xanthos, that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the
+chariot to the ground, and poured water over him, and he gat back his
+breath, and looked up with his eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling,
+he vomited black blood. Then again he sank back on the ground, and
+black night covered his eyes, the stroke still conquering his spirit.
+
+
+
+BOOK XV.
+
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes
+of the Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+
+
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and
+many were overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed,
+and abode beside the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and
+Zeus awoke, on the peaks of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then
+he leaped up, and stood, and beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in
+flight, and these driving them on from the rear, even the Argives, and
+among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector he saw lying on the plain,
+and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping with difficult
+breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it was not
+the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera,
+with fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy
+crafty wile that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has
+terrified the host. Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be
+the first to reap the fruits of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with
+stripes. Dost thou not remember, when thou wert hung from on high, and
+from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and round thy hands fastened a
+golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst hang in the clear
+air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus, but they
+could not come round and unloose thee.”
+
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him
+winged words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven
+above, and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most
+terrible to the blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own
+bridal bed, whereby never would I forswear myself, that not by my will
+does earth-shaking Poseidon trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour
+them of the other part. Nay, it is his own soul that urgeth and
+commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians, when he beheld them
+hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him also to go even
+where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her
+he spake winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera,
+wouldst hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods,
+thereon would Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise,
+quickly turn his mind otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if
+indeed thou speakest the truth and soothly, go thou now among the
+tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, the
+renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of mail-clad Achaians
+and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get him unto
+his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that
+now wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he
+hath stirred in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the
+many-benched ships of Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his
+own comrade, Patroklos; and him shall renowned Hector slay with the
+spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has slain many other youths,
+and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath therefor shall goodly
+Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause a new pursuit
+from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the Achaians
+take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the
+Immortals to help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of
+the son of Peleus, as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the
+same with a nod of my head, on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped
+my knees, imploring me to honour Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she
+sped down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the
+gathering of the immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall
+and Iris, that is the messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake
+winged words, and addressed them, saying: “Zeus bids you go to Ida as
+swiftly as may be, and when ye have gone, and looked on the face of
+Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and command.”
+
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and
+stood there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them,
+for that speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to
+Iris first he spake winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the
+prince Poseidon, and tell him all these things, nor be a false
+messenger. Command him to cease from war and battle, and to go among
+the tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But if he will not obey
+my words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him consider in his
+heart and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide me when
+I come against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and
+elder born.”
+
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went
+down the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail
+fleets from the clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the
+clear air, so fleetly she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew
+near the renowned Earth-shaker and spake to him the message of Zeus.
+And he left the host of the Achaians, and passed to the sea, and sank,
+and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the Achaians.
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go
+now, dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector
+be thy care, and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come
+in their flight to the ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment
+will I devise word and deed wherewithal the Achaians may take breath
+again from their toil.”
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went
+down the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is
+the swiftest of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted
+Priam, noble Hector, sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late
+got back his life, and knew the comrades around him, and his gasping
+and his sweat had ceased, from the moment when the will of
+aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then far-darting Apollo stood
+near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of Priam, why dost thou sit
+fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that some trouble
+cometh upon thee?”
+
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face?
+Dost thou not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the
+Achaians, Aias of the loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone,
+as I was slaying his comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous
+might? And verily I deemed that this very day I should pass to the
+dead, and the house of Hades, when I had gasped my life away.”
+
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage
+now, so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to
+stand by thee and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword,
+me who of old defend thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now,
+bid thy many charioteers drive their swift steeds against the hollow
+ships, and I will go before and make smooth all the way for the
+chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian heroes.”
+
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host,
+and even as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his
+tether and speedeth at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont
+to bathe in the fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and
+the mane floweth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and
+nimbly his knees bear him to the haunts and pasture of the mares, even
+so Hector lightly moved his feet and knees, urging on his horsemen,
+when he heard the voice of the god. But as when hounds and country folk
+pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock and shady wood
+save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their clamour a
+bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them all
+despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on
+always in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed
+spears, but when they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men,
+then were they afraid, and the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the
+Aitolians, skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and
+in council did few of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were
+striving in debate; he made harangue and spake among them: “Alas, and
+verily a great marvel is this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath
+again arisen, and hath avoided the Fates, even Hector. Surely each of
+us hoped in his heart, that he had died beneath the hand of Aias, son
+of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath delivered and saved
+Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the Danaans, as
+methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for
+battle. But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng
+turn back to the ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in
+the host, take our stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold
+him off with outstretched spears, and he, methinks, for all his
+eagerness, will fear at heart to enter into the press of the Danaans.”
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were
+with Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and
+Meges the peer of Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and
+sustained the fight with Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the
+multitude returned to the ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides
+Hector led them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his
+shoulders wrapped in cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread,
+circled with a shaggy fringe, and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith
+gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of men; with this in his hands did
+he lead the host.
+
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on
+both sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears
+from stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men
+swift in fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white
+flesh, stuck in the ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now
+so long as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long
+the darts smote either side amain, and the folk fell. But when he
+looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift steeds, and shook the
+aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their heart in their
+breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two wild
+beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman
+is not by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless,
+for Apollo sent a panic among them, but still gave renown to the
+Trojans and Hector.
+
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called
+aloud on the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level
+with his held the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous
+din, and in front of them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his
+feet the banks of the deep ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof,
+making a bridgeway long and wide as is a spear-cast, when a man throws
+to make trial of his strength. Thereby the Trojans poured forward in
+their battalions, while in their van Apollo held the splendid aegis.
+And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians, as when a
+boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding
+them with his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo,
+confound the long toil and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse
+a panic fear.
+
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other;
+and lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently,
+and chiefly prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his
+hand towards the starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any one of us
+in wheat-bearing Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep,
+and prayed that he might return, and thou didst promise and assent
+thereto, of these things be thou mindful, and avert, Olympian, the
+pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to overcome the Achaians.”
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered
+loudly, hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+rushed yet the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the
+joy of battle. And as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the
+bulwarks of a ship, the might of the wind constraining it, which
+chiefly swells the waves, even so did the Trojans with a great cry
+bound over the wall, and drave their horses on, and at the hindmost row
+of the ships were fighting hand to hand with double-pointed spears, the
+Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing up aloft, from the
+black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships for battle
+at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling
+the behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but
+softened the temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he
+spurred on the others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to
+Hector, the son of Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing
+fire, unwearied, upon the beaked ships, and so fulfil all the
+presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore wise-counselling Zeus awaited,
+till his eyes should see the glare of a burning ship. For even from
+that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the Trojans from the
+ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was he
+rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas
+Athene was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the
+son of Peleus. And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them
+wheresoever he saw the thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet
+not even so might he break them for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood
+firm, and embattled like a steep rock and a great, hard by the hoary
+sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the shrill winds, and the
+swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans steadfastly
+abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire on
+all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship,
+and she is all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars
+against the sail, and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts,
+for by but a little way are they borne forth from death, even so the
+spirit was torn in the breasts of the Achaians.
+
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that
+unwearied and unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they
+fought. And in their striving they were minded thus; the Achaians
+verily deemed that never would they flee from the danger, but perish
+there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped in his breast, that they
+should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the Achaians. With these
+imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized the stern of a
+seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own
+country. Now round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each
+other hand to hand, nor far apart did they endure the flights of
+arrows, nor of darts, but standing hard each by other, with one heart,
+with sharp axes and hatchets they fought, and with great swords, and
+double-pointed spears. And many fair brands, dark-scabbarded and
+hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from off the
+shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+“Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came
+hither against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by
+the cowardice of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight
+at the sterns of the ships, and kept back the host. But if even then
+far-seeing Zeus did harm our wits, now he himself doth urge and command
+us onwards.” So spake he, and they set yet the fiercer on the Argives.
+And Aias no longer abode their onset, for he was driven back by the
+darts, but he withdrew a little,—thinking that now he should die,—on to
+the oarsmal’s bench of seven feet long, and he left the decks of the
+trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his spear he ever
+drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied fire, and
+ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: “O friends, Danaan
+heroes, men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and be mindful
+of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or
+some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there
+is not hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend
+ourselves, having a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay,
+but we are set down in the plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our
+backs against the sea, and far off from our own land. Therefore is
+safety in battle, and not in slackening from the fight.” So spake he,
+and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen spear. And whosoever
+of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing fire, to
+pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with
+his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters
+did he wound.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVI.
+
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans
+from the ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+
+
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew
+near Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a
+fountain of dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream.
+And noble swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his
+sake, and accosted him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore
+weepest thou, Patroklos, like a fond little maid, that runs by her
+mother’s side, and bids her mother take her up, snatching at her gown,
+and hinders her in her going, and tearfully looks at her, till the
+mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost thou let fall soft
+tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me myself, or is
+it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost thou
+lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy
+spirit, that we may both know all.”
+
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos:
+“O Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not
+wroth, seeing that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily
+all of them that aforetime were the best are lying among the ships,
+smitten and wounded. Smitten is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and
+wounded is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is
+Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow. And about them the leeches
+skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds, but thou art hard
+to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold of me as
+that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base
+ruin from the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was
+not then thy father, nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee,
+and the sheer cliffs, so untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart
+thou art shunning some oracle, and thy lady mother hath told thee
+somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth quickly, and make the
+rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any light may arise
+from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about my
+shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so
+abstain from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take
+breath, wearied as they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And
+lightly might we that are fresh drive men wearied with the battle back
+to the citadel, away from the ships and the huts.”
+
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to
+be his own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great
+heaviness spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of
+Zeus, what word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle
+that I wot of, nor yet has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus,
+but this dread sorrow comes upon my heart and spirit, from the hour
+that a man wishes to rob me who am his equal, and to take away my
+prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread sorrow to me is this,
+after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The maiden that the
+sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I won with
+my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may
+be angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease
+from my wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the
+war-cry and the battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness,
+and lead the war-loving Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction
+from the ships, lest they even burn the ships with blazing fire, and
+take away our desired return. But when thou hast driven them from the
+ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering lord of Hera grant thee
+to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight with the
+war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on
+toward Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against
+thee; right dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return
+back when thou halt brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to
+fight along the plain. For would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and
+Apollo, would that not one of all the Trojans might escape death, nor
+one of the Argives, but that we twain might avoid destruction, that
+alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he
+was overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the
+shafts of the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept
+ringing terribly about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the
+fair-wrought cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as
+steadfastly he held up his glittering shield, nor yet could they make
+him give ground, as they pressed on with their darts around him. And
+ever he was worn out with difficult breath, and much sweat kept running
+from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw breath, so on all sides
+was evil heaped on evil.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire
+fell on the ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen
+spear of Aias he smote with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind
+the point, and shore it clean away, and the son of Telamon brandished
+in his hand no more than a pointless spear, and far from him the head
+of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the
+gods, even how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from
+him avail in war, and desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave
+back out of the darts. But the Trojans cast on the swift ship
+unwearying fire, and instantly the inextinguishable flame streamed over
+her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon Achilles smote his thighs,
+and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus,
+commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the rush of the
+consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no more
+retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His
+goodly greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his
+legs, and next did on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet
+of the swift-footed son of Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a
+sword of bronze, with studs of silver, and next took the great and
+mighty shield, and on his proud head set a well-wrought helm with a
+horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from above. Then seized
+he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not the spear
+of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke
+the horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after
+Achilles, the breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest
+in battle to abide his call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke
+the swift horses, Xanthos and Balios, that fly as swift as the winds,
+the horses that the harpy Podarge bare to the West Wind, as she grazed
+on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in the side-traces he put
+the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he took the city
+of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the immortal
+horses.
+
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts
+with armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in
+their hearts unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles
+urging on the horses and the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and
+valour of each of them, and the ranks were yet the closer serried when
+they heard the prince. And as when a man builds the wall of a high
+house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of the winds, even so
+close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield pressed on
+shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on the
+bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling
+by the wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting
+them in their nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil
+they make for many. With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons
+poured out now from the ships, and a cry arose unquenchable, and
+Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting aloud: “Myrmidons, ye
+comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my friends, and be mindful
+of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for the son of
+Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and whose
+close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing
+honoured the best of the Achaians.”
+
+So spake he, and aroused each mal’s heart and courage, and all in a
+mass they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously
+to the cry of the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son
+of Menoitios, himself and his squire, shining in their armour, the
+heart was stirred in all of them, and the companies wavered, for they
+deemed that by the ships the swift-footed son of Peleus had cast away
+his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man glanced round, to
+see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press,
+where most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of
+great-hearted Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his
+Paionian horsemen out of Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he
+smote on the right shoulder, and he fell on his back in the dust with a
+groan, and his comrades around him, the Paionians, were afraid, for
+Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew their leader that was
+ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the ships, and
+quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there, and
+the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in
+among the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when
+from the high crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the
+lightning, hath stirred a dense cloud, and forth shine all the peaks,
+and sharp promontories, and glades, and from heaven the infinite air
+breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven the blazing fire from
+the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was no pause in
+the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by the
+Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as
+robber wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the
+herds, when they are scattered on hills by the witlessness of the
+shepherd, and the wolves behold it, and speedily harry the younglings
+that have no heart of courage,—even so the Danaans fell on the Trojans,
+and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight, and forgot their
+impetuous valour.
+
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the
+helm of bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad
+shoulders with his shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of
+the arrows, and the noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change
+in the mastery of war, but even so he abode, and was striving to rescue
+his trusty comrades.
+
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred
+air, when Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came
+the war-cry and the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch
+again. But his swift-footed horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and
+he left the host of Troy, whom the delved trench restrained against
+their will. And in the trench did many swift steeds that draw the car
+break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the chariots of their
+masters.
+
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full
+of evil will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight
+filled all the ways, for they were scattered, and on high the storm of
+dust was scattered below the clouds, and the whole-hooved horses
+strained back towards the city, away from the ships and the huts.
+
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did
+he guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone
+from their chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of
+shattering. But straight over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the
+swift horses. And the heart of Patroklos urged him against Hector, for
+he was eager to smite him, but his swift steeds bore Hector forth and
+away. And even as beneath a tempest the whole black earth is oppressed,
+on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain most vehemently, and all
+the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents tear away, and down
+to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring mightily,
+and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them
+backward again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city,
+despite their desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the
+lofty wall, he rushed on them, and slew them, and avenged many a
+comrade slain. There first he smote Pronoos with a shining spear, where
+the shield left bare the breast, and loosened his limbs, and he fell
+with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he next assailed, as he sat
+crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck distraught, and
+the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with the
+lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And
+Patroklos caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the
+car, as when a man sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish
+forth from the sea, with line and glittering hook of bronze; so on the
+bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping from the chariot, and cast him
+down on his face and life left him as he fell. Next, as Euryalos came
+on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone, and all his
+head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth he
+fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas,
+and Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios
+and Pyris, and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all
+these in turn he brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon
+beheld his comrades with ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands
+of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike
+Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for
+I will encounter this man that I may know who he is that conquers here,
+and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in that he hath
+loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground.
+But Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his
+chariot. And they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks,
+that war with loud yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with
+cries against each other. And beholding then the son of Kronos of the
+crooked counsels took pity on them, and he spake to Hera, his sister
+and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is fated that Sarpedon, the
+best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under Patroklos son of
+Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is divided, as I
+ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful war, and
+set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to
+fate dost thou desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work
+thy will, but all we other gods will in no wise praise thee. And
+another thing I will tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart; if
+thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own house, consider lest thereon
+some other god likewise desire to send his own dear son away out of the
+strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam war many sons of
+the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible wrath.
+But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of
+Patroklos son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that
+warrior, send Death and sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to
+the land of wide Lykia, there will his kindred and friends bury him,
+with a barrow and a pillar, for this is the due of the dead.”
+
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he
+shed bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that
+Patroklos was about to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off
+from his own country. Now when they were come near each other in onset,
+there verily did Patroklos smite the renowned Thrasymelos, the good
+squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower part of the belly, and
+loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his shining javelin,
+as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the right
+shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the
+other twain reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the
+reins were confused on them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust.
+But thereof did Automedon, the spearman renowned, find a remedy, and
+drawing his long-edged sword from his stout thigh, he leaped forth, and
+cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the pair righted themselves,
+and strained in the reins, and they met again in life-devouring war.
+
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the
+spear flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but
+he in turn arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from
+his hand, but struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating
+heart. And he fell as falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine
+tree, that on the hills the shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be
+timber for ship-building; even so before the horses and chariot he lay
+at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at the bloody dust. And as when
+a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull, tawny and high of
+heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes groaning
+beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear
+comrade: “Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it
+behove thee to be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war
+be dear to thee, if indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all
+about and urge on the heroes that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight
+for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself do battle for me with the sword.
+For to thee even in time to come shall I be shame and disgrace for
+ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine armour, fallen in
+the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur on all the
+host.”
+
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his
+nostrils, but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out
+of his flesh, and the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew
+forth together the spear point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the
+Myrmidons held there his panting steeds, eager to fly afar, since the
+chariot was reft of its lords.
+
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon,
+and his heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with
+his hand he caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the
+wound of the arrow wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall,
+Teukros had smitten him, warding off destruction from his fellows. Then
+in prayer spake Glaukos to far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art
+somewhere in the rich land of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen
+everywhere to the man that is in need, as even now need cometh upon me.
+For I have this stark wound, and mine arm is thoroughly pierced with
+sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and by the wound is my
+shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go and fight
+against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the son
+of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that
+I may call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself
+may fight about the dead man fallen.”
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he
+made his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black
+blood, and put courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him,
+and was glad, for that the great god speedily heard his prayer. First
+went he all about and urged on them that were leaders of the Lykians to
+fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter he went with long strides among
+the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and noble Agenor, and he went
+after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and standing by them
+spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly forgetful of
+the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their own
+country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended
+Lykia by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued
+beneath the spear of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be
+angry in your hearts lest the Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and
+dishonour the dead, in wrath for the sake of the Danaans, even them
+that perished, whom we slew with spears by the swift ships.”
+
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and
+not to be borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a
+stranger as he was, for many people followed with him, and himself the
+best warrior of them all. Then they made straight for the Danaans
+eagerly, and Hector led them, being wroth for Sarpedol’s sake. But the
+fierce heart of Patrokloa son of Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And
+he spake first to the twain Aiantes that themselves were right eager:
+“Aiantes, now let defence be your desire, and be such as afore ye were
+among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low who first leaped on to
+the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us strive to take
+him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his shoulders,
+and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue with
+the pitiless bronze.”
+
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both
+sides they strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons
+and Achaians, and they joined battle to fight around the dead man
+fallen; terribly they shouted, and loud rang the harness of men. And as
+the din ariseth of woodcutters in the glades of a mountain, and the
+sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din of them from the
+wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned bulls’ hides
+smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not even a
+clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And
+ever men thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around
+the full milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches
+the bowls, even so thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn
+from the strong fight his shining eyes, but ever looked down on them,
+and much in his heart he debated of the slaying of Patroklos, whether
+there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious Hector should slay him
+likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his harness from
+his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer labour
+of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive
+the Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and
+should rob many of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling
+heart, and leaping into his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on
+the rest of the Trojans to flee, for he knew the turning of the sacred
+scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the strong Lykians abide, but fled
+all in fear, when they beheld their king stricken to the heart, lying
+in the company of the dead, for many had fallen above him, when Kronion
+made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from the shoulders of
+Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son of
+Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus
+that gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go
+take Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from
+him, and thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of
+the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments
+that wax not old, and send him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the
+twin brethren Sleep and Death, that quickly will set him in the rich
+land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and clansmen give him
+burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the dead.”
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the
+hills of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly
+Sarpedon out of the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in
+the streams of the river, and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him
+in garments that wax not old, and sent him to be wafted by fleet
+convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that swiftly set him down in
+the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his horses and
+Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of
+the son of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black
+death. But ever is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now
+he roused the spirit of Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom
+last didst thou slay, Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward?
+Adrestos first, and Autonoos, and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas,
+and Epistor, and Melanippos, and thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and
+Pylartes; these he slew, but the others were each man of them fain of
+flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy,
+by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he raged with the
+spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall, with
+baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo
+force him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands.
+But when for the fourth time he came on like a god, then cried
+far-darting Apollo terribly, and spake winged words: “Give back,
+Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not beneath thy spear is it fated that
+the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall, nay nor beneath Achilles, a
+man far better than thou.”
+
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining
+his whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into
+the din and fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall.
+While thus he was thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of
+a young man and a strong, Asios, who was the mother’s brother of
+horse-taming Hector, being own brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who
+dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of Sangarios. In his guise spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector, wherefore dost thou cease from
+fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I were as much stronger than
+thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou stand aloof from war
+to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy strong-hooved horses,
+if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee glory.”
+
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But
+renowned Hector bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the
+war. Then Apollo went and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic
+among the Argives, but to the Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And
+Hector let the other Argives be, and slew none of them, but against
+Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses, and Patroklos on the
+other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a spear in his
+left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone, that
+his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did
+he shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck
+Kebriones the charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam,
+on the brow with the sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses.
+Both his brows the stone drave together, and his bone held not, but his
+eyes fell to the ground in the dust, there, in front of his feet. Then
+he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought car, and his spirit left
+his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him, knightly
+Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth! Yea, if
+perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy
+weather, so lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain.
+Verily among the Trojans too there be diving men.”
+
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that
+while wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own
+valour is his bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou
+leap furiously. But Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot
+to the ground. And these twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on
+the mountain peaks fight, both hungering, both high of heart, for a
+slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’ sake these two masters of the
+war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned Hector, were eager
+each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless bronze.
+
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while
+Patroklos on the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the
+others, Trojans and Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind
+and the South contend with one another in shaking a deep wood in the
+dells of a mountain, shaking beech, and ash, and smooth-barked cornel
+tree, that clash against each other their long boughs with marvellous
+din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans and Achaians were
+leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any thought of
+ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones, and
+winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote
+the shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust
+lay mighty and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote
+either side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of
+the loosing of oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the
+better. The hero Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the
+tumult of the Trojans, and stripped the harness from his shoulders, and
+with ill design against the Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three
+times then rushed he on, peer of swift Ares, shouting terribly, and
+thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth time he sped on like a
+god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life appear, for
+Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And Patroklos
+was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick mist
+did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And
+from his head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away
+with a din beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright
+socket, and the crests were defiled with blood and dust. And all the
+long-shadowed spear was shattered in the hands of Patroklos, the spear
+great and heavy and strong, and sharp, while from his shoulders the
+tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the ground.
+
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness
+seized his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in
+amaze, and at close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the
+back, between the shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of
+Panthoos, who excelled them of his age in casting the spear, and in
+horsemanship, and in speed of foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down
+twenty men from their chariots, though then first had he come with his
+car to learn the lesson of war. He it was that first smote a dart into
+thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee, but ran back again and
+mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the flesh his ashen
+spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he was, in
+the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades,
+avoiding Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give
+ground, being smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through
+the ranks, and wounded him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the
+belly, and drave the bronze clean through. And he fell with a crash,
+and sorely grieved the host of Achaians. And as when a lion hath
+overcome in battle an untiring boar, they twain fighting with high
+heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well, and both are
+desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar that
+draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector
+son of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios,
+smiting him at close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he
+spake winged words: “Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst
+sack my town, and from Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and
+bring them in ships to thine own dear country: fool! nay, in front of
+these were the swift horses of Hector straining their speed for the
+fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel among the war-loving
+Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but thee shall
+vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his valour,
+availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about
+his breast;’ so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of
+thee in thy witlessness.”
+
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given
+the victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my
+harness from my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered
+me, here had they all perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have
+ruinous Fate and the son of Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou
+art the third in my slaying. But another thing will I tell thee, and do
+thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou thyself art not long to live,
+but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and strong Fate, that thou
+art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the seed of
+Aiakos.”
+
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul,
+fleeting from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its
+own doom, leaving manhood and youth.
+
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but
+that Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten
+by my spear, and lose his life?”
+
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his
+foot on the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And
+straightway with the spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire
+of the swift-footed Aiakides, for he was eager to smite him; but his
+swift-footed immortal horses bare him out of the battle, horses that
+the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVII.
+
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+
+
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying
+of Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front
+of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as
+above a first-born calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above
+Patroklos strode fair-haired Menelaos, and before him held his spear
+and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoever should encounter
+him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout ashen spear not heedless of
+noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the circle of the shield of
+Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the point was bent
+back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in his turn made
+at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and as he
+gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender
+neck went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his
+armour rang upon him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto
+the hair of the Graces, and his tresses closely knit with bands of
+silver and gold.
+
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a
+man, of Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged
+words: “Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even
+the horses of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by
+mortal man, save only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile
+hath warlike Menelaos Atreus’ son stridden over Patroklos and slain the
+best of the Trojans there, even Panthoos’ son Euphorbos, and hath
+stayed him in his impetuous might.”
+
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief
+darkened Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the
+lines, and straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble
+arms, and the other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the
+gaping wound. Then he went through the front of the fight harnessed in
+flashing bronze, crying a shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame
+unquenchable. Not deaf to his shrill cry was Atreus’ son, and sore
+troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I shall leave behind
+me these goodly arms, and Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance’
+sake, I fear lest some Danaan beholding it be wroth against me. But if
+for honour’s sake I do battle alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear
+lest they come about me many against one; for all the Trojans is
+bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might somewhere find Aias
+of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be mindful of
+battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might save
+his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son: that were best among these ills.”
+
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan
+ranks came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave
+backward, and left the dead man, turning himself ever about like a
+deep-waned lion which men and dogs chase from a fold with spears and
+cries; and his strong heart within him groweth chill, and loth goeth he
+from the steading; so from Patroklos went fair-haired Menelaos, and
+turned and stood, when he came to the host of his comrades, searching
+for mighty Aias Telamol’s son. Him very speedily he espied on the left
+of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them to fight,
+for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him to
+run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at
+least we may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of
+the glancing helm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up
+through the front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now
+Hector, when he had stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was
+dragging him thence that he might cut off the head from the shoulders
+with the keen bronze and carry his body to give to the dogs of Troy.
+But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was as a tower; then
+Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang into his
+chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over
+the son of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when
+huntsmen in a forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his
+side stood Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in
+his breast.
+
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and
+bethink you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of
+noble Achilles that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the
+strife of war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook
+his comrades, not yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’
+glorious arms. And standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed
+his armour; his own he gave the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred
+Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector
+arming him in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and
+spake thus unto his soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart
+of death that yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine
+armour of a peerless man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade,
+gentle and brave, thou hast slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the
+armour from his head and shoulders; yet now for a while at least I will
+give into thy hands great might, in recompense for this, even that
+nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for Andromache to
+receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread
+war-god entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour
+and strength. Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry,
+and in the flashing of his armour he seemed to all of them like unto
+Peleus’ great-hearted son. And he came to each and encouraged him with
+his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and Medon and Thersilochos and
+Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys and Chromios and
+the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged words:
+“Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It was
+not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of
+you from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’
+wives and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end
+am I wearying my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing
+thereby the courage of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight
+against the foe and live or die, for such is the dalliance of war. And
+whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead though he be, among the horse-taming
+men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him will I award half the spoils
+and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great as mine.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their
+weight, levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to
+drag the corpse from under Aias, Telamol’s son. Fond men! from full
+many reft he life over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of
+the loud war-cry: “Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I
+that we two of ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I
+so much dread for the corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the
+dogs and birds of the men of Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some
+evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded by a storm-cloud of war, even by
+Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face. But come, call thou to the
+best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not,
+but shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye
+leaders and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of
+Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all
+commanders of the host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard
+is it for me to distinguish each chief amid the press—such blaze is
+there of the strife of war. But let each go forward of himself and be
+wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a sport among the dogs of
+Troy.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of
+all that after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them.
+And as when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave
+roareth against the stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the
+salt sea belloweth on the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the
+Trojans came. But the Achaians stood firm around Menoitios’ son with
+one soul all, walled in with shields of bronze. And over their bright
+helmets the son of Kronos shed thick darkness, for in the former time
+was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him, while he was yet alive and
+squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should become a prey of
+the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to do battle
+for him.
+
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who
+shrank before them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not
+any of them with spears, though they were fain, but set to hale the
+corpse. But little while would the Achaians hold back therefrom, for
+very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the first in presence and in deeds
+of all the Danaans after the noble son of Peleus. Right through the
+fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar in his might that
+in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly dogs and
+lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamol’s son the
+glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them,
+as they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their
+city and win renown.
+
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have
+been driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the
+Argives would have won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by
+their power and might. But Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on
+the semblance of Periphas the herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old
+with his old father in his heraldship, of friendly thought toward
+Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, how
+could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the will of God?
+Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead.
+But here, albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the
+Danaans, yet ye are dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon
+his face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other
+leaders of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our
+weakness overcome we were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear
+to Ares. Nay, thus saith a god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest
+Orderer, is our helper in this fight. Therefore let us go right onward
+against the Danaans. Not easily at least let them take the dead
+Patroklos to the ships.”
+
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front.
+And the Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove
+they as it had been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still
+sun or moon, for over all the battle where the chiefs stood around the
+slain son of Menoitios they were shrouded in darkness, while the other
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians fought at ease in the clear air, and
+piercing sunlight was spread over them, and on all the earth and hills
+there was no cloud seen; and they ceased fighting now sad again,
+avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing far apart. But they
+who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness and the
+battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and
+unabatingly ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and
+feet of each man and arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle
+around the brave squire of fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the
+hide of a great bull to his folk to stretch, all soaked in fat, and
+they take and stretch it standing in a circle, and straightway the
+moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in under the haling of
+many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they on both sides
+haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their hearts
+were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild,
+nor might Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof,
+albeit their anger were exceeding great.
+
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that
+Zeus on that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of
+Patroklos’ death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting
+beneath the wall of the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his
+heart that he was dead, but that he should come back alive, after that
+he had touched the gates; for neither that other thought had he
+anywise, that Patroklos should sack the stronghold without his aid.
+
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears
+made onset relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one
+speak among the mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not
+glorious for us to go back to the hollow ships; rather let the black
+earth yawn for us all beneath our feet. Far better were that
+straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming Trojans to hale this
+man to their city and win renown.”
+
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on,
+and the iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen
+heaven. But the horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were
+weeping, since first they were aware that their charioteer was fallen
+in the dust beneath the hand of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon,
+Diores’ valiant son, plied them oft with blows of the swift lash, and
+oft with gentle words he spake to them and oft with chiding, yet would
+they neither go back to the ships at the broad Hellespont nor yet to
+the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth firm that
+standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot
+tears flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow
+for their charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped
+from beneath the yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when
+the son of Kronos beheld them mourning he had compassion on them, and
+shook his head and spake to his own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave
+we you to king Peleus, a mortal man, while ye are deathless and ever
+young? Was it that ye should suffer sorrows among ill-fated men? For
+methinketh there is nothing more piteous than a man among all things
+that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector Priam’s son
+shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I not
+suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth
+himself vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and
+heart that ye may bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the
+hollow ships. For yet further will I increase victory to the men of
+Troy, so that they slay until they come unto the well-timbered ships,
+and the sun set and divine night come down.”
+
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to
+earth the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid
+Trojans and Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief
+for his comrade, swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese;
+for lightly he would flee out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly
+charge, pursuing them through the thick mellay. Yet could he not slay
+any man as he halted to pursue them, for it was impossible that being
+alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them with the spear
+and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade, even
+Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car
+and spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou
+art fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy
+comrade even now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his
+own shoulders the armour of Aiakides.”
+
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what
+other Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds,
+save only Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but
+now have death and fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and
+shining reins, and I will get me down from my horses, that I may
+fight.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly
+took the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And
+noble Hector espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he
+stood near: “Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the
+two horses of fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble
+charioteers. Therefore might I hope to take them if thou in thy heart
+art willing, since they would not abide our onset and stand to do
+battle against us.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And
+they twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides
+dried and tough, and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both
+Chromios and godlike Aretos, and their hearts were of high hope to slay
+the men and drive off the strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not
+without blood lost were they to get them back from Automedon. He
+praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost heart with valour and
+strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his faithful comrade:
+“Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with their very breath
+upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will not refrain
+him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of goodly
+manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.”
+
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes,
+leaders of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto
+whoso may best avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and
+come ye to ward the day of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in
+the dolorous war are Hector and Aineias, the best men of the Trojans,
+pressing hard. Yet verily these issues lie in the lap of the gods: I
+too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus decide.”
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on
+the circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the
+spear, but right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his
+belly low down through his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp
+axe smiting behind the horns of an ox of the homestead cleaveth the
+sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward and falleth, so leapt Aretos
+forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his entrails very
+piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at Automedon
+with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze javelin
+as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered,
+and there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at
+each other with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted
+them in their fury, when they were come through the mellay at their
+comrades’ call. Before them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios
+shrank backward and gave ground and left Aretos wounded to the death as
+he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift Ares, stripped off the armour of
+the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily, I have a little eased my heart
+of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son, albeit a worse man than him
+have I slain.”
+
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat
+him thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath
+devoured a bull.
+
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the
+Trojans their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias
+son of Telamon: “Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool,
+know that father Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us
+ourselves devise some excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse
+away and ourselves return home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as
+they look hitherward and deem that no longer shall the fury of
+man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand refrain itself, but fall upon
+the black ships. And would there were some comrade to carry tidings
+with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem that he hath not
+even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is slain. But
+nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves and
+their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver
+thou the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and
+vouchsafe sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us,
+since it is thy good pleasure that we die.”
+
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle
+which men say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though
+he be far aloft the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching
+beneath a leafy bush, but the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly
+seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in that hour, Menelaos fosterling
+of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither through the multitude of
+the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold Nestor’s son yet
+alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole battle,
+heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had
+never been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that
+God rolleth mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory.
+And slain is the best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow
+is wrought for the Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians
+and quickly tell this to Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue
+to his ship the naked corpse: but his armour is held by Hector of the
+glancing helmet.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long
+time speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears,
+and his full voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the
+bidding of Menelaos, but set him to run, when he had given his armour
+to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who close anigh him was wheeling his
+whole-hooved horses.
+
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of
+Peleus carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of
+Zeus, chose not to stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom
+Antilochos departed, and great sorrow was among the Pylians. But to
+them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and himself went again to
+bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood beside the Aiantes
+and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that man to the swift
+ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he will now
+come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we
+ourselves may escape death and fate amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+
+Then answered him great Aias Telamol’s son, saying: “All this hast thou
+said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the
+fray, while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and
+noble Hector, one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we
+are wont to await fierce battle side by side.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and
+lifted him mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud
+when they saw the Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds
+that spring in front of hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for
+a while run in haste to rend him, but when he wheeleth round among
+them, trusting in his might, then they give ground and shrink back here
+and there. Thus for a while the Trojans pressed on with all their
+power, striking with swords and double-headed spears, but when the
+Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they changed
+colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVIII.
+
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new
+armour of Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+
+
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles
+came Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of
+his ships of upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even
+now were accomplished. And sore troubled he spake to his great heart:
+“Ay me, wherefore again are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the
+ships and flying in rout over the plain? May the gods not have wrought
+against me the grievous fears at my heart, even as my mother revealed
+and told me that while I am yet alive the best man of the Myrmidons
+must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of the sun. Surely
+now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely I bade him
+when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to the
+ships nor with Hector fight amain.”
+
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto
+him noble Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous
+tidings: “Ay me, wise Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear,
+such as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are
+fighting around his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of
+the glancing helm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with
+both hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled
+his comely face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And
+himself in the dust lay mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own
+hands tore and marred his hair. And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and
+Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in the grief of their hearts, and
+ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat on their breasts with
+their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung. And
+Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should
+cleave his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and
+his lady mother heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside
+her ancient sire. And thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses
+flocked around her, all the daughters of Nereus that were in the deep
+of the sea. With these the bright cave was filled, and they all beat
+together on their breasts, and Thetis led the lament: “Listen, sister
+Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what sorrows are in my heart.
+Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first of men! For after
+I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and he shot up
+like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the
+men of Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to
+the house of Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth
+the light of the sun, he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit
+though I go unto him. But I will go, that I may look upon my dear
+child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him though he abide aloof
+from the war.”
+
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping,
+and around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came
+to deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where
+the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles.
+And as he groaned heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a
+shrill cry clasped the bead of her child, and spake unto him winged
+words of lamentation: “My child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath
+come to thy heart? Tell it forth, hide it not. One thing at least hath
+been accomplished of Zeus according to the prayer thou madest, holding
+up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians should all be pent
+in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer hateful
+things.”
+
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My
+mother, that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But
+what delight have I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos,
+whom I honoured above all my comrades as it were my very self! Him have
+I lost, and Hector that slew him hath stripped from him the armour
+great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the gods gave to Peleus a
+splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed of a mortal
+man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the sea,
+and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou
+welcome him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor
+abide among men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield
+his life, and pay for his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween,
+must thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after
+Hector is death appointed unto thee.”
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath
+fallen afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now
+therefore, since I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at
+all been succour to Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have
+been slain by noble Hector, but I sit beside my ships a profitless
+burden of the earth, I that in war am such an one as is none else of
+the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are others better—may strife
+perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that stirreth even a wise
+man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling honey waxeth
+like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now against
+Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that
+I may light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I
+accept my death whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other
+immortal gods. For not even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit
+most dear to Kronian Zeus the king, but Fate overcame him and Hera’s
+cruel wrath. So also shall I, if my fate hath been fashioned likewise,
+lie low when I am dead. But now let me win high renown, let me set some
+Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of Dardanos, staunching with
+both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and wailing bitterly; yea,
+let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long from the war.
+Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.”
+
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea
+verily, my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction
+from thy comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of
+bronze is held among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth
+it on his shoulders in triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he
+glory therein, for death is hard anigh him. But thou, go not yet down
+into the mellay of war until thou see me with thine eyes come hither.
+In the morning will I return, at the coming up of the sun, bearing fair
+armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she
+spake among her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide
+bosom of the deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s
+house, and tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of
+noble skill, if haply he will give unto my son noble armour shining
+gloriously.”
+
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the
+sea. And the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she
+might bring noble armour to her son.
+
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries
+were fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and
+to the Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse
+of Patroklos Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook
+him the host and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might
+as it were a flame of fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from
+behind by the feet, resolved to drag him away, and mightily called upon
+the men of Troy. Thrice did the two Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous
+might, beat him off from the dead man, but he nathless, trusting in his
+might, anon would charge into the press, anon would stand and cry
+aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds in the field
+avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of
+Priam from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained
+renown unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from
+Olympus with a message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of
+Zeus and the other gods, for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and
+spake to him winged words: “Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most
+redoubtable! Succour Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot
+before the ships. There slay they one another, these guarding the dead
+corpse, while the men of Troy are fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios,
+and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to drag him, and his heart biddeth
+him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when he hath sundered it
+from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let awe enter thy
+heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy. Thine
+were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.”
+
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?”
+
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent
+me, the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos
+nor any other of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their
+dwelling-place.”
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I
+go into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me
+forbear to array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she
+promised to bring fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none
+whose noble armour I might put on, save it were the shield of Aias
+Telamol’s son. But himself, I ween, is in the forefront of the press,
+dealing death with his spear around Patroklos dead.”
+
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also
+aware that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the
+trench as thou art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they
+will shrink back and refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of
+the Achaians take breath.”
+
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to
+Zeus arose, and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled
+aegis, and around his head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden
+cloud, and kindled therefrom a blazing flame. And as when a smoke
+issueth from a city and riseth up into the upper air, from an island
+afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from their city fight
+all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun blaze out
+the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to
+help in need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward
+the heavens. And he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench,
+yet mingled not among the Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of
+his mother. There stood he and shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas
+Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror unspeakable among the men
+of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it soundeth by reason of
+slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang forth the
+voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes
+were fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in
+their hearts, And the charioteers were amazed when they saw the
+unwearying fire blaze fierce on the head of the great-hearted son of
+Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene made it blaze. Thrice from
+over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and thrice were the
+men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and then
+perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and
+spears. But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and
+laid him on a litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him;
+and among them followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for
+his true comrade he saw lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze.
+Him sent he forth with chariot and horses unto the battle, but home
+again welcomed never more.
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone
+unwillingly unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble
+Achaians made pause from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And
+first of them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying
+upon the breast of his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very
+sore, even as a deep-bearded lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath
+snatched away out of a deep wood; and the lion coming afterward
+grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the track of the
+footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most bitter
+anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when
+I cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring
+back to Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share
+of spoil that should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth
+Zeus accomplish for them. It is appointed that both of us redden the
+same earth with our blood here in Troy-land, for neither shall the old
+knight Peleus welcome me back home within his halls, nor my mother
+Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on me. Yet now, O
+Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy funeral
+till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of
+twelve noble sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain.
+Till then beside the beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and
+around thee deep-bosomed women, Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee
+weeping night and day, even they whom we toiled to win by our strength
+and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities of mortal men.”
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on
+the fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody
+gore. So they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured
+therein water and took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire
+wrapped the belly of the tripod, and the water grew hot. And when the
+water boiled in the bright bronze, then washed they him and anointed
+with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh ointment, and laid him
+on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to foot, and
+thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles
+fleet of foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired
+Achaians be.”
+
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is
+to accomplish what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath
+not wisdom as we. How then was I who avow me the first of goddesses
+both by birth and for that I am called thy wife, and thou art king
+among all Immortals—how was I not in mine anger to devise evil against
+the men of Troy?”
+
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver
+feet came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far
+seen among the dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by
+the crook-footed god himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy
+about his bellows, for he was forging tripods twenty in all to stand
+around the wall of his stablished hall, and beneath the base of each he
+had set golden wheels, that of their own motion they might enter the
+assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a marvel to look
+upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from the
+fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver
+chest; and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck
+and shaggy breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and
+went forth limping; but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to
+help their lord, the semblances of living maids. In them is
+understanding at their hearts, in them are voice and strength, and they
+have skill of the immortal gods. These moved beneath their lord, and he
+gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set him on a bright
+seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by her name:
+“Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house, honoured that
+thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak what thou
+hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many
+grievous sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid
+upon me above all others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea
+to enthrall me to a man, even Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I
+endured wedlock sore against my will. Now lieth he in his halls
+forspent with grievous age, but other griefs are mine. A son he gave me
+to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a young
+branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him and sent him
+forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy, but
+never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of
+the sun, he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto
+him. The maiden whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his
+prize, her hath the lord Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In
+grief for her wasted he his heart, while the men of Troy were driving
+the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered them to come forth. And the
+elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over many noble gifts.
+Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them, he put
+his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had
+sacked the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought
+much harm, Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave
+glory unto Hector. Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if
+haply thou be willing to give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and
+goodly greaves fitted with ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour
+that he had erst, his trusty comrade lost when he fell beneath the men
+of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with anguish in his soul.”
+
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I
+avail to hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon
+him, as surely shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men
+afterward shall marvel at, whatsoever may behold.”
+
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them
+upon the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew
+on the crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his
+labour and now anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on.
+And he threw bronze that weareth not into the fire, and tin and
+precious gold and silver, and next he set on an anvil-stand a great
+anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and in the other he took
+the tongs.
+
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and
+set thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a
+silver baldric. Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein
+fashioned he much cunning work from his wise heart.
+
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the
+unwearying sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every
+one wherewith the heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Oriol’s
+might, and the Bear that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in
+her place and watcheth Orion, and alone hath no part in the baths of
+Ocean.
+
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one
+were espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches
+they were leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and
+loud arose the bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance,
+and among them flutes and viols sounded high; and women standing each
+at her door were marvelling. But the folk were gathered in the assembly
+place; for there a strife was arisen, two men striving about the
+blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed to pay full atonement,
+expounding to the people, but the other denied him and would take
+naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on
+polished stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their
+hands staves from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they
+rose up and gave judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two
+talents of gold, to be given unto him who should plead among them most
+righteously.
+
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering
+arms. And two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town
+or to share all with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair
+city held within. But the besieged were not yet yielding, but arming
+for an ambushment. On the wall there stood to guard it their dear wives
+and infant children, and with these the old men; but the rest went
+forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene, both wrought in
+gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great were
+they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at
+their feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to
+them to lay ambush, in a river bed where there was a common
+watering-place of herds, there they set them, clad in glittering
+bronze. And two scouts were posted by them afar off to spy the coming
+of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And presently came the
+cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that took no
+thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white
+sheep, and slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat
+before the speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much
+din among the oxen, mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping
+horses, and came up with speed. Then they arrayed their battle and
+fought beside the river banks, and smote one another with bronze-shod
+spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and fell Death,
+grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment
+on her shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals
+they hurled together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the
+other’s slain.
+
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich
+tilth and wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein
+drave their yokes to and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they
+came to the boundary of the field and turned, then would a man come to
+each and give into his hands a goblet of sweet wine, while others would
+be turning back along the furrows, fain to reach the boundary of the
+deep tilth. And the field grew black behind and seemed as it were
+a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great marvel of the work.
+
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were
+reaping with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the
+swathe were falling in rows to the earth, whilst others the
+sheaf-binders were binding in twisted bands of straw. Three
+sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys gathering corn and
+bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders; and among
+them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making
+ready a feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the
+women were strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters,
+wrought fair in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung
+throughout on silver poles. And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and
+round that a fence of tin; and one single pathway led to it, whereby
+the vintagers might go when they should gather the vintage. And maidens
+and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet fruit in plaited
+baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on a
+clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a
+lament for departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with
+feet falling together kept time with the music and song.
+
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine
+were fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the
+byre to pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And
+herdsmen of gold were following with the kine, four of them, and nine
+dogs fleet of foot came after them. But two terrible lions among the
+foremost kine had seized a loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as
+they haled him, and the dogs and the young men sped after him. The
+lions rending the great bull’s hide were devouring his vitals and his
+black blood; while the herdsmen in vain tarred on their fleet dogs to
+set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but stood hard by and
+barked and swerved away.
+
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a
+great pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and
+folds.
+
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that
+which once in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely
+tresses. There were youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their
+hands upon one another’s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the
+youths well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths
+had the maidens, and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver
+baldrics. And now would they run round with deft feet exceeding
+lightly, as when a potter sitting by his wheel that fitteth between his
+hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now anon they would run in
+lines to meet each other. And a great company stood round the lovely
+dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the measure, two
+tumblers whirled.
+
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the
+uttermost rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he
+him a corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a
+massive helmet to fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a
+crest of gold, and he wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and
+laid it before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang
+down from snowy Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIX.
+
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the
+Achaians, and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+
+
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring
+light to gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift
+from the god. Her dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and
+uttering loud lament; and round him many of his company made moan. And
+the bright goddess stood beside him in their midst, and clasped her
+hand in his and spake and called upon his name: “My child, him who
+lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by the will of gods
+from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from Hephaistos
+arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders yet
+hath borne.”
+
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they
+rang all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor
+dared any to gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when
+Achilles looked thereon, then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes
+blazed terribly forth as it were a flame beneath their lids: glad was
+he as he held in his hands that splendid gift of a god. But when he had
+satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the arms, straightway to
+his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the arms the god has
+given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals should be,
+and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm me
+in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios’ valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.”
+
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel
+tribes of flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he
+lie till a whole year’s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound
+continually, or better even than now. But call thou the Achaian
+warriors to the place of assembly, and unsay thy wrath against
+Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly for battle, and
+clothe thee with thy strength.”
+
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos
+she shed ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh
+might abide the same continually.
+
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible
+cry, and roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to
+abide in the circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept
+the steerage of the ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food,
+even these came then to the place of assembly, because Achilles was
+come forth, after long ceasing from grievous war. Limping came two of
+Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each
+leaning on his spear, for their wounds were grievous still; and they
+went and sate them down in the forefront of the assembly. And last came
+Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him, for him too in the
+stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with his bronze-tipped
+spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was
+this in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with
+grief at our hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the
+sake of a girl? Would that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the
+ships, on the day whereon I took her to me, when I had spoiled
+Lyrnessos; so should not then so many Achaians have bitten the wide
+earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by reason of my exceeding wrath. It
+hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but the Achaians I think
+shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and me. But
+bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight
+the flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of
+Troy and put them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard
+by the ships. Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their
+knees when they are fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from
+before our spear.”
+
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted
+son of Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake
+Agamemnon king of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen
+to stand forth in their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of
+Ares’ company, seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak,
+nor behoveth it to break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man
+that were hard. For amid the uproar of many men how should one listen,
+or yet speak? even the clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of
+Peleus I will declare myself, but ye other Argives give heed, and each
+mark well my word. Oft have the Achaians spoken thus to me, and
+upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause, but Zeus and Destiny
+and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my soul fierce
+madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles of
+his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest
+daughter of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are
+her feet, for not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads
+of men, making men fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus
+was blinded upon a time, he who they say is greatest among gods and
+men; yet even him Hera with a female wile deceived, on the day when
+Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring forth the strength of
+Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods: ‘Here me ye
+all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my soul
+within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing
+women, bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell
+round about, among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.’ And
+to him in subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the cheat and
+not accomplish thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that
+verily and indeed shall that man be lord over all that dwell round
+about, who this day shall fall between a womal’s feet, even he among
+all men who are of the lineage of thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no
+wise perceived her subtlety but sware a mighty oath, and therewith was
+he sore blinded. For Hera darted from Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to
+Achaian Argus, were she knew was the stately wife of Sthenelos son of
+Perseus, who was also great with child, and her seventh month had come.
+Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale of months was
+untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the Eileithuiai from
+her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to Kronos’ son Zeus
+she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a word will I speak to
+thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall rule among the
+Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of thy
+lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said, but
+sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he
+seized Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and
+sware a mighty oath that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven
+should Ate come, who blindeth all alike. He said, and whirling her in
+his hand flung her from the starry heaven, and quickly came she down
+among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned against her when he beheld
+his beloved son in cruel travail at Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what
+time great Hector of the glancing helm was slaying Argives at the
+sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of Ate, who blinded me at
+the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft me of my wit,
+fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong. Only
+arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I
+ready to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise
+in thy hut. So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle,
+and squires shall take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee,
+that thou mayest see that what I give sufficeth thee.”
+
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if
+so thou wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink
+us of battle with all speed; this is no time to dally here with
+subtleties, for a great work is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be
+seen in the forefront of the battle, laying waste with his brazen spear
+the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof let each of you think as he
+fighteth with his man.”
+
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of
+Achaians fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell
+shall the battle be, when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall
+breathe valour into both. But bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships
+food and wine; for thence is vigour and might. For no man fasting from
+food shall be able to fight with the foe all day till the going down of
+the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle yet his limbs
+unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his knees
+in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer
+within him, nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle.
+So come, disperse the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the
+gifts let Agamemnon king of men bring forth into the midst of the
+assembly, that all Achaians may behold them with their eyes, and thou
+be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an oath, standing in the
+midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the damsel’s bed
+or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with woman]; and let
+thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him make thee
+a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt
+be more righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a
+king should make amends if he have been the first to deal violently.”
+
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the
+oath I am willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I
+forswear myself before God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for
+battle though he be, and all ye others abide together, until the gifts
+come forth from my hut, and we make faithful oath with sacrifice. But
+thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose thee young men, princes of
+the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship, even all that we
+promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women. And let
+Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better
+ye should be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war,
+and the spirit within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie
+mangled on the field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus
+gave him glory—and ye call men to their food. Verily for my part I
+would bid the sons of the Achaians to fight now unfed and fasting, and
+with the setting sun make ready a mighty meal, when we shall have
+avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least nor food nor drink
+shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying mangled by
+the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters,
+but of slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’ son,
+mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou
+than I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since
+I was born first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure
+to listen to my speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that
+wherein the sword streweth most straw yet is the harvest scantiest,
+[i.e., in a pitched battle there is little plunder, the hope of which
+might help to sustain mel’s efforts in storming a town] when Zeus
+inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars of men. But it
+cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for exceeding many
+and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest from
+toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts,
+when once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from
+hateful war must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against
+our foes we may fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze.
+Then let none of the host hold back awaiting other summons; this is the
+summons, and ill shall it be for whoso is left behind at the Argive
+ships; but all together as one we will rouse against the horse-taming
+Trojans the fury of war.”
+
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of
+Phyleus, and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and
+Melanippos. And they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’
+son. Forthwith as the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven
+tripods they bare from the hut, as he promised him, and twenty bright
+caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon they led forth women skilled in
+goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was fair-faced Briseis. Then
+Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all, led the way, and
+with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they set in
+the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a
+god’s, and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing
+with his hands his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of
+his sword, cut off the first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his
+hands he prayed to Zeus, and all the Argives sat silent in their
+places, duly hearkening to the king. And he prayed aloud, looking up to
+the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness, highest and best of the
+gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth take vengeance
+upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid hand
+on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but
+she has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be
+false, may the gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him
+who sinneth against them in his oath.”
+
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the
+body Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea,
+to be the food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst
+of the warrior Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily
+to men. Never could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my
+breast, nor led off the damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus
+willed that on many of the Achaians death should come. But now go forth
+to your meal, that we may join battle thereupon.”
+
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up
+the gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid
+them in the huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the
+horses among their troop.
+
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld
+Patroklos mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill
+lament, and tore with her hands her breast and tender neck, and
+beautiful face. And she spake amid her weeping, that woman like unto
+goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my hapless heart, alive I left thee
+when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the people, I am come back
+to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my lot. My husband,
+unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before our city
+mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when
+swift Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest
+ever that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me
+godlike Achilles’ wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships
+to Phthia and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore
+with all my soul I mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.”
+
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the
+elders of the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied
+them with a groan: “I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me,
+bid me not sate my heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is
+come upon me. Till the sun go down I will abide, and endure continually
+until then.”
+
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons
+of Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and
+Phoinox, ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he
+could no whit be soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war.
+And bethinking him he sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O
+hapless, dearest of my friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set
+forth in out hut with ready speed a savoury meal, what time the
+Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming Trojans dolorous war.
+But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of meat and drink,
+that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this could I
+endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I ween
+in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that
+in an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of
+Troy; nor though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros
+(if still at least is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my
+soul within me trusted that I alone should perish far from
+horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land, but that thou shouldest
+return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the child in thy swift
+black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance and
+servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must
+be dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of
+waiting ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them
+what each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them
+sorrowing he pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged
+words: “My child, thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart.
+Hath Achilles then no longer a place within thy thought? He before the
+steep-prowed ships sits mourning his dear comrade; the rest are gone to
+their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But go, distil into his breast
+nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of hunger come on him.”
+
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a
+falcon wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven
+through the upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently
+throughout the camp, she in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and
+pleasant ambrosia, that grievous hunger might not assail his knees, and
+then herself was gone to the firm house of her mighty father. Then the
+Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As when thick snowflakes
+flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas born in the
+upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And
+the sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in
+the flash of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the
+men, and in the midst of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth
+gnashed together, and his eyes blazed as it were the flame of a fire,
+for into his heart was intolerable anguish entered in. Thus wroth
+against the men of Troy he put on the gift of the god, which Hephaistos
+wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the fair greaves
+fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass about
+his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and
+its brightness shone afar off as the mool’s. Or as when over the sea
+there appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it
+burneth on high among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors
+whom storm-blasts bear unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar
+from them they love:— so from Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the
+brightness thereof shot up toward heaven. And he lifted the stout
+helmet and set it on his head, and like a star it shone, the horse-hair
+crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold that Hephaistos had
+set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him in his armour
+to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious limbs ran
+free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the shepherd
+of hosts.
+
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great
+and strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but
+Achilles alone awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron
+gave to his father dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of
+warriors. And Automedon and Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and
+put on them fair breast-straps, and bits within their jaws, and
+stretched the reins behind to the firm-built chariot. Then Automedon
+took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up behind the
+horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his armour
+like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort
+take heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when
+we have done with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie
+there dead.”
+
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from
+beneath the yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell
+from the yoke-cushion beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the
+white-armed goddess Hera gave him speech: “Yea verily for this hour,
+dread Achilles, we will still bear thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh
+at hand, neither shall we be cause thereof, but a mighty god, and
+forceful Fate. For not through sloth or heedlessness of ours did the
+men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip his arms, but the best of
+the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in the forefront of
+the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind of Zephyr,
+swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore
+troubled did fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why
+prophesiest thou my death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of
+myself that it is appointed me to perish here, far from my father dear
+and mother; howbeit anywise I will not refrain till I give the Trojans
+surfeit of war.”
+
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved
+steeds.
+
+
+
+BOOK XX.
+
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+
+
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the
+Achaians armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high
+ground of the plain.
+
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus.
+There was no River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all
+that haunt fair thickets and springs of rivers and grassy
+water-meadows. And they came to the house of Zeus who gathereth the
+clouds, and sat them down in the polished colonnades which Hephaistos
+in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father Zeus.
+
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker
+heedless of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the
+rest, and set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of
+Zeus: “Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the
+gods again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the
+Trojans and Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are
+kindled very nigh.”
+
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest,
+O Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you
+hither; even in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I
+will abide here, sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden
+my heart with gazing; but go all ye forth that ye come among the
+Trojans and Achaians and succour these or those, howsoever each of you
+hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall fight against the Trojans, not
+even a little while shall they hold back the son of Peleus, the fleet
+of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they looked upon
+him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible I
+fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this
+side and on that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the
+ships went Hera, and Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and
+the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent in subtle thoughts; and with these went
+Hephaistos in the greatness of his strength, halting, but his shrunk
+legs moved nimbly under him: but to the Trojans went Ares of the
+glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn hair, and archer
+Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the
+Achaians glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his
+long ceasing from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were
+smitten with sore trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in
+terror when they beheld the son of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in
+his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But when among the mellay of men
+the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her might Strife, rouser
+of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by the hollowed
+trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness
+of the storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling
+clear, or again along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst
+into fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from
+heaven above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and
+the steep mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained
+Ida, and all her crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of
+the Achaians. And the Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in
+hell, and leapt from his throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest
+the world be cloven above him by Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his
+dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and immortals—grim halls, and
+vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose of that battle of
+gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged
+arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer
+Artemis, sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper
+Hermes, and against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods
+call Xanthos and men Skamandros.
+
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all
+to meet Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood
+chiefliest his spirit bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But
+straightway Apollo, rouser of hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the
+son of Peleus, and filled him with brave spirit: and he made his own
+voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in his semblance spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans, where now are thy
+threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over thy wine,
+saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles, Peleus’ son?”
+
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou
+me thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain
+thereto? Not for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles,
+fleet of foot; once before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he
+harried our kine and wasted Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered
+me out of his hand and put strength into my knees that they were swift.
+Else had I fallen beneath the hands of Achilles, and of Athene who went
+before and gave him light, and urged him to slay Leleges and Trojans
+with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible for man to face
+Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to ward off
+death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair
+field of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast
+him made of bronze throughout.”
+
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou
+too to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of
+Aphrodite daughter of Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree
+among the gods. For thy mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient
+One of the Sea. Come, bear up thy unwearying spear against him, let him
+no wise turn thee back with revilings and bitter words.”
+
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he
+went onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in
+flashing bronze. But white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’
+son as he went through the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and
+gathering the gods about her she spake among them thus: “Consider ye
+twain, Poseidon and Athene, within your hearts, what shall come of
+these things that are done. Here is Aineias gone forth harnessed in
+flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and it is Phoebus Apollo
+that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back straightway;
+or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give him
+mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old
+ward war and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from
+Olympus are come down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt
+among the Trojans on this day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever
+things Fate span for him with her thread, at his beginning, when his
+mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this from voice divine, then
+shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him in the battle;
+for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to
+match gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place
+apart and seat us there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only
+if Ares or Phoebus Apollo fall to fighting, or put constraint upon
+Achilles and hinder him from fight, then straightway among us too shall
+go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon, methinks, shall they hie
+them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the company of the
+gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and
+Pallas Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him,
+what time he should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There
+sate them down Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders
+with impenetrable cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the
+brows of Kallikolon around thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of
+cities. Thus they on either side sat devising counsels, but shrank all
+from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from his high seat commanded
+them.
+
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze
+with bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed
+together in the fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in
+the midst between the hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son,
+and noble Achilles. First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his
+strong helm; his rapid shield he held before his breast, and brandished
+his bronze spear. And on the other side the son of Peleus rushed to
+meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men desire to slay, a whole
+tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding, but when some
+warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth himself
+open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either
+side his ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring
+is borne straight on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay
+some man of them, or whether himself shall perish in the forefront of
+the throng: thus was Achilles driven of his passion and valiant spirit
+to go forth to meet Aineias great of heart. And when they were come
+near against each other, then first to Aineias spake fleet-footed noble
+Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far come forward from the
+crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight with me in
+hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the horse-taming
+Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken
+mind. Or have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice
+than all the rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest
+dwell therein, if thou slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying
+hard; for once before, I ween, have I made thee flee before my spear.
+Host thou forgotten the day when thou wert alone with the kine, and I
+made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s steeps in haste?—then didst thou
+not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence fleddest thou to Lernessos,
+but I wasted it, having fought against it with the help of Athene and
+of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving them of their
+day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not this
+time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against
+me, while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not
+with words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how
+to speak taunts and unjust speech. We know each other’s race and
+lineage in that we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but
+never hast thou set eyes on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say,
+art son of nobie Peleus, and of Thetis of the fair tresses, the
+daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is Anchises great of heart, and
+my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or the other mourn
+their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we two
+satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt,
+learn also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full
+many men: First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he
+stablished Dardania, for not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to
+be a city of mortal men, but still they dwelt on slopes of
+many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son, king Erichthonios, who
+became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had he that pastured
+along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of them was
+Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned horse
+he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost
+ripened ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the
+broad backs of the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers
+of the hoary brine. Then Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the
+Trojans, and to Tros three noble sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and
+godlike Ganymedes, who became the most beautiful of mortal men. Him the
+gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for sake of his beauty, that he
+might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat a son, noble
+Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and Klytios
+and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will,
+for he is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer
+like children, standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in
+plenty for both of us to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not
+suffice for the load of them. Glib is the tongue of man, and many words
+are therein of every kind, and wide is the range of his speech hither
+and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt thou hear in answer.
+But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling each against
+each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I desire,
+until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the
+son of Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in
+fear, for he thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of
+heart would lightly pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his
+mind and heart that not lightly do the glorious gifts of gods yield to
+force of mortal men. So did not the great spear of wise Aineias pierce
+that shield, for the gold resisted it, even the gift of the god. Yet
+through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for five folds had
+the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one of
+gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote
+upon the circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim,
+where the bronze ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest
+thereon; and right through sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield
+cracked under it. And Aineias crouched and held up the shield away from
+him in dread; and the spear flew over his back and fixed itself in the
+earth, having divided asunder the two circles of the sheltering shield.
+And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and a vast anguish
+drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him so nigh.
+But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying his
+terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed)
+such as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with
+ease wielded it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the
+stone as he charged, either on helm or shield, which had warded from
+him bitter death, and then would the son of Peleus have closed and
+slain him with his sword, had not Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it
+with speed, and straightway spoken among the immortal gods: “Alas, woe
+is me for Aineias great of heart, who quickly will go down to Hades
+slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey the words of Apollo
+the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him from
+grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings
+to the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out
+of death’s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him;
+for it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish
+not without seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved
+above all the children born to him from the daughters of men. For the
+race of Priam hath Zeus already hated. But thus shall the might of
+Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his childrel’s children, who shall
+be born in the aftertime.”
+
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or
+leave him [to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son].
+For by many oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even
+Pallas Athene and I, never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not
+even when all Troy shall burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they
+that burn her shall be the warlike sons of the Achaians.”
+
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the
+battle and the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned
+Achilles were. Then presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles,
+Peleus’ son, and drew the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of
+Aineias great of heart, and set it before Achilles’ feet, and lifted
+Aineias and swung him high from off the earth. Over many ranks of
+warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias soaring in the hand of the
+god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle of many onsets,
+where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard beside
+him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged
+words: “Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate
+against Peleus’ vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and
+dearer to Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in
+with him, lest even contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades.
+But when Achilles shall have met his death and doom, then be thou of
+good courage to fight among the foremost, for there shall none other of
+the Achaians slay thee.”
+
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things.
+Then quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he
+stared with wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha!
+verily a great marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here
+upon the ground, nor can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with
+intent to slay him. Truly then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal
+gods, howbeit I deemed that his boosting thereof was altogether vanity.
+Away with him! not again will he find heart to make trial of me, now
+that once more he has escaped death to his joy. But come, I will call
+on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some other Trojan
+face to face.”
+
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No
+longer stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let
+man match man and throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me,
+though I be strong, to assail so vast a folk and fight them all: not
+even Ares, though an immortal god, nor Athene, could plunge into the
+jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my utmost power with hands
+and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack, nay, never so
+little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem I that
+any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called
+aloud, and proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles:
+“High-hearted Trojans, fear not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight
+even Immortals, but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger
+far. Neither shall Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof
+he is to accomplish, and part to break asunder in the midst. And
+against him will I go forth, though the hands of him be even as fire,
+yea though his hands be as fire and his fierceness as the flaming
+steel.”
+
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for
+battle; and their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry
+arose. Then Phoebus Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector,
+no longer challenge Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng
+await him and from amid the roar of the battle, lest haply he spear
+thee or come near and smite thee with his sword.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he
+was amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with
+strength, crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition,
+Otrynteus’ valiant son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph
+to Otrynteus waster of cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich
+domain. Him as he came right on did goodly Achilles smite with his
+hurled spear, down through the midst of his head, and it was rent
+asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly Achilles exulted
+over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the Gygaian lake, where
+is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and eddying Hermos.”
+
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition:
+him the chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the
+forefront of the battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples,
+through his bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle,
+Antenor’s son. No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped
+the spear-head and clave the bone, and the brain within was all
+scattered: that stroke made ending of his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he
+leapt from his chariot and fled before him, Achilles wounded in the
+back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit with a roar, as
+when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the altar of the
+Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But
+Achilles with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son.
+Him would his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his
+children he was youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in
+fleetness of foot. Just then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness
+of his feet, he was rushing through the forefighters, until he lost his
+life. Him in the midst did fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a
+javelin, in his back as he darted by, where his belt’s golden buckles
+clasped, and the breast and back plates overlapped: and right through
+beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell on his knee with a
+cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped his bowels
+to him with his hands as he sank.
+
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his
+hands, and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer
+might he endure to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles
+brandishing his sharp spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when
+he saw him, sprang up, and spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath
+deepest stricken into my soul, who slew my dear-prized friend; not long
+shall we now shrink from each other along the highways of the war.”
+
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too
+know myself how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou
+art a man of might, and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue
+lie in the lap of the gods, whether I though weaker shall take thy life
+with my hurled spear, for mine too hath been found keen ere now.”
+
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath
+turned it back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it
+came back to goodly Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then
+Achilles set fiercely upon him, eager to slay him, crying his terrible
+cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very easily, as a god may, and hid
+him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed noble Achilles make
+onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick mist. [But
+when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout he
+spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from death;
+yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of
+spears. Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any
+god is helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I
+may seize.”
+
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his
+spear, and he fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay,
+and hurled at Demuchos Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and
+stayed him with a stroke upon his knees; then smote him with his mighty
+sword and reft him of life. Then springing on Laogonos and Dardanos,
+sons of Bias, he thrust both from their chariot to the ground, one with
+a spear-cast smiting and the other in close battle with his sword. Then
+Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his knees to pray him to spare
+him, and let him live, and slay him not, having compassion on his like
+age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his prayers; for
+nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce mood—with
+his hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but he
+smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness
+covered his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear,
+and right through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he
+smote Agenor’s son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted
+sword, and all the sword grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death
+seized his eyes, and forceful fate. Then next Deukalion, just where the
+sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he him through the forearm with
+his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm weighed down, beholding
+death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with his sword swept
+far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the backbone, and
+the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward after
+Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace: him
+in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in
+his lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire,
+as he turned the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp
+spear, and thrust him from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side,
+and the deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way
+the flame, so raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god,
+pressing hard on the men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood.
+For even as when one yoketh wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in
+a stablished threshing-floor, and quickly is it trodden out beneath the
+feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus beneath great-hearted Achilles his
+whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and shields together; and with
+blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the rims that ran around
+the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves splashed them, and
+blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of Peleus pressed
+on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXI.
+
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within
+their gates.
+
+
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even
+eddying Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he
+chased the one part to the plain toward the city, even where the
+Achaians were flying in affright the day before, when glorious Hector
+was in his fury—thither poured some in flight, and Hera spread before
+them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were pent into the
+deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty noise,
+and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the
+eddies. And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a
+river, and the unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset,
+and they huddle in the water; so before Achilles was the stream of
+deep-eddying Xanthos filled with the roar and the throng of horses and
+men.
+
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant
+against tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his
+sword alone, and devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him
+every way about: and their groaning went up ghastly as they were
+stricken by the sword, and the water reddened with blood. As before a
+dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and fill the nooks of some
+fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain whichsoever of them
+he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream the Trojans
+crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were weary
+of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with
+well-cut thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets,
+and gave them to his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then
+again he made his onset, athirst for slaying.
+
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river,
+Lykaon, whom once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his
+father’s orchard, in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze
+young shoots of a wild fig tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to
+him an unlooked-for bane came goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold
+him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending him on ship board, and the son of
+Jason gave a price for him; and thence a guest friend freed him with a
+great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to goodly Arisbe; whence
+flying secretly he came to his father’s house. Eleven days he rejoiced
+among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on the twelfth
+once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to send
+him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when
+fleet-footed noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he
+a spear, but had thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as
+he tried to flee out of the river, and his knees were failing him for
+weariness: then in wrath spake Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily
+great marvel is this that I behold with my eyes. Surely then will the
+proud Trojans whom I have slain rise up again from beneath the murky
+gloom, since thus hath this man come back escaped from his pitiless
+fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath the deep of the
+hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But come
+then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn in
+my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or
+whether the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so
+even the strong.”
+
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to
+touch his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil
+death and black destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear
+with intent to smite him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught
+his knees; and the spear went over his back and stood in the ground,
+hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon besought him, with one hand
+holding his knees, while with the other he held the sharp spear and
+loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee mercy,
+Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I
+tasted meal of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in
+the well-ordered orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my
+friends unto goodly Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred
+oxen. And now have I been ransomed for thrice that, and this is my
+twelfth morn since I came to Ilios after much pain. Now once again hath
+ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands; surely I must be hated of
+father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto thee; and to
+short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’ daughter—Altes who
+ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos on the
+Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of
+the foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou
+smotest him with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me
+here, for no hope have I to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered
+me thereunto. Yet one thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it to
+heart: slay me not, since I am not of the same mother as Hector, who
+slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words,
+but he heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor
+these words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to
+my soul to spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond
+the sea: but now there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before
+Ilios God shall deliver into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but
+chiefest among Priam’s sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why
+lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who was better far than thou. Seest
+thou not also what manner of man am I for might and goodliness? and a
+good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet over me too
+hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some noonday
+when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew
+his sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all
+the two-edged sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the
+earth, and blood flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized
+Achilles by the foot and sent him down the stream, and over him
+exulting spake winged words: “There lie thou among the fishes, which
+shall lick off thy wound’s blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay
+thee on a bed and mourn for thee, but Skamandros shall bear thee on his
+eddies into the broad bosom of the sea. Leaping along the wave shall
+many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of the white flesh of
+Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred Ilios, ye
+flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice
+many bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive.
+For all this yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for
+Patroklos’ slaying and the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift
+ships ye slew while I tarried afar.”
+
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and
+sought in his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work,
+and ward destruction from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with
+his far-shadowing spear leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son
+of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the
+daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set Achilles, and Asteropaios stood
+against him from the river, holding two spears; for Xanthos put courage
+into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered youths whom Achilles
+was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them. Then when
+the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that
+darest to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them
+with my might.”
+
+And to him, made answer Pelegol’s noble son: “High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a
+land far off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now
+is the eleventh morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of
+wide-flowing Axios, who begat Pelegon famous with the spear, and he,
+men say, was my father. Now fight we, noble Achilles!”
+
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash:
+but the warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he
+could use both hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield,
+but pierced it not right through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a
+god; and with the other he grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and
+there leapt forth dark blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in
+the earth, eager to batten on flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled
+on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash, fain to have slain him, but
+missed the man and struck the high bank, and quivering half its length
+in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of Peleus drew his
+sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he availed
+not to draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the steep
+bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen
+spear of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft
+him of life with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the
+navel, and all his bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered
+his eyes as he lay gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast
+stripped off his armour and spake exultingly: “Lie there! It is hard to
+strive against children of Kronos’ mighty son, even though one be
+sprung from a River-god. Thou truly declarest thyself the seed of a
+wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the linkage of great Zeus. My sire
+is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son of Aiakos, and Aiakos
+was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than seaward-murmuring
+rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of a river.
+Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him
+not even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of
+deep-flowing Ocean, from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all
+springs and deep wells: yea, even he hath fear of the lightning of
+great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it pealeth out of heaven.”
+
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water
+flooded him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing
+the fat about his kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted
+Paiones who still along the eddying river huddled in fear, when they
+saw their best man in the stress of battle slain violently by the hands
+and the sword of the son of Peleus. There slew he Thersilochos and
+Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios and Ophelestes;
+and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain, had not
+the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might and
+thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are
+ever helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all
+the Trojans to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy
+grim deeds on the plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed,
+nor can I pour my stream to the great sea, being choked with dead, and
+thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then, let be; I am astonished, O captain
+of hosts.”
+
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not
+cease from slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have
+made trial with Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I
+him.”
+
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo
+spake the deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child
+of Zeus, thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged
+thee straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come
+with light late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into
+his midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all
+his streams in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in
+him, slain by Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a
+bull, and saved the living under his fair streams, hiding them within
+eddies deep and wide. But terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous
+wave, and the stream smote violently against his shield, nor availed he
+to stand firm upon his feet. Then he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and
+it fell uprooted and tore away all the bank, and reached over the fair
+river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed the River himself, falling
+all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the eddy, made haste to
+fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid. But the
+great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction
+from the men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s
+throw, with the swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at
+once and swiftest of winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast
+the bronze rang terribly as he fled from beneath the onset, and behind
+him the River rushed on with a mighty roar. As when a field-waterer
+from a dark spring leadeth water along a bed through crops and garden
+grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth hindrances from the
+ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and swiftly
+gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his
+speed; for gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed
+noble Achilles struggled to stand against it, and know whether all
+immortals be upon him who inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great
+wave of the heaven-sprung River beat upon his shoulders from above, and
+he sprang upward with his feet, sore vexed at heart; and the River was
+wearying his knees with violent rush beneath, devouring the earth from
+under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud, looking up to the
+broad heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods take it on him
+in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me what may.
+None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but only
+my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of
+Apollo. Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then
+brave had been the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a
+sorry death am I doomed to die, pent in this mighty river, like a
+swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth down as he essayeth to cross it
+in a storm.”
+
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood
+beside him, in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs
+pledged him in words. And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of
+the earth: “Son of Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers
+of thee are we from the gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and
+I, for to be vanquished of a river is not appointed thee, but he will
+soon give back, and thou wilt thyself perceive it: but we will give
+thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not thy hand from
+hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have pent the
+Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we
+give unto thee to win.”
+
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the
+plain—for the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all
+the plain was filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and
+corpses of slain youths were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees
+as he rushed against the stream right on, nor stayed him the
+wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength in him. Neither did
+Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged against the son
+of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream, lifting
+himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear brother,
+the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not
+in the battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from
+thy springs, and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave,
+and stir huge roaring of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the
+fierce man who now is lording it, and deeming himself match for gods.
+For neither, I ween, will strength avail him nor comeliness anywise,
+nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath the flood shall be
+o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my sands and pour
+round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the Achaians know
+where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap over
+them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have
+need of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high,
+thundering with foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark
+wave of the heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son
+of Peleus. But Hera cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great
+deep-eddying River sweep him away, and straightway she called to
+Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame god, O my son; it was against
+thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched in fight. Help with
+all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go to raise a
+strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south which
+shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap
+himself in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by
+threat, nor stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then
+hold the unwearying fire.”
+
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on
+the plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick,
+slain by Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water
+stayed. And as when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a
+new watered orchard, and he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole
+plain parched, and Hephaistos consumed the dead; then against the river
+he turned his gleaming flame. Elms burnt and willow trees and
+tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale which round the fair
+streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and fishes beneath
+the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams tumbled this
+way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And the
+strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name: “Hephaistos,
+there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee thus ablaze
+with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and
+succour?”
+
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And
+as a cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of
+some fatted hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie
+thereunder,—so burned his fair streams in the fire, and the water
+boiled. He had no mind to flow, but refrained him, for the breath of
+cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him. Then unto Hera, earnestly
+beseeching her,’ he spake winged words: “Hera, wherefore hath thy son
+assailed my stream to vex it above others? I am less chargeable than
+all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo, I will give over,
+if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further will swear
+even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans, not
+even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the
+warlike sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway
+she spake unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son;
+it befitteth not thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal
+god.”
+
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the
+wave once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed
+them, though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter
+strife, and their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And
+they clashed together with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned,
+and the clarion of great Heaven rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon
+Olympus, and his heart within him laughed pleasantly when he beheld
+that strife of gods. Then no longer stood they asunder, for Ares
+piercer of shields began the battle and first made for Athene with his
+bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O dogfly, dost
+thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy great
+spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus’ son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore
+deem I now that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.”
+
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the
+lightning of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his
+long spear. But she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that
+lay upon the plain, black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to
+be the landmark of a field; this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares
+on the neck, and unstrung his limbs. Seven roods he covered in his
+fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his armour rang upon him. And
+Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words exultingly: “Fool,
+not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou I claim to be,
+that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou satisfy
+thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her wrath,
+for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojal’s
+aid.”
+
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did
+Aphrodite daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning
+continually, for scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when
+the white-armed goddess Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake
+unto Athene winged words: “Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+maiden invincible, lo there the dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men
+out of the fray of battle down the throng—nay then, pursue her.”
+
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at
+her and smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her
+knees and heart were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous
+earth, and she spake winged words exultingly: “Such let all be who give
+the Trojans aid when they fight against the mailed Argives. Be they
+even so bold and brave as Aphrodite when she came to succour Ares and
+defied my might. Then should we long ago have ceased from war, having
+laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo
+spake the earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It
+befitteth not after the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if
+without fighting we should go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded
+house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art younger; it were not meet for me,
+since I was born first and know more. Fond god, how foolish is thy
+heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone of gods endured
+at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon and
+served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us
+his commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and
+most fair, that the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst
+herd shambling crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded
+Ida. But when the joyous seasons were accomplishing the term of hire,
+then redoubtable Laomedon robbed us of all hire, and sent us off with
+threats. He threatened that he would bind together our feet and hands
+and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of both of us he vowed to
+shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry hearts, wroth for
+the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou showest
+favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth,
+of no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee
+for the sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in
+glowing life, consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into
+death. Let us with all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle
+by themselves.”
+
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and
+given him glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual
+bow in vain? Let me not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast
+as before among the immortal gods thou wouldst stand up to fight
+against Poseidon.”
+
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily
+the noble spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting
+words:] “How now art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me?
+Hard were it for thee to match my might, bow-bearer though thou art,
+since against women Zeus made thee a lion, and giveth thee to slay
+whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on the mountains to slay
+wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier than thou. But
+if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far stronger am
+I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and
+therewith, smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and
+that; and the swift arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from
+before her the goddess fled like a dove that from before a falcon
+flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she was not fated to be
+caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and arrows where
+they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus: “Leto,
+with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to blows
+with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s content
+among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and main.”
+
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen
+hither and thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow
+she went back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the
+bronze-thresholded house of Zeus, and weeping set herself on her
+father’s knee, while round her her divine vesture quivered: and her
+father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked of her, laughing gently:
+“Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child, hath dealt with thee
+thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong thing
+openly]?”
+
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+“It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.”
+
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into
+sacred Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded
+city, lest the Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the
+other ever-living gods went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly
+triumphing, and sat down beside Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven,
+when a city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to
+all, and griefs to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the
+Trojans. And the old man Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware
+of dread Achilles, how before him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was
+any succour found of them. Then with a cry he went down from the tower,
+to rouse the gallant warders along the walls: “Hold open the gates in
+your hands until the folk come to the city in their rout, for closely
+is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be deadly deeds. And
+when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath, then
+again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and
+the gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front
+that he might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the
+city and the high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and
+dust-grimed from the plain, and Achilles chased them vehemently with
+his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his heart continually, and he
+thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly Agenor,
+Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put good
+courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the
+grievous visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was
+shrouded in thick mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of
+cities, he halted, and his heart much wavered as he stood; and in
+trouble he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I flee before mighty
+Achilles, there where the rest are driven terror-struck, nathless will
+he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or what if I leave these
+to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee upon my feet
+from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to the
+spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios.
+Nay, why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of
+me as I get me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake
+me with swift feet; then will it no more be possible to avoid the
+visitation of death, for he is exceeding mighty above all mankind. What
+then if in front of the city I go forth to meet him? Surely his flesh
+too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and there is but one life within,
+and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of Kronos giveth him
+renown.”
+
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his
+stout heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth
+from a deep thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor
+fleeth when she heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first
+smite her with thrust or throw, yet even pierced through with the spear
+she ceaseth not from her courage until she either grapple or be slain,
+so noble Antenor’s son, goodly Agenor, refused to flee till he should
+put Achilles to the proof, but held before him the circle of his
+shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried aloud: “Doubtless
+thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day to sack the city
+of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful things yet
+be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who in
+front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou
+shalt here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on
+the leg beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of
+new-wrought tin rang terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from
+him it smote, nor pierced him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then
+the son of Peleus in his turn made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo
+suffered him not to win renown, but caught away Agenor, and shrouded
+him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone out of the war.
+Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in complete
+semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river
+Skamandros, as he ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo
+beguiled him that he kept ever hoping to overtake him in the race),
+meantime the other Trojans in common rout came gladly unto their
+fastness, and the city was filled with the throng of them. Neither had
+they heart to await one another outside the city and wall, and to know
+who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and
+knees might save.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXII.
+
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to
+the ships.
+
+
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their
+sweat and drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair
+battlements, while the Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to
+shoulders. But Hector deadly fate bound to abide in his place, in front
+of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus
+Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus, pursuest thou me with swift feet,
+thyself being mortal and I a deathless god? Thou hast not even yet
+known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently. Truly thou
+regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat
+wandered hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto
+death.”
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou
+hast turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have
+bitten the dust or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou
+robbed me of great renown, and lightly hast saved them, because thou
+hadst no vengeance to fear thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on
+thee, had I but the power.”
+
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like
+some victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed
+over the plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the
+old man Priam first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the
+star that cometh forth at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine
+forth amid the host of stars in the darkness of night, the star whose
+name men call Oriol’s Dog. Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign
+is he set, and bringeth much fever upon hapless men. Even so on
+Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he ran. And the old man cried
+aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising them on high, and
+with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he before the
+gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old man
+spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector, beloved
+son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is
+mightier far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I!
+then quickly would dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby
+would cruel pain go from my heart—the man who hath bereft me of many
+valiant sons, slaying them and selling them captive into far-off isles.
+Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and Polydoros, I cannot see
+among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons whom Laothoe bare
+me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the enemy’s host,
+then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is store
+within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to
+my soul and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the
+rest of the folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles’
+hand. Nay, come within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men
+and women of Troy, neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and
+be thyself bereft of sweet life. Have compassion also on me, the
+helpless one, who still can feel, ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’
+son, will bring to naught by a grievous doom in the path of old age,
+having seen full many ills, his sons perishing and his daughters
+carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste and infant children
+hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons’ wives dragged away
+by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of all at the
+street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or throw
+of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having
+drunk my blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man
+all beseemeth, even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze
+and lie on the field; though he be dead yet is all honourable to him,
+whate’er be seen: but when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard
+of an old man slain, this is the most piteous thing that cometh upon
+hapless men.”
+
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from
+his head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her
+turn wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the
+other hand she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him
+winged words: “Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity
+me, if ever I gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear
+child, and from this side the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in
+front to meet him. He is merciless; if he slay thee it will not be on a
+bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee, my own dear child, but far
+away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift dogs devour thee.”
+
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore,
+yet they persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as
+he drew nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den
+awaiteth a man, having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered
+into him, and terribly he glared as he coileth himself about his den,
+so Hector with courage unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining
+shield against a jutting tower. Then sore troubled he spake to his
+great heart: “Ay me, if I go within the gates and walls, Polydamas will
+be first to bring reproach against me, since he bade me lead the
+Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when noble Achilles
+arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better far. And
+now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some
+worse man than I shall say: ‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.’ So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously
+before the city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout
+helm, and lean my spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet
+noble Achilles and promise him that Helen, and with her all possessions
+that Alexandros brought in hollow ships to Troy, the beginning of
+strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to take away, and
+therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that this city
+holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever
+wealth the pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart
+debate thus? I might come unto him and he would not pity or regard me
+at all, but presently slay me unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put
+off my armour. No time is it now to dally with him from oaktree or from
+rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and maiden hold dalliance one
+with another. Better is it to join battle with all speed: let us know
+upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow renown.”
+
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of
+Enyalios warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right
+shoulder the Pelian ash, his terrible spear; and all around the bronze
+on him flashed like the gleam of blazing fire or of the Sun as he
+ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was aware of him, nor
+endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind him and
+fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things,
+swoopeth fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth,
+while he with shrill screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his
+heart urgeth him to seize her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight
+for him, and Hector fled beneath the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift
+knees. They past the watch-place and wind-waved wild fig-tree sped
+ever, away from under the wall, along the waggon-track, and came to the
+two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains rise that feed
+deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and smoke
+goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the
+other even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that
+water formeth. And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs
+hard by, fair troughs of stone, where wives and fair daughters of the
+men of Troy were wont to wash bright raiment, in the old time of peace,
+before the sons of the Achaians came. Thereby they ran, he flying, he
+pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far mightier he who fleetly pursued
+him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an oxhide were they
+striving, such as are prizes for mel’s speed of foot, but for the life
+of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some
+great prize lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a
+man that is dead, so thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain
+with flying feet, and all the gods were gazing on them. Then among them
+spake first the father of gods and men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see
+pursued around the wall. My heart is woe for Hector, who hath burnt for
+me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of many-folded Ida, and other
+times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles pursuing him with
+swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel, gods, and
+devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A
+man that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back
+from ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain
+be kind to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from
+the crests of Olympus she darted down.
+
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as
+when on the mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having
+started it from its covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch
+to baffle him under a bush, yet scenting it out the hound runneth
+constantly until he find it; so Hector baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed
+son. Oft as he set himself to dart under the well-built walls over
+against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they might succour him
+with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him toward the
+plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a dream
+one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race,
+and Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation
+of death, had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came
+nigh to him, who nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the
+host did noble Achilles sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl
+bitter darts against Hector, lest any smiting him should gain renown,
+and he himself come second. But when the fourth time they had reached
+the springs, then the Father hung his golden balances, and set therein
+two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of horse-taming Hector,
+and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s fated day sank
+down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left him. But
+to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing near
+spake to him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to Zeus,
+I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No
+longer is it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting
+Apollo should travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing
+Zeus. But do thou now stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade
+this man to confront thee in fight.”
+
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood
+leaning on his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to
+noble Hector, like unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and
+standing near spake to him winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet
+Achilles doth thee violence, chasing thee round Priam’s town with swift
+feet: but come let us make a stand and await him on our defence.”
+
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I
+shall honour thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when
+thou sawest me, to come forth of the wall, while the others tarry
+within.”
+
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother,
+of a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me
+much, entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all
+tremble before him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And
+now fight we with straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of
+spears, that we may know whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our
+bloody spoils to the hollow ships, or whether he might be vanquished by
+thy spear.”
+
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come
+nigh in onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of
+the glancing helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as
+before I thrice ran round the great town of Priam, and endured not to
+await thy onset. Now my heart biddeth me stand up against thee; I will
+either slay or be slain. But come hither and let us pledge us by our
+gods, for they shall be best witnesses and beholders of covenants: I
+will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus grant me to outstay
+thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled thee of thy
+glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is
+no pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but
+imagine evil continually against each other, so is it impossible for
+thee and me to be friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until
+one or other shall have fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the
+stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of all thy soldiership: now behoveth
+it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and valiant man of war. No
+longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas Athene will
+straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou pay
+back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury
+of thy spear.”
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble
+Hector watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on
+it he crouched, and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in
+the earth; but Pallas Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles,
+unknown of Hector shepherd of hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble
+son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed, so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has
+thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom, though thou thoughtest it.
+Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech, that fearing thee
+I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt thou plant
+thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I set
+on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my
+spear of bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then
+would the war be lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for
+thou art their greatest bane.”
+
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote
+the midst of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far
+from the shield the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his
+swift weapon had left his hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he
+had no second ashen spear. And he called with a loud shout to Deiphobos
+of the white shield, and asked of him a long spear, but he was no wise
+nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart, and spake and said: “Ay
+me, now verily the gods have summoned me to death. I deemed the warrior
+Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the wall, and it was Athene
+who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come very nigh me, not
+far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of old the
+pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me
+not die without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of
+arms whereof men yet to be born shall hear.”
+
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and
+strong, and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that
+darteth to the plain through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or
+crouching hare. So Hector swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And
+Achilles made at him, for his heart was filled with wild fierceness,
+and before his breast he made a covering with his fair graven shield,
+and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it waved fair golden
+plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a star
+goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all
+stars set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear
+Achilles poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble
+Hector, eyeing his fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the
+rest of him his flesh was covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped
+from strong Patroklos when he slew him, but there was an opening where
+the collar bones coming from the shoulders clasp the neck, even at the
+gullet, where destruction of life cometh quickliest; there, as he came
+on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear, and right through the
+tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen spear clave
+not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that
+thou wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou
+fool. But away among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even
+I, was left behind, who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs
+and birds tear foully, but his funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of
+the Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and
+gold, gifts that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give
+them home my body back again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give
+me my due of fire after my death.”
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so
+bid me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast
+wrought me, as surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee,
+not even should they bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it
+out, and promise even more, not even were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid
+pay thy weight in gold, not even so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a
+bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds shall devour thee utterly.”
+
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee;
+truly thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon
+thee wrath of gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee,
+for all thy valour, at the Skaian gate.”
+
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew
+forth of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her
+fate, leaving her vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble
+Achilles: “Die: for my death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the
+other immortal gods are minded to accomplish it.”
+
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it
+aside, and stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other
+sons of Achaians ran up around, who gazed upon the stature and
+marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor did any stand by but wounded him,
+and thus would many a man say looking toward his neighbour: “Go to, of
+a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than when he burnt the ships
+with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say, and wound him as he
+stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled him, he
+stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends, chiefs
+and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest
+together, come let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we
+may know somewhat of the Trojans’ purpose, whether since he hath fallen
+they will forsake the citadel, or whether they are minded to abide,
+albeit Hector is no more. But wherefore doth my heart debate thus?
+There lieth by the ships a dead man unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos;
+him will I not forget, while I abide among the living and my knees can
+stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget their dead, yet
+will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye sons of
+the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have
+slain the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their
+city, as he had been a god.”
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of
+both feet behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust
+therethrough thongs of ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving
+his head to trail. And when he had mounted the chariot and lifted
+therein the famous armour, he lashed his horses to speed, and they
+nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that was dragged, and
+his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay all his
+once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld
+her son, tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and
+cried aloud with an exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his
+father, and around them the folk fell to crying and moaning throughout
+the town. Most like it seemed as though all beetling Ilios were burning
+utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep back the old man in his
+hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For he besought
+them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man by
+his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me
+pray this accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame
+before his age-fellows and pity an old man. He also hath a father such
+as I am, Peleus, who begat and reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and
+most of all to me hath he brought woe. So many sons of mine hath he
+slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for the rest I mourn them
+all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief will bring me
+down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in my
+arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore
+him to her ill hap, and I myself.”
+
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him.
+And among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah,
+woe is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who
+night and day wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both
+men and women of Troy throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god,
+for verily an exceeding glory to them wert thou in thy life:—now death
+and fate have overtaken thee.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates,
+but in an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double
+purple web, and broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to
+her goodly-haired handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on
+the fire, that Hector might have warm washing when he came home out of
+the battle fond heart, and was unaware how, far from all washings,
+bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the hand of Achilles. But she heard
+shrieks and groans from the battlements, and her limbs reeled, and the
+shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again among her
+goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me that I
+may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s noble
+mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand
+against the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach
+my ear! yet terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold
+Hector from the city by himself and chased him to the plain and ere
+this ended his perilous pride that possessed him, for never would he
+tarry among the throng of men but ran out before them far, yielding
+place to no man in his hardihood.”
+
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating
+heart, and with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the
+battlements and the throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and
+gazed, and beheld him dragged before the city:—swift horses dragged him
+recklessly toward the hollow ships of the Achaians. Then dark night
+came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell backward and gasped
+forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright attiring
+thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm
+led her forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold.
+And around her thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives,
+who held her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last
+she came to herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing
+with deep sobs she spake among the women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me!
+to one fate then were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam,
+and I in Thebe under woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared
+me from a little one—ill-fated sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he
+have begotten me not. Now thou to the house of Hades beneath the secret
+places of the earth departest, and me in bitter mourning thou leavest a
+widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant child—son of unhappy
+parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector, since thou art
+dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’ woful war,
+yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his
+fellows, and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with
+tears. And in his need the child seeketh his father’s friends, plucking
+this one by cloak and that by coat, and one of them that pity him
+holdeth his cup a little to his mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his
+palate he moisteneth not. And some child unorphaned thrusteth him from
+the feast with blows and taunting words, ‘Out with thee! no father of
+thine is at our board.’ Then weeping to his widowed mother shall he
+return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his father’s knee ate only marrow
+and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell on him and he ceased from
+childish play, then in bed in his nurse’s arms he would slumber softly
+nested, having satisfied his heart with good things; but now that he
+hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that name the
+Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents,
+shall coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as
+thou liest naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate
+and fair, wrought by the hands of women. But verily all these will I
+consume with burning fire—to thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie
+therein, yet that his be honour to thee from the men and the women of
+Troy.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIII.
+
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+
+
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they
+were come to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his
+own ship: only the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but
+spake among his comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed
+Myrmidons, my trusty comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved
+steeds from their cars, but with horses and chariots let us go near and
+mourn Patroklos, for such is the honour of the dead. Then when we have
+our fill of grievous wailing, we will unyoke the horses and all sup
+here.”
+
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led
+their mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned
+steeds, moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing.
+Bedewed were the sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great
+a lord of fear they sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail,
+laying his man-slaying hands on his comrade’s breast: “All hail,
+Patroklos, even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee
+before am I accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give
+raw unto dogs to devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to
+slaughter before thy pyre, because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him
+prone in the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put
+off each his glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing
+horses, and sate them down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed
+Aiakides, and he gave them ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were
+stretched out, their throats cut with steel, and many sheep and
+bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well grown in fat were
+spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides round the
+corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble
+Agamemnon by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his
+heart was wroth for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnol’s
+hut, forthwith they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the
+fire, if haply they might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him
+the bloody gore. But he denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an
+oath: “Nay, verily by Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful
+is it that water should come nigh my head or ever I shall have laid
+Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a barrow, and shaved my hair, since
+never again shall second grief thus reach my heart, while I remain
+among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us to our
+mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have
+when he goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire
+may burn him quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their
+work.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly
+making ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of
+equal feast. But when they had put off from them the desire of meat and
+drink, the rest went down each man to his tent to take his rest, but
+the son of Peleus upon the beach of the sounding sea lay groaning
+heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in an open place, where waves were
+breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold on him, easing the
+cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for sore tired
+were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things
+like his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the
+raiment of his body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and
+spake to him: “Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in
+my life wast thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with
+all speed, that I pass the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish
+me, the phantoms of men outworn, nor suffer me to mingle with them
+beyond the River, but vainly I wander along the wide-gated dwelling of
+Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy hand, for never more
+again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me my due of
+fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear comrades
+and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself,
+Achilles peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed
+to die. Yet one thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt
+have regard thereto. Lay not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but
+together, even as we were nurtured in your house, when Menoitios
+brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your country by reason of a
+grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew Amphidamas’ son, not
+willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then took me the knight
+Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy squire: so
+therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two handled,
+thy lady mother’s gift].”
+
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I
+should do? Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy
+bidding. But stand more nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms
+around each other, and take our fill of dolorous lament.”
+
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for
+like a vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint
+shriek. And Achilles sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands
+together, and spake a word of woe: “Ay me, there remaineth then even in
+the house of Hades a spirit and phantom of the dead, albeit the life be
+not anywise therein: for all night long hath the spirit of hapless
+Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan, and charged me
+everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self it
+seemed.”
+
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan
+around the piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from
+all the huts to fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even
+Meriones, squire of kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with
+wood-cutting axes in their hands and well-woven ropes, and before them
+went the mules, and uphill and downhill and sideways and across they
+went. But when they came to the spurs of many-fountained Ida,
+straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged oaks with the
+long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then splitting
+them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore up
+the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones,
+squire of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in
+line, where Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for
+himself.
+
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate
+them down all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the
+warlike Myrmidons gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his
+chariot; and they arose and put their armour on, and mounted their
+chariots, both fighting men and charioteers. In front were the men in
+chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed after, numberless; and in the
+midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they heaped all the corpse with
+their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and behind did goodly
+Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he speeding
+forth unto the realm of Hades.
+
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they
+set down the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed
+noble Achilles bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the
+pyre he shore off a golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to
+offer unto the River Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking
+forth over the wine-dark sea: “Spercheios, in other wise vowed my
+father Peleus unto thee that I returning thither to my native land
+should shear my hair for thee and offer a holy hecatomb, and fifty rams
+should sacrifice there above thy springs, where is the sacred close and
+altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou hast not
+accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take
+away.”
+
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and
+stirred in all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light
+of the sun have gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said
+quickly to Agamemnon as he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy
+words most will the host of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation
+they may sate them to the full. But now disperse them from the burning
+and bid them make ready their meal, and we to whom the dead is dearest
+will take pains for these things; yet let the chiefs tarry nigh unto
+us.”
+
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the
+host among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there
+and piled the wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that,
+and on the pyre’s top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And
+many lusty sheep and shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made
+ready before the pyre; and taking from all of them the fat, great
+hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse therein from head to foot, and
+heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set therein two-handled jars of
+honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and four strong-necked
+horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine house-dogs
+had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them on
+the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with
+the sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the
+merciless might of the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and
+called on his dear comrade by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades, for all that I promised thee before am I
+now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans, behold
+these all in company with thee the fire devoureth: but Hector son of
+Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon, but to dogs.”
+
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day
+and night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed
+him with rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when
+he dragged him. And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from
+heaven to earth and covered all that place whereon the dead man lay,
+lest meanwhile the sul’s strength shrivel his flesh round about upon
+his sinews and limbs.
+
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble
+Achilles had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed
+to the two Winds of North and West, and promised them fair offerings,
+and pouring large libations from a golden cup besought them to come,
+that the corpses might blaze up speedily in the fire, and the wood make
+haste to be enkindled. Then Iris, when she heard his prayer, went
+swiftly with the message to the Winds. They within the house of the
+gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat, when Iris sped
+thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw her
+with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by
+him. But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I
+must go back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where
+they sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at
+their rites. But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West
+to come, and promising them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre
+be kindled whereon lieth Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are
+making moan.”
+
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound,
+rolling the clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the
+sea, and the wave rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to
+deep-soiled Troy, and fell upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty
+fire. So all night drave they the flame of the pyre together, blowing
+shrill; and all night fleet Achilles, holding a two-handled cup, drew
+wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth and drenched the earth,
+calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a father waileth when
+he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death is woe to his
+hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon
+the earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and
+spreadeth over the salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame
+died down. And the Winds went back again to betake them home over the
+Thracian main, and it roared with a violent swell. Then the son of
+Peleus turned away from the burning and lay down wearied, and sweet
+sleep leapt on him. But they who were with Atreus’ son gathered all
+together, and the noise and clash of their approach aroused him; and he
+sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son of Atreus and ye other
+chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine all the burning
+so far as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let us gather up
+the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well, and easy
+are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones
+let us put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I
+myself be hidden in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a
+seemly one, no more: then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and
+high, whosoever of you after I am gone may be left in the benched
+ships.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus.
+First quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame
+went, and the ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered
+up the white bones of their gentle comrade into a golden urn and
+double-folded fat, and placed the urn in the hut and covered it with a
+linen veil. And they marked the circle of the barrow, and set the
+foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway heaped thereon a
+heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they were for
+going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes,
+caldrons and tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and
+fair-girdled women, and grey iron.
+
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman
+skilled in fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared
+tripod that held two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and
+for the second he ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal
+in her womb; and for the third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched
+by fire, holding four measures, bright as when first made; and for the
+fourth he ordained two talents of gold; and for the fifth a two-handled
+urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for the
+chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists. If in some
+other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it would be I
+who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know how
+far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal
+and Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But
+verily I will abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a
+charioteer have they lost, and one so kind, who on their manes full
+often poured smooth oil, when he had washed them in clear water. For
+him they stand and mourn, and their manes are trailing on the ground,
+and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But ye others
+throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were
+gathered. First of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a
+skilful charioteer; and next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant
+Diomedes, and yoked his horses of the breed of Tros, which on a time he
+seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved their lord. And after him arose
+Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung Menelaos, and yoked him a swift
+pair Aithe, Agamemnol’s mare, and his own horse Podargos. Her unto
+Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in fee, that he might escape
+from following him to windy Ilios and take his pleasure at home; for
+great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon of spacious
+lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the race.
+And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet
+horses bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side
+spake counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+“Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is
+no great need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet
+are thy horses very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be
+sad work for thee. For the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the
+men know not more cunning than thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy
+mind with all manner of cunning, that the prize escape thee not. By
+cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by cunning doth a
+helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by winds;
+by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end,
+his horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But
+whoso is of crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping
+his eye upon the post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far
+at first to force his horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them
+safe in hand and watcheth the leader in the race. Now will I tell thee
+a certain sign, and it shall not escape thee. A fathom’s height above
+the ground standeth a withered stump, whether of oak or pine: it
+decayeth not in the rain, and two white stones on either side thereof
+are fixed at the joining of the track, and all round it is smooth
+driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead long ago, or
+have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is the
+mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and
+bear thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the
+well-knit car slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with
+voice and lash, and give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse
+hug the post so that the nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze
+it—yet beware of touching the stone, lest thou wound the horses and
+break the chariot; so would that be triumph to the rest and reproach
+unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on thy guard; for if at the
+turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none shall overtake
+thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly Arion
+in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the
+horses of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he
+had told his son the sum of every matter.
+
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then
+went they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles
+shook them, and forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the
+next lot had lord Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus,
+spear-famed Menelaos, and next to him drew Meriones his place; then
+lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew his lot for his chariot’s
+place. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles showed to them the
+turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and beside it he placed an
+umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower, that he might note the
+running and tell the truth thereof.
+
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them
+with the reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they
+forthwith sped swiftly over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and
+beneath their breasts stood the rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind,
+and their manes waved on the blowing wind. And the chariots ran
+sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles would bound into the
+air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of every man beat
+in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses, that
+flew amid their dust across the plain.
+
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course,
+back toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and
+the horses strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the
+fleet mares of Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions
+of the breed of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed
+ever as they would mount Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back
+was warm and his broad shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as
+they flew along. Thus would Tydeus’ son have either outstripped the
+other or made it a dead heat, had not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with
+him and smitten from his hand the shining lash. Then from his eyes ran
+tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at speed, even
+swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as running
+without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile against
+Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the
+son of Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and
+the mares ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the
+ground. And Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his
+elbows and mouth and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above
+his eyebrows; and his eyes filled with tears and his lusty voice was
+choked. Then Tydeides held his whole-hooved horses on one side, darting
+far out before the rest, for Athene put spirit into his steeds and shed
+glory on himself. Now next after him came golden-haired Menelaos
+Atreus’ son. But Antilochos called to his father’s horses: “Go ye too
+in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly I nowise bid you strive with
+those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which Athene hath now given
+speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake Atreides’
+horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest Aithe that
+is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave steeds?
+Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will
+slay you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but
+the worse prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my
+part will devise a plan to pass them in the strait part of the course,
+and this shall fail me not.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier
+some little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a
+strait place in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth,
+where torrent water gathered and brake part of the track away, and
+hollowed all the place; there drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of
+the wheels. But Antilochos turned his whole-hooved horses out of the
+track, and followed him a little at one side. And the son of Atreus
+took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos, thou art driving
+recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon thou mayest
+pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us both.”
+
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying
+his lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk
+swung from the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of
+his force, even so far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave
+back, for he ceased of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved
+steeds should encounter on the track, and overset the well-knit cars,
+and the drivers fall in the dust in their zeal for victory. So
+upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos: “Antilochos, no
+mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way, since falsely
+have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not bear off
+the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before
+yours, for they both lack youth.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on,
+and were quickly close upon the others.
+
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and
+they came flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of
+them was Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside
+the concourse in the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice
+of one that shouted, though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a
+horse showing plainly in the front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but
+in the forehead marked with a white star round like the moon. And he
+stood upright and spoke among the Argives: “Friends, chiefs, and
+counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see the horses, or do ye
+also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new charioteer
+appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither
+post, but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing
+everywhere along the Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer
+so that he could not drive aright round the post and failed in the
+turn? There, methinks, must he have been cast forth, and have broken
+his chariot, and the mares must have left the course, in the wildness
+of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for myself I discern not
+certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian race, and he
+ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort: “Idomeneus,
+why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the high-stepping mares
+are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far the youngest
+among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from thy
+head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they
+that led before, Eumelos’ mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins
+within the car.”
+
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for
+thy mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and
+make Agamemnon Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that
+thou mayest pay and learn.”
+
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone
+further, had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer
+answer each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for
+it beseemeth not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do
+thus. Sit ye in the concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon
+they in zeal for victory will come hither, and then shall ye know each
+of you the Argives’ horses, which follow, and which lead.”
+
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote
+now and again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as
+they sped swiftly on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the
+charioteer, and his chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his
+fleet-footed steeds, and small trace was there of the wheel-tires
+behind in the fine dust, as they flew speeding on. Then he drew up in
+the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from the horses’ heads and
+chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth from the shining car,
+and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart Sthenelos tarried
+not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud comrades the
+woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his
+swift steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which
+draweth his master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost
+tail-hairs touch the tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much
+space between, as he speedeth far over the plain—by so much was
+Menelaos behind high-born Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole
+disk-cast behind, but quickly he was catching Antilochos up, for the
+high mettle of Agamemnol’s mare, sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her.
+And if yet further both had had to run he would have passed his rival
+nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones, stout squire of Idomeneus,
+came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for tardiest of all were
+his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a chariot in
+the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his goodly car
+driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the
+Argives: “Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them
+all. But come let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the
+second place, but the first let the son of Tydeus take.”
+
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given
+him the mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of
+great-hearted Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf
+of his right: “O Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou
+accomplish this word, for thou art minded to take away my prize,
+because thou thinkest of how his chariot and fleet steeds miscarried,
+and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it behoved him to pray
+to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of all in the
+race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there
+and whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward
+even a richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud
+thee. But the mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay
+the battle at my hands.”
+
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with
+Antilochos, for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him
+winged words: “Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some
+other thing beside from out my house, that also will I do. I will give
+unto him a breast-plate that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze,
+whereon a casting of bright tin is overlaid, and of great worth will it
+be to him.” He said, and bade his dear comrade Automedon bring it from
+the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then he placed it in Eumelos’
+hands, and he received it gladly.]
+
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly
+against Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and
+called for silence among the Argives; then spake among them that
+godlike man: “Antilochos, who once wert wise, what thing is this thou
+hast done? Thou hast shamed my skill and made my horses fail, thrusting
+thine own in front that are far worse. Come now, ye chiefs and
+counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us both, and favour
+neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any time: ‘By
+constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone off with
+the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall
+be just. Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is
+ordained stand up before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand
+the pliant lash wherewith thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses
+swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of the earth that not wilfully didst
+thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger
+am I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better.
+Thou knowest how a young mal’s transgressions come about, for his mind
+is hastier and his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I
+will of myself give to thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou
+shouldst ask some other greater thing from my house, I were fain to
+give it thee straightway, rather than fall for ever from my place in
+thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner against the gods.”
+
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew
+cometh upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are
+bristling. So gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And
+he spake unto Antilochos and uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now
+will I of myself put away mine anger against thee, since no wise
+formerly wert thou flighty or light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was
+overcome of youthfulness. Another time be loth to outwit better men.
+Not easily should another of the Achaians have persuaded me, but thou
+hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father and brother, for
+my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even give
+unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that
+my heart was never overweening or implacable.”
+
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents
+of gold in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was
+left unclaimed, a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this,
+bearing it to him through the concourse of Argives, and stood by him
+and said: “Lo now for thee too, old man, be this a treasure, a memorial
+of Patroklos’ burying; for no more shalt thou behold him among the
+Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon, for not in boxing shalt thou
+strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin match, nor race with
+thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on thee.”
+
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly,
+and spake unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast
+meetly said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor
+do my arms at all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would
+that my youth were such and my force so firm as when the Epeians were
+burying lord Amarynkes at Buprasion, and his sons held the king’s
+funeral games. Then was no man found like me, neither of the Epeians
+nor of the Pylians themselves or the great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing
+I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in wrestling Ankaios of
+Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I outran
+Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by
+crowding their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the
+chief prizes were left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the
+reins, the reins he ever held, the other called on the horses with the
+lash. Thus was I once, but now let younger men join in such feats; I
+must bend to grievous age, but then was I of mark among heroes. But
+come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with games. This gift do I
+accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou rememberest ever
+my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour wherewith it
+is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods for
+this grant thee due grace.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of
+Achaians, when he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then
+he ordained prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led
+forth and tethered amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest
+of all to break; and for the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood
+up and spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other
+well-greaved Achaians, for these rewards we summon two men of the best
+to lift up their hands to box amain. He to whom Apollo shall grant
+endurance to the end, and all the Achaians acknowledge it, let him take
+the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut; and the loser shall
+take with him the two-handled-cup.”
+
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled
+in boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule
+and said aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the
+mule I say none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his
+fists, for I claim to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I
+fall short of you in battle? Not possible is it that in all arts a man
+be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it shall be accomplished: I will
+utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and break his bones, so let his
+friends abide together here to bear him forth when vanquished by my
+hands.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against
+him Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos,
+Mekisteus, who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his
+burial, and there he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides
+famous with the spear made ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him
+with speech, and greatly desired for him victory. And first he cast
+about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut thongs of the hide of an
+ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went into the midst of
+the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to, and their
+hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on,
+and as the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor
+could he much more stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him.
+And as when beneath the North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a
+tangle-covered beach, and then the black wave hideth it, so leapt up
+Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted Epeios took him in his hands
+and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood around him, and led
+him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out clotted blood,
+drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among them
+and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the
+winner a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians
+among them at twelve oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman
+into the midst, skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four
+oxen. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who
+will essay this match.”
+
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus
+of many wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt
+went into the midst of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms
+with stalwart hands, like gable rafters of a lofty house which some
+famed craftsman joineth, that he may baffle the wind’s force. And their
+backs creaked, gripped firmly under the vigorous hands, and sweat ran
+down in streams, and frequent weals along their ribs and shoulders
+sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove amain for victory, to
+win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias and bear him
+to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld him. But
+when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to Odysseus
+great Aias, Telamol’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of
+many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.”
+
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his
+craft. He smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed
+his limbs, and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his
+chest, and the folk gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring
+noble Odysseus tried to lift, and moved him a little from the ground,
+but lifted him not, so he crooked his knee within the other’s, and both
+fell on the ground nigh to each other, and were soiled with dust, And
+now starting up again a third time would they have wrestled, had not
+Achilles himself arisen and held them back: “No longer press each the
+other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is with both; take equal
+prizes and depart, that other Achaians may contend.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the
+dust from them and put their doublets on.
+
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness
+of foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in
+beauty it was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon
+wrought it cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the
+misty sea, and landed it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and
+Euneos son of Jason gave it to the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon
+Priam’s son. Now this cup did Achilles set forth as a prize in honour
+of his friend, for whoso should be fleetest in speed of foot. For the
+second he set an ox great and very fat, and for the last prize half a
+talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives:
+“Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and
+Odysseus of many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he
+was best of all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by
+side, and Achilles showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running
+from the start, but Oileus’ son forthwith shot to the front, and close
+behind him came noble Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a
+fair-girdled womal’s breast when she pulleth it deftly with her hands,
+drawing the spool along the warp, and holdeth the rod nigh her breast—
+so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod in his footsteps or ever the
+dust had settled there, and on his head fell the breath of noble
+Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians applauded his
+struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard. But
+when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou
+a good helper of my feet.”
+
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs
+feel light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting
+on the prize, then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race,
+where filth was strewn from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that
+fleet Achilles slew in honour of Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and
+nostrils were filled with that filth of oxen. So much-enduring noble
+Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the mixing-bowl, and famous Aias
+took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the horn of the ox of the
+field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the Argives: “Out on
+it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who from of old like
+a mother standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth him.”
+
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then
+Antilochos smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among
+the Argives: “Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even
+herein also the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older
+than I, but Odysseus of an earlier generation and earlier race of men.
+A green old age is his, they say, and hard were it for any Achaian to
+rival him in speed, save only Achilles.”
+
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and
+a chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with
+flowers; and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose
+Atreus’ son wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave
+squire. And swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: “Son of
+Atreus, for that we know how far thou excellest all, and how far the
+first thou art in the might of thy throw, take thou this prize with
+thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero Meriones let us give the
+spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at least advise.”
+
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to
+Meriones he gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the
+hero gave the goodliest prize.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIV.
+
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+
+
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to
+betake them each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of
+supper and sweet sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept,
+remembering his dear comrade, nor did sleep that conquereth all take
+hold on him, but he kept turning him to this side and to that, yearning
+for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour, and all the toils he
+achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the battles of men and
+the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears, now lying
+on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea.
+Nor would he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and
+shores. But when he had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind
+Hector behind his chariot to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn
+him round the barrow of the dead son of Menoitios he rested again in
+his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on his face in the dust. But
+Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for he had pity on him
+even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis, that Achilles
+might not tear him when he dragged him.
+
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the
+blessed gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the
+clear-sighted slayer of Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the
+others seemed it good, yet not to Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed
+Maiden, but they continued as when at the beginning sacred Ilios became
+hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by reason of the sin of
+Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they came to his
+steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the
+Immortals Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath
+Hector never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats?
+Now have ye not taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to
+look upon and his mother and his child and his father Priam and his
+people, who speedily would burn him in the fire and make his funeral.
+But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to abet, whose mind is nowise
+just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned away, but he is cruelly
+minded as a lion that in great strength and at the bidding of his proud
+heart goeth forth against mel’s flocks to make his meal; even thus
+Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth both harm
+and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance
+a son; yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an
+enduring soul have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after
+bereaving noble Hector of his life bindeth him behind his horses and
+draggeth him around the tomb of his dear comrade: not, verily, is that
+more honourable or better for him. Let him take heed lest we wax wroth
+with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is entreating
+shamefully the senseless clay.”
+
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to
+Achilles and to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a
+womal’s breast, but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred
+up and reared and gave to a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was
+dearest of all men to the Immortals’ heart. And all ye gods came to her
+bridal, and thou among them wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill
+company, faithless ever.”
+
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be
+not wroth utterly with the gods: for these mel’s honour is not to be
+the same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that
+are in Ilios. So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the
+gifts I loved. Never did my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and
+the steam of sacrifice, even the honour that falleth to our due. But
+verily we will say no more of stealing away brave Hector, for it cannot
+be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth ever nigh to him night
+and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would call Thetis to
+come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake
+he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between
+Samothrace and rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters
+closed above her with a noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight
+of lead that mounted on horn of a field-ox goeth down bearing death to
+ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in a hollow cave; about her sat
+gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in their midst was wailing
+for the fate of her noble son who must perish in deep-soiled Troy, far
+from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed Iris spake to
+her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth thee.”
+
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals,
+for I have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in
+vain, whatsoever he saith.”
+
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no
+blacker raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and
+wind-footed swift Iris led the way before her, and around them the
+surge of the sea was sundered. And when they had come forth upon the
+shore they sped up to heaven, and found the far-seeing son of Kronos,
+and round him sat gathered all the other blessed gods that are for
+ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave her place.
+And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with words,
+and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in
+thy sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself.
+Nevertheless will I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days
+hath dispute arisen among the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector
+and Achilles waster of cities. Fain are they to send clear-sighted
+Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear what glory I accord herein
+to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come thy honour and good
+will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my bidding. Say
+to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the
+beaked ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and
+give Hector back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid
+him go to the ships of the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry
+gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart.”
+
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient
+to his word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of
+Olympus. And she came to her sol’s hut; there found she him making
+grievous moan, and his dear comrades round were swiftly making ready
+and furnishing their early meal, and a sheep great and fleecy was being
+sacrificed in the hut. Then his lady-mother sate her down close beside
+him, and stroked him with her hand and spake to him by his name: “My
+child, how long with lamentation and woe wilt thou devour thine heart,
+taking thought of neither food nor rest? good were even a womal’s
+embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me; already death and
+forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith unto me,
+for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth,
+because with furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and
+hast not given him back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the
+dead.”
+
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s
+intent the Olympian biddeth it himself.”
+
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each
+other many winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to
+holy Ilios: “Go forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear
+my message within Ilios to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships
+of the Achaians and ransom his dear son and carry gifts to Achilles
+that may gladden his heart; let him go alone, and no other man of the
+Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald attend on him to guide
+the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to the city the dead
+man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought nor any
+fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he
+shall have led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay
+him nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or
+unforeseeing or wicked, but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant
+man.”
+
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she
+came to the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His
+children sitting around their father within the court were bedewing
+their raiment with their tears, and the old man in their midst was
+close wrapped all over in his cloak; and on his head and neck was much
+mire that he had gathered in his hands as he grovelled upon the earth.
+And his daughters and his sons’ wives were wailing throughout the
+house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had lost their
+lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the messenger
+of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither
+to forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to
+thee, who, though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee.
+The Olympian biddeth thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to
+Achilles that may gladden his heart: go thou alone, let none other of
+the Trojans go with thee. Only let some elder herald attend on thee to
+guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to carry back to the city
+the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in thy thought,
+nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of Argus,
+who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself
+slay thee, nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or
+unforeseeing or wicked, but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant
+man.”
+
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons
+make ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage
+thereon. And himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar
+wood, high-roofed, that held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife
+he called and spake: “Lady, from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come
+to me, that I go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom my dear son,
+and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart. Come tell me
+how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my desire and heart
+bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide camp of
+the Achaians.”
+
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous
+among stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go
+alone to the ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who
+hath slain full many of thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart.
+For if he light on thee and behold thee with his eyes, a savage and
+ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity thee, neither reverence
+thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make lament afar off.
+Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her thread at his
+beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut fleet-footed
+dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds
+against my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he
+slain of him, but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy,
+neither bethought he him of shelter or of flight.”
+
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for
+I am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls,
+for thou wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of
+earth that bade me this, whether some seer or of the priests that
+divine from sacrifice, then would we declare it false and have no part
+therein; but now, since I have heard the voice of the goddess myself
+and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and her word shall not be
+void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the mail-clad
+Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed, when
+once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very
+goodly womel’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets
+a like number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he
+weighed and brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining
+tripods and four caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of
+Thrace had given him when he went thither on an embassy, a chattel of
+great price, yet not that even did the old man grudge from his halls,
+for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his dear son. Then he
+drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them with words
+of rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye no
+mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose
+him that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it,
+for easier far shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But
+for me, ere I behold with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me
+go down into the house of Hades.”
+
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth
+before the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding
+Helenos and Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and
+Polites of the loud war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud
+Dios; nine were they whom the old man called and bade unto him: “Haste
+ye, ill sons, my shame; would that ye all in Hector’s stead had been
+slain at the swift ships! Woe is me all unblest, since I begat sons the
+best men in wide Troy-land, but none of them is left for me to claim,
+neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his chariot of war, nor Hector
+who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the son of a mortal man
+but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my shames all
+left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me
+ready a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us
+forward on our way?”
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof
+on the frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood
+yoke with knob well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth
+the yoke-band of nine cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on
+the polished pole on the rest at the end thereof, and slipped the ring
+over the upright pin, which with three turns of the band they lashed to
+the knob, and then belayed it close round the pole and turned the
+tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and heaped on the
+polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and yoked
+strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam,
+a splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old
+man kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their
+cars, with wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at
+heart, with honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that
+they might make libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses
+and spake a word to Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus
+and pray that thou mayest come back home from among the enemy, since
+thy heart speedeth thee forth to the ships, though fain were I thou
+wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of the Storm-cloud, the gods of
+Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask of him a bird of
+omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to him and
+of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of
+the fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto
+thee his messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the
+ships of the Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus,
+if haply he will have pity.”
+
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure
+water on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer
+to wash withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from
+his wife: then he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured
+forth wine as he looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father
+Zeus that bearest sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant
+that I find welcome and pity under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of
+omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to thee and
+of mightiest strength, to appear upon the right, that seeing this sign
+with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him,
+and straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the
+dusky hunter called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well
+locking, fitted close, of some rich mal’s high-roofed hall, so wide
+were his wings either way; and he appeared to them speeding on the
+right hand above the city. And when they saw the eagle they rejoiced
+and all their hearts were glad within their breasts.
+
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from
+the doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the
+four-wheeled wain, and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses
+which the old man urged with the lash at speed along the city: and his
+friends all followed lamenting loud as though he were faring to his
+death. And when they were come down from the city and were now on the
+plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and marriage kin. But the
+two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of far-seeing Zeus.
+But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever
+thou wilt, go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the
+Achaians that no man behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans’
+host, until he come to the son of Peleus.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not
+disobedient unto his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his
+fair sandals, golden, divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the
+boundless land with the breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand
+wherewith he entranceth the eyes of such men as he will, and others he
+likewise waketh out of sleep: this did the strong slayer of Argus take
+in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he to Troy-land and the
+Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young man that is a
+prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men is the
+comeliest.
+
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios,
+halted the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was
+come down over the earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by,
+and marked him, and spake and said to Priam: “Consider, son of
+Dardanos; this is matter of prudent thought. I see a man, methinks we
+shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let us flee in our chariot, or
+else at least touch his knees and entreat him that he have mercy on
+us.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed
+exceedingly, and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood
+still amazed. But the Helper came nigh of himself and took the old
+mal’s hand, and spake and questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou
+thus guide these horses and mules through the divine night, when other
+mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no fear of the fierce-breathing
+Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh thee? If one of them
+should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift black night,
+what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself, and thy
+companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep
+any other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in
+thee.”
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god
+stretched forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer
+such as thou to meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy
+form and semblance; and thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents
+art thou sprung.”
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this,
+old sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me
+truly whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto
+alien men, where it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye
+are all forsaking holy Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you
+hath perished, even thy son; for of battle with the Achaians abated he
+never a jot.”
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the
+fate of my hapless son.”
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft
+seen with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was
+slaying the Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen
+bronze, and we stood still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered
+us not to fight, being wroth against Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and
+came in the same well-wrought ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my
+father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and an old man even as thou, and six
+other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With the others I cast lots,
+and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now am I come from
+the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed Achaians
+will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to be
+sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.”
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou
+art a squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth,
+whether still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath
+riven him limb from limb and cast him to the dogs.”
+
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire,
+not yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles’ ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn
+now hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither
+worms consume it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles
+draggeth him recklessly around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as
+divine day dawneth, yet marreth he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou
+couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh he lieth, and is washed clean of
+blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his wounds wherewith he was
+stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he be but a dead
+corpse, for they held him dear at heart.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the
+Immortals, for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in
+our halls the gods who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered
+this for him, albeit his portion is death. But come now take from me
+this goodly goblet, and guard me myself and guide me, under Heaven,
+that I may come unto the hut of Peleus’ son.”
+
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not
+prevail upon me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without
+Achilles’ privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him,
+lest some evil come to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would
+go even unto famous Argos, accompanying thee courteously in swift ship
+or on foot. Not from scorn of thy guide would any assail thee then.”
+
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he
+swiftly took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit
+into horses and mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench
+of the ships, there were the sentinels just busying them about their
+supper. Then the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them
+all, and straightway opened the gates and thrust back the bars, and
+brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon his wain. And they
+came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the Myrmidons made
+for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and thatched it
+with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and around it
+made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and the
+door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to
+drive home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but
+Achilles by himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes
+the door for the old man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’
+fleet-footed son, and descended from the chariot to the earth and spake
+aloud: “Old sire, I that have come to thee am an immortal god, even
+Hermes, for my father sent me to companion thee on thy way. But now
+will I depart from thee nor come within Achilles’ sight; it were cause
+of wrath that an immortal god should thus show favour openly unto
+mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of Peleus’ son and entreat
+him for his father’s sake and his mother’s of the lovely hair and for
+his child’s sake that thou mayest move his soul.”
+
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from
+the car to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind
+the horses and mules; but the old man made straight for the house where
+Achilles dear to Zeus was wont to sit. And therein he found the man
+himself, and his comrades sate apart: two only, the hero Automedon and
+Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were busy in attendance; and he was
+lately ceased from meat, even from eating and drinking: and still the
+table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great Priam as he came
+in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees of
+Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many
+of Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in
+his own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers,
+to the house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on
+him—so Achilles wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest
+wondered likewise, and looked upon one another. Then Priam spake and
+entreated him, saying: “Bethink thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy
+father that is of like years with me, on the grievous pathway of old
+age. Him haply are the dwellers round about entreating evilly, nor is
+there any to ward from him ruin and bane. Nevertheless while he heareth
+of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart, and hopeth withal day
+after day that he shall see his dear son returning from Troy-land. But
+I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I
+had, when the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of
+one mother, and concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the
+more part had impetuous Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet
+left and guarded city and men, him slewest thou but now as he fought
+for his country, even Hector. For his sake come I unto the ships of the
+Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I bring with me untold
+ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have compassion on me,
+even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more piteous than
+he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved before, to
+stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my sons.”
+
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for
+his father. And he touched the old mal’s hand and gently moved him
+back. And as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for
+man-slaying Hector wept sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet,
+and Achilles wept for his own father, and now again for Patroklos, and
+their moan went up throughout the house. But when noble Achilles had
+satisfied him with lament, and the desire thereof departed from his
+heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat and raised the old
+man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and spake unto
+him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily thou
+hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of
+the Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many
+of the brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee
+on a seat, and we will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all
+our pain, for no avail cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods
+have spun for miserable men, that they should live in pain; yet
+themselves are sorrowless. For two urns stand upon the floor of Zeus
+filled with his evil gifts, and one with blessings. To whomsoever Zeus
+whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled lot, that man chanceth
+now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he giveth but of the
+bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth him over the
+goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor men.
+Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the
+Myrmidons, and mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be
+his bride. Yet even on him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to
+him no offspring of princely sons in his halls, save that he begat one
+son to an untimely death. Neither may I tend him as he groweth old,
+since very far from my country I am dwelling in Troy-land, to vex thee
+and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard how of old time
+thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar, boundeth
+to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons,
+but after that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are
+battles and man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not
+unabatingly in thy heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for
+thy son, neither shalt thou bring him back to life or ever some new
+evil come upon thee.”
+
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the
+huts, but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine
+eyes; and accept thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou
+have pleasure thereof, and come unto thy native land, since thou hast
+spared me from the first.”
+
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee,
+for there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me,
+daughter of the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my
+mind, nor am unaware that some god it is that hath guided thee to the
+swift ships of the Achaians. For no mortal man, even though in prime of
+youth, would dare to come among the host, for neither could he escape
+the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of our doors. Therefore now
+stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave not even thee in
+peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant, and lest
+I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son
+of Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone,
+for with him went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they
+whom above all his comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that
+was dead. They then loosed from under the yoke the horses and mules,
+and led in the old mal’s crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from
+the wain of goodly felloes they took the countless ransom set on
+Hector’s head. But they left two robes and a well-spun doublet, that
+Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave him to be carried
+home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and anoint him
+when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon his
+son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when
+he should look upon his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat
+and he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the
+handmaids had washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown
+over it a fair robe and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and
+laid it on a bier, and his comrades with him lifted it on to the
+polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with me if thou hear even in the
+house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector unto his dear
+father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof I will
+deal to thee again thy rightful share.”
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him
+down on the cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the
+opposite wall, and spake a word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given
+back as thou wouldest and lieth on a bier, and with the break of day
+thou shalt see him thyself as thou carriest him. But now bethink we us
+of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe bethought her of meat, she whose
+twelve children perished in her halls, six daughters and six lusty
+sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew with arrows
+from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that Niobe
+matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was
+there any to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on
+the tenth day the gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought
+her of meat, when she was wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere
+now among the cliffs, on the lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where
+they say are the couching-places of nymphs that dance around Acheloos,
+there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still over her troubles from the
+gods. But come let us too, noble father, take thought of meat, and
+afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou carriest him to
+Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.”
+
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep,
+and his comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and
+divided it cunningly and pierced it with spits, and roasted it
+carefully and drew all off. And Automedon took bread and served it on a
+table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt out the flesh. And they
+stretched forth their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them.
+But when they had put off the desire of meat and drink, then Priam son
+of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was and how
+goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his
+words. But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first
+spake the old man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me
+whereon to lie, fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now
+take our fill at rest: for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath
+their lids since at thy hands my son lost his life, but I continually
+mourn and brood over countless griefs, grovelling in the
+courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted bread and
+poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted naught.”
+
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead
+beneath the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread
+coverlets above and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over
+all. And the maids went forth from the inner hail with torches in their
+hands, and quickly spread two beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning
+[in his reference to Agamemnon] said fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam:
+“Lie thou without, dear sire, lest there come hither one of the
+counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take counsel with me by my
+side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee through the swift
+black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon shepherd of
+the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead. But
+come say this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself
+abide and may keep back the host.”
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art
+verily willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as
+thou sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we
+are pent within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch,
+and the Trojans are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him
+in our halls, and on the tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall
+feast, and on the eleventh we will make, a barrow over him, and on the
+twelfth we will do battle if need be.”
+
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this,
+O ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the
+battle even so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+
+Thus speaking he clasped the old mal’s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house
+laid them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their
+hearts, but Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and
+beside him lay fair-cheeked Briseis.
+
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night,
+by soft sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take
+hold as he sought within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam
+from the ships unespied of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his
+head and spake a word to him: “Old sire, no thought then hast thou of
+any evil, seeing thou yet sleepest among men that are thine enemies,
+for that Achilles spared thee. Truly now hast thou won back thy dear
+son, and at great price. But for thy life will thy sons thou hast left
+behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon Atreus’ son be
+aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And
+Hermes yoked the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them
+lightly through the camp, and none was aware of them.
+
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high
+Olympus, and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And
+they with wail and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules
+drew the dead. Nor marked them any man or fair-girdled woman until
+Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite, having gone up upon Pergamos, was
+aware of her dear father as he stood in the car, and the herald that
+was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay upon the bier
+behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud throughout all
+the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and look upon
+Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all
+came unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home
+the dead. First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they
+cast them on the fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around
+them stood the throng and wept. So all day long unto the setting of the
+sun they had lamented Hector in tears without the gate, had not the old
+man spoken from the car among the folk: “Give me place for the mules to
+pass through; hereafter ye shall have your fill of wailing, when I have
+brought him unto his home.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And
+the others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a
+fretted bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who
+wailed a mournful lay, while the women made moan with them. And among
+the women white-armed Andromache led the lamentation, while in her
+hands she held the head of Hector slayer of men: “Husband, thou art
+gone young from life, and leavest me a widow in thy halls. And the
+child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated parents, thee and me;
+nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then shall this city
+be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst watch over
+it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant little
+ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place
+where thou shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of
+some harsh lord, or else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and
+hurl thee from the battlement, a grievous death, for that he is wroth
+because Hector slew his brother or father or son, since full many of
+the Achaians in Hector’s hands have bitten the firm earth. For no light
+hand had thy father in the grievous fray. Therefore the folk lament him
+throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and mourning hast thou left to
+thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall grievous pain abide.
+For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed in thy death,
+neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have thought
+on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them
+Hekabe again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far
+dearest to my heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the
+gods, and even in thy doom of death have they had care for thee. For
+other sons of mine whom he took captive would fleet Achilles sell
+beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but
+when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee of thy life he was fain
+to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even Patroklos whom
+thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all dewy
+and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen
+led their sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest
+to my heart! Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to
+Troy-land—would I had died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year
+since I went thence and am gone from my own native land, but never yet
+heard I evil or despiteful word from thee; nay, if any other haply
+upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether brother or sister of thine or
+brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy mother—but thy father is ever kind to
+me as he were my own—then wouldst thou soothe such with words and
+refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by thy gentle words.
+Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless self with
+thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.”
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring
+wood, men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of
+a crafty ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when
+he sent me from the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until
+the twelfth morn arise.”
+
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then
+they flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of
+wood. But when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they
+forth brave Hector, weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the
+dead man, and thereon cast fire.
+
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they
+with bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went,
+and then his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting,
+and big tears flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and
+laid in a golden urn, shrouding them in soft purple robes, and
+straightway laid the urn in a hollow grave and piled thereon great
+close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow, while watchers were
+set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians should make onset
+before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they went back,
+and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at the
+palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.
+
+
+
+
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+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
+are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
+country where you are located before using this eBook.
+</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Iliad</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Homer</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translators: Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf and Ernest Meyers</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February, 2002 [eBook #3059]<br />
+[Most recently updated: October 29, 2019]</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Sandra Stewart and Jim Tinsley</div>
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***</div>
+
+<h1>The Iliad</h1>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">by Homer</h2>
+
+<h4>Done into English Prose<br/>
+by<br/>
+Andrew Lang, M.A.    Walter Leaf, Litt. D.<br/>
+Late fellow of Merton College,    Late fellow of Trinity College,<br/>
+Oxford    Cambridge<br/>
+and<br/>
+Ernest Meyers, M.A.<br/>
+Late fellow of Wadham College,<br/>
+Oxford</h4>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#pref01">PREFATORY NOTE.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap00">THE ILIAD OF HOMER</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">BOOK I.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">BOOK II.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">BOOK III.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">BOOK IV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">BOOK V.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">BOOK VI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">BOOK VII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap08">BOOK VIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap09">BOOK IX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap10">BOOK X.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap11">BOOK XI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap12">BOOK XII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="pref01"></a>PREFATORY NOTE.</h2>
+
+<p>
+The execution of this version of the <i>Iliad</i> has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Books I. &mdash; IX. . . . . W. Leaf.<br/>
+Books X. &mdash; XVI. . . . . A. Lang.<br/>
+Books XVII. &mdash; XXIV. . . . . E. Myers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the whole has
+been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of passages or phrases
+recurring in more than one portion has been determined after deliberation in
+common. Even in these, however, a certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
+translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by the third.
+Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X. - XVI. Would have preferred
+&ldquo;c&rdquo; and &ldquo;us&rdquo; to &ldquo;k&rdquo; and &ldquo;os&rdquo; in
+the spelling of all proper names.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except where the
+adoption of a different reading has been specified in a footnote. Where the
+balance of evidence, external and internal, has seemed to the Translator to be
+against the genuineness of the passage, such passage has been enclosed in
+brackets [].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Translator of Books X. - XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. Raper, Fellow of
+Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the proof-sheets of
+these Books.
+</p>
+
+<h3>NOTE TO REVISED EDITION</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised throughout,
+and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at the end of the
+volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of the Translators hopes
+to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad for English readers, which
+will deal fully with most of the points therein referred to.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to passages
+where there is external evidence, such as absence from the best MSS., for
+believing in interpolation. One or two departures from this Rule are noticed in
+footnotes.
+</p>
+
+<p class="p2">
+<i>November</i> 1891
+</p>
+
+<p class="p2">
+The reader will perhaps also be helped by the following list of the Greek and
+Latin names of the gods and goddesses who play important parts in the
+narrative. When the Greek names are new to him, the corresponding Latin names
+may be more familiar.
+</p>
+
+<table summary="">
+
+<tr>
+<td>Greek</td><td>Latin</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Zeus.</td><td>Jupiter.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Hera.</td><td>Juno.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>(Pallas) Athene.</td><td>Minerva.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Aphrodite.</td><td>Venus.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Poseidon.</td><td>Neptune.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Ares.</td><td>Mars.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Hephaestus.<br/><br/></td><td>Vulcan.<br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+The sacred soil of Ilios is rent<br/>
+With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow<br/>
+Through plains where Simois and Scamander went<br/>
+To war with gods and heroes long ago.<br/>
+Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low<br/>
+In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;<br/>
+The bones of Agamemnon are a show,<br/>
+And ruined is his royal monument.<br/>
+The dust and awful treasures of the dead<br/>
+Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,<br/>
+Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,<br/>
+And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she<br/>
+To know the crown on thine immortal head<br/>
+Of indivisible supremacy. A.L.<br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+Athwart the sunrise of our western day<br/>
+The form of great Achilles, high and clear,<br/>
+Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.<br/>
+The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,<br/>
+Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,<br/>
+Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,<br/>
+Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.<br/>
+But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,<br/>
+More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;<br/>
+Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,<br/>
+Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.<br/>
+What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?<br/>
+Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;<br/>
+Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death. E.M.<br/>
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap00"></a>THE ILIAD OF HOMER</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap01"></a>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles withdrew
+himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong should be
+avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus&rsquo; son, the ruinous wrath that
+brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many
+strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs and all
+winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its accomplishment from
+the day when first strife parted Atreides king of men and noble Achilles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Who among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Apollo, the son of
+Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague upon the host,
+so that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done dishonour to
+Chryses the priest. For the priest had come to the Achaians&rsquo; fleet ships
+to win his daughter&rsquo;s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling; and
+bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff; and
+made his prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of
+Atreus, orderers of the host; &ldquo;Ye sons of Atreus and all ye well-greaved
+Achaians, now may the gods that dwell in the mansions of Olympus grant you to
+lay waste the city of Priam, and to fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear
+child free, and accept the ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting
+Apollo.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and accept
+his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern charge upon him, saying:
+&ldquo;Let me not find thee, old man, amid the hollow ships, whether tarrying
+now or returning again hereafter, lest the staff and fillet of the god avail
+thee naught. And her will I not set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on
+her in our house, in Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the
+loom and serve my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the
+rather go in peace.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared silently
+along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged man apart and
+prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks bare: &ldquo;Hear me,
+god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest
+Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built a temple gracious in thine
+eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil
+thou this my desire; let the Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from the
+peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow and covered
+quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath, as the god moved;
+and he descended like to night. Then he sate him aloof from the ships, and let
+an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread clanging of the silver bow. First did
+the assail the mules and fleet dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his
+piercing dart, he smote; and the pyres of the dead burnt continually in
+multitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for nine days ranged the god&rsquo;s shafts through the host; but on the
+tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did goddess Hera
+of white arms put the thought, because she had pity on the Danaans when she
+beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered and were met in assembly,
+then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and spake among them: &ldquo;Son of
+Atreus, now deem I that we shall return wandering home again—if verily we might
+escape death—if war at once and pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But
+come, let us now inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter
+of dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore Phoebus
+Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or hecatomb; if
+perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or unblemished goats, and so
+would take away the pestilence from us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas son of
+Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that were and that
+should be and that had been before, and guided the ships of the Achaians to
+Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo bestowed on him. He of good intent
+made harangue and spake amid them: &ldquo;Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest
+me tell the wrath of Apollo, the king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I
+speak; but do thou make covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy
+heart thou wilt aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I
+shall provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the Achaians
+obey. For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a meaner man; even
+though for the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth he still keep his
+displeasure thereafter in his breast till he accomplish it. Consider thou,
+then, if thou wilt hold me safe.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: &ldquo;Yea, be of good
+courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo dear to Zeus,
+him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy soothsaying to the Danaans,
+not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now avoweth him to be greatest far of the
+Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: &ldquo;Neither by reason of
+a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest&rsquo;s sake
+to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and accepted not
+the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes upon us, yea, and will
+bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly pestilence from the Danaans till we
+have given the bright-eyed damsel to her father, unbought, unransomed, and
+carried a holy hecatomb to Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our
+prayer.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero son of
+Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark heart within him
+was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like flashing fire. To Kalchas
+first spake he with look of ill: &ldquo;Thou seer of evil, never yet hast thou
+told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil is ever the joy of thy heart to
+prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell any good matter nor bring to pass. And
+now with soothsaying thou makest harangue among the Danaans, how that the
+Far-darter bringeth woes upon them because, forsooth, I would not take the
+goodly ransom of the damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her
+own self within mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded
+wife; in no wise is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor stature, nor
+wit nor skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if that is better; rather
+would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only make ye me ready a prize of
+honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the Argives be disprized, which thing
+beseemeth not; for ye all behold how my prize is departing from me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: &ldquo;Most noble son of
+Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted Achaians give
+thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of common store, but what
+spoil soe&rsquo;er we took from captured cities hath been apportioned, and it
+beseemeth not to beg all this back from the folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to
+the god, and we Achaians will pay thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever
+Zeus grant us to sack some well-walled town of Troy-land.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: &ldquo;Not in this wise, strong as
+thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt not outwit
+me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep thy meed of honour,
+for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me give her back? Nay, if the
+great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed suited to my mind, that the
+recompense be equal—but if they give it not, then I myself will go and take a
+meed of honour, thine be it or Aias&rsquo;, or Odysseus&rsquo; that I will take
+unto me; wroth shall he be to whomsoever I come. But for this we will take
+counsel hereafter; now let us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather
+picked oarsmen, and set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair
+cheeks herself, and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or
+goodly Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice
+for us and propitiate the Far-darter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: &ldquo;Ah me, thou
+clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any Achaian hearken to
+thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a journey or to fight the foe
+amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen came I hither to fight, for they
+have not wronged me; never did they harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever
+waste my harvest in deep-soiled Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth
+between us long space of shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou
+shameless one, followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at
+the Trojans&rsquo; hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this
+thou threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed much,
+and the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like unto thine, when
+the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men; my hands bear the brunt
+of furious war, but when the apportioning cometh then is thy meed far ampler,
+and I betake me to the ships with some small thing, yet my own, when I have
+fought to weariness. Now will I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to
+return home on my beaked ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee
+thy fill of riches and wealth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him &ldquo;yea, flee, if thy soul be
+set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I have others
+by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus, lord of counsel. Most
+hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings of Zeus; thou ever lovest
+strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be very strong, yet that I ween is a
+gift to thee of God. Go home with thy ships and company and lord it among thy
+Myrmidons; I reck not aught of thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all
+this shall be my threat to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of
+Chryseis, her with my ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self
+will I go to thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
+honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and so shall
+another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival me to my
+face.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus&rsquo; son, and his heart within his
+shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade from his
+thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to assuage his anger
+and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in heart and soul, and was
+drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene came to him from heaven, sent
+forth of the white-armed goddess Hera, whose heart loved both alike and had
+care for them. She stood behind Peleus&rsquo; son and caught him by his golden
+hair, to him only visible, and of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles
+marvelled, and turned him about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and
+terribly shone her eyes. He spake to her winged words, and said: &ldquo;Why now
+art thou come hither, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the
+insolence of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall
+even be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
+life.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: &ldquo;I came from
+heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being sent
+forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike and careth
+for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine hand draw the sword;
+yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall come to pass. For thus will
+I say to thee, and so it shall be fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come
+to thee, yea in threefold measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine
+hand, and hearken to us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: &ldquo;Goddess, needs
+must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very wroth at
+heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods, to him they gladly
+hearken.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the great
+Sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying of Athene;
+and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods in the palace of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus&rsquo; son spake again with bitter words to Atreus&rsquo; son, and
+in no wise ceased from anger: &ldquo;Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of
+dog and heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle among
+thy folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that to thee were
+even as death. Far better booteth it, for sooth, to seize for thyself the meed
+of honour of every man through the wide host of the Achaians that speaketh
+contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king! seeing thou rulest men of naught; else
+were this despite, thou son of Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to
+thee, and swear a mighty oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no
+more put forth leaf or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the
+hills, neither shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of
+leaves and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise judgment bear
+it in their hands, even they that by Zeus&rsquo; command watch over the
+traditions—so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes—verily shall longing
+for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians one and all; and then
+wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all thy grief, when multitudes
+fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then shalt thou tear thy heart within thee
+for anger that thou didst in no wise honour the best of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden nails, and
+himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed furious. Then in their
+midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the clear-voiced orator of the
+Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed discourse sweeter than honey. Two
+generations of mortal men already had he seen perish, that had been of old time
+born and nurtured with him in goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He
+of good intent made harangue to them and said: &ldquo;Alas, of a truth sore
+lamentation cometh upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and
+Priam&rsquo;s sons, and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were
+they to hear all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the
+Danaans in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are younger
+both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even than you, and
+never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such warriors, nor shall
+behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of the host and Kaineus and
+Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus son of Aigeus, like to the
+Immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of all men upon the earth; mightiest
+they were and with the mightiest fought they, even the wild tribes of the
+Mountain caves, and destroyed them utterly. And with these held I converse,
+being come from Pylos, from a distant land afar; for of themselves they
+summoned me. So I played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that
+are now on earth do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to
+my voice. Even so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither do
+thou, though thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but leave her as
+she was given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to be a meed of honour;
+nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a king, might against might;
+seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a sceptred king to whom Zeus
+apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong, and a goddess mother bare thee, yet
+his is the greater place, for he is king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate
+thy fury; nay, it is even I that beseech thee to let go thine anger with
+Achilles, who is made unto all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil
+war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: &ldquo;Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all others,
+he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all; wherein I deem
+none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made him a spearman, do they
+therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to utter?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: &ldquo;Yea, for I should be
+called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
+howsoe&rsquo;er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
+master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover, will I say
+to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by violence will I
+strive for the damsel&rsquo;s sake, neither with thee nor any other; ye gave
+and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine beside my fleet black
+ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or bear it away against my will.
+Yea, go to now, make trial, that all these may see; forthwith thy dark blood
+shall gush about my spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they stood up
+and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides went his way to
+his huts and trim ships with Menoitios&rsquo; son [Patroklos] and his company;
+and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and picked twenty oarsmen
+therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god, and brought Chryseis of the
+fair cheeks and set her therein; and Odysseus of many devices went to be their
+captain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the folk
+purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the defilements into
+the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished hecatombs of bulls and
+goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea; and the sweet savour arose to
+heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not from the
+strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake to Talthybios
+and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires: &ldquo;Go ye to the
+tent of Achilles Peleus&rsquo; son, and take Briseis of the fair cheeks by the
+hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not, then will I myself go, and
+more with me, and seize her; and that will be yet more grievous for him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them. Unwillingly went
+they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came to the huts and ships of
+the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside his hut and black ship; nor when
+he saw them was Achilles glad. So they in dread and reverence of the king
+stood, and spake to him no word, nor questioned him. But he knew in his heart,
+and spake to them: &ldquo;All hail, ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men,
+come near; ye are not guilty in my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the
+sake of the damsel Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the
+damsel, and give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be
+my witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and of
+him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of me hereafter
+to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth with baleful mind,
+and hath not knowledge to look before and after, that so his Achaians might
+battle in safety beside their ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth from the
+hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead away. So these twain
+took their way back along the Achaians&rsquo; ships, and with them went the
+woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and sat him down apart, aloof
+from his comrades on the beach of the grey sea, gazing across the boundless
+main; he stretched forth his hands and prayed instantly to his dear mother:
+&ldquo;Mother, seeing thou didst of a truth bear me to so brief span of life,
+honour at the least ought the Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that
+thundereth on high; but now doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily
+Atreus&rsquo; son, wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath
+taken away my meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey sea, like a
+mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and stroked him with her
+hand, and spake and called on his name: &ldquo;My child, why weepest thou? What
+sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it forth, hide it not in thy mind,
+that both may know it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: &ldquo;Thou knowest
+it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to Thebe, the
+holy city of Eetion, and laid it waste and carried hither all the spoils. So
+the sons of the Achaians divided among them all aright; and for Atreides they
+set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks. But Chryses, priest of Apollo the
+Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships of the mail-clad Achaians to win his
+daughter&rsquo;s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling, and bare in his
+hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his
+prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus,
+orderers of the host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence
+the priest and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern charge
+upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard his prayers,
+seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the Argives his deadly darts.
+So the people began to perish in multitudes, and the god&rsquo;s shafts ranged
+everywhither throughout the wide host of the Achaians. Then of full knowledge
+the seer declared to us the oracle of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade
+propitiate the god; but wrath gat hold upon Atreus&rsquo; son thereat, and anon
+he stood up and spake a threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her
+the glancing-eyed Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and bear
+with them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds went and
+took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons of the Achaians
+gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard thine own son; betake thee
+to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any word whereby thou ever didst make glad his
+heart. For oft have I heard thee proclaiming in my father&rsquo;s halls and
+telling that thou alone amid the immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord
+of the storm-cloud, from shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would
+have bound him, even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O
+goddess, enter in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to
+high Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all men call
+Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate him by
+Kroniol&rsquo;s side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods feared him
+withal and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his remembrance and sit by him
+and clasp his knees, if perchance he will give succour to the Trojans; and for
+the Achaians, hem them among their ships&rsquo; sterns about the bay, given
+over to slaughter; that they may make trial of their king, and that even
+Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness, in that he
+honoured not at all the best of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: &ldquo;Ah me, my child, why reared I
+thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
+griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no long
+while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable beyond all men;
+in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go myself to snow-clad
+Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy is in the thunder, [perhaps
+rather, &ldquo;hurler of the thunderbolt.&rdquo;] if perchance he may hearken
+to me. But tarry thou now amid thy fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with
+the Achaians, and refrain utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to
+Okeanos, unto the noble Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with
+him; but on the twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I fare to
+Zeus&rsquo; palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and think to
+win him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled womal&rsquo;s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his will:
+and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb. When they were
+now entered within the deep haven, they furled their sails and laid them in the
+black ship, and lowered the mast by the forestays and brought it to the crutch
+with speed, and rowed her with oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the
+mooring stones and made fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to
+the sea-beach, and forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo,
+and forth came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
+counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father&rsquo;s arms,
+and spake unto him: &ldquo;Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to
+bring thee thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the
+Danaans&rsquo; behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought
+sorrow and lamentation on the Argives.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child; and anon
+they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his well-builded altar;
+next washed they their hands and took up the barley meal. Then Chryses lifted
+up his hands and prayed aloud for them: &ldquo;Hearken to me, god of the silver
+bow that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might;
+even as erst thou heardest my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily
+afflictest the people of the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire:
+remove thou from the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had prayed
+and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims&rsquo; heads
+and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the thighs and
+wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw collops thereon, and
+the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made libation over them of gleaming
+wine; and at his side the young men in their hands held five-pronged forks. Now
+when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all
+the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew
+all off again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the
+banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet.
+But when they had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, the young
+men crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his portion after the
+drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all day long worshipped they
+the god with music, singing the beautiful paean, the sons of the Achaians
+making music to the Far-darter [or, &ldquo;the Averter&rdquo; (of pestilence)];
+and his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down and darkness came on
+them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship&rsquo;s hawsers; and when
+rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning, then set they sail for the
+wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent them a favouring
+gale. They set up their mast and spread the white sails forth, and the wind
+filled the sail&rsquo;s belly and the dark wave sang loud about the stem as the
+ship made way, and she sped across the wave, accomplishing her journey. So when
+they were now come to the wide camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black
+ship to land high upon the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her;
+and themselves were scattered amid their huts and ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the heaven-sprung son
+of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him neither to the assembly that
+is the hero&rsquo;s glory, neither to war, but consumed his heart in tarrying
+in his place, and yearned for the war-cry and for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are for ever
+fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis forgat not her
+sol&rsquo;s charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at early morn mounted up
+to great heaven and Olympus. There found she Kronos&rsquo; son of the
+far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the topmost peak of many-ridged
+Olympus. So she sat before his face and with her left hand clasped his knees,
+and with her right touched him beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king
+Zeus son of Kronos: &ldquo;Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the
+immortal gods, whether by word or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour
+to my son, that is doomed to earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king
+of men done him dishonour, for he hath taken away his meed of honour and
+keepeth her of his own violent deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of Olympus, lord
+of counsel; grant thou victory to the Trojans the while until the Achaians do
+my son honour and exalt him with recompense.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat long
+time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held she by him
+clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: &ldquo;Promise me now this
+thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me, seeing there is naught
+for thee to fear; that I may know full well how I among all gods am least in
+honour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: &ldquo;Verily it is
+a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene&rsquo;er she
+provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever amid the
+immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do thou now
+depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought for these things to
+fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee, that thou mayest be of good
+courage; for that, of my part, is the surest token amid the immortals; no word
+of mine is revocable nor false nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath
+pledged it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved from the
+king&rsquo;s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the deep sea
+from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All the gods in
+company arose from their seats before their father&rsquo;s face; neither
+ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him. So he sate him
+there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not ignorant how that the daughter
+of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the silver-footed, had devised counsel with
+him. Anon with taunting words spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: &ldquo;Now
+who among the gods, thou crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is
+ever thy good pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give
+thy judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
+declare unto me the thing thou purposest.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: &ldquo;Hera, think not thou to
+know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my wife. But
+whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than thou shall know, be
+he god or man. Only when I will to take thought aloof from the gods, then do
+not thou ask of every matter nor make question.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. &ldquo;Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have not asked
+thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou have been won
+over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of the sea, for she at
+early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To her I deem thou gavest a sure
+pledge that thou wilt do honour to Achilles, and lay many low beside the
+Achaians&rsquo; ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: &ldquo;Lady, Good lack! ever art
+thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have power to
+fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be even the worse for
+thee. And if it be so, then such must my good pleasure be. Abide thou in
+silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all the gods that are in Olympus keep
+not off from thee my visitation, when I put forth my hands unapproachable
+against thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence, curbing her
+heart; but throughout Zeus&rsquo; palace the gods of heaven were troubled. Then
+Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue among them, to do
+kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: &ldquo;Verily this will be a sorry
+matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain thus fight for mortals&rsquo;
+sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods; neither will there any more be joy
+of the goodly feast, seeing that evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my
+mother, though herself is wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that
+our father upbraid us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the
+Olympian, the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is
+strongest far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the Olympian
+forthwith be gracious unto us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother&rsquo;s hand the twy-handled
+cup, and spake to her: &ldquo;Be of good courage, mother mine, and endure,
+though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so dear, chastised before
+mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all my sorrow to save thee; for the
+Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea, once ere this, when I was fain to save
+thee, he caught me by my foot and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all
+day I flew, and at the set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me.
+There did the Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the cup at
+her sol&rsquo;s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from right to
+left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter unquenchable arose
+amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling through the palace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul aught
+stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that Apollo held, and
+the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his own house
+to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning device by famed
+Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the lord of lightning, departed
+to his couch where he was wont of old to take his rest, whenever sweet sleep
+visited him. There went he up and slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden
+throne.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap02"></a>BOOK II.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the Achaians and
+their marching forth to battle. And of the names and numbers of the hosts of
+the Achaians and the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only Zeus was
+not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his heart how he should
+do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the Achaians&rsquo; ships. And
+this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit, to send a baneful dream upon
+Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and uttered to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the Achaians&rsquo; fleet ships,
+enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus, and tell him every word plainly
+as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now he may take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the
+immortals that dwell in the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel,
+since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans
+sorrows hang.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge. With
+speed he came to the Achaians&rsquo; fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber poured over
+him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son of Neleus, even
+Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured; in his likeness spake
+to him the heavenly Dream:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted
+and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a
+messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee
+and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For
+the immortals that dwell in the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over
+the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy
+heart, not let forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his mind things
+that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to take Priam&rsquo;s city
+that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the plans that Zeus had in mind,
+who was willed to bring yet more grief and wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans
+throughout the course of stubborn fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the
+heavenly voice was in his ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft
+tunic, fair and bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his
+glistering feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
+silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires&rsquo; sceptre, imperishable for
+ever, wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians&rsquo; ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus and all
+the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to the
+assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those summon, and these gathered
+with speed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship of king
+Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed his cunning
+counsel: &ldquo;Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to me in my sleep
+through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly Nestor was very like in
+shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over my head and charged me saying:
+&lsquo;Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted
+and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a
+messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee
+and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For
+the immortals that dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over
+the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy
+heart.&rsquo; So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet sleep left me.
+So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of the Achaians. But first
+I will speak to make trial of them as is fitting, and bid them flee with their
+benched ships; only do ye from this side and from that speak to hold them
+back.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor, who was
+king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them and said:
+&ldquo;My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any other of the
+Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and rather turn
+away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of all Achaians avoweth himself far
+greatest. So come, let us call to arms as we may the sons of the
+Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other sceptred
+chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and the people
+hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees issue from the
+hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly clustering among the flowers of
+spring, and some on this hand and some on that fly thick; even so from ships
+and huts before the low beach marched forth their many tribes by companies to
+the place of assembly. And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of
+Zeus, urging them to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was
+in an uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and there
+was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if perchance they
+might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit, and keep them to their
+benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord Agamemnon bearing his sceptre,
+that Hephaistos had wrought curiously. Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of
+Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to the messenger-god the slayer of Argus [Or,
+possibly, &ldquo;the swift-appearing&rdquo;]; and king Hermes gave it to Pelops
+the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus shepherd of the host. And
+Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left
+it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many islands and all Argos he should be
+lord. Thereon he leaned and spake his saying to the Argives:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares&rsquo; company, Zeus
+Kronos&rsquo; son hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard
+of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not
+till I had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that he
+planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured, with the loss
+of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty Zeus, who hath laid low
+the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay low; for his is highest power.
+Shame is this even for them that come after to hear; how so goodly and great a
+folk of the Achaians thus vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier
+enemies, and no end thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both
+Achaians and Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if
+the Trojans should gather together all that have their dwellings in the city,
+and we Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every company choose a
+Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a cup-bearer: so much, I
+say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the Trojans that dwell within the
+city. But allies from many cities, even warriors that wield the spear, are
+therein, and they hinder me perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to
+waste the populous citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus
+passed away, and our ships&rsquo; timbers have rotted and the tackling is
+loosed; while there our wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us;
+yet is our task utterly unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come, even
+as I bid let us all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear native land;
+for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout the
+multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly swayed like
+high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south wind raise, rushing
+upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even as when the west wind cometh
+to stir a deep cornfield with violent blast, and the ears bow down, so was all
+the assembly stirred, and they with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the
+dust from beneath their feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his
+neighbor to seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared
+out the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will of fate,
+but that Hera spake a word to Athene: &ldquo;Out on it, daughter of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed flee
+homeward to their dear native land over the sea&rsquo;s broad back? But they
+would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for
+whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away from his dear native
+land. But go thou now amid the host of the mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle
+words refrain thou every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved ships
+down to the salt sea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but went
+darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the fleet ships
+of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of Zeus in counsel,
+neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship, because grief had entered
+into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed Athene stood by him and said:
+&ldquo;Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many devices, will ye indeed
+fling yourselves upon your benched ships to flee homeward to your dear native
+land? But ye would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear
+native land. But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and
+with gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved
+ships down to the salt sea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and set him
+to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered up, even
+Eurybated of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went to meet Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre of his sires, imperishable
+for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by his
+side, and refrained him with gentle words: &ldquo;Good sir, it is not seemly to
+affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make all thy folk sit
+down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the purpose of Atreus&rsquo;
+son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will afflict the sons of the
+Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he spake in the council? Beware lest
+in his anger he evilly entreat the sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul
+of heaven-fostered kings; because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of
+counsel loveth them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he drave with
+his sceptre and chode him with loud words: &ldquo;Good sir, sit still and
+hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou art no warrior,
+and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in council. In no wise can
+we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of masters is no good thing; let
+there be one master, one king, to whom the son of crooked-counselling Kronos
+hath granted it, [even the sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among
+you&rdquo;].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly from
+ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea roareth on the
+long beach and the main resoundeth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only Thersites
+still chattered on, the uncontrolled speech, whose mind was full of words many
+and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the chiefs idly and in no good
+order, but even as he deemed that he should make the Argives laugh. And he was
+ill-favored beyond all men that came to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of
+one foot, and his two shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over
+them his head was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he
+to Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But now
+with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly Agamemnon. With
+him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in their souls. But he
+with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon: &ldquo;Atreides, for what art thou
+now ill content and lacking? Surely thy huts are full of bronze and many women
+are in they huts, the chosen spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all,
+whene&rsquo;er we take a town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well,
+such as some one of the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his
+son, whom I perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some
+young girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it is
+not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the Achaians to
+ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia and men no more, let
+us depart home with our ships, and leave this fellow here in Troy-land to gorge
+him with meeds of honour, that he may see whether our aid avail him aught or
+no; even he that hath now done dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he;
+for he hath taken away his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent
+deed. Of a very surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles&rsquo; mind, but he
+is slack; else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with hard words
+rebuked him: &ldquo;Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator though thou
+art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against kings. For I deem that
+no mortal is baser than thou of all that with the sons of Atreus came before
+Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou shouldest not have kings in thy mouth
+as thou talkest, and utter revilings against them and be on the watch for
+departure. We know not yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons
+of the Achaians shall return for good or ill. Therefore now dost thou revile
+continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the Danaan
+warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly. But I will tell
+thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to pass: if I find thee again
+raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus&rsquo; head no longer abide upon his
+shoulders, nor may I any more be called father of Telemachos, if I take thee
+not and strip from thee thy garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy
+nakedness, and for thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee
+out of the assembly with shameful blows.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he bowed down
+and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up from his back beneath
+the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was amazed, and in pain with helpless
+look wiped away the tear. But the rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly
+at him, and thus would one speak looking at another standing by: &ldquo;Go to,
+of a truth Odysseus hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing
+foremost in wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing
+the best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he hath
+stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again, forsooth, will his
+proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with slanderous words.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with sceptre in
+his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness of a herald bade
+the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the Achaians, both the nearest and
+the farthest, might hear his words together and give heed to his counsel. He of
+good intent made harangue to them and said: &ldquo;Atreides, now surely are the
+Achaians for making thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will
+they fulfil the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching
+hither from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow women do
+they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is toil to make a man
+depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but one single month far from his
+wife in his benched ship fretteth himself when winter storms and the furious
+sea imprison him; but for us, the ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its
+course. Therefore do I not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their
+beaked ships; yet nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty.
+Be of good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether Kalchas
+be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in our hearts, and
+ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates of death have not borne
+away. It was as it were but yesterday or the day before that the
+Achaians&rsquo; ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted with trouble for Priam
+and the Trojans; and we round about a spring were offering on the holy altars
+unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed
+bright water, when there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the
+back, terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light of
+day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now there were
+there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the topmost branch,
+nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the mother of the little ones
+was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these cheeping pitifully. And the mother
+fluttered around wailing for her dear little ones; but he coiled himself and
+caught her by the wing as she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the
+sparrow&rsquo;s little ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him
+made of him a sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to
+stone, and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread
+portent brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas forthwith
+prophesy, and said: &lsquo;Why hold ye your peace, ye flowing-haired Achaians?
+To us hath Zeus the counsellor shown this great sign, late come, of late
+fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never perish. Even as he swallowed the
+sparrow&rsquo;s little ones and herself, the eight wherewith the mother that
+bare the little ones was the ninth, so shall we war there so many years, but in
+the tenth year shall we take the wide-wayed city.&rsquo; So spake the seer; and
+now are all these things being fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye
+well-greaved Achaians, even where ye are, until we have taken the great city of
+Priam.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships echoed
+terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying of god-like
+Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of Gerenia: &ldquo;Out on
+it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys that have no care for deeds
+of war. What shall come of our covenants and our oaths? Let all counsels be
+cast into the fire and all devices of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and
+the right hands of fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving
+with words nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here.
+Son of Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the
+Argives amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one or two
+Achaians that take secret counsel—to depart to Argos first, before they know
+whether the promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or no. Yea, for I say that
+most mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day when the Argives embarked upon
+their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans death and fate; for by his
+lightning upon our right he manifested signs of good. Therefore let
+Trojal&rsquo;s wife and paid back his strivings and groans for Helel&rsquo;s
+sake. But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards, let him lay his
+hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he may encounter death and
+fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel thyself, and whate&rsquo;er it
+be, shall not be cast away. Separate thy warriors by tribes and by clans,
+Agamemnon, that clan may give aid to clan and tribe to tribe. If thou do thus
+and the Achaians hearken to thee, then wilt thou know who among thy captains
+and who of the common sort is a coward, and who too is brave; for they will
+fight each after their sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine
+command that thou shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors
+and their ill skill in battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: &ldquo;Verily hast thou again
+outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus and Athene
+and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such councillors; then
+would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our hands, captive and wasted.
+But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos, hath brought sorrows upon me, in
+that he casteth my lot amid fruitless wranglings and strifes. For in truth I
+and Achilles fought about a damsel with violent words, and I was first to be
+angry; but if we can only be at one in council, then will there no more be any
+putting off the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go
+ye to your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his spear
+and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his fleet-footed steeds their
+meal, and look well to his chariot on every side and take thought for battle,
+that all day long we may contend in hateful war. For of respite shall there
+intervene no, not a whit, only that the coming of night shall part the fury of
+warriors. On each mal&rsquo;s breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield
+be wet with sweat, and his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each
+mal&rsquo;s horse shall sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And
+whomsoever I perceive minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked
+ships, for him shall there be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of
+prey.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep shore,
+when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting rock, that is
+never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise from this side and from
+that. And they did sacrifice each man to one of the everlasting gods, praying
+for escape from death and the tumult of battle. But Agamemnon king of men slew
+a fat bull of five years to most mighty Kronion, and called the elders, the
+princes of the Achaian host, Nestor first and king Idomeneus, and then the two
+Aiantes and Tydeus&rsquo; son, and sixthly Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel.
+And Menelaos of the loud war-cry came to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart
+how his brother toiled. Then stood they around the bull and took the
+barley-meal. And Agamemnon made his prayer in their midst and said:
+&ldquo;Zeus, most glorious, most great, god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest
+in the heaven, vouchsafe that the sun set not upon us nor the darkness come
+near, till I have laid low upon the earth Priam&rsquo;s palace smirched with
+smoke, and burnt the doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent on
+Hector&rsquo;s breast his doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may full
+many of his comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he accepted the
+sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew back the
+bull&rsquo;s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices from the
+thigh&rsquo;s and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
+collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of leaves, and
+spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos&rsquo; flame. Now when the
+thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest
+and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off
+again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the banquet, they
+feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they
+had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor
+of Gerenia open his saying to them: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon
+king of men, let us not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay
+the work that god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the
+mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them throughout the
+ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide host of the Achaians,
+that the speedier we may arouse keen war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he bade the
+clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired Achaians. So those
+summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus that were about Atreus&rsquo; son, eagerly marshalled them, and
+bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy aegis that knoweth neither
+age nor death, whereon wave an hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven
+and each one an hundred oxen worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the
+Achaian folk, urging them forth; and in every mal&rsquo;s heart she roused
+strength to battle without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to
+them than to depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as
+ravaging fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountail&rsquo;s peaks, and the
+blaze is seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling gleam from
+the innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the heavens.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or long-necked
+swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios&rsquo; stream, fly hither and thither
+joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever onwards, and the mead
+resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of warriors from ships and huts
+into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth echoed terribly beneath the tread of
+men and horses. So stood they in the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as
+are leaves and flowers in their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies
+that hover about a herdsmal&rsquo;s steading in the spring season, when milk
+drencheth the pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon
+the plain in face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as the
+goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they mingle in the
+pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side and that, to enter
+into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon, his head and eyes like unto
+Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his waist like unto Ares and his breast
+unto Poseidon. Even as a bull standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for his
+is pre-eminent amid the pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on
+that day, pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that ye are
+goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only a rumour and
+know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and their lords. But the
+common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not if ten tongues were mine and
+ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my heart of bronze within me, did not
+the Muses of Olympus, daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all
+that came to Ilios. So will I tell the captains of the ships and all the ships
+in order.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoenor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis and
+Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and Graia and
+Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and Eilesion and
+Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and Hyle, Okalea and the
+stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis and Thisbe haunt of doves;
+and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos, and that possessed Plataia and that
+dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes
+and holy Onchestos, Poseidol&rsquo;s bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich
+in vineyards, and Mideia and sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders.
+Of these there came fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the
+Boiotians an hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos
+of the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom Astyoche
+conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of Azeus, having entered
+her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty Ares lay with her privily. And
+with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of great-hearted
+Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed Kyparissos and rocky
+Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus, and they that dwelt about
+Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that lived by the goodly river Kephisos
+and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos&rsquo; springs. And with them followed thirty
+black ships. So they marshalled the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had
+their station hard by the Boiotians on the left.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less, that
+was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small was he, with
+linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the Hellenes and Achaians.
+These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and Kalliaros and Bessa and
+Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and Thronion, about the streams of
+Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty black ships of the Lokrians that dwell
+over against holy Euboia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis and
+Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and the steep
+fortress of Dios and they that possessed Karytos, and they that dwelt in Styra,
+all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock of Ares, even the son of
+Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes. And with him followed the fleet
+Abantes with hair flowing behind, spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched
+to tear the corslets on the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of Erechtheus
+the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered when Earth, the
+grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a resting-place in Athens
+in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons of the Athenians worship him with
+bulls and rams as the years turn in their courses—these again were led of
+Menestheus son of Peteos. And there was no man upon the face of earth that was
+like him for the marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield.
+Only Nestor rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled
+him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them where
+the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione and Asine
+that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eionai and Epidauros full of vines, and
+the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and Mases, these were led of
+Diomedes of the loud war-cary and Sthenelos, dear son of famous Kapaneus. And
+the third with them came Euryalos, a godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus
+son of Talaos. But Diomedes of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with
+them eighty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and wealthy
+Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely Araithyrea and
+Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of them that possessed
+Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt about Aigion and through
+all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of them did lord Agamemnon son of
+Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him followed most and goodliest folk by far;
+and in their midst himself was clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was
+pre-eminent amid all warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far
+greatest in number.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills, and
+Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in Bryseiai and
+lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and the sea-coast
+fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt about Oitylos, of these
+was the king&rsquo;s brother leader, even Menelaos of the loud war-cry, leader
+of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart. And himself marched among them
+confident in his zeal, urging his men to battle: and his heart most of all was
+set to take vengeance for his strivings and groans for Helel&rsquo;s sake [Or,
+&ldquo;for Helel&rsquo;s searchings of heart and groans.&rdquo;].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the fording-place
+of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were inhabitants of Kyparisseis and
+Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the
+Thracian, and made an end of his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from
+Eurytos the Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even
+did the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus;
+but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him the high gift
+of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these was knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of Kyllene,
+beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand to hand; and of
+them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in flocks, and Rhipe and
+Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and
+possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in Parhasie, of these was Ankaios&rsquo; son
+lord Agapenor leader, even of sixty ships; and in each ship embarked many
+Arkadian warriors skilled in fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them
+benched ships wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus;
+for matters of seafaring concerned them not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof as
+Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and Aleision bound
+between them, of these men there were four captains, and ten swift ships
+followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon. So some were led of
+Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor, sons one of Kteatos and one
+of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores captain, son of Amarynkes; and of
+the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos was captain, son of king Agasthenes
+Augeias&rsquo; son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond the sea
+over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares, Phyleides to
+wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus, him that erst
+changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against his father. And with him
+followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed Ithaka
+and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and rugged Aigilips,
+and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in Samos, and possessed the
+mainland and dwelt in the parts over against the isles. Them did Odysseus lead,
+the peer of Zeus in counsel, and with him followed twelve ships with vermillion
+prow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of them that
+dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the sea-shore and rocky
+Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were no more, neither did he
+still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was dead, to whose hands all had been
+committed, for him to be king of the Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed
+forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of them that
+possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and Miletos and chalky
+Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities all; and of all others
+that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of these men was Idomeneus the
+famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer of the man-slaying war-god. With
+these followed eighty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles&rsquo; son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
+ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold ordering, in
+Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of Tlepolemos the famous
+spearman, that was born to great Herakles by Astyocheia, whom he had brought
+away from Ephyre by the river Selleeis, when he laid waste many cities of
+strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood
+within the strong palace walls, anon he slew his own father&rsquo;s dear uncle,
+an old man now, Likymnios of the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships
+and gathered much folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the
+other sons and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes
+a wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
+tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and Kronion
+poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia and king
+Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under Ilios of all the
+Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was a weakling, and a scanty
+host followed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
+</p>
+
+<p>
+city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos and Alope
+and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair women, and were
+called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all these, even fifty ships,
+Achilles was captain. But these took no thought of noisy war; for there was no
+man to array them in line of battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle
+amid the ships, wroth for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair,
+whom he had won from Lyrnessos and the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and
+Epistrophos, warriors that bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos&rsquo;
+son. For her sake lay Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter&rsquo;s
+sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and Pteleos
+couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader while yet he
+lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His wife with marred
+visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal chamber half builded; for
+a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from his ship far first of the
+Achaians. Yet neither were his men leaderless, though they sorrowed for their
+leader; for Podarkes of the stock of Ares marshalled them, son of
+Phylakos&rsquo; son Iphiklos was he, the lord of many flocks, own brother of
+great-hearted Protesilaos, and younger-born than he: but the other was alike
+the elder and the braver, even Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not
+the host lack at all a leader, only they yearned for the noble dead. With him
+followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos&rsquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelias.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia and
+rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader, the cunning
+archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to fight amain with the
+bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in the isle of goodly Lemnos,
+where the sons of the Achaians left him sick of a grievous wound from a deadly
+water-snake. There lay he pining; yet were the Argives soon to bethink them
+beside their ships of king Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless,
+only they sorrowed for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus&rsquo;
+bastard son, whom Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced ithome and that possessed
+Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again Asklepios&rsquo; two
+sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and Machaon. And with them
+were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and possessed
+Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was Eurypylos leader,
+Euaimol&rsquo;s glorious son; and with him, forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and Elone and
+the white city of Olooson, of these was captain unflinching Polypoites, son of
+Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites did famed Hippodameia
+conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took vengeance of the shaggy wild
+folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion and drave them to the Aithikes. And
+Polypoites ruled not alone, but with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son
+of high-hearted Koronos Kaineus&rsquo; son. And with them forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed the
+Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes about wintry
+Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios that poureth his
+fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not mingle with the silver eddies
+of Peneios, but floweth on over him like unto oil, seeing that he is an
+offspring from the water of Styx, the dread river of the oath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that dwelt
+about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet Prothoos lead,
+and with him forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell me, O
+Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike and horses that
+followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres&rsquo; son were far
+goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like of coat, like of age,
+matched to the measure of a levelling line across their backs. These were
+reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow, two mares carrying onward the
+terror of battle. But of warriors far best was the Telamonian Aias, while the
+wrath of Achilles yet endured; for he was greatest of all, he and his horses
+that bore him, even Peleus&rsquo; noble son. But he lay idle among his
+seafaring ships, in sore wrath against Agamemnon Atreus&rsquo; son, shepherd of
+the host; and his folk along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting
+of javelins and archery; and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,
+champing clover and parsley of the marsh, and their lords&rsquo; chariots lay
+well covered up within the huts, while the men yearned for their warrior chief,
+and wandered hither and thither through the camp and fought not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire; and the
+earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is in the thunder,
+when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country of the Arimoi, where
+men say is Typhoeus&rsquo; couch. Even so groaned the earth aloud at their
+tread as they went: and with speed advanced they across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding assembly at
+Priam&rsquo;s gate, being gathered all together both young men and old. And
+fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she made her voice like
+to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the sentinel of the Trojans and
+was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old,
+and on the top thereof wait the sallying of the Achaians forth from their
+ships. Even in his likeness did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: &ldquo;Old
+man, words beyond number are still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of
+peace; but war without respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now
+entered into battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host
+and so great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the sands
+of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the city. But
+Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall say. Seeing that the
+allies are very many throughout Priam&rsquo;s great city, and diverse men,
+being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues; therefore let each one give the
+word to those whose chieftain he is, and them let him lead forth and have the
+ordering of his countrymen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess, and
+straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And the gates were
+thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen, and mighty
+din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain, with a
+clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call this
+&ldquo;Batieia,&rdquo; but the immortals call it &ldquo;The tomb of lithe
+Myrine.&rdquo; There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son of
+Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were arrayed, eager
+warriors of the spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias, whom
+bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a goddess wedded
+to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were Antenor&rsquo;s two sons,
+Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the ways of war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida, the men of
+substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the Troes; of these
+Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom Apollo himself gave
+the bow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and possessed
+Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was captain, and
+Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of Perkote, that beyond
+all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered his children marching to
+murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for the fates of black death led them
+on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and Abydos
+and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos&rsquo; son Asios, a prince of
+men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought from Arisbe,
+from the river Selleeis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Teutamos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they that the
+strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was captain of the
+Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos&rsquo; son, fosterling of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in Amydon,
+from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the fairest that floweth
+over the face of the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of the
+Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that possessed
+Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed dwellings round the
+river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty Erythini.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all his
+auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by the hand of
+fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of the Trojans there and
+of the rest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania, and these
+were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes&rsquo;
+two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the Maionians, whose
+birthplace was under Tmolos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos and the
+mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of Maiandros and
+the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos and Nastes: Nastes and
+Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And he came, forsooth, to battle
+with golden attire like a girl—fond man: that held not back in any wise
+grievous destruction, but he was vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed
+Aiakides in the river, and wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap03"></a>BOOK III.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued Paris.
+And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the Trojans
+marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as when there
+goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from the coming of winter
+and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the streams of ocean, bearing
+slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in early morn offer cruel battle. But
+on the other side marched the Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at
+heart to give succour man to man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a mountain, mist
+unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than night, and a man can
+see no further than he casteth a stone; even so thick arose the gathering
+dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and with all speed they advanced
+across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike Alexandros
+played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders panther-skin and
+curved bow and sword; and he brandished two bronze-headed spears and challenged
+all the chieftains of the Argives to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But
+when Menelaos dear to Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude
+with long strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
+carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an hungered;
+and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds and lusty youths set
+upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his eyes beheld godlike Alexandros;
+for he thought to take vengeance upon the sinner. So straightway he leap in his
+armour from his chariot to the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his heart was
+smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades, avoiding death. And
+even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a mountain glade starteth backward
+and trembling seizeth his feet beneath him, and he retreateth back again, and
+paleness hath hold of his cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of
+Atreus&rsquo; son shrink back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector
+beheld and upbraided him with scornful words: &ldquo;Ill Paris, most fair in
+semblance, thou deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died
+unwed. Yea, that were my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our
+shame and looked at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired Achaians
+laugh, deeming that a prince is our champion only because a goodly favour is
+his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any courage. Art thou indeed
+such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou didst sail over the deep with the
+company of thy trusty comrades, and in converse with strangers didst bring back
+a fair woman from a far country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors
+that bear the spear, that she might be a sore mischief to they father and city
+and all the realm, but to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the
+head? And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou mightest see
+what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast. Thy lyre will not avail
+thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy locks and fair favour, when thou
+grovellest in the dust. But the Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst
+thou donned a robe of stone [i.e., been stoned by the people] for all the ill
+thou hast wrought.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: &ldquo;Hector, since in
+measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—they heart is ever keen, even as
+an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a ship&rsquo;s
+timber with skill, and thereby is the mal&rsquo;s blow strengthened; even such
+is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth the lovely gifts of
+golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the gods&rsquo; glorious gifts that
+of their own good will they give; for by his desire can no man win them. But
+now if thou wilt have me do battle and fight, make the other Trojans sit down
+and all the Achaians, and set ye me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to
+fight for Helen and all her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the
+upper hand, let him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them
+home. And let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
+deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses, and
+Achaia home of fair women.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went into the
+midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his spear grasped by
+the middle; and they all sate them down. But the flowing-haired Achaians kept
+shooting at him, aiming with arrows and casting stones. But Agamemnon king of
+men cried aloud: &ldquo;Refrain, ye Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the
+Achaians; for Hector of the glancing helm hath set himself to say
+somewhat.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily. And
+Hector spake between the two hosts, &ldquo;Hear of me, Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about. He
+biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to lay down their goodly armour
+on the bounteous earth, and himself in the midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to
+fight alone for Helen and all her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and
+gain the upper hand, let him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and
+bear them home; but let all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their midst
+spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: &ldquo;Hearken ye now to me, too; for into
+my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the parting of Argives
+and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have endured many ills because of my
+quarrel and the first sin of Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and
+fate are prepared, let him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye
+two lambs, one white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring
+one for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath himself,
+seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest any by
+transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young mel&rsquo;s hearts are
+ever lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he looketh both before
+and after, whereby the best issue shall come for either side.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they should have
+rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to the ranks, and
+themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these they laid upon the earth
+each close to each, and there was but small space between. And Hector sent two
+heralds to the city will all speed, to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And
+lord Agamemnon sent forth Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him
+bring a ram; and he was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of her
+husband&rsquo;s sister, the spouse of Antenor&rsquo;s son, even her that lord
+Helikaon Antenor&rsquo;s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of
+Priam&rsquo;s daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple
+web of double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at the hands
+of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said: &ldquo;Come hither,
+dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of horse-taming Trojans
+and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged tearful war upon each other in the
+plain, eager for deadly battle, even they sit now in silence, and the tall
+spears are planted by their sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares
+will fight with their tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear
+wife of him that conquereth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her former
+husband and her city and parents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her chamber,
+letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed with her two
+handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed Klymene. Then came she
+straightway to the place of the Skaian gates. And they that were with Priam and
+Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of
+Ares, Oukalegon withal and Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people,
+sat at the Skaian gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were
+they right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree and
+utter their lily-like [supposed to mean &ldquo;delicate&rdquo; or
+&ldquo;tender&rdquo;] voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans upon the
+tower. Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly spake winged
+words one to the other: &ldquo;Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer hardships; marvellously like
+is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon. Yet even so, though she be so
+goodly, let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and our children
+after us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: &ldquo;Come
+hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former husband
+and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame; nay, I hold the
+gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the Achaians—so mayest thou
+now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian warrior so goodly and great. Of
+a truth there are others even taller by a head; yet mine eyes never behold a
+man so beautiful nor so royal; for he is like unto one that is a king.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: &ldquo;Reverend art thou
+to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been my
+pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my kinsfolk and
+my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine age-fellows. But
+that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now will I tell thee that
+whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon,
+one that is both a goodly king and mighty spearman. And he was my
+husband&rsquo;s brother to me, ah shameless me; if ever such an one there
+was.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: &ldquo;Ah, happy
+Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons of the
+Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the land of vines,
+and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the nimble steeds, were very
+many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike Mygdon, that were then encamped
+along the banks of Sangarios. For I too being their ally was numbered among
+them on the day that the Amazons came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they
+so many as are the glancing-eyed Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: &ldquo;Come now, tell me of this
+man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon son of Atreus,
+but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His armour lieth upon the
+bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether rangeth the ranks of warriors.
+Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram ordering a great flock of ewes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: &ldquo;Now this is Laertes&rsquo;
+son, crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged though it
+be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: &ldquo;Lady, verily the thing thou sayest
+is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an embassage for
+thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave them entertainment
+and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect of both and their wise
+devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans in the assembly, while all
+stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the measure of his broad shoulders;
+but when both sat down, Odysseus was the more stately. And when they began to
+weave the web of words and counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued
+fluently, in few words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech,
+neither random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
+of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the ground,
+and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held it stiff, like
+to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be churlish, and naught but
+a fool. But when he uttered his great voice from his chest, and words like unto
+the snowflakes of winter, then could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then
+marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus&rsquo; aspect.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: &ldquo;Who then is this other
+Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the measure
+of his head and broad shoulders?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: &ldquo;This is huge Aias,
+bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans standeth
+Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the Cretans.
+Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our house whene&rsquo;er he came
+from Crete. And now behold I all the other glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I
+could discern and tell their names; but two captains of the host can I not see,
+even Kastor tamer of horses and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own
+brethren, whom the same mother bare. Either they came not in the company from
+lovely Lakedaimon; or they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but now
+will not enter into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the many scornings
+and revilings that are mine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy oath-offerings,
+two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the earth, in a goat-skin
+bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining bowl and golden cups; and came
+to the old man and summoned him and said: &ldquo;Rise, thou son of Laomedon.
+The chieftains of the horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee
+to go down into the plain, that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and
+Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady&rsquo;s
+sake; and let lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that
+are left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy, and
+they shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home of fair
+women.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the horses;
+and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back the reins, and by
+his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the two drave the fleet
+horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And when they had come even to
+the Trojans and Achaians, they went down from the chariots upon the bounteous
+earth, and marched into the midst of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose
+up Agamemnon king of men, and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly
+heralds gathered together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the
+wine in a bowl, and poured water over the princes&rsquo; hands. And Atreides
+put forth his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword&rsquo;s
+great sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs&rsquo; heads; and then the
+heralds portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then in their
+midst Atreus&rsquo; son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud: &ldquo;Father
+Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou Sun that seest
+all things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and thou Earth, and ye that in
+the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses,
+and watch over the faithful oath. If Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him
+have Helen to himself and all her possessions; and we will depart on our
+seafaring ships. But if golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the
+Trojans give back Helen and all her possessions and pay the Argives the
+recompense that is seemly, such as shall live among men that shall be
+hereafter. But if so be that Priam and Priam&rsquo;s sons will not pay the
+recompense unto me when Alexandros falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for
+the price of sin, and abide here till I compass the end of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and cut the lambs&rsquo; throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
+laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had taken their
+strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the bowl into the cups,
+and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that live for ever. And thus would
+say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: &ldquo;Zeus most glorious, most great,
+and all ye immortal gods, which folk soe&rsquo;er be first to sin against the
+oaths, may their brains be so poured forth upon the earth even as this wine,
+theirs and their childrel&rsquo;s; and let their wives be made subject unto
+strangers.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And in
+their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying: &ldquo;Hearken to
+me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return back to windy
+Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with mine eyes my dear son
+fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus knoweth, and all the immortal
+gods, for whether of the twain the doom of death is appointed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and entered in
+himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid
+chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and Hector son of Priam and
+goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and then they took the lots, and shook
+them in a bronze-bound helmet, to know whether of the twain should first cast
+his spear of bronze. And the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the
+gods; and thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: &ldquo;Father
+Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe&rsquo;er it be
+that brought this trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and
+enter the house of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty
+oaths.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet, looking
+behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the people sat them
+down by ranks where each mal&rsquo;s high-stepping horses and inwrought armour
+lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned his beauteous armour, even
+he that was lord to Helen of the lovely hair. First upon his legs set he his
+greaves, beautiful, fastened with silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he
+donned the corslet of his brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over
+his shoulders cast he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield
+great and sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
+crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong spear
+fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they strode
+between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came on them that
+beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the well-greaved Achaians.
+Then took they their stand near together in the measured space, brandishing
+their spears in wrath each against other. First Alexandros hurled his far
+shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides&rsquo; round shield; but the bronze
+brake not through, for its point was turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos
+son of Atreus lifted up his hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus:
+&ldquo;King Zeus, grant me revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even
+on goodly Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of
+men that shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown him
+kindness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote on the
+round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went the ponderous
+spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed on; and straight beside
+his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he swerved and escaped black death.
+Then Atreides drew his silver-studded sword, and lifted up his hand and smote
+the helmet-ridge; but the sword shattered upon it into three, yea four, and
+fell from his hand. Thereat Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried:
+&ldquo;Father Zeus, surely none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I
+thought to have gotten vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my
+sword breaketh in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have
+not smitten him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest, and
+swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians; and he was
+strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat, drawn tight below
+his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have dragged him away and won
+glory unspeakable, but that Zeus&rsquo; daughter Aphrodite was swift to mark,
+and tore asunder for him the strap of slaughtered ox&rsquo;s hide; so the
+helmet came away empty in his stalwart hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a
+swing toward the well-greaved Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and
+himself sprang back again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite
+snatched up Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness,
+and sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to summon
+Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan women
+thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and shook it and
+spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a wool-comber that was wont to
+work for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon, whom too she greatly
+loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake: &ldquo;Come hither;
+Alexandros summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in his chamber and inlaid
+bed, radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst thou deem him to be come from
+fighting his foe, but rather to be faring to the dance, or from the dance to be
+just resting and set down.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and stirred Helel&rsquo;s soul within her breast; and when now she
+marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the goddess, she
+marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her name: &ldquo;Strange
+queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily thou wilt lead me
+further on to some one of the people cities of Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if
+there too thou hast perchance some other darling among mortal men, because even
+now Menelaos hath conquered goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me,
+to his home. Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou
+by his side and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet ever bear
+thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and guard him till he
+make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But thither will I not go— that were
+a sinful thing—to array the bed of him; all the women of Troy will blame me
+thereafter; and I have griefs untold within my soul.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: &ldquo;Provoke me not, rash woman,
+lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I love thee beyond
+measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between both, even betwixt Trojans
+and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil wise.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in her
+bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her not; and the
+goddess led the way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the handmaidens
+turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went to the high-roofed
+chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her a chair and brought it,
+even she the goddess, and set it before the face of Paris. There Helen took her
+seat, the child of aegis-bearing Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and
+chode her lord: &ldquo;Thou comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished
+there, vanquished of that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it
+was once thy boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in
+the might of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear to
+Ares to fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee refrain,
+nor fight a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man, neither attack him
+recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear anon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Paris made answer to her and said: &ldquo;Chide not my soul, lady, with
+cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene&rsquo;s
+aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with us. But
+come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet hath love so
+enwrapped my heart—not even then when first I snatched thee from lovely
+Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my sea-faring ships, and in the isle of
+Kranae had converse with thee upon thy couch in love—as I love thee now and
+sweet desire taketh hold upon me.&rdquo; So saying he led the way to the couch,
+and the lady followed with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while strode
+through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set eyes on godlike
+Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed allies could discover
+Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely did they in no wise hide him
+for kindliness, could any have seen him; for he was hated of all even as black
+death. So Agamemnon king of men spake among them there: &ldquo;Hearken to me,
+Trojans and Dardanians and allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to
+Ares; give ye back Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the
+recompense such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter.&rdquo; So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his chief
+captains to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in the
+midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden goblets pledged
+one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans. Then did Kronos&rsquo; son
+essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake maliciously: &ldquo;Twain
+goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera of Argos and Alalkomenean
+Athene. Yet these sit apart and take there pleasure in beholding; but beside
+that other ever standeth laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from
+him, and now hath she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the
+victory is to Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things
+shall be; whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din,
+or put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to all and
+well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation, and Menelaos
+take back Helen of Argos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and said not anything,
+for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her: But Hera&rsquo;s
+breast contained not her anger, and she spake: &ldquo;Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast thou the will to make my labour
+void and of none effect, and the sweat of my toil that I sweated, when my
+horses were wearied with my summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam
+and his sons? Do as thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: &ldquo;Good lack, how
+have Priam and Priam&rsquo;s sons done thee such great wrong that thou art
+furiously minded to sack the established citadel of Ilios? Perchance wert thou
+to enter within the gates and long walls and devour Priam raw, and
+Priam&rsquo;s sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage thine anger.
+Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel hereafter be to me and thee a
+sore strife between us both. And this moreover will I say to thee, and do thou
+lay it to they heart; whene&rsquo;er I too be of eager mind to lay waste to a
+city where is the race of men that are dear to thee, hinder thou not my wrath,
+but let me be, even as I yield to thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling.
+For all cities beneath sun and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal
+men, holy Ilios was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam
+of the good ashen spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even
+drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: &ldquo;Of a surety three
+cities are there that are dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and wide-wayed
+Mykene; these lay thou waste whene&rsquo;er they are found hateful to thy
+heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee them. For even if
+I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them, yet will my jealousy not
+avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than I. Still must my labour too not
+be made of none effect; for I also am a god, and my lineage is even as thine,
+and Kronos the crooked counsellor begat me to the place of honour in double
+wise, by birthright, and because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among
+all the immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
+to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do thou with
+speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of Trojans and
+Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon them to do violence
+to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the oaths.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith he spake
+to Athene winged words: &ldquo;Betake thee with all speed to the host, to the
+midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans may first take upon
+them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the oaths.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
+Olympus&rsquo; heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
+counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of men, bright
+shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude; even in such guise
+sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their midst; and astonishment came
+on them that beheld, on horse-taming Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And
+thus would many an one say, looking at his neighbor: &ldquo;Of a surety either
+shall sore war and the fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth
+stablish peace between the foes, even he that is mel&rsquo;s dispenser of
+battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess entered
+the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor&rsquo;s son
+Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if haply she
+might find him. Lykaol&rsquo;s son found she, the noble and stalwart, standing,
+and about him the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host that followed him
+from the streams of Aisepos. So she came near and spake winged words:
+&ldquo;Wilt thou now hearken to me, thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou
+take heart to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory
+before all the Trojans, and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him
+first of any wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see Menelaos,
+Atreus&rsquo; warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to the grievous
+pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to Apollo, the son of
+light [Or, perhaps, &ldquo;the Wolf-born&rdquo;], the lord of archery, to
+sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to thy
+home, in the city of holy Zeleia.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool&rsquo;s heart. Forthwith he unsheathed
+his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had erst smitten
+beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while he awaited in a
+lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that it fell backward on the
+rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of sixteen palms; these the
+artificer, even the worker in horn, joined cunningly together, and polished
+them all well and set the top of gold thereon. So he laid it down when he had
+well strung it, by resting it upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held
+their shields before him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first
+set on them, ere Menelaos, Atreus&rsquo; son, were smitten. Then opened he the
+lid of his quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a source of
+grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the string and vowed to
+Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly hecatomb
+of firstling lambs when he should have returned to his home in the city of holy
+Zeleia. Then he took the notch and string of oxes&rsquo; sinew together, and
+drew, bringing to his breast the string, and to the bow the iron head. So when
+he had now bent the great bow into a round, the horn twanged, and the string
+sang aloud, and the keen arrow leapt eager to wing his way amid the throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all the
+daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee and warded off
+the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the flesh, even as a mother
+driveth a fly from her child that lieth in sweet slumber; and with her own hand
+guided it where the golden buckles of the belt were clasped and the doubled
+breastplate met them. So the bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through
+the inwrought belt it sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it
+pressed on and through the taslet [and apron or belt set with metal, worn below
+the corslet] he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against darts; and this
+best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this. Then did the arrow graze
+the warrior&rsquo;s outermost flesh, and forthwith the dusky blood flowed from
+the wound.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to make a
+cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure chamber, and many a
+horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up to be a king&rsquo;s boast,
+alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for his charioteer; even in such
+wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs stained with blood and thy legs and thy
+fair ankles beneath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood flowing
+from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered; but when he saw
+how thread [by which the iron head was attached to the shaft] and bards were
+without, his spirit was gathered in his breast again. Then lord Agamemnon
+moaned deep, and spake among them, holding Menelaos by the hand; and his
+comrades made moan the while: &ldquo;Dear brother, to thy death, meseemeth,
+pledged I these oaths, setting thee forth to fight the Trojans alone before the
+face of the Achaians; seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden
+under floor the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect, and the
+blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship
+wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about the fulfilment
+forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear amends, even with
+their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea of a surety I know this in
+heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and
+the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear; and Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned
+on high, that dwelleth in the heaven, himself shall brandish over them all his
+lowring aegis, in indignation at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void;
+yet shall I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot
+of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing that the
+Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and so should we
+leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos. And the earth
+shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy task unfinished: and thus
+shall many an overweening Trojan say as he leapeth upon the tomb of glorious
+Menelaos: &lsquo;Would to God Agamemnon might so fulfil his wrath in every
+matter, even as now he led hither the host of the Achaians for naught, and hath
+gone home again to his dear native land with empty ships, and hath left noble
+Menelaos behind.&rsquo; Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let the wide
+earth gape for me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: &ldquo;Be of good courage,
+neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart lighted not upon
+a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it, and the kirtle of mail
+beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: &ldquo;Would it may be so, dear
+Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs that shall
+assuage thy dire pangs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: &ldquo;Talthybios, with
+all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble leech, to
+see Menelaos, Atreus&rsquo; warrior son, whom one well skilled in archery, some
+Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our
+grief.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his way
+through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon. Him he
+found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host
+that followed him from Trike, pasture land of horses. So he came near and spake
+his winged words: &ldquo;Arise, thou son of Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth
+thee to see Menelaos, captain of the Achaians, whom one well skilled in
+archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and
+our grief.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way amid the
+throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they were now come
+where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many as were chieftains
+gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero came and stood in their
+midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the clasped belt; and as it was drawn
+forth the keen barbs were broken backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt
+and kirtle of mail beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when
+he saw the wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood
+and cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good will
+had imparted to his sire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms again, and
+bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble Agamemnon
+slumbering, nor cowering, unready to fight, but very eager for glorious battle.
+He left his horses and his chariot adorned with bronze; and his squire, even
+Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios Peiraieus&rsquo; son, kept apart the snorting
+steeds; and he straitly charged him to have them at hand whenever weariness
+should come upon his limbs with marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he
+through the ranks of warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans
+he found eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: &ldquo;Ye
+Argives, relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be
+no helper of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the oaths, so
+shall their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we shall bear away
+their dear wives and little children in our ships, when once we take the
+stronghold.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode sore with
+angry words: &ldquo;Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of dishonour, have
+ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that are weary with running
+over the long plain and so stand still, and no valour is found in their hearts
+at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and fight not. Is it that ye wait for the
+Trojans to come near where your good ships&rsquo; sterns are drawn up on the
+shore of the grey sea, to see if Kronion will stretch his arm over you
+indeed?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to the
+Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were taking arms
+around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant as a wild boar, and
+Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost battalions. Then Agamemnon king
+of men rejoiced to see them, and anon spake to Idomeneus with kindly words:
+&ldquo;Idomeneus, more than all the fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee,
+whether in war or in task of other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of
+the Argives mingle in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even
+though all the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet
+thy cup standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul biddeth
+thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest thyself to be of
+old.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: &ldquo;Atreides,
+of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
+promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
+Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have disannulled
+the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter shall be their lot,
+because they were the first to transgress against the oaths.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the Aiantes
+as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were arming, and a
+cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a goatherd from a place of
+outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep before the blast of the west wind;
+and to him being afar it seemeth ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along
+the deep, and bringeth a great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and
+driveth his flock beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried
+battalions of young men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes
+into furious war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
+said: &ldquo;Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing it
+is not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves ye do
+indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene and Apollo,
+would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would king Priam&rsquo;s
+city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and urging them to
+fight, around great Pelegon and Alastor and Chromios and lord Haimon and Bias
+shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the horsemen with horses and
+chariots, and behind them the footmen many and brave, to be a bulwark of
+battle; but the cowards he drave into the midst, that every man, even though he
+would not, yet of necessity must fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen;
+these he bade hold in their horses nor be entangled in the throng.
+&ldquo;Neither let any man, trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager
+to fight the Trojans alone and before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for
+so will ye be enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car
+can come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even so
+is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low cities and
+walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their breasts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles. And lord
+Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words, and said:
+&ldquo;Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine own breast,
+thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the common lot of age is
+heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some other man, and thou wert amid
+the young.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: &ldquo;Atreides, I verily, even I
+too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion. But the gods
+in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a youth, so doth old age
+now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the horsemen and urge them by
+counsel and words; for that is the right of elders. But the young men shall
+wield the spear, they that are more youthful than I and have confidence in
+their strength.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus the
+charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were the
+Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty Odysseus, and
+round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble folk, stood still; for
+their host had not yet heard the battle-cry, seeing the battalions of
+horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just bestirred them to move; so these
+stood still tarrying till some other column of the Achaians should advance to
+set upon the Trojans and begin the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw
+it, he upbraided them, and spake to them winged words, saying: &ldquo;O son of
+king Peteos fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
+mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth it to
+stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery battle; for ye are
+the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as we Achaians prepare a
+feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to eat roast meat and drink your
+cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye will. But now would ye gladly behold it,
+yea, if ten columns of Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless
+sword.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said: &ldquo;Atreides,
+what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips? How sayest thou
+that we are slack in battle? When once our [Or, &ldquo;that we are slack in
+battle, when once we Achaians,&rdquo; putting the note of interrogation after
+&ldquo;tamers of horses.&rdquo;] Achaians launch furious war on the Trojans,
+tamers of horses, then shalt thou, if thou wilt, and if thou hast any care
+therefor, behold Telemachos&rsquo; dear father mingling with the champions of
+the Trojans, the tamers of horses. But that thou sayest is empty as air.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and took
+back his saying: &ldquo;Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of devices,
+neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I know that thy heart
+within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy thoughts are as my thoughts. Go
+to, we will make amends hereafter, if any ill word hath been spoken now; may
+the gods bring it all to none effect.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus found he,
+high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot well compact; and
+by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord Agamemnon saw and upbraided,
+and spake to him winged words, and said: &ldquo;Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus
+tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou, why gazest thou at the highways of the
+battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far
+in front of his dear comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for
+never did I meet him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid
+all. Of a truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying against the
+holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that valiant allies might be
+given them, and our folk were fain to grant them and made assent to their
+entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill and turned their minds. So when these
+were departed and were come on their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in
+rushes, that maketh his bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to
+be their ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
+feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus, even though
+a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of the Kadmeians, but
+challenged them all to feats of strength, and in every one vanquished he them
+easily; so present a helper was Athene unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers
+of horses, were wroth, and as he fared back again they brought and set a strong
+ambush, even fifty young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon,
+like to the immortals, and Autophonos&rsquo; son Polyphontes staunch in battle.
+Still even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one
+that he sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the omens of
+heaven. Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in battle is worse
+than he; only in harangue is he the better.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to the
+chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus answered him:
+&ldquo;Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how to speak truly.
+We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our fathers were: we did take
+the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we led a scantier host against a
+stronger wall, because we followed the omens of the gods and the salvation of
+Zeus; but they perished by their own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any
+wise have our fathers in like honour with us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: &ldquo;Brother, sit
+silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the host
+should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the glory will
+attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy Ilios; and his will be
+the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go to now, let us too bethink us
+of impetuous valour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and terribly rang
+the bronze upon the chieftail&rsquo;s breast as he moved; thereat might fear
+have come even upon one stout-hearted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close array
+before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it first raise its
+head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth aloud and goeth with
+arching crest about the promontories, and speweth the foaming brine afar; even
+so in close array moved the battalions of the Danaans without pause to battle.
+Each captain gave his men the word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest
+not deem that all the great host following them had any voice within their
+breasts; in silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
+inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like sheep
+beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great substance, to be
+milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing to hear their
+lambs&rsquo; cry, even so arose the clamour of the Trojans through the wide
+host. For they had not all like speech nor one language, but their tongues were
+mingled, and they were brought from many lands. These were urged on of Ares,
+and those of bright-eyed Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury
+wearieth not, sister and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at
+the first, but afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk
+upon the earth. She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared
+through the throng and made the lamentation of men to wax.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood. As when two winter torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and
+join their furious flood within the ravine from their great springs, and the
+shepherd heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the joining
+of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew a Trojan
+warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos son of Thalysios;
+him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his crested helmet, and he drave
+the spear into his brow and the point of bronze passed within the bone;
+darkness clouded his eyes, and he crashed like a tower amid the press of fight.
+As he fell lord Elephenor caught him by the foot, Chalkodol&rsquo;s son,
+captain of the great-hearted Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts,
+eager with all speed to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured
+his essay; great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his
+side was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he him
+with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life departed
+from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians grew hot; like
+wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemiol&rsquo;s son, the lusty stripling
+Simoeisios, whose erst is mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on the way
+down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see their flocks.
+Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not his dear parents the
+recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of life by reason of the spear
+of great-hearted Aias that laid him low. For as he went he first was smitten on
+his right breast beside the pap; straight though his shoulder passed the spear
+of bronze, and he fell to the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath
+grown up smooth in the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the
+top thereof; this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him a
+felloe for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river&rsquo;s banks. In
+such a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of Anthemion; then at
+him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam&rsquo;s son, made a cast with his
+keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but smote Odysseus&rsquo;
+valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the corpse his way, so that he
+fell upon it and the body dropped from his hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth
+at heart for the slaying of him, and strode through the forefront of the battle
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and went and stood hard by and glanced around
+him, and cast his bright javelin; and the Trojans shrank before the casting of
+the hero. He sped not the dart in vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam&rsquo;s
+bastard son that had come to him from tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him
+Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade&rsquo;s sake, smote with his javelin on
+one temple; and through both temples passed the point of bronze, and darkness
+clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
+Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded, and the Argives shouted
+aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and pressed yet further onward. But
+Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and had indignation, and with a shout called
+to the Trojans: &ldquo;Arise, ye Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not to the
+Argives in fight; not of stone nor iron is their flesh, that it should resist
+the piercing bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son of Thetis of
+the fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his bitter
+anger.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were urged on
+of Zeus&rsquo; daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she passed through
+the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he was
+smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and the caster
+thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peirros son of Imbrasos that had come
+from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly the two sinews and the bones;
+back fell he in the dust, and stretched out both his hands to his dear
+comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at
+him and pierced him with a spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed
+forth upon the ground, and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos
+departed from him Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap,
+and the point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
+his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he smote
+his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not off his armour;
+for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the top-knot, stood around, their
+long spears in their hands, and albeit he was great and valiant and proud they
+drave him off from them and he gave ground reeling. So were the two captains
+stretched in the dust side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad
+Epeians; and around them were many others likewise slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it be that
+a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam in the midst,
+being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her guarded from the flying
+shafts. For many Trojans that day and many Achaians were laid side by side upon
+their faces in the dust.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap05"></a>BOOK V.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded even
+Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But now to Tydeus&rsquo; son Diomedes Athene gave might and courage, for him to
+be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown. She kindled flame
+unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the star of summer that above all
+others glittereth bright after he hath bathed in the ocean stream. In such wise
+kindled she flame from his head and shoulders and sent him into the midst,
+where men thronged the thickest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of Hephaistos;
+and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in all the art of battle.
+These separated themselves and assailed him face to face, they setting on him
+from their car and he on foot upon the ground. And when they were now come near
+in onset on each other, first Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over
+Tydeides&rsquo; left shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body.
+Then next Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
+vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
+chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared not to
+bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped black fate: but
+Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of darkness, that he might not
+have his aged priest all broken with sorrow. And the son of great-hearted
+Tydeus drave away the horses and gave them to his men to take to the hollow
+ships. But when the great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was
+fled, and one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
+bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and said:
+&ldquo;Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, can we
+not now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on whichsoever it be that
+father Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain give place, and escape the wrath
+of Zeus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit down
+beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they laboured in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not tell with
+whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or with Achaians. For he
+stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at the full, that in swift
+course scattereth the causeys [Causeways.]; neither can the long lines of
+causeys hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful orchards stay its sudden coming
+when the rain of heaven driveth it; and before it perish in multitudes the fair
+works of the sons of men. Thus before Tydeides the serried battalions of the
+Trojans were overthrown, and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow against
+Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his right shoulder
+the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through and held straight upon
+its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood. Over him then loudly shouted
+Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son: &ldquo;Bestir you, great-hearted Trojans, urgers
+of horses; the best man of the Achaians is wounded, and I deem that he shall
+not for long endure the violent dart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift dart, only
+he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot and spake to
+Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: &ldquo;Haste thee, dear son of Kapaneus; descend
+from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the bitter arrow.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood beside him
+and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder; and the blood
+darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry prayed
+thereat: &ldquo;Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! If
+ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in the heat of battle, even so
+now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene. Grant me to slay this man, and bring
+within my spear-cast him that took advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me,
+deeming that not for long shall I see the bright light of the sun.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs nimble,
+his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged words: &ldquo;Be
+of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in thy breast I have
+set thy father&rsquo;s courage undaunted, even as it was in knightly Tydeus,
+wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from thine eyes the mist that
+erst was on them, that thou mayest well discern both god and man. Therefore if
+any god come hither to make trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any
+of the immortal gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the
+battle, her smite thou with the keen bronze.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and entered the
+forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was eager to do battle with
+the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come upon him, as upon a lion whom
+some shepherd in the field guarding his fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung
+into the fold, yet hath not vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then
+cannot beat him back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
+affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the lion in
+his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled mighty Diomedes
+with the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his way
+along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike Pandaros, if
+haply he might find him. Lykaol&rsquo;s son he found, the noble and stalwart,
+and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him. &ldquo;Pandaros, where
+now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame wherein no man of this land
+rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy
+hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot thy dart at this fellow, whoe&rsquo;er he be
+that lordeth it here and hath already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing
+he hath unstrung the knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god
+wroth with the Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a
+sore thing to fall on men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son made answer to him: &ldquo;Aineias, counsellor
+of the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of Tydeus;
+I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the aspect of his
+horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if it be the man I deem,
+even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without help of a god is he thus furious,
+but some immortal standeth beside him with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders
+and turned aside from him my swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I
+shot my dart at him and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate
+of his corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
+vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. Already have I aimed at two
+princes, Tydeus&rsquo; and Atreus&rsquo; sons, and both I smote and surely drew
+forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore in an evil hour I took
+from the peg my curved bow on that day when I led my Trojans to lovely Ilios,
+to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I return and mine eyes behold my native
+land and wife and great palace lofty-roofed, then may an alien forthwith cut my
+head from me if I break not this bow with mine hands and cast it upon the
+blazing fire; worthless is its service to me as air.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: &ldquo;Nay, talk not thus;
+naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone to face
+this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon my car that thou
+mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well skilled for following or
+for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across the plain; they will
+e&rsquo;en bring us to the city safe and sound, even though Zeus hereafter give
+victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come therefore, take thou the lash and
+shining reins, and I will stand upon the car to fight; or else withstand thou
+him, and to the horses will I look.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him made answer Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son: &ldquo;Aineias, take thou
+thyself the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car
+for their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
+Tydeus&rsquo; son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
+fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus attack us
+and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So drive thou thyself
+thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his onset with my keen
+spear.&rdquo; So saying mounted they upon the well dight chariot, and eagerly
+drave the fleet horses against Tydeides, And Sthenelos, the glorious son of
+Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to Tydeides winged words: &ldquo;Diomedes
+son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I behold two stalwart warriors eager to
+fight against thee, endued with might beyond measure. The one is well skilled
+in the bow, even Pandaros, and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaol&rsquo;s
+son; and Aineias boasteth himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and
+his mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot, neither
+rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest perchance thou
+lose thy life.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: &ldquo;Speak to me no
+word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not in my
+blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is steadfast
+still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am will I go to face
+them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as for these, their fleet
+horses shall not take both back from us again, even if one or other escape. And
+this moreover tell I thee, and lay thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel
+grant me this glory, to slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet
+horses, and bind the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap
+upon Aineias&rsquo; horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the
+well-greaved Achaians. For they are of that breed whereof farseeing Zeus gave
+to Tros recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were the best of all
+horses beneath the daylight and the sun.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain came
+near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious
+son: &ldquo;O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus, verily my
+swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will I make trial with
+my spear if I can hit thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides&rsquo; shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
+the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaol&rsquo;s glorious son:
+&ldquo;Thou art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not
+long hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: &ldquo;Thou hast missed, and not
+hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall have fallen
+and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside the
+eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut through his
+tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base of the chin. He fell
+from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming clanged upon him, and the
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there his soul and strength were
+unstrung.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest perchance the
+Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over him like a lion
+confident in his strength, and held before him his spear and the circle of his
+shield, eager to slay whoe&rsquo;er should come to face him, crying his
+terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand a stone—a mighty deed—such as
+two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift; yet he with ease wielded it
+all alone. Therewith he smote Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the
+hip joint, and this men call the &ldquo;cup-bone.&rdquo; So he crushed his
+cup-bone, and brake both sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the
+skin. Then the hero stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon
+the earth; and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias
+king of men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
+mark. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before his face a
+fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the darts, lest any of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away his
+life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of Kapaneus
+forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had laid upon him; he
+refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the tumult, binding the reins
+tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and
+drave them from the Trojans to the well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to
+Deipylos his dear comrade whom he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows,
+because he was like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow
+ships. Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly. Now
+Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris [Aphrodite], knowing
+how she was a coward goddess and none of those that have mastery in battle of
+the warriors. Now when he had pursued her through the dense throng and come on
+her, then great-hearted Tydeus&rsquo; son thrust with his keen spear, and leapt
+on her and wounded the skin of her weak hand; straight through the ambrosial
+raiment that the Graces themselves had woven her pierced the dart into the
+flesh, above the springing of the palm. Then flowed the goddess&rsquo;s
+immortal blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed gods; for they eat no
+bread neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore they are bloodless and are
+named immortals. And she with a great cry let fall her son: him Phoebus Apollo
+took into his arms and saved him in a dusky cloud, lest any of the fleet-horsed
+Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away his life. But over
+her Diomedes of the loud war-cry shouted afar: &ldquo;Refrain thee, thou
+daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not enough that thou beguilest
+feeble women? But if in battle thou wilt mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt
+shudder at the name of battle, if thou hear it even afar off.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and wind-footed
+Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with her pain, and her fair
+skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares sitting, on the battle&rsquo;s
+left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and his fleet steeds. Then she fell on
+her knees and with instant prayer besought of her dear brother his
+golden-frontleted steeds: &ldquo;Dear brother, save me and give me thy steeds,
+that I may win to Olympus, where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am
+I afflicted with a wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now
+would fight even with father Zeus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she mounted
+on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in her hands
+grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and they flew onward
+nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of the gods, even steep
+Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the horses from the chariot and
+stabled them, and set ambrosial forage before them; but fair Aphrodite fell
+upon Dione&rsquo;s knees that was her mother. She took her daughter in her arms
+and stroked her with her hand, and spake and called upon her name: &ldquo;Who
+now of the sons of heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as
+though thou wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: &ldquo;Tydeus&rsquo; son
+wounded me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
+son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the fierce
+battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are fighting even the
+immortals.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: &ldquo;Be of good heart, my child,
+and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions of
+Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one upon
+another.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld, and
+with bitter words provoked Zeus the son, of Kronos. Of them was the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene first to speak: &ldquo;Father Zeus, wilt thou indeed be wroth
+with me whate&rsquo;er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was urging some woman
+of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so marvellously loveth; and
+stroking such an one of the fair-robed women of Achaia, she tore upon the
+golden brooch her delicate hand.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto him golden
+Aphrodite and said: &ldquo;Not unto thee, my child, are given the works of war;
+but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to all these things
+shall fleet Ares and Athene look.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo himself had spread
+his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the great god, but still was
+eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his glorious armour. So thrice he
+leapt on him, fain to slay him, and thrice Apollo beat back his glittering
+shield. And when the fourth time he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the
+Far-darter spake to him with terrible shout: &ldquo;Think, Tydeides, and
+shrink, nor desire to match thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison
+of the race of immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the wrath of
+Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the throng in holy
+Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer Artemis healed him in
+the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but Apollo of the silver bow made a
+wraith like unto Aineias&rsquo; self, and in such armour as his; and over the
+wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians each hewed the others&rsquo; bucklers on
+their breasts, their round shields and fluttering targes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: &ldquo;Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this man and
+withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would fight even with
+father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in her hand hard by the
+wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a god.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares entered
+among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of fleet Akamas,
+captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of Priam he called
+saying: &ldquo;O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king, how long will ye
+yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians? Shall it be even until they
+fight about our well-builded gates? Low lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like
+unto goodly Hector, even Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let
+us save from the tumult our valiant comrade.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon sorely
+chode noble Hector: &ldquo;Hector, where now is the spirit gone that erst thou
+hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies thou wouldest hold
+the city, alone with thy sisters&rsquo; husbands and thy brothers; but now can
+I not see any of these neither perceive them, but they are cowering like hounds
+about a lion; and we are fighting that are but allies among you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he leapt
+from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two keen spears
+went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and roused the dread
+battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians: and the
+Argives withstood them in close array and fled not. Even as a wind carrieth the
+chaff about the sacred threshing-floors when men are winnowing, and the
+chaff-heaps grow white—so now grew the Achaians white with falling dust which
+in their midst the horses&rsquo; hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as
+fight was joined again, and the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they
+forward the fury of their hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of
+night to aid the Trojans in the battle, ranging everywhere. And Apollo himself
+sent forth Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of him,
+shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his comrades, and they
+were glad to see him come among them alive and sound and full of valiant
+spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all the toil forbade them that
+the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares bane of men and Strife raging
+insatiably.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred the
+Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the Trojans&rsquo;
+violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos&rsquo; son setteth in
+windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might of the north wind
+sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with keen breath and scatter
+apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans withstood the Trojans
+steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged through the throng exhorting
+instantly: &ldquo;My friends, quit you like men and take heart of courage, and
+shun dishonour in one another&rsquo;s eyes amid the stress of battle. Of men
+that shun dishonour more are saved than slain, but for them that flee is
+neither glory found nor any safety.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost warrior, even
+great-hearted Aineias&rsquo; comrade Deikoon son of Pergasos, whom the Trojans
+held in like honour with Priam&rsquo;s sons, because he was swift to do battle
+amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his dart upon the shield, and
+it stayed not the spear, but the point passed through, so that he drave it
+through the belt into his nethermost belly: and he fell with a crash and his
+armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of Diokles,
+Krethon and Orsilochos. Like them, two lions on the mountain tops are nurtured
+by their dam in the deep forest thickets; and these harry the kine and goodly
+sheep and make havoc of the farmsteads of men, till in their turn they too are
+slain at mel&rsquo;s hands with the keen bronze; in such wise were these twain
+vanquished at Aineias&rsquo; hands and fell like tall pine-trees.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode through
+the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his spear; and Ares
+stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall beneath Aineias&rsquo;
+hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor&rsquo;s son, beheld him, and strode
+through the forefront; because he feared exceedingly for the shepherd of the
+host, lest aught befall him and disappoint them utterly of their labour. So
+those two were now holding forth their hands and sharp spears each against the
+other, eager to do battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd
+of the host. But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he
+beheld two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to the
+Achaians&rsquo; host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades&rsquo; arms,
+and themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a shout, and
+the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might: and Ares led them on
+and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of war, the while Ares wielded in
+his hands his monstrous spear, and ranged now before Hector&rsquo;s face, and
+now behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as a
+shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming river flowing
+on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth backwards, even so now
+Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host: &ldquo;Friends, how marvel we that
+noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of war! Yet ever is there beside him
+some god that wardeth off destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in
+likeness of a mortal man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground
+backwards, neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither turned
+them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward in battle, but
+still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the Trojans. But when the
+white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc of the Argives in the press
+of battle, anon she spake winged words to Athene: &ldquo;Out on it, thou
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Was it for naught we pledged
+our word to Menelaos, that he should not depart till he had laid waste
+well-walled Ilios,—if thus we let baleful Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain
+also take thought of impetuous valour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So Hera the
+goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the gold-frontleted
+steeds. And Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down at her
+father&rsquo;s threshold her woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had
+wrought and her hands had fashioned, and put on her the tunic of Zeus the
+cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in her armour for dolorous battle. About her
+shoulders cast she the tasselled aegis terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown
+all round about, and Strife is therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught
+withal, and therein is the dreadful monster&rsquo;s Gorgon head, dreadful and
+grim, portent of aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested
+golden helm with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred cities.
+Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her heavy spear, great
+and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of heroes with whom
+she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly smote the horses with the
+lash; self-moving groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven whereof the
+Hours are warders, to whom is committed great heaven and Olympus, whether to
+throw open the thick cloud or set it to. There through the gates guided they
+their horses patient of the lash. And they found the son of Kronos sitting
+apart from all the gods on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the
+white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses and questioned the most high Zeus,
+the son of Kronos, and said: &ldquo;Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation with
+Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a company of Achaians hath
+he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise, unto my sorrow. But here in peace
+Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow take their pleasure, having set on this mad
+one that knoweth not any law. Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth with me if
+I smite Ares and chase him from the battle in sorry plight?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: &ldquo;Go to now, set
+upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore pain upon
+him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and lashed her
+horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry heaven. As far as a
+man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance as he sitteth on a place of
+outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea, so far leap the loudly neighing
+horses of the gods. Now when they came to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even
+to where Simoeis and Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed
+goddess Hera stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick
+mist round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to graze.
+So the goddesses went their way with step like unto turtle-doves, being fain to
+bring succour to the men of Argos. And when they were now come where the most
+and most valiant stood, thronging about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the
+semblance of ravening lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then
+stood the white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
+Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty other men:
+&ldquo;Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in semblance!
+While yet noble Achilles entered continually into battle, then issued not the
+Trojans even from the Dardanian gate; for they had dread of his terrible spear.
+But now fight they far from the city at the hollow ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to Tydeides&rsquo;
+side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she found beside his
+horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros with his dart had pierced,
+for his sweat vexed it by reason of the broad baldrick of his round shield;
+therewith was he vexed and his arm grew weary, so he was lifting up the
+baldrick and wiping away the dusky blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his
+horses&rsquo; yoke, and said: &ldquo;Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after
+his own likeness. Tydeus was short of stature, but a man of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: &ldquo;I know thee, goddess
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart will I tell thee
+my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening terror taken hold upon
+me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of thy behest that thou didst lay
+upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face to face with all the blessed gods,
+save only if Zeus&rsquo; daughter Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to
+wound her with the keen bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have
+bidden all the Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares
+lording it in the fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: &ldquo;Diomedes son of
+Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor any other
+of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now, at Ares first
+guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to hand, nor have any
+awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse incarnate, the renegade that of
+late in converse with me and Hera pledged him to fight against the Trojans and
+give succour to the Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath
+forgotten these.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from the
+chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess mounted the car
+by noble Diomedes&rsquo; side right eagerly. The oaken axle creaked loud with
+its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of might. Then Athene grasped
+the whip and reins; forthwith against Ares first guided she the whole-hooved
+horses. Now he was stripping huge Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians,
+Ochesios&rsquo; glorious son. Him was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene
+donned the helm of Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when
+Ares scourge of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying
+there, where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and made
+straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh in onset on
+one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse&rsquo;s reins with spear
+of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed goddess Athene with
+her hand seized the spear and thrust it up over the car, to spend itself in
+vain. Next Diomedes of the loud war-cry attacked with spear of bronze; and
+Athene drave it home against Ares&rsquo; nethermost belly, where his taslets
+were girt about him. There smote he him and wounded him, rending through his
+fair skin, and plucked forth the spear again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as
+nine thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they join in strife and
+fray. Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear, so mightily
+bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after beat a stormy wind
+ariseth, even so to Tydeus&rsquo; son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
+clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods&rsquo; dwelling,
+steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart, and
+shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously spake to him
+winged words: &ldquo;Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to behold these
+violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one another&rsquo;s devices,
+in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at variance, because thou didst
+beget that reckless maiden and baleful, whose thought is ever of iniquitous
+deeds. For all the other gods that are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are
+subject every one; only her thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but
+settest her on, because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she
+urged on Tydeus&rsquo; son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously
+against the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist
+of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god. Howbeit
+my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish there amid the
+grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless from the smitings of the
+spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: &ldquo;Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all gods that
+dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and battles. Truly thy
+mother&rsquo;s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even Hera&rsquo;s; her can I
+scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her prompting thou art in this
+plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see thee in anguish; mine offspring art
+thou, and to me thy mother bare thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs upon the
+wound. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that is liquid but
+curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly healed he impetuous Ares.
+And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in gracious raiment, and he sate him down
+by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying in his might.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals from his man-slaying.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each other, and
+parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city bade farewell to
+Andromache his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the battle
+swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed against each other
+their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the streams of Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now had the Trojans been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up into
+Ilios, in their weakness overcome, but that Prism&rsquo;s son Helenos, far best
+of augurs, stood by Aineias&rsquo; side and Hector&rsquo;s, and spake to them:
+&ldquo;Aineias and Hector, seeing that on you lieth the task of war in chief of
+Trojans and Lykians, because for every issue ye are foremost both for fight and
+counsel, stand ye your ground, and range the host everywhither to rally them
+before the gates, ere yet they fall fleeing in their womel&rsquo;s arms, and be
+made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye have aroused all our battalions we
+will abide here and fight the Danaans, though in sore weariness; for necessity
+presseth us hard: but thou, Hector, go into the city, and speak there to thy
+mother and mine; let her gather the aged wives to bright-eyed Athene&rsquo;s
+temple in the upper city, and with her key open the doors of the holy house;
+and let her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the most gracious and greatest in
+her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the knees of beauteous-haired
+Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek kine, that have
+not felt the goad, if she will have mercy on the city and the Trojans&rsquo;
+wives and little children. So may she perchance hold back Tydeus&rsquo; son
+from holy Ilios, the furious spearman, the mighty deviser of rout, whom in good
+sooth I deem to have proved himself mightiest of the Achaians. Never in this
+wise feared we Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a goddess; nay,
+but he that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him for
+might.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother&rsquo;s word, but leapt
+forthwith from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two sharp
+spears passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to battle, and stirred
+the dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians, and the
+Argives gave ground and ceased from slaughter, and deemed that some immortal
+had descended from starry heaven to bring the Trojans succour, in such wise
+rallied they. Then Hector called to the Trojans with far-reaching shout:
+&ldquo;O high-souled Trojans and ye far-famed allies, quit you like men, my
+friends, and take thought of impetuous courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid
+the elders of the council and our wives pray to the gods and vow them
+hecatombs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat on
+either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran uttermost
+about his bossed shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus&rsquo; son met in the mid-space of
+the foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in onset on
+each other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: &ldquo;Who art
+thou, noble sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee in glorious battle
+ere this, yet now hast thou far outstripped all men in thy hardihood, seeing
+thou abidest my far-shadowing spear. Luckless are the fathers whose children
+face my might. But if thou art some immortal come down from heaven, then will
+not I fight with heavenly gods. But if thou art of men that eat the fruit of
+the field, come nigh, that anon thou mayest enter the toils of
+destruction.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hippolochos&rsquo; glorious son made answer to him: &ldquo;Great-hearted
+Tydeides, why enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the generations of
+leaves such are those likewise of men; the leaves that be the wind scattereth
+on the earth, and the forest buddeth and putteth forth more again, when the
+season of spring is at hand; so of the generations of men one putteth forth and
+another ceaseth. Yet if thou wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well
+know our lineage, whereof many men have knowledge. Hippolochos, son of
+Bellerophon, begat me, and of him do I declare me to be sprung; he sent me to
+Troy and bade me very instantly to be ever the best and to excel all other men,
+nor put to shame the lineage of my fathers that were of noblest blood in Ephyre
+and in wide Lykia. This is the lineage and blood whereof I avow myself to
+be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his spear in
+the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd of the host:
+&ldquo;Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times through my
+father: for goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble Bellerophon in his halls
+and kept him twenty days. Moreover they gave each the other goodly gifts of
+friendship; Oineus gave a belt bright with purple, and Bellerophon a gold
+two-handled cup. Therefore now am I to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost
+Argos, and thou in Lykia, whene&rsquo;er I fare to your land. So let us shun
+each other&rsquo;s spears, even amid the throng; Trojans are there in
+multitudes and famous allies for me to slay, whoe&rsquo;er it be that God
+vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake; and for thee are there Achaians in
+multitude, to slay whome&rsquo;er thou canst. But let us make exchange of arms
+between us, that these also may know how we avow ourselves to be guest-friends
+by lineage.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other by his
+hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took from Glaukos his
+wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus&rsquo; son of golden armour
+for bronze, the price of five score oxen for the price of nine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak tree, there came
+running round about him the Trojans&rsquo; wives and daughters, enquiring of
+sons and brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade them thereat all in
+turn pray to the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he came to Priam&rsquo;s beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades—and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded hard by one
+another, wherein Priam&rsquo;s sons slept beside their wedded wives; and for
+his daughters over against them on the other side within the courtyard were
+twelve roofed chambers of polished stone builded hard by one another, wherein
+slept Priam&rsquo;s sons-in-law beside their chaste wives—then came there to
+meet him his bountiful mother, leading with her Laodike, fairest of her
+daughters to look on; and she clasped her hand in his, and spake, and called
+upon his name: &ldquo;My son, why hast thou left violent battle to come hither.
+Surely the sons of the Achaians—name of evil!—press thee hard in fight about
+thy city, and so thy spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth
+thy hands to Zeus from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet
+wine, that thou mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals first, and
+then shalt thou thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt drink. When a man is
+awearied wine greatly maketh his strength to wax, even as thou art awearied in
+fighting for thy fellows.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: &ldquo;Bring me no
+honey-hearted wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage and I be
+forgetful of my might. But go thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the
+spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged wives together; and the robe that
+seemeth to thee the most gracious and greatest in thy palace, and dearest unto
+thyself, that lay thou upon the knees of beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to
+her to sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad,
+if she will have mercy on the city and the Trojans&rsquo; wives and little
+children. So go thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will
+go after Paris, to summon him, if perchance he will hearken to my voice. Would
+that the earth forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian fostered him to be
+a sore bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and to Priam&rsquo;s
+sons. If I but saw him going down to the gates of death, then might I deem that
+my heart had forgotten its sorrows.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens, and they
+gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself went down to her
+fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the work of Sidonian women,
+whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from Sidon, when he sailed over the
+wide sea, that journey wherein he brought home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe
+took one to bear for an offering to Athene, the one that was fairest for
+adornment and greatest, and shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then
+went she her way and the multitude of aged wives hasted after her. And Hector
+was come to Alexandros&rsquo; fair palace, that himself had builded with them
+that were most excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled Troy-land; these made
+him his chamber and hall and courtyard hard by to Priam and Hector, in the
+upper city. There entered in Hector dear to Zeus, and his hand bare his spear,
+eleven cubits long: before his face glittered the bronze spear-point, and a
+ring of gold ran round about it. And he found Paris in his chamber busied with
+his beauteous arms, his shield and breastplate, and handling his curved bow;
+and Helen of Argos sate among her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork
+for her handmaidens. Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful
+words: &ldquo;Good sir, thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy
+heart. The folk are perishing about the city and high wall in battle, and for
+thy sake the battle-cry is kindled and war around this city; yes thyself
+wouldest thou fall out with another, didst thou see him shrinking from hateful
+war. Up then, lest the city soon be scorched with burning fire.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: &ldquo;Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou it to
+thine heart and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the Trojans, for wrath
+and indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain would I yield me to my
+sorrow. Even now my wife hath persuaded me with soft words, and urged me into
+battle; and I moreover, even I, deem that it will be better so; for victory
+shifteth from man to man. Go to then, tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of
+war; or else fare thou forth, and I will follow; and I think to overtake
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word. But Helen
+spake to him with gentle words: &ldquo;My brother, even mine that am a dog,
+mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my mother bare me at the
+first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a mountain or a billow of the
+loud-sounding sea, where the billow might have swept me away before all these
+things came to pass. Howbeit, seeing the gods devised all these ills in this
+wise, would that then I had been mated with a better man, that felt dishonour
+and the multitude of mel&rsquo;s reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he
+now sound heart, nor ever will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap
+the fruit. But now come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my
+brother, since thy heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake of me,
+that am a dog, and for Alexandros&rsquo; sin; on whom Zeus bringeth evil doom,
+that even in days to come we may be a song in the ears of men that shall be
+hereafter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: &ldquo;Bid me not sit,
+Helen, of thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set to
+succour the men of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not with them.
+But rouse thou this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to overtake me yet
+within the city. For I shall go into mine house to behold my housefolk and my
+dear wife, and infant boy; for I know not if I shall return home to them again,
+or if the gods will now overthrow me at the hands of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to his
+well-stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in the halls;
+she with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her stand upon the tower,
+weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not his noble wife within, he came
+and stood upon the threshold and spake amid the serving women: &ldquo;Come tell
+me now true, my serving women. Whither went white-armed Andromache forth from
+the hall? Hath she gone out to my sisters or unto my brothers&rsquo; fair-robed
+wives, or to Athene&rsquo;s temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women
+propitiate the awful goddess?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: &ldquo;Hector, seeing thou
+straitly chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any of thy
+sisters or thy brothers&rsquo; fair-robed wives, neither to Athene&rsquo;s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the awful
+goddess; but she went to the great tower of Ilios, because she heard the
+Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory was for the Achaians. So hath she
+come in haste to the wall, like unto one frenzied; and the nurse with her
+beareth the child.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the same way
+down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the great city and
+was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to issue upon the plain,
+then came his dear-won wife, running to meet him, even Andromache daughter of
+great-hearted Eetion. So she met him now, and with her went the handmaid
+bearing in her bosom the tender boy, the little child, Hector&rsquo;s loved
+son, like unto a beautiful star. Him Hector called Skamandrios, but all the
+folk Astyanax [Astyanax = &ldquo;City King.&rdquo;]; for only Hector guarded
+Ilios. So now he smiled and gazed at his boy silently, and Andromache stood by
+his side weeping, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called upon his
+name. &ldquo;Dear my lord, this thy hardihood will undo thee, neither hast thou
+any pity for thine infant boy, nor for me forlorn that soon shall be thy widow;
+for soon will the Achaians all set upon thee and slay thee. But it were better
+for me to go down to the grave if I lose thee; for never more will any comfort
+be mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met thy fate, but only sorrow. Nay,
+Hector, thou art to me father and lady mother, yea and brother, even as thou
+art my goodly husband. Come now, have pity and abide here upon the tower, lest
+thou make thy child an orphan and thy wife a widow.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: &ldquo;Surely I take
+thought for all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of the
+Trojans and Trojan dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I shrink away
+from battle. Moreover mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I have learnt ever to
+be valiant and fight in the forefront of the Trojans, winning my father&rsquo;s
+great glory and mine own. Yea of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the
+day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam
+of the good ashen spear. Yet doth the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so
+much trouble me, neither Hekabe&rsquo;s own, neither king Priam&rsquo;s,
+neither my brethrel&rsquo;s, the many and brave that shall fall in the dust
+before their foemen, as doth thine anguish in the day when some mail-clad
+Achaian shall lead thee weeping and rob thee of the light of freedom. So shalt
+thou abide in Argos and ply the loom at another womal&rsquo;s bidding, and bear
+water from fount Messeis or Hypereia, being grievously entreated, and sore
+constraint shall be laid upon thee. And then shall one say that beholdeth thee
+weep: &lsquo;This is the wife of Hector, that was foremost in battle of the
+horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.&rsquo; Thus shall one say
+hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such an husband as thou
+hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in death may the heaped-up earth
+be covering, ere I hear thy crying and thy carrying into captivity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the child
+shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at his dear
+father&rsquo;s aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair crest that he
+beheld nodding fiercely from the helmet&rsquo;s top. Then his dear father
+laughed aloud, and his lady mother; forthwith glorious Hector took the helmet
+from his head, and laid it, all gleaming, upon the earth; then kissed he his
+dear son and dandled him in his arms, and spake in prayer to Zeus and all the
+gods, &ldquo;O Zeus and all ye gods, vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise
+prove even as I, pre-eminent amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be
+a great king of Ilios. Then may men say of him, &lsquo;Far greater is he than
+his father&rsquo; as he returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him
+blood-stained spoils from the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother&rsquo;s
+heart be glad.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife&rsquo;s arms; and she took him
+to her fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to see her,
+and caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her name: &ldquo;Dear
+one, I pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man against my fate shall
+hurl me to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man hath escaped, be he coward or be
+he valiant, when once he hath been born. But go thou to thine house and see to
+thine own tasks, the loom and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their
+work; but for war shall men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in
+Ilios.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet; and his
+dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting fall big tears.
+Anon she came to the well-stablished house of man-slaying Hector, and found
+therein her many handmaidens, and stirred lamentation in them all. So bewailed
+they Hector, while yet he lived, within his house: for they deemed that he
+would no more come back to them from battle, nor escape the fury of the hands
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his brave
+armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city, trusting to his
+nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at the manger, breaketh his
+tether and speedeth at the gallop across the plain, being wont to bathe him in
+the fair-flowing stream, exultingly; and holdeth his head on high, and his mane
+floateth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his
+limbs bear him to the haunts and pasturages of mares; even so Priam&rsquo;s son
+Paris, glittering in his armour like the shining sun, strode down from high
+Pergamos laughingly, and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook his
+brother noble Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away from the
+spot where he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake godlike Alexandros:
+&ldquo;Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine haste by my tarrying,
+and came not rightly as thou badest me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: &ldquo;Good brother, no
+man that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight, seeing thou
+art strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care; and for this my
+heart is grieved within me, that I hear shameful words concerning thee in the
+Trojans&rsquo; mouths, who for thy sake endure much toil. But let us be going;
+all this will we make good hereafter, if Zeus ever vouchsafe us to set before
+the heavenly gods that are for everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls,
+when we have chased out of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the burying of the dead,
+and the building of a wall about the Achaian ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went his
+brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and battle. Even as
+God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have grown weary of beating
+the main with polished oars, and their limbs are fordone with toil, even so
+appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the Argives
+in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of Olympus to holy
+Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her from Pergamos, and would
+have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met each the other by the oak-tree.
+To her spake first king Apollo son of Zeus: &ldquo;Why now art thou come thus
+eagerly from Olympus, thou daughter of great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart
+sent thee? Surely it is to give the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing
+thou hast no mercy on the Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to
+me—and it were far better so—let us now stay battle and warring for the day;
+hereafter shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios, since thus
+it seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay waste this
+city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: &ldquo;So be it,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Far-darter; in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Trojans and Achaians. But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+the warriors?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: &ldquo;Let us arouse the
+stalwart spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some one of
+the Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly combat. So shall
+the bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one to fight singly with
+goodly Hector.&rdquo; So spake he and the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+disregarded not. Now Helenos Priam&rsquo;s dear son understood in spirit their
+resolve that the gods in counsel had approved; and he went to Hector and stood
+beside him, and spake a word to him: &ldquo;Hector son of Priam, peer of Zeus
+in counsel, wouldest thou now hearken at all to me? for I am thy brother. Make
+the other Trojans sit, and all the Achaians, and thyself challenge him that is
+best of the Achaians to meet thee man to man in deadly combat. It is not yet
+thy destiny to die and meet thy doom; for thus heard I the voice of the gods
+that are from everlasting.&rdquo; So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to
+hear his saying, and went into the midst and refrained the battalions of the
+Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down: and
+Agamemnon made the well-greaved Achaians sit. And Athene withal and Apollo of
+the silver bow, in the likeness of vulture birds, sate them upon a tall oak
+holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus, rejoicing in their warriors; and the ranks
+of all of them sate close together, bristling with shields and plumes and
+spears. Even as there spreadeth across the main the ripple of the west wind
+newly risen, and the sea grows black beneath it, so sate the ranks of Achaians
+and Trojans upon the plain. And Hector spake between both hosts: &ldquo;Hearken
+to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians, that I may speak what my mind within
+my breast biddeth me. Our oaths of truce Kronos&rsquo; son, enthroned on high,
+accomplished not; but evil is his intent and ordinance for both our hosts,
+until either ye take fair-towered Troy or yourselves be vanquished beside your
+seafaring ships. But in the midst of you are the chiefest of all the Achaians;
+therefore now let the man whose heart biddeth him fight with me come hither
+from among you all to be your champion against goodly Hector. And this declare
+I, and be Zeus our witness thereto; if that man slay me with the long-edged
+sword, let him spoil me of my armour and bear it to the hollow ships, but give
+back my body to my home, that Trojans and Trojans&rsquo; wives may give me my
+due of burning in my death. But if I slay him and Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I
+will spoil him of his armour and bear it to holy Ilios and hang it upon the
+temple of far-darting Apollo, but his corpse will I render back to the
+well-decked ships, that the flowing-haired Achaians may entomb him, and build
+him a barrow beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say even of men that be late
+born, as he saileth in his benched ship over the wine-dark sea: &lsquo;This is
+the barrow of a man that died in days of old, a champion whom glorious Hector
+slew.&rsquo; So shall a man say hereafter, and this my glory shall never
+die.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him they
+were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up Menelaos and
+spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned deep at heart:
+&ldquo;Ah me, vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more men, surely all
+this shall be a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the Danaans now goeth to meet
+Hector. Nay, turn ye all to earth and water, sitting there each man
+disheartened, helplessly inglorious; against him will I myself array me; and
+from on high the threads of victory are guided of the immortal gods.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the end of
+life appeared for thee at Hector&rsquo;s hands, seeing he was stronger far, but
+that the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee. And Atreus&rsquo;
+son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right hand and spake a word
+and called upon his name: &ldquo;Thou doest madly, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus;
+yet is it no time for this thy madness. Draw back, though it be with pain, nor
+think for contentiol&rsquo;s sake to fight with one better than thou, with
+Hector Priam&rsquo;s son, whom others beside thee abhor. Yea, this man even
+Achilles dreadeth to meet in battle, wherein is the warrior&rsquo;s glory; and
+Achilles is better far than thou. Go therefore now and sit amid the company of
+thy fellows; against him shall the Achaians put forth another champion.
+Fearless though he be and insatiate of turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to
+rest his knees, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother&rsquo;s heart with just counsel;
+and he obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour from his
+shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives: &ldquo;Fie upon it,
+verily sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia. Verily old Peleus driver
+of chariots would groan sore, that goodly counsellor of the Myrmidons and
+orator, who erst questioned me in his house, and rejoiced greatly, inquiring of
+the lineage and birth of all the Argives. If he heard now of those that all
+were cowering before Hector, then would he lift his hands to the immortals,
+instantly praying that his soul might depart from his limbs down to the house
+of Hades. Would to God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then would
+Hector of the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of you that be
+chieftains of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man of good heart to
+meet Hector face to face.&rdquo; So the old man upbraided them, and there stood
+up nine in all. Far first arose Agamemnon king of men, and after him rose
+Tydeus&rsquo; son stalwart Diomedes, and after them the Aiantes clothed with
+impetuous might, and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus&rsquo; brother-in-arms
+Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos
+Euaimol&rsquo;s glorious son; and up rose Thoas Andraimol&rsquo;s son and
+goodly Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight with goodly Hector. And among
+them spake again knightly Nestor of Gerenia: &ldquo;Now cast ye the lot from
+the first unto the last, for him that shall be chosen: for he shall in truth
+profit the well-greaved Achaians, yea and he shall have profit of his own soul,
+if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the helmet of
+Agamemnon Atreus&rsquo; son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up their hands to
+the gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide heaven: &ldquo;O father
+Zeus, vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or Tydeus&rsquo; son, or else on
+the king of Mykene rich in gold.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and there leapt
+forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of Aias. And Aias saw and
+knew the token upon the lot, and rejoiced in heart, and spake: &ldquo;My
+friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself am glad at heart, because I
+deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come now, while I clothe me in my
+armour of battle, pray ye the while to Kronos&rsquo; son king Zeus, in silence
+to yourselves, that the Trojans hear you not—nay rather, openly if ye will, for
+we have no fear of any man soever. For none by force shall chase me, he willing
+me unwilling, neither by skill; seeing I hope that not so skill-less, either,
+was I born in Salamis nor nurtured.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos&rsquo; son, king Zeus; and thus would one
+speak, looking up to wide heaven: &ldquo;O father Zeus that rulest from Ida,
+most glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the winning of great
+glory. But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest for him, grant unto
+either equal prowess and renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he had now
+clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge Ares coming
+forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos&rsquo; son setteth to
+fight in fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge Aias, bulwark of the
+Achaians, with a smile on his grim face: and went with long strides of his feet
+beneath him, shaking his far-shadowing spear. Then moreover the Argives
+rejoiced to look upon him, but sore trembling came upon the Trojans, on the
+limbs of every man, and Hector&rsquo;s own heart beat within his breast. But in
+no wise could he now flee nor shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing
+he had challenged him to battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like
+shield of bronze, with sevenfold ox-hide, and stood near to Hector, and spake
+to him threatening: &ldquo;Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man to man,
+what manner of princes the Danaans likewise have among them, even after
+Achilles, render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his beaked seafaring
+ships lieth in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of the host; yet are we such
+as to face thee, yea and many of us. But make thou beginning of war and
+battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: &ldquo;Aias of the seed of
+Zeus, son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like some puny
+boy or woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well know wars and
+slaughterings. To right know I, to left know I the wielding of my tough targe;
+therein I deem is stalwart soldiership. And I know how to charge into the
+mellay of fleet chariots, and how in close battle to join in furious
+Ares&rsquo; dance. Howbeit, I have no mind to smite thee, being such an one as
+thou art, by spying thee unawares; but rather openly, if perchance I may hit
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote Aias&rsquo;
+dread shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the eighth layer that
+was thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn bronze cleaving, but in the
+seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung Aias hurled next his far-shadowing
+spear, and smote upon the circle of the shield of Priam&rsquo;s son. Through
+the bright shield passed the violent spear, and through the curiously wrought
+corslet pressed it on; and straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his
+doublet; but he swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with
+their hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions or
+wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam&rsquo;s son smote the
+shield&rsquo;s midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the
+point turned back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and straight
+through went the spear and staggered him in his onset, and cleft its way unto
+his neck, so that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even then did not Hector of the
+glancing helm cease from fight, but yielded ground and with stout hand seized a
+stone lying upon the plain, black and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and
+smote Aias&rsquo; dread shield of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss,
+and the bronze resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and
+hurled it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and
+burst it inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his knees;
+and he was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but Apollo
+straightway raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to hand with
+swords, but that the heralds, messengers of gods and men, came, one from the
+Trojans, one from the mail-clad Achaians, even Talthybios and Idaios, both men
+discreet. Between the two held they their staves, and herald Idaios spake a
+word, being skilled in wise counsel: &ldquo;Fight ye no more, dear sons,
+neither do battle; seeing Zeus the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are
+men of war; that verily know we all. But night already is upon us: it is well
+withal to obey the hest [behest] of night.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: &ldquo;Idaios, bid ye Hector to
+speak those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our best. Let
+him be first, and I will surely follow as he saith.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: &ldquo;Aias, seeing God
+gave thee stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art excellent
+above all the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and battle for the day;
+but hereafter will we fight until God judge between as, giving to one of us the
+victory: But come, let us give each the other famous gifts, that men may thus
+say, Achaians alike and Trojans: &lsquo;These, having fought for sake of
+heart-consuming strife, parted again reconciled in friendship.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and well-cut
+baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they parted, and one
+went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the throng of Trojans. And
+these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive and sound, escaped from the
+fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable; and they brought him to the city
+saved beyond their hope. And Aias on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+brought to noble Agamemnon, exulting in his victory.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon king of
+men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most mighty son of
+Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it all, and minced it
+cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and
+drew all off again. Then as soon as they had rest from the task and had made
+ready the meal, they began the feast, nor was their soul aught stinted of the
+equal banquet. And the hero son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias
+slices of the chine&rsquo;s full length for his honour. And when they had put
+from them the desire of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave
+the web of counsel, even Nestor whose rede [counsel] of old time was proved
+most excellent. He made harangue among them and said: &ldquo;Son of Atreus and
+ye other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired Achaians are
+dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about fair-flowing Skamandros,
+and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades; therefore it behoveth
+thee to make the battle of the Achaians cease with daybreak; and we will
+assemble to wheel hither the corpses with oxen and mules; so let us burn them;
+and let us heap one barrow about the pyre, rearing it from the plain for all
+alike; and thereto build with speed high towers, a bulwark for our ships and
+for ourselves. In the midst thereof let us make gates well compact, that
+through them may be a way for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep
+foss hard by, to be about it and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle
+of the lordly Trojans be heavy on us hereafter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in the high
+town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused, beside
+Priam&rsquo;s gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue:
+&ldquo;Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give Helen
+of Argos and the wealth with her for the sons of Atreus to take away. Now fight
+we in guilt against the oaths of faith; therefore is there no profit for us
+that I hope to see fulfilled, unless we do thus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble Alexandros,
+lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and spake winged words:
+&ldquo;Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my pleasure; yet thou
+hast it in thee to devise other sayings more excellent than this. But if indeed
+thou sayest this in earnest, then verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy
+wit. But I will speak forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare
+outright; my wife will I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to
+our home, all that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own
+substance.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of the seed
+of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to them, and said:
+&ldquo;Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat your supper throughout the
+city as of old, and take thought to keep watch, and be wakeful every man. And
+at dawn let Idaios fare to the hollow ships to tell to Atreus&rsquo; sons
+Agamemnon and Menelaos the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come
+about: and likewise to ask them this wise word, whether they are minded to
+refrain from noisy war till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight
+again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed: and at dawn
+Idaios fared to the hollow ships. He found the Danaans in assembly, the men of
+Ares&rsquo; company, beside the stern of Agamemnol&rsquo;s ship; and so the
+loud-voiced herald stood in their midst and said unto them: &ldquo;Atreides and
+ye other princes of the Achaians, Priam and all the noble Trojans bade me tell
+you-if perchance it might find favour and acceptance with you-the saying of
+Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about. The wealth that Alexandros
+brought in his hollow ships to Troy-would he had perished first!-all that he
+hath a mind to give, and to add more thereto of his substance. But the wedded
+wife of glorious Menelaos he saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid
+him do it. Moreover they bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are minded
+to refrain from noisy war until we have burned our dead; afterwards will we
+fight again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last spake
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: &ldquo;Let no man now accept
+Alexandros&rsquo; substance, neither Helel&rsquo;s self; known is it, even to
+him that hath no wit at all, how that the issues of destruction hang already
+over the Trojans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the saying of
+horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to Idaios: &ldquo;Idaios,
+thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how they answer thee; and the
+like seemeth good to me. But as concerning the dead, I grudge you not to burn
+them; for dead corpses is there no stinting; when they once are dead, of the
+swift propitiation of fire. And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the
+loud-thundering lord of Hera.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios
+departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in assembly,
+gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he came and stood in
+their midst and declared his message. Then they made them ready very swiftly
+for either task, some to bring the dead, and some to seek for wood. And on
+their part the Argives hasted from their well-decked ships, some to bring the
+dead and some to seek for wood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from the deep
+stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together. Then was it a
+hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them with water clean of
+clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted them upon the wains. But
+great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in silence heaped they the corpses on
+the pyre, stricken at heart; and when they had burned them with fire departed
+to holy Ilios. And in like manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+heaped the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned
+them with fire departed to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the chosen folk
+of the Achaians gathered together around the pyre, and made one barrow about
+it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto built they a wall and
+lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships and for themselves. In the midst
+thereof made they gates well-compacted, that through them might be a way for
+chariot-driving. And without they dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great,
+and planted a palisade therein.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad Achaians. And
+Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: &ldquo;O father Zeus, is there
+any man throughout the boundless earth that will any more declare to the
+immortals his mind and counsel? Seest thou not how the flowing-haired Achaians
+have now again built them a wall before their ships, and drawn a foss around
+it, but gave not excellent hecatombs to the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall
+reach as far as the dawn spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and
+Phoebus Apollo built with travail for the hero Laomedon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: &ldquo;Out on it,
+far-swaying Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might some other
+god fear this device, one that were far feebler than thou in the might of his
+hands: but thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn spreadeth. Go to now,
+hereafter when the flowing-haired Achaians be departed upon their ships to
+their dear native land, then burst thou this wall asunder and scatter it all
+into the sea, and cover the great sea-beach over with sand again, that the
+great wall of the Achaians be brought to naught.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles&rsquo; wrong on
+Agamemnon; and therefore bade the gods refrain from war, and gave victory to
+the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus whose joy
+is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the topmost peak of
+many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them and all the gods gave
+ear: &ldquo;Hearken to me, all gods and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you
+what my heart within my breast commandeth me. One thing let none essay, be it
+goddess or be it god, to wit, to thwart my saying; approve ye it all together,
+that with all speed I may accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive
+minded to go, apart from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in
+no seemly wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him into
+misty Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth;
+there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far beneath Hades as
+heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how far I am mightiest of
+all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye all may know. Fasten ye a rope
+of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay hold thereof and all goddesses; yet
+could ye not drag from heaven to earth Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye
+toiled sore. But once I likewise were minded to draw with all my heart, then
+should I draw you up with very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind
+the rope about a pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in
+air. By so much am I beyond gods and beyond men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet of foot,
+with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold upon his flesh, and
+grasped the whip of gold, well wrought, and mounted upon his car, and lashed
+the horses to start them; they nothing loth sped on between earth and starry
+heaven. So fared he to many-fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, even unto
+Gargaros, where is his demesne and fragrant altar. There did the father of men
+and gods stay his horses, and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist
+about them; and himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to
+behold the city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and thereafter
+arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed them throughout
+the town—a smaller host, yet for all that were they eager to fight in battle,
+of forceful need, for their childrel&rsquo;s sake and their wives&rsquo;. And
+the gates were opened wide and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen; and
+mighty din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either side
+lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun bestrode
+mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and put therein two
+fates of death that layeth men at their length, one for horse-taming Trojans,
+one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the scale-yard by the midst and lifted
+it, and the Achaians&rsquo; day of destiny sank down. So lay the
+Achaians&rsquo; fates on the bounteous earth, and the Trojans&rsquo; fates were
+lifted up towards wide heaven. And the god thundered aloud from Ida, and sent
+his blazing flash amid the host of the Achaians; and they saw and were
+astonished, and pale fear gat hold upon all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood the
+twain Aiantes, men of Ares&rsquo; company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood his
+ground, he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but his horse was
+fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helel&rsquo;s lord, had
+smitten with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the foremost hairs of
+horses grow upon the skull; and there is the most deadly spot. So the horse
+leapt up in anguish and the arrow sank into his brain, and he brought confusion
+on the steeds as he writhed upon the dart. While the old man leapt forth and
+with his sword began to hew the traces, came Hector&rsquo;s fleet horses
+through the tumult, bearing a bold charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the
+old man lost his life, but that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark.
+Terribly shouted he, summoning Odysseus: &ldquo;Heaven-born son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward
+in the throng? Beware lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy
+shoulders. Nay, stand thy ground, till we thrust back from the old man his
+furious foe.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but hastened by to
+the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though but one, mingled amid
+the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand before the steeds of the old
+man, Neleus&rsquo; son, and spake to him winged words, and said: &ldquo;Old
+man, of a truth young warriors beset thee hard; and thy force is abated, and
+old age is sore upon thee, and thy squire is but a weakling, and thy steeds are
+slow. Come then, mount upon my car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the
+steeds of Tros, well skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very
+fleetly across the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of
+fear. Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also rageth in
+my hands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the two
+squires tended Nestor&rsquo;s horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and kindly
+Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes&rsquo; car. And
+Nestor took into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the horses; and soon
+they drew nigh Hector. Then Tydeus&rsquo; son hurled at him as he charged
+straight upon them: him missed he, but his squire that drave his chariot,
+Eniopeus, high-hearted Thebaios&rsquo; son, even him as he held the reins, he
+smote upon the breast beside the nipple. So he fell from out the car, and his
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung.
+Then sore grief encompassed Hector&rsquo;s soul for sake of his charioteer. Yet
+left he him there lying, though he sorrowed for his comrade, and drave in quest
+of a bold charioteer; and his horses lacked not long a master, for anon he
+found Iphitos&rsquo; son, bold Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his
+fleet horses, and gave the reins into his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so had they
+been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods and men been swift
+to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his white lightning and hurled it
+before Diomedes&rsquo; steeds to earth; and there arose a terrible flame of
+sulphur burning, and the two horses were affrighted and cowered beneath the
+car. And the shining reins dropped from Nestor&rsquo;s hands, and he was afraid
+at heart and spake to Diomedes: &ldquo;Come now Tydeides, turn back thy
+whole-hooved horses to flight: seest thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth
+not on thee? Now doth Kronos&rsquo; son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the
+day; hereafter shall he grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at all
+ward off the will of Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he verily is
+mightier far.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: &ldquo;Yea verily, old man, all
+this thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore grief that
+entereth my heart and soul: Hector some day shall say as he maketh harangue
+amid the Trojans: &lsquo;Tydeides betook him to the ships in flight before my
+face.&rsquo; So shall he boast—in that day let the wide earth yawn for
+me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through the
+tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon them their
+dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of the glancing helm:
+&ldquo;Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to honour thee with the
+highest place, and meats, and cups brimful, but now will they disdain thee;
+thou art after all no better than a woman. Begone, poor puppet; not for my
+flinching shalt thou climb on our towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy
+ships; ere that will I deal thee thy fate.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his horses and
+fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul, and thrice from
+Ida&rsquo;s mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and gave to the
+Trojans a sign, the turning of the course of battle. And Hector with loud shout
+called to the Trojans: &ldquo;Trojans and Lykians and Dardanians that love
+close fight, be men, my friends, and bethink you of impetuous valour. I
+perceive that of good will Kronion vouchsafest me victory and great glory, and
+to the Danaans destruction. Fools, that devised these walls weak and of none
+account; they shall not withhold our fury, and lightly shall our steeds
+overleap the delved foss. But when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then
+be thought taken of consuming fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and
+slay the men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: &ldquo;Xanthos, and thou
+Podargos, and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending, even the
+abundance that Andromache, great-hearted Eetiol&rsquo;s daughter, set before
+you of honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the heart&rsquo;s
+bidding. Pursue ye now and haste, that we may seize Nestor&rsquo;s shield, the
+fame whereof now reacheth unto heaven, how that it is of gold throughout,
+armrods and all; and may seize moreover from horse-taming Diomedes&rsquo;
+shoulders his richly dight breastplate that Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could
+we but take these, then might I hope this very night to make the Achaians to
+embark on their fleet ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And now had he burned the trim ships with blazing fire, but that queen Hera put
+it in Agamemnol&rsquo;s heart himself to bestir him and swiftly arouse the
+Achaians. So he went his way along the huts and ships of the Achaians, holding
+a great cloak of purple in his stalwart hand, and stood by Odysseus&rsquo;
+black ship of mighty burden, that was in the midst, so that a voice could be
+heard to either end. Then shouted he in a piercing voice, and called to the
+Danaans aloud: &ldquo;Fie upon you, Argives, ye sorry things of shame, so brave
+in semblance! Whither are gone our boastings when we said that we were bravest,
+the boasts ye uttered vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate your fill of
+flesh of tall-horned oxen and drank goblets crowned with wine, and said that
+every man should stand in war to face fivescore yea tenscore Trojans? yet now
+can we not match one, even this Hector that anon will burn our ships with flame
+of fire. O Father Zeus, didst ever thou blind with such a blindness any mighty
+king, and rob him of great glory? Nay, Zeus, this hope fulfil thou me; suffer
+that we ourselves at least flee and escape, neither suffer that the Achaians be
+thus vanquished of the Trojans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed him that
+his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an eagle—surest sign
+among winged fowl—holding in his claws a fawn, the young of a fleet hind;
+beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall the fawn, where the Achaians did
+sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all oracles. So when they saw that the bird was
+come from Zeus, they sprang the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the
+joy of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast that he
+before Tydeus&rsquo; son had guided his fleet horses forth, and driven them
+across the trench and fought man to man; first by far was Tydeides to slay a
+warrior of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos son of Phradmon. Now he had
+turned his steeds to flee; but as he wheeled the other plunged the spear into
+his back between his shoulders, and drave it through his breast. So fell he
+from his chariot, and his armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after him came Atreus&rsquo; sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after
+them the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them Idomeneus
+and Idomeneus&rsquo; brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men,
+and after them Eurypylos, Euaimol&rsquo;s glorious son. And ninth came Teukros,
+stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand beneath the shield of Aias son
+of Telamon. And so Aias would stealthily withdraw the shield, and Teukros would
+spy his chance; and when he had shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell
+such an one and gave up the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child
+beneath his mother, so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to behold him making havoc with his stalwart
+bow of the battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood by his side and
+spake to him, saying: &ldquo;Teukros, dear heart, thou son of Telamon, prince
+of the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou mayest be found the
+salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father Telamon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus,
+why urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such strength as is in me
+forbear I not, but ever since we drave them towards Ilios I watch with my bow
+to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed arrows have I now sped, and all are
+buried in the flesh of young men swift in battle; only this mad dog can I not
+smite.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector; and his
+heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for Apollo turned the
+dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector&rsquo;s bold charioteer, he smote on the
+breast beside the nipple as he hasted into battle: so he fell from his car and
+his fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul and spirit were
+unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed Hector&rsquo;s soul for his
+charioteer&rsquo;s sake; yet left he him, though he sorrowed for his comrade,
+and bade Kebriones his own brother, being hard by, take the chariot reins; and
+he heard and disregarded not. And himself he leapt to earth from the
+resplendent car, with a terrible shout; and in his hand he caught a stone, and
+made right at Teukros, and his heart bade him smite him. Now Teukros had
+plucked forth from his quiver a keen arrow, and laid it on the string; but even
+as he drew it back, Hector of the glancing helm smote him with the jagged
+stone, as he aimed eagerly against him, even beside his shoulder, where the
+collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where is the most deadly spot; and
+he brake the bowstring, and his hand from the wrist grew numb, and he stayed
+fallen upon his knee, and his bow dropped from his hand. But Aias disregarded
+not his brother&rsquo;s fall, but ran and strode across him and hid him with
+his shield. Then two trusty comrades bent down to him, even Mekisteus son of
+Echios and goodly Alastor, and bare him, groaning sorely, to the hollow ships.
+And once again the Olympian aroused the spirit of the Trojans. So they drove
+the Achaians straight toward the deep foss, and amid the foremost went Hector
+exulting in his strength. And even as when a hound behind wild boar or lion,
+with swift feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or buttock, and watcheth
+for him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on the flowing-haired Achaians,
+slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled on. But when they were passed in
+flight through palisade and foss, and many were fallen beneath the
+Trojans&rsquo; hands, then halted they and tarried beside the ships, calling
+one upon another, and lifting up their hands to all the gods prayed each one
+instantly. But Hector wheeled round his beauteous-maned steeds this way and
+that, and his eyes were as the eyes of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion, and anon
+spake winged words to Athene: &ldquo;Out on it, thou child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, shall not we twain any more take thought for the Danaans that perish, if
+only for this last time? Now will they fill up the measure of evil destiny and
+perish by one mal&rsquo;s onslaught; seeing that he is furious now beyond
+endurance, this Hector son of Priam, and verily hath wrought many a deed of
+ill.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, &ldquo;Yea in good
+sooth, may this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the
+Argives&rsquo; hands in his native land; only mine own sire is furious, with no
+good intent, headstrong, ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes. But now make
+thou ready our whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the palace of
+aegis-bearing Zeus and gird me in my armour for battle, that I may see if
+Priam&rsquo;s son, Hector of the glancing helm, shall be glad at the appearing
+of us twain amid the highways of the battle. Surely shall many a Trojan
+likewise glut dogs and birds with fat and flesh, fallen dead at the ships of
+the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. But when father
+Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris golden-winged to bear a
+message: &ldquo;Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them back, neither suffer them to
+face me; for in no happy wise shall we join in combat. For thus will I declare,
+and even so shall the fulfilment be; I will maim their fleet horses in the
+chariot, and them will I hurl out from the car, and will break in pieces the
+chariot; neither within the courses of ten years shall they heal them of the
+wounds the thunderbolt shall tear; that the bright-eyed one may know the end
+when she striveth against her father. But with Hera have I not so great
+indignation nor wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart me, whate&rsquo;er
+I have decreed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and departed
+from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the entrance of the
+gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed them, and told them the
+saying of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble Shaker
+of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and spread a cloth
+thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his golden throne, and beneath
+his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and
+spake no word to him neither questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his
+heart, and said, &ldquo;Why are ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are
+not wearied of making havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye
+cherish bitter hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for you
+twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye beheld war
+and war&rsquo;s fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so had the
+fulfilment been—never had ye, once smitten with the thunderbolt, fared on your
+chariots back unto Olympus where is the habitation of the immortals.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her; but
+Hera&rsquo;s heart contained not her anger, and she spake: &ldquo;Most dread
+son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we, that
+thy might is no wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan spearmen, that
+now shall perish and fill up the measure of grievous fate.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: &ldquo;At morn shalt thou behold
+most mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, making yet
+more havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for headlong Hector shall not
+refrain from battle till that Peleus&rsquo; son fleet of foot have arisen
+beside the ships, that day when these shall fight amid the sterns in most
+grievous stress, around Patroklos fallen. Such is the doom of heaven. And for
+thine anger reck I not, not even though thou go to the nethermost bounds of
+earth and sea, where sit Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of
+Hyperion the Sun-god, neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about
+them. Though thou shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I not
+of thy vexation, seeing there is no thing more unabashed than thou.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sul&rsquo;s bright
+light dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the grain-giver.
+Against the Trojans&rsquo; will daylight departed, but welcome, thrice prayed
+for, to the Achaians came down the murky night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart from the
+ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was found a spot clear
+of dead. And they came down from their chariots to the ground to hear the word
+that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He in his hand held his spear eleven
+cubits long; before his face gleamed the spearhead of bronze, and a ring of
+gold ran round about it. Thereon he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying:
+&ldquo;Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to
+make havoc of the ships and all the Achaians and depart back again to windy
+Ilios; but dusk came too soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives and
+the ships beside the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black night, and
+make our supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your fair-maned horses, and
+set fodder beside them. And from the city bring kine and goodly sheep with
+speed; and provide you with honey-hearted wine, and corn from your houses, and
+gather much wood withal, that all night long until early-springing dawn we may
+burn many fires, and the gleam may reach to heaven; lest perchance even by
+night the flowing-haired Achaians strive to take flight over the broad back of
+the sea. Verily must they not embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease: but see
+ye that many a one of them have a wound to nurse even at home, being stricken
+with arrow or keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his ship; that so many
+another man may dread to wage dolorous war on the horse-taming men of Troy. And
+let the heralds dear to Zeus proclaim throughout the city that young maidens
+and old men of hoary heads camp round the city on the battlements builded of
+the gods; and let the women folk burn a great fire each in her hall; and let
+there be a sure watch set, lest an ambush enter the city when the host is
+absent. Howbeit for the night will we guard our own selves, and at morn by
+daybreak, arrayed in our armour, let us awake keen battle at the hollow ships.
+I will know whether Tydeus&rsquo; son stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from
+the ships back to the wall, or I shall lay him low with my spear and bear away
+his gory spoils. To-morrow shall he prove his valour, whether he can abide the
+onslaught of my spear. Would that I were immortal and ageless all my days and
+honoured like as Athene is honoured and Apollo, so surely as this day bringeth
+the Argives ill.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they loosed
+their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with thongs, each man
+beside his chariot; and from the city they brought kine and goodly sheep with
+speed, and provided them with honey-hearted wine and corn from their houses,
+and gathered much wood withal. And from the plain the winds bare into heaven
+the sweet savour. But these with high hopes sate them all night along the
+highways of the battle, and their watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when
+in heaven the stars about the bright moon shine clear to see, when the air is
+windless, and all the peaks appear and the tall headlands and glades, and from
+heaven breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars are seen, and the
+shepherd&rsquo;s heart is glad; even in like multitude between the ships and
+the streams of Xanthos appeared the watchfires that the Trojans kindled in
+front of Ilios. A thousand fires burned in the plain and by the side of each
+sate fifty in the gleam of blazing fire. And the horses champed white barley
+and spelt, and standing by their chariots waited for the throned Dawn.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him to be appeased; and
+how Achilles denied him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of heaven-sent panic,
+handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were stricken to the heart with
+grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up the main, the home of fishes, even
+the north wind and the west wind that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly; and
+the dark billow straightway lifteth up its crest and casteth much tangle out
+along the sea; even so was the Achaians&rsquo; spirit troubled in their breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about bidding
+the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the assembly, but not to
+shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the foremost. So they sat sorrowful in
+assembly, and Agamemnon stood up weeping like unto a fountain of dark water
+that from a beetling cliff poureth down its black stream; even so with deep
+groaning he spake amid the Argives and said: &ldquo;My friends, leaders and
+captains of the Argives, Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in
+grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised
+and gave his pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I
+depart, but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in dishonour
+to Argos with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is the good pleasure
+of most mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of many cities, yea and shall
+lay low; for his is highest power. So come, even as I shall bid let us all
+obey; let us flee with our ships to our dear native land, for now shall we
+never take wide-wayed Troy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time were the
+sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them and said: &ldquo;Atreides: with thee first in thy folly
+will I contend, where it is just, O king, even in the assembly; be not thou
+wroth therefor. My valour didst thou blame in chief amid the Danaans, and
+saidst that I was no man of war but a coward; and all this know the Argives
+both young and old. But the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee
+but by halves; he granted thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men,
+but valour he gave thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou that
+the sons of the Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as thou sayest?
+If thine own heart be set on departing, go thy way; the way is before thee, and
+thy ships stand beside the sea, even the great multitude that followed thee
+from Mykene. But all the other flowing-haired Achaians will tarry here until we
+lay waste Troy. Nay, let them too flee on their ships to their dear native
+land; yet will we twain, even I and Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of
+Ilios; for in God&rsquo;s name are we come.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and said amid them:
+&ldquo;Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in council art thou
+best among thine equals in years; none of all the Achaians will make light of
+thy word nor gainsay it. Now let us yield to black night and make ready our
+meal; and let the sentinels bestow them severally along the deep-delved foss
+without the wall. This charge give I to the young men; and thou, Atreides, lead
+then the way, for thou art the most royal. Spread thou a feast for the
+councillors; that is thy place and seemly for thee. Thy huts are full of wine
+that the ships of the Achaians bring thee by day from Thrace across the wide
+sea; all entertainment is for thee, being king over many. In the gathering of
+many shalt thou listen to him that deviseth the most excellent counsel; sore
+need have all the Achaians of such as is good and prudent, because hard by the
+ships our foemen are burning their watch-fires in multitude; what man can
+rejoice thereat? This night shall either destroy or save the host.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied the
+sentinels in their harness. Seven were the captains of the sentinels, and with
+each went fivescore young men bearing their long spears in their hands; and
+they took post midway betwixt foss and wall, and kindled a fire and made ready
+each man his meal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to his
+hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth their hands to
+the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had put away from them the
+desire of meat and drink, then the old man first began to weave his counsel,
+even Nestor, whose rede of old time was approved the best. He spake to them and
+said: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, in thy name will
+I end and with thy name begin, because thou art king over many hosts, and to
+thy hand Zeus hath entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest take counsel for
+thy folk. Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to speak and hearken,
+and to accomplish what another than thou may say. No other man shall have a
+more excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old time even until
+now, since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king, didst go and take the
+damsel Briseis from angry Achilles&rsquo; hut by no consent of ours. Nay, I
+right heartily dissuaded thee; but thou yieldedst to thy proud spirit, and
+dishonouredst a man of valour whom even the immortals honoured; for thou didst
+take and keepest from him his meed of valour. Still let us even now take
+thought how we may appease him and persuade him with gifts of friendship and
+kindly words.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: &ldquo;Old sir, in no false
+wise hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it not. Worth many
+hosts is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now he honoureth this man
+and destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But seeing I was a fool in that I
+yielded to my sorry passion, I will make amends and give a recompense beyond
+telling. In the midst of you all I will name the excellent gifts; seven tripods
+untouched of fire, and ten talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and
+twelve stalwart horses, winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their
+speed. No lackwealth were that man whose substance were as great as the prizes
+my whole-hooved steeds have borne me off. And seven women will I give, skilled
+in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom I chose me from the spoils the day that
+he himself took stablished Lesbos, surpassing womankind in beauty. These will I
+give him, and with them shall be she whom erst I took from him, even the
+daughter of Briseus. All these things shall be set straightway before him; and
+if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, then let
+him enter in when we Achaians be dividing the spoil, and lade his ship full of
+gold and bronze, and himself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that there
+be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands, even Achaian
+Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold him in like honour with Orestes, my
+stripling boy that is nurtured in all abundance. Three daughters are mine in my
+well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike and Iphianassa; let him take of
+them which he will, without gifts of wooing, to Peleus&rsquo; house; and I will
+add a great dower such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven
+well-peopled cities will I give him, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and
+holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of
+vines. And all are nigh to the salt sea, on the uttermost border of sandy
+Pylos; therein dwell men abounding in flocks and kine, men that shall worship
+him like a god with gifts, and beneath his sway fulfil his prosperous
+ordinances. All this will I accomplish so he but cease from wrath. Let him
+yield; Hades I ween is not to be softened neither overcome, and therefore is he
+hatefullest of all gods to mortals. Yea, let him be ruled by me, inasmuch as I
+am more royal and avow me to be the elder in years.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: &ldquo;Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be esteemed
+that thou offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed forth picked men
+to go with all haste to the hut of Peleus&rsquo; son Achilles. Lo now,
+whomsoever I appoint let them consent. First let Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the
+way, and after him great Aias and noble Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and
+Eurybates be their companions. And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep
+holy silence, that we may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he
+will have mercy upon us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith the
+heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the bowls with
+drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured the libation in the
+cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as their heart desired, they
+issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus. And knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia gave them full charge, with many a glance to each, and chiefest to
+Odysseus, how they should essay to prevail on Peleus&rsquo; noble son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making instant
+prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that they might with
+ease prevail on Aiakides&rsquo; great heart. So they came to the huts and ships
+of the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his pleasure of a loud lyre,
+fair, of curious work, with a silver cross-bar upon it. Therein he was
+delighting his soul, and singing the glories of heroes. And over against him
+sate Patroklos alone in silence, watching till Aiakides should cease from
+singing. So the twain came forward, and noble Odysseus led the way, and they
+stood before his face; and Achilles sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand,
+and left the seat where he was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he
+beheld the men arose. Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and said:
+&ldquo;Welcome; verily ye are friends that are come—sore indeed is the
+need—even ye that are dearest of the Achaians to me even in my wrath.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on settles and
+carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being near: &ldquo;Bring
+forth a greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle stronger drink, and prepare
+each man a cup, for dearest of men are these that are under my roof.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then put they forth their hands to the good cheer lying before them. And when
+they had put from them the desire of meat and drink, Aias nodded to Phoinix.
+But noble Odysseus marked it, and filled a cup with wine and pledged Achilles:
+&ldquo;Hail, O Achilles! The fair feast lack we not either in the hut of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in thine; for feasting is there abundance
+to our heart&rsquo;s desire, but our thought is not for matters of the
+delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore destruction, thou fosterling of Zeus,
+and are afraid. Now is it in doubt whether we save the benched ships or behold
+them perish, if thou put not on thy might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the
+high-hearted Trojans and famed allies pitched their camp, and kindled many
+fires throughout their host, and ween that they shall no more be withheld but
+will fall on our black ships. And Zeus son of Kronos sheweth them signs upon
+the right by lightning, and Hector greatly exulteth in his might and rageth
+furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not of god nor man, for mighty madness
+hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn to shine forth with all speed, for
+he bath passed his word to smite off from the ships the ensigns&rsquo; tops,
+and to fire the hulls with devouring flame, and hard thereby to make havoc of
+the Achaians confounded by the smoke. Therefore am I sore afraid in my heart
+lest the gods fulfil his boastings, and it be fated for us to perish here in
+Troy-land, far from Argos pasture-land of horses. Up then! if thou art minded
+even at the last to save the failing sons of the Achaians from the war-din of
+the Trojans. Eschew thy grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee worthy gifts,
+so thou wilt cease from anger. Lo now, hearken thou to me, and I will tell thee
+all the gifts that in his hut Agamemnon promised thee. But if Agamemnon be too
+hateful to thy heart, both he and his gifts, yet have thou pity on all the
+Achaians that faint throughout the host; these shall honour thee as a god, for
+verily thou wilt earn exceeding great glory at their hands. Yea now mightest
+thou slay Hector, for he would come very near thee in his deadly madness,
+because he deemeth that there is no man like unto him among the Danaans that
+the ships brought hither.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: &ldquo;Heaven-sprung son
+of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare unto you my
+saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof shall be, that ye may
+not sit before me and coax this way and that. For hateful to me even as the
+gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in his heart and uttereth another:
+but I will speak what meseemeth best. Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of
+Atreus persuade, nor the other Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for
+battling with the foemen ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath
+equal share with him that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both
+the coward and the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that
+hath toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation of
+soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her unfledged
+chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it goeth hard, even so
+I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and pass through many bloody
+days of battle, warring with folk for their womel&rsquo;s sake. Twelve cities
+of men have I laid waste from ship-board, and from land eleven, throughout
+deep-soiled Troy-land; out of all these took I many goodly treasures and would
+bring and give them all to Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying behind amid
+the fleet ships would take them and portion out some few but keep the most. Now
+some he gave to be meeds of honour to the princes and the kings, and theirs are
+left untouched; only from me of all the Achaians took he my darling lady and
+keepeth her. But why must the Argives make war on the Trojans? why hath
+Atreides gathered his host and led them hither? is it not for lovely-haired
+Helel&rsquo;s sake? Do then the sons of Atreus alone of mortal men love their
+wives? surely whatsoever man is good and sound of mind loveth his own and
+cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine with all my heart, though but the
+captive of my spear. But now that he hath taken my meed of honour from mine
+arms and hath deceived me, let him not tempt me that know him full well; he
+shall not prevail. Nay, Odysseus, let him take counsel with thee and all the
+princes to ward from the ships the consuming fire. Verily without mine aid he
+hath wrought many things, and built a wall and dug a foss about it wide and
+deep, and set a palisade therein; yet even so can he not stay murderous
+Hector&rsquo;s might. But so long as I was fighting amid the Achaians, Hector
+had no mind to array his battle far from the wall, but scarce came unto the
+Skaian gates and to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone and scarce
+escaped my onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight with noble Hector, I
+will to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods, and store well my ships
+when I have launched them on the salt sea—then shalt thou see, if thou wilt and
+hast any care therefor, my ships sailing at break of day over Hellespont, the
+fishes&rsquo; home, and my men right eager at the oar; and if the great Shaker
+of the Earth grant me good journey, on the third day should I reach deep-soiled
+Phthia. There are my great possessions that I left when I came hither to my
+hurt; and yet more gold and ruddy bronze shall I bring from hence, and
+fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at least that were mine by lot; only my
+meed of honour hath he that gave it me taken back in his despitefulness, even
+lord Agamemnon son of Atreus. To him declare ye everything even as I charge
+you, openly, that all the Achaians likewise may have indignation, if haply he
+hopeth to beguile yet some other Danaan, for that he is ever clothed in
+shamelessness. Verily not in my face would he dare to look, though he have the
+front of a dog. Neither will I devise counsel with him nor any enterprise, for
+utterly he hath deceived me and done wickedly; but never again shall he beguile
+me with fair speech—let this suffice him. Let him begone in peace; Zeus the
+lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me are his gifts, and I
+hold him at a straw&rsquo;s worth. Not even if he gave me ten times, yea
+twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him otherwhence, even all
+the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes where the treasure-houses are
+stored fullest—Thebes of the hundred gates, whence sally forth two hundred
+warriors through each with horses and chariots—nay, nor gifts in number as sand
+or dust; not even so shall Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back
+all the bitter despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not
+wed, not were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for handiwork
+matched bright-eyed Athene—not even then will I wed her; let him choose him of
+the Achaians another that is his peer and is more royal than I. For if the gods
+indeed preserve me and I come unto my home, then will Peleus himself seek me a
+wife. Many Achaian maidens are there throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of
+princes that ward their cities; whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear
+lady. Very often was my high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help
+meet for me, and have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus
+possesseth. For not of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth that men
+say was possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of peace gone by,
+before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the treasure that the stone
+threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo encompasseth in rocky Pytho. For kine
+and goodly flocks are to be had for the harrying, and tripods and chestnut
+horses for the purchasing; but to bring back mal&rsquo;s life neither harrying
+nor earning availeth when once it hath passed the barrier of his lips. For thus
+my goddess mother telleth me, Thetis the silver-footed, that twain fates are
+bearing me to the issue of death. If I abide here and besiege the
+Trojans&rsquo; city, then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall
+be imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is taken
+from me, but my life shall endure long while, neither shall the issue of death
+soon reach me. Moreover I would counsel you all to set sail homeward, seeing ye
+shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of a surety far-seeing Zeus holdeth
+his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. So go your way and tell my
+answer to the princes of the Achaians, even as is the office of elders, that
+they may devise in their hearts some other better counsel, such as shall save
+them their ships and the host of the Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this
+counsel availeth them naught that they have now devised, by reason of my fierce
+wrath. But let Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest, that he may
+follow with me on my ships to our dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for I
+will not take him perforce.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and marvelled at his
+saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the last spake to them the
+old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because he was sore afraid for the
+ships of the Achaians: &ldquo;If indeed thou ponderest departure in thy heart,
+glorious Achilles, and hast no mind at all to save the fleet ships from
+consuming fire, because that wrath bath entered into thy heart; how can I be
+left of thee, dear son, alone thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus
+send me the day he sent thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet
+unskilled in equal war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore
+sent he me to teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a
+doer of deeds. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou godlike Achilles,
+with my heart&rsquo;s love; for with none other wouldest thou go unto the
+feast, neither take meat in the hall, till that I had set thee upon my knees
+and stayed thee with the savoury morsel cut first for thee, and put the
+wine-cup to thy lips. Oft hast thou stained the doublet on my breast with
+sputtering of wine in thy sorry helplessness. Thus I suffered much with thee,
+and much I toiled, being mindful that the gods in nowise created any issue of
+my body; but I made thee my son, thou godlike Achilles, that thou mayest yet
+save me from grievous destruction. Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit;
+neither beseemeth it thee to have a ruthless heart. Nay, even the very gods can
+bend, and theirs withal is loftier majesty and honour and might. Nay, come for
+the gifts; the Achaians shall honour thee even as a god. But if without gifts
+thou enter into battle the bane of men, thou wilt not be held in like honour,
+even though thou avert the fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: &ldquo;Phoinix my
+father, thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise; for I
+deem that I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which shall abide upon
+me amid my beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in my body and my limbs are
+strong. Moreover I will say this thing to thee and lay thou it to thine heart;
+trouble not my soul by weeping and lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior
+Atreides; neither beseemeth it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me
+that cherish thee. It were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth
+me. Be thou king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear
+my message. So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and with
+break of day will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or to
+abide.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for Phoinix a
+thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart from the hut with
+speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamol&rsquo;s godlike son, and said:
+&ldquo;Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, let us go hence;
+for methinks the purpose of our charge will not by this journey be
+accomplished; and we must tell the news, though it be no wise good, with all
+speed unto the Danaans, that now sit awaiting. But Achilles hath wrought his
+proud soul to fury within him—stubborn man, that recketh naught of his
+comrades&rsquo; love, wherein we worshipped him beyond all men amid the
+ships—unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept recompense of his brother&rsquo;s
+murderer or for his dead son; and so the man-slayer for a great price abideth
+in his own land, and the kinsmal&rsquo;s heart is appeased, and his proud soul,
+when he hath taken the recompense. But for thee, the gods have put within thy
+breast a spirit implacable and evil, by reason of one single damsel. And now we
+offer thee seven damsels, far best of all, and many other gifts besides;
+entertain thou then a kindly spirit, and have respect unto thine home; because
+we are guests of thy roof, sent of the multitude of Danaans, and we would fain
+be nearest to thee and dearest beyond all other Achaians, as many as there
+be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: &ldquo;Aias sprung of
+Zeus, thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak all this
+almost after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath as oft as I
+bethink me of those things, how Atreides entreated me arrogantly among the
+Argives, as though I were some worthless sojourner. But go ye and declare my
+message; I will not take thought of bloody war until that wise Priam&rsquo;s
+son, noble Hector, come to the Myrmidons&rsquo; huts and ships, slaying the
+Argives, and smirch the ships with fire. But about mine hut and black ship I
+ween that Hector, though he be very eager for battle, shall be
+refrained.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation and
+went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And Patroklos bade
+his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a thick couch for Phoinix;
+and they obeyed and spread a couch as he ordained, fleeces and rugs and fine
+flock of linen. Then the old man laid him down and tarried for bright Dawn.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when those were come unto Atreides&rsquo; huts, the sons of the Achaians
+stood up on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold, and
+questioned them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: &ldquo;Come now,
+tell me, Odysseus full of praise, thou great glory of the Achaians; will he
+save the ships from consuming fire, or said he nay, and hath wrath yet hold of
+his proud spirit?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but is yet
+more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth thee take
+counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships and folk of the
+Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break of day he will launch
+upon the sea his trim well-benched ships. Moreover he said that he would
+counsel all to sail for home, because ye now shall never reach your goal of
+steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus holdeth his hand over her and her folk are
+of good courage. Even so said he, and here are also these to tell the tale that
+were my companions, Aias and the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old
+man Phoinix laid him there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he may
+follow with him on his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for
+he will not take him perforce.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at his
+saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the Achaians
+voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid
+them: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, would thou hadst
+never besought Peleus&rsquo; glorious son with offer of gifts innumerable;
+proud is he at any time, but now hast thou yet far more encouraged him in his
+haughtiness. Howbeit we will let him bide, whether he go or tarry; hereafter he
+shall fight, whenever his heart within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come
+now, even as I shall say let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your
+hearts&rsquo; desire of meat and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but
+when fair rosy-fingered Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the
+ships thy folk and horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the
+foremost.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of Diomedes
+tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every man to his hut, and
+there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap10"></a>BOOK X.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans, and themselves
+spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses of Rhesos, the Thracian king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were sleeping
+all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd
+of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he debated in his mind. And
+even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera lighteneth, fashioning either a
+mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the
+ploughed lands, or fashioning perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so
+oft in his breast groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his
+spirits trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at the sound
+of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to the ships he
+glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a lock clean forth from
+his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly groaned his noble heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all to
+Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some right device
+that should be for the warding off of evil from all the Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his shining
+feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the tawny skin of a
+lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet, and he grasped his
+spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for neither on
+his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should befall the Argives,
+who verily for his sake over wide waters were come to Troy-land, with fierce
+war in their thoughts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With a dappled pard&rsquo;s akin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he
+raised and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his strong
+hand. Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that mightily ruled over
+all the Argives, and as a god was honoured by the people. Him found he
+harnessing his goodly gear about his shoulders, by the stern of the ship, and
+glad to his brother was his coming. Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry first
+accosted him: &ldquo;Wherefore thus, dear brother, art thou arming? Wilt thou
+speed forth any of thy comrades to spy on the Trojans? Nay, terribly I fear
+lest none should undertake for thee this deed, even to go and spy out the
+foeman alone through the ambrosial night; needs must he be a man right hardy of
+heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: &ldquo;Need of good counsel
+have I and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help and
+save the Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned again.
+Surely on the sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather than on ours.
+For never did I see, nor heard any tell, that one man devised so many terrible
+deeds in one day, as Hector, dear to Zeus, hath wrought on the sons of the
+Achaians, unaided; though no dear son of a goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath
+done deeds that methinks will be a sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long,
+such evils hath he devised against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the
+ships, and summon Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and
+bid him arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company of the
+sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others would they
+listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and the brother in
+arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all we entrusted this
+charge.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: &ldquo;How meanest thou this
+word wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there with them,
+waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I have well delivered
+to them thy commandment?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: &ldquo;There do thou abide
+lest we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through the camp. But
+call aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake, naming each man by his
+lineage, and his father&rsquo;s name, and giving all their dues of honour, nor
+be thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us ourselves be labouring, for even thus
+did Zeus from our very birth dispense to us the heaviness of toil.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the host, whom
+he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside him lay his arms, a
+shield, and two spears, and a shining helmet. Beside him lay his glittering
+girdle wherewith the old man was wont to gird himself when he harnessed him for
+war, the bane of men, and led on the host, for he yielded not to grievous old
+age. Then he raised him on his elbow, lifting his head, and spake to the son of
+Atreus, inquiring of him with this word: &ldquo;Who art thou that farest alone
+by the ships, through the camp in the dark night, when other mortals are
+sleeping? Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy comrades? speak, and come
+not silently upon me. What need hast thou?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: &ldquo;O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of Atreus, whom
+above all men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours, while my breath abides
+within my breast, and my knees move. I wander thus, for that sweet sleep rests
+not on mine eyes, but war is my care, and the troubles of the Achaians. Yea,
+greatly I fear for the sake of the Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am
+tossed to and fro, and my heart is leaping from my breast, and my good knees
+tremble beneath me. But if thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh
+sleep, let us go thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be
+fordone with toil, and so are slumbering, and have quite forgotten to keep
+watch. And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at all but that they are keen
+to do battle in the night.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: &ldquo;Verily will I follow after
+thee, but let us also rouse others again, both the son of Tydeus, spearman
+renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and the strong son of Phyleus. But well
+it would be if one were to go and call those also, the godlike Aias, and
+Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are furthest of all, and nowise close at
+hand. But Menelaos will I blame, dear as he is and worshipful, yea, even if
+thou be angry with me, nor will I hide my thought, for that he slumbereth, and
+to thee alone hath left the toil; now should he be toiling among all the chiefs
+and beseeching them, for need no longer tolerable is coming upon us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: &ldquo;Old man, another day
+I even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not to labour,
+yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart, but looking toward
+me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke far before me, and came to
+me, and him I sent forward to call those concerning whom thou inquirest. But
+let us be gone, and them shall we find before the gates, among the sentinels,
+for there I bade them gather.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: &ldquo;So will none of the
+Argives be wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any one, and
+give him his commands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his bright
+feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple cloak, with
+double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went among the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the peer of Zeus in
+counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of sleep, with his voice, and
+quickly the cry came all about his heart, and he came forth from the hut and
+spake to them saying: &ldquo;Wherefore thus among the ships and through the
+camp do ye wander alone, in the ambrosial night; what so great need cometh upon
+you?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: &ldquo;Laertes&rsquo; son, be not
+wroth, for great trouble besetteth the Achaians. Nay follow, that we may arouse
+others too, even all that it behoveth to take counsel, whether we should fly,
+or fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and cast a
+shield about his shoulders, and went after them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found outside his
+hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were sleeping with their
+shields beneath their heads, but their spears were driven into the ground erect
+on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone the bronze, like the lightning of
+father Zeus. Now that hero was asleep, and under him was strewn the hide of an
+ox of the field, but beneath his head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside
+him went and stood knightly Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of
+his foot, and aroused him, chiding him to his face, saying: &ldquo;Wake, son of
+Tydeus, why all night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the Trojans
+on the high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and but a little
+space holdeth them apart?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to him
+winged words: &ldquo;Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never ceasest.
+Now are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who might rouse when
+there is need each of the kings, going all around the host? but thou, old man,
+art indomitable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, &ldquo;Nay verily, my son,
+all this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I, and there
+be many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the others. But a right
+great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to all of us it standeth on a
+razor&rsquo;s edge, either pitiful ruin for the Achaians, or life. But come
+now, if indeed thou dost pity me, rouse swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for
+thou art younger than I.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great fiery
+lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and started on his
+way, and roused the others from their place and led them on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not the
+leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with their arms.
+And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in a fold, having heard
+a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood among the hills, and much
+clamour riseth round him of hounds and men, and sleep perisheth from them, even
+so sweet sleep did perish from their eyes, as they watched through the wicked
+night, for ever were they turning toward the plains, when they heard the
+Trojans moving.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his saying,
+and calling out to them he spake winged words: &ldquo;Even so now, dear
+children, do ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we become a cause
+of rejoicing to them that hate us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the kings of
+the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them went Meriones,
+and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to share their counsel. So
+they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat down in the open, where the
+mid-space was clear of dead men fallen, where fierce Hector had turned again
+from destroying the Argives, when night covered all. There sat they down, and
+declared their saying each to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia
+began discourse: &ldquo;O friends, is there then no man that would trust to his
+own daring spirit, to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might
+take some straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour among the
+Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves, whether they are fain to
+abide there by the ships, away from the city, or will retreat again to the
+city, now that they have conquered the Achaians? All this might such an one
+learn, and back to us come scathless: great would be his fame under heaven
+among all men, and a goodly gift will be given him. For all the best men that
+bear sway by the ships, each and all of them will give him a black ewe, with
+her lamb at her foot, and ever will he be present at feasts and
+clan-drinkings.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but to them
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: &ldquo;Nestor, my heart and manful spirit
+urge me to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of the Trojans: and if
+some other man will follow with me, more comfort and more courage will there
+be. If two go together, one before another perceiveth a matter, how there may
+be gain therein; but if one alone perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter,
+and weak his device.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two Aiantes
+were willing, men of Ares&rsquo; company, and Meriones was willing, and right
+willing the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos, spearman renowned,
+yea and the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into the throng of Trojans, for
+always daring was his heart within him. But among them spake the king of men,
+Agamemnon: &ldquo;Diomedes son of Tydeus, joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily
+shalt thou choose, whomsoever thou wilt, the best of them that be here, for
+many are eager. But do not thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man
+behind, and give thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and
+looking to their lineage, even if one be more kingly born.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But to them
+again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: &ldquo;If indeed ye bid me choose
+myself a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike Odysseus, whose
+heart is passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all manner of toils; and
+Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with me, even out of burning fire might
+we both return, for he excelleth in understanding.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: &ldquo;Son of Tydeus,
+praise me not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus among
+the Argives that themselves know all. But let us be going, for truly the night
+is waning, and near is the dawn, and the stars have gone onward, and the night
+has advanced more than two watches, but the third watch is yet left.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of Tydeus
+did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his own was left
+by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm of bull&rsquo;s hide,
+without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and keeps the heads of
+stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow and a quiver, and a sword,
+and on his head set a helm made of leather, and with many a thong was it
+stiffly wrought within, while without the white teeth of a boar of flashing
+tusks were arrayed thick set on either side, well and cunningly, and in the
+midst was fixed a cap of felt.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set forth to
+go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did Pallas Athene send
+forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way, and they beheld it not
+with their eyes, through the dark night, but they heard its shrill cry. And
+Odysseus was glad in the omen of the bird, and prayed to Athene: &ldquo;Listen
+to me, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, that ever in all toils dost stand by
+me, nor doth any motion of mine escape thee: but now again above all be thou
+friendly to me, Athene, and grant that we come back with renown to the ships,
+having wrought a great work, that shall be sorrow to the Trojans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: &ldquo;Listen now likewise to
+me, thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when with my
+father thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when he went forth as
+a messenger from the Achaians. Even so now stand thou by me willingly, and
+protect me. And to thee will I sacrifice a yearling heifer, broad of brow,
+unbroken, that never yet hath man led below the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to
+thee, and gild her horns with gold.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when they had
+prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on their way, like two
+lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter, amid the slain men, through
+the arms and the black blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he called
+together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders of the Trojans,
+them did he call together, and contrived a crafty counsel: &ldquo;Who is there
+that would promise and perform for me this deed, for a great gift? yea his
+reward shall be sufficient. For I will give him a chariot, and two horses of
+arching neck, the best that be at the swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever
+shall dare the deed, and for himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to
+go near the swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are
+guarded, as of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the
+foes are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch through
+the night, being fordone with dread weariness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there was among
+the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald, and he was rich
+in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill favoured to look upon, but
+swift of foot. So he spake then a word to the Trojans and to Hector:
+&ldquo;Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me to go near the swift-faring
+ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray thee, hold up the staff, and swear to
+me, that verily thou wilt give me the horses and the chariots bedight with
+bronze that bear the noble son of Peleus. But to thee I will prove no vain spy,
+nor disappoint thy hope. For I will go straight to the camp, until I may come
+to the ship of Agamemnon, where surely the chiefs are like to hold council,
+whether to fight or flee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him:
+&ldquo;Now let Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera, that
+no other man of the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I declare,
+shalt rejoice in them for ever.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to go. And
+straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did on thereover the
+skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of ferret-skin, and took a sharp
+javelin, and went on his way to the ships from the host. But he was not like to
+come back from the ships and bring word to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth eagerly on the
+way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as he approached, and
+said unto Diomedes: &ldquo;Lo, here is some man, Diomedes, coming from the
+camp, I know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to strip certain of the dead
+men fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by us a little way on the plain, and
+thereafter may we rush on him and take him speedily, and if it chance that he
+outrun us by speed of foot, ever do thou hem him in towards the ships and away
+from the camp, rushing on him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape
+towards the city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the bodies of
+the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness. But when he was
+as far off as is the length of the furrow made by mules, these twain ran after
+him, and he stood still when he heard the sound, supposing in his heart that
+they were friends come from among the Trojans to turn him back, at the
+countermand of Hector. But when they were about a spear-cast off, or even less,
+he knew them for foe-men, and stirred his swift limbs to fly, and speedily they
+started in pursuit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press ever
+hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs screaming before
+them, even so Tydeus&rsquo; son and Odysseus the sacker of cities cut Dolon off
+from the host, and ever pursued hard after him. But when he was just about to
+come among the sentinels, in his flight towards the ships, then Athene poured
+strength into the son of Tydeus, that none of the mail-clad Achaians might
+boast himself the first to smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes
+leaped upon him with the spear, and said: &ldquo;Stand, or I shall overtake
+thee with the spear, and methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer
+destruction at my hand.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the man, and
+passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished spear stuck fast in
+the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread and trembling, and the teeth
+chattered in his mouth, and he was green with fear. Then the twain came up with
+him, panting, and gripped his hands, and weeping he spake: &ldquo;Take me
+alive, and I will ransom myself, for within our house there is bronze, and
+gold, and smithied iron, wherefrom my father would do you grace with ransom
+untold, if he should learn that I am alive among the ships of the
+Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: &ldquo;Take courage,
+let not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly all the tale,
+why thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the ships, through the
+black night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest thou to strip certain of
+the dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee forth to spy out everything at the
+hollow ships, or did thine own spirit urge thee on?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: &ldquo;With many a
+blind hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the
+whole-hooved horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight with
+bronze: and he bade me fare through the swift black night, and draw nigh the
+foemen, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded, as of old, or
+whether, already, being subdued beneath our hands, they are devising of flight
+among themselves, and have no care to watch through the night, being fordone
+with dread weariness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer:
+&ldquo;Verily now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the
+wise son of Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and hard to
+drive, for any but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare. But come, tell
+me all this truly, all the tale: where when thou camest hither didst thou leave
+Hector, shepherd of the host, and where lie his warlike gear, and where his
+horses? And how are disposed the watches, and the beds of the other Trojans?
+And what counsel take they among themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh
+the ships afar from the city, or will they return to the city again, seeing
+that they have subdued unto them the Achaiana?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: &ldquo;Lo, now all these
+things will I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are counsellors
+holdeth council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from the din, but as for
+the guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen watch nor guard keepeth the
+host. As for all the watch fires of the Trojans—on them is necessity, so that
+they watch and encourage each other to keep guard; but, for the allies called
+from many lands, they are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep
+watch, for no wise near dwell the children and wives of the allies.&rdquo; Then
+Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: &ldquo;How stands it now,
+do they sleep amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell me clearly, that
+I may know.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: &ldquo;Verily all this likewise will I
+recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians of the
+bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi. And towards
+Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty Mysians, and the
+Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians lords of chariots. But
+wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly concerning all these things? for if ye
+desire to steal into the throng of Trojans, lo, there be those Thracians, new
+comers, at the furthest point apart from the rest, and among them their king
+Rhesos, son of Eioneus. His be the fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the
+greatest, whiter than snow, and for speed like the winds. And his chariot is
+fashioned well with gold and silver, and golden is his armour that he brought
+with him, marvellous, a wonder to behold; such as it is in no wise fit for
+mortal men to bear, but for the deathless gods. But bring me now to the swift
+ships, or leave me here, when ye have bound me with a ruthless bond, that ye
+may go and make trial of me whether I have spoken to you truth, or lies.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: &ldquo;Put no thought of
+escape, Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast brought, since
+once thou halt come into our hands. For if now we release thee or let thee go,
+on some later day wilt thou come to the swift ships of the Achaians, either to
+play the spy, or to fight in open war, but if subdued beneath my hands thou
+lose thy life, never again wilt thou prove a bane to the Argives.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin, and
+implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck, rushing on
+him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the head of him still
+speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped him of the casque of
+ferret&rsquo;s skin from off his head, and of his wolf-skin, and his bended
+bow, and his long spear, and these to Athene the Giver of Spoil did noble
+Odysseus hold aloft in his hand, and he prayed and spake a word:
+&ldquo;Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for to thee first of all the immortals in
+Olympus will we call for aid; nay, but yet again send us on against the horses
+and the sleeping places of the Thracian men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them on a
+tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see, gathering together
+reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they should miss the place as
+they returned again through the swift dark night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and quickly
+they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were slumbering, fordone
+with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on the ground, all orderly, in
+three rows, and by each man his pair of steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst,
+and beside him his swift horses were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of
+the chariot. Him Odysseus spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes:
+&ldquo;Lo, Diomedes, this is the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon
+that we slew did give us tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength;
+it doth not behove thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses;
+or do thou slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and he
+began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their groaning,
+as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was reddened with blood. And
+like as a lion cometh on flocks without a herdsman, on goats or sheep, and
+leaps upon them with evil will, so set the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace,
+till he had slain twelve. But whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote
+with the sword, him did Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from
+behind, and drag him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the
+fair-maned horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit, when
+they trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men. But when the
+son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth from whom he took sweet
+life away, as he was breathing hard, for an evil dream stood above his head
+that night through the device of Athens. Meanwhile the hardy Odysseus loosed
+the whole-hooved horses, and bound them together with thongs, and drave them
+out of the press, smiting them with his bow, since he had not taken thought to
+lift the shining whip with his hands from the chariot; then he whistled for a
+sign to noble Diomedes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do, whether he
+should take the chariot, where lay the armour, and drag it out by the pole, or
+lift it upon high, and so bear it forth, or whether he should take the life
+away from yet more of the Thracians. And while he was pondering this in his
+heart, then Athene drew near, and stood, and spake to noble Diomedes:
+&ldquo;Bethink thee of returning, O son of great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow
+ships, lest perchance thou come thither in flight, and perchance another god
+rouse up the Trojans likewise.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the goddess, and
+swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them with his bow, and
+they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld Athene
+caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole among the crowded
+press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians, Hippokoon, the
+noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out of sleep, when he beheld the place
+desolate where the swift horses had stood, and beheld the men gasping in the
+death struggle; then he groaned aloud, and called out by name to his comrade
+dear. And a clamour arose and din unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together,
+and they marvelled at the terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had wrought,
+and had gone thereafter to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of Hector,
+there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and Tydeus&rsquo; son,
+leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands of Odysseus, and again
+mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped onward nothing loth. But Nestor
+first heard the sound, and said: &ldquo;O friends, leaders and counsellors of
+the Argives, shall I be wrong or speak sooth? for my heart bids me speak. The
+sound of swift-footed horses strikes upon mine ears. Would to god that Odysseus
+and that strong Diomedes may even instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses
+from among the Trojans; but terribly I fear in mine heart lest the bravest of
+the Argives suffer aught through the Trojans&rsquo; battle din.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and leaped down
+to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with hand-clasping, and with
+honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of Gerenia make question:
+&ldquo;Come, tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great glory of the Achaians, how
+ye twain took those horses? Was it by stealing into the press of Trojans? Or
+did some god meet you, and give you them? Wondrous like are they to rays of the
+sun. Ever with the Trojans do I mix in fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the
+ships, old warrior as I am. But never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of
+such. Nay, methinks some god must have encountered you and given you these. For
+both of you doth Zeus the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, bright-eyed Athene.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: &ldquo;O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he would, give even
+better steeds than these, for the gods are far stronger than we. But as for
+these new-come horses, whereof, old man, thou askest me, they are Thracian, but
+their lord did brave Diomedes slay, and beside him all the twelve best men of
+his company. The thirteenth man was a spy we took near the ships, one that
+Hector and the other haughty Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the foss, laughing; and
+the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they had come to the
+well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the horses with well-cut
+thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of Diomedes stood eating
+honey-sweet barley.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the ship, that
+they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for themselves, they
+went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from shins, and neck, and
+thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed the thick sweat from their
+skin, and their hearts revived again, they went into polished baths, and were
+cleansed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat down at
+supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the honey-sweet wine, and
+poured it forth to Athene.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap11"></a>BOOK XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press hard on the
+Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to the
+immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord unto the fleet
+ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the signal of war. And she
+stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that was in the midst, to make her
+voice heard on either side, both to the huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to
+the huts of Achilles, for these twain, trusting in their valour and the might
+of their hands, had drawn up their trim ships at the two ends of the line.
+There stood the goddess and cried shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and
+mighty strength she set in the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight
+unceasingly. And straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in the
+hollow ships to their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them in by
+the foss, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms were hasting
+about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the cry arose into the
+Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they arrayed at the foss, but after
+them a little way came up the drivers. And among them the son of Kronos aroused
+an evil din, and from above rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper
+air, for that he was about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain, gathered
+them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias that as a god was
+honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybos,
+and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto the immortals. And Hector in the
+foremost rank bare the circle of his shield. And as from amid the clouds
+appeareth glittering a baneful star, and then again sinketh within the shadowy
+clouds, even so Hector would now appear among the foremost ranks, and again
+would be giving command in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the
+lightning of aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths through a
+rich mal&rsquo;s field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the handfuls, even so
+the Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other, destroying, and neither side
+took thought of ruinous flight; and equal heads had the battle, and they rushed
+on like wolves. And woful Discord was glad at the sight, for she alone of the
+gods was with them in the war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in
+peace they sat within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded
+in the folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of
+the storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But of them
+took the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat apart, glad in his
+glory, looking toward the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians,
+and the glitter of bronze, and the slayers and the slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the shafts
+of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when a woodman
+maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he hath tired his hands
+with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on his soul, and desire of sweet
+food taketh his heart, even then the Danaans by their valour brake the
+battalions, and called on their comrades through the lines. And in rushed
+Agamemnon first of all, where thickest clashed the battalions, there he set on,
+and with him all the well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as
+they were driven in flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and
+from beneath them rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering
+hooves of horses. And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after, calling
+on the Argives. And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense woodland, and the
+whirling wind beareth it everywhere, and the thickets fall utterly before it,
+being smitten by the onset of the fire, even so beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus
+fell the heads of the Trojans as they fled; and many strong-necked horses
+rattled empty cars along the highways of the battle, lacking their noble
+charioteers; but they on the earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures
+than to their wives. But Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the
+dust, from the man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus
+followed on, crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos,
+son of Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of the wild fig-tree they
+sped, making for the city, and ever the son of Atreus followed shouting, and
+his invincible hands were defiled with gore. But when they were come to the
+Skaian gates, and the oak-tree, there then they halted, and awaited each other.
+But some were still in full flight through the mid plain, like kine that a lion
+hath scattered, coming on them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered, but
+to one sheer death appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck first, seizing
+her with strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth greedily the blood and all the
+guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of Atreus followed hard on the Trojans, ever
+slaying the hindmost man, and they were scattered in flight, and on face or
+back many of them fell from their chariots beneath the hands of Agamemnon, for
+mightily he raged with the spear. But when he was nowabout coming below the
+city, and the steep wall, then did the father of men and gods sit him down on
+the crests of many-fountained Ida, from heaven descending, with the thunderbolt
+in his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: &ldquo;Up and
+go, swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees Agamemnon,
+shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters, and ruining the ranks
+of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the rest of the host war with the
+foe in strong battle. But when, or smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow
+shot, Agamemnon leapeth into his chariot, then will I give Hector strength to
+slay till he come even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and
+sacred darkness draw on.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So swift-footed Iris spake to Hector the words of Zeus and departed, but Hector
+with his harness leaped from the chariot to the ground, and, shaking his sharp
+spears went through all the host, stirring up his men to fight, and he roused
+the dread din of battle. And they wheeled round, and stood and faced the
+Achaians, while the Argives on the other side strengthened their battalions.
+And battle was made ready, and they stood over against each other, and
+Agamemnon first rushed in, being eager to fight far in front of all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that first
+encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of their allies
+renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and mighty, who was nurtured
+in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep; he it was that then encountered
+Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they were come near in onset against each
+other, Atreus&rsquo; son missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Iphidamas
+smote him on the girdle, below the corslet, and himself pressed on, trusting to
+his heavy hand, but pierced not the gleaming girdle, for long ere that the
+point struck on the silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon
+caught the spear with his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like a lion,
+and snatched it out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with the
+sword, and unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a sleep of
+bronze most piteously. Then did Agamemnon son of Atreus strip him, and went
+bearing his goodly harness into the throng of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Koon beheld him, Koon Antenor&rsquo;s eldest son, illustrious among
+men, strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother&rsquo;s
+fall: and he stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble Agamemnon
+smote him on the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean through went the point
+of the shining spear. Then Agamemnon king of men shuddered, yet not even so did
+he cease from battle and war, but rushed against Koon, grasping his
+wind-nurtured spear. Verily then Koon seized right lustily by the foot
+Iphidamas, his brother, and his father&rsquo;s son, and called to all the best
+of his men; but him, as he dragged the dead through the press, beneath his
+bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his
+limbs, and drew near and cut off his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of
+Antenor, at the hands of Agamemnon the king, filled up the measure of their
+fate, and went down within the house of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and great
+stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his wound. But when
+the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then keen pangs came on the
+might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped he into his chariot, and bade his
+charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he was sore vexed at heart. And he
+called in a piercing voice, and shouted to the Danaans: &ldquo;O friends,
+leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do ye now ward from the seafaring ships
+the harsh din of battle, for Zeus the counsellor suffers me not all day to war
+with the Trojans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the hollow
+ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were covered with
+foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they bore the wounded king
+away from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and Lykians
+with a loud shout: &ldquo;Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that war in
+close fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour. The
+best man of them hath departed and to me hath Zeus, the son of Kronos, given
+great renown. But straightway drive ye the whole-hooved horses against the
+mighty Danaans, that ye may be the masters and bear away the higher
+glory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. Himself with high
+thoughts he fared among the foremost, and fell upon the fight; like a roaring
+blast, that leapeth down and stirreth the violet-coloured deep. There whom
+first, whom last did he slay, even Hector, son of Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed
+him renown?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast in the
+fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter smote the
+multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of the white South
+Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth huge, rolling onward, and
+the spray is scattered on high beneath the rush of the wandering wind; even so
+many heads of the host were smitten by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would all the
+Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had not called to
+Diomedes, son of Tydeus: &ldquo;Tydeus&rsquo; son, what ails us that we forget
+our impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy stand by me, for
+verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm take the ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: &ldquo;Verily will I abide and
+endure, but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, clearly
+desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting him with
+the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the godlike squire of
+that prince. These then they let be, when they had made them cease from war,
+and then the twain fared through the crowd with a din, as when two boars full
+of valour fall on the hunting hounds; so rushed they on again, and slew the
+Trojans, while gladly the Achaians took breath again in their flight from noble
+Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks, and rushed upon them shouting,
+and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. And beholding him,
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered, and straightway spake to Odysseus that
+was hard by: &ldquo;Lo, on us this ruin, even mighty Hector, is rolling: let us
+stand, and await him, and ward off his onset.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and smote him
+nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the crest, and bronze by
+bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for it was stopped by the
+threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector
+sprang back a wondrous way, and mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen
+on his knee, and leaned on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night
+veiled his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But while Tydeus&rsquo; son was following after his spear-cast, far through the
+foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat breath
+again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the throng, and avoided
+black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty Diomedes spake to him:
+&ldquo;Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet came ill very nigh thee:
+but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom thou must surely pray when thou
+goest amid the clash of spears. Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee
+hereafter, if any god is helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest,
+whomsoever I may seize.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But Alexandros,
+the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at Tydeides, shepherd of
+the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on the barrow, by men fashioned,
+of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the people in time gone by. Now Diomedes
+was stripping the shining corslet of strong Agastrophos from about his breast,
+and the shield from his shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the
+centre of his bow; nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the
+flat of the right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and stood
+fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up from his lair,
+and boasted, and said: &ldquo;Thou art smitten, nor vainly hath the dart flown
+forth; would that I had smitten thee in the nether belly, and taken thy life
+away. So should the Trojans have breathed again from their trouble, they that
+shudder at thee, as bleating goats at a lion.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: &ldquo;Bowman, reviler,
+proud in thy bow of horn, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou madest trial
+in full harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts would nothing avail
+thee, but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou hast grazed the sole of my
+foot. I care not, more than if a woman had struck me or a senseless boy, for
+feeble is the dart of a craven man and a worthless. In other wise from my hand,
+yea, if it do but touch, the sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its
+man, and torn are the cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he,
+reddening the earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than women round
+him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in front of
+him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp arrow from his foot,
+and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then sprang he into his car, and bade
+his charioteer drive back to the hollow ships, for he was hurt at heart. Then
+Odysseus, spearman renowned, was left alone, nor did one of the Argives abide
+by him, for fear had fallen on them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own
+great-hearted spirit: &ldquo;Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil it
+is if I flee, in dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be taken all
+alone, for the other Danaans bath Kronion scattered in flight. But wherefore
+doth my heart thus converse with herself? for I know that they are cowards, who
+flee the fight, but whosoever is a hero in war, him it mainly behoves to stand
+stubbornly, whether he be smitten, or whether he smite another.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the Trojans
+under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them their own bane.
+And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom press round a boar, and he
+cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting his white tusk between crooked jaws,
+and round him they rush, and the sound of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and
+straightway they await his assault, so dread as he is, even so then round
+Odysseus, dear to Zeus, rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble
+Deiopites, from above, in the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and
+next he slew Thoon and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his
+chariot, he smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield, and he
+fell in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his hand. These
+left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the spear, the brother of
+high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a godlike man, and stood hard by
+him, and spake saying: &ldquo;O renowned Odysseus, insatiable of craft and
+toil, to-day shalt thou either boast over two sons of Hippasos, as having slain
+two such men of might, and stripped their harness, or smitten by my spear shaft
+lose thy life.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the shining
+shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight corslet it was
+thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but Pallas Athens did not
+suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero, and Odysseus knew that the
+dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot, and drawing backward, he spake
+unto Sokos &ldquo;Ah, wretched one, verily sheer destruction is come upon thee.
+Surely thou hast made me to cease from warring among the Trojans, but here to
+thee I declare that slaying and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and
+beneath my spear overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades
+of the noble steeds.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as he
+turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it through the
+breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus boasted over him:
+&ldquo;Ah, Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of horses, the end of
+death hath come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou avoided. Ah, wretch, thy
+father and lady mother shall not close thine eyes in death, but birds that eat
+flesh raw shall tear thee, shrouding thee in the multitude of their wings. But
+to me, if I die, the noble Achaians will yet give due burial.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from his
+flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when the spear was
+drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the great-hearted Trojans when they
+beheld the blood of Odysseus, with clamour through the throng came all together
+against him. But he gave ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he
+shouted then, as loud as mal&rsquo;s mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos
+dear to Zeus hear his call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him:
+&ldquo;Aias, of the seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the
+shout of Odysseus of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans
+were oppressing him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong battle.
+Nay, let us speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue him. I fear lest
+he suffer some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so brave as he is, and lest
+great sorrow for his loss come upon the Danaans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike man. Then
+found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him like tawny jackals
+from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a man hath smitten with an
+arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath fled from him by speed of foot, as
+long as the blood is warm and his limbs are strong, but when the swift arrow
+hath overcome him, then do the ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a
+dark wood, and then god leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee
+before him, but he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the
+crafty counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew near,
+bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the Trojans fled from
+him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led Odysseus out of the press,
+holding him by the hand, till the squire drave up the horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of Priam, and
+thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros, and Pyrasos, and
+Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down upon the plain, in winter
+flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of Zeus, and many dry oaks and many
+pines it sucketh in, and much soil it casteth into the sea, even so renowned
+Aias charged them, pursuing through the plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist
+Hector thereof at all, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle, by
+the banks of the river Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and
+an unquenchable cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And
+Hector with them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the spear and in
+horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young men. Nor would the
+noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path, if Alexandros, the lord of
+fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon shepherd of the host in his valorous
+deeds, and smitten him on the right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow.
+Therefore were the Achaians, breathing valour, in great fear, lest men should
+seize Machaon in the turning of the fight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: &ldquo;O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with thee let
+Machaon go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved horses. For a leech
+is worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and spread soothing
+medicaments.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but straightway
+gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of Asklepios the good
+leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew they forward to the hollow
+ships, where they desired to be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in flight,
+and spake to him, and said: &ldquo;Hector, here do we contend with the Danaans,
+at the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other Trojans are driven in
+flight confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son of Telamon is driving them;
+well I know him, for wide is the shield round his shoulders. Nay, let us too
+urge thither the horses and chariot, there where horsemen and footmen thickest
+in the forefront of evil strife are slaying each other, and the cry goes up
+unquenchable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding whip, and
+they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among the Trojans and
+Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and with blood was sprinkled
+all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round the car with the drops from the
+hooves of the horses, and with drops from the tires about the wheels. And
+Hector was eager to enter the press of men, and to leap in and break through,
+and evil din of battle he brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he
+from smiting with the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men,
+with spear, and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of Aias
+son of Telamon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he stood in
+amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull&rsquo;s hide, and gazed
+round in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast, turning this way and that,
+and slowly retreating step by step. And as when hounds and country folk drive a
+tawny lion from the mid-fold of the kine, and suffer him not to carry away the
+fattest of the herd; all night they watch, and he in great desire for the flesh
+maketh his onset, but takes nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from
+strong hands against him, and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all
+his fury, and in the dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at that time
+departed Aias, vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right unwillingly, for
+he feared sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as when a lazy ass going past
+a field hath the better of the boys with him, an ass that hath had many a
+cudgel broken about his sides, and he fareth into the deep crop, and wasteth
+it, while the boys smite him with cudgels, and feeble is the force of them, but
+yet with might and main they drive him forth, when he hath had his fill of
+fodder, even so did the high-hearted Trojans and allies, called from many
+lands, smite great Aias, son of Telamon, with darts on the centre of his
+shield, and ever followed after him. And Aias would now be mindful of his
+impetuous valour, and turn again, and hold at bay the battalions of the
+horse-taming Trojans, and once more he would turn him again to flee. Yet he
+hindered them all from making their way to the fleet ships, and himself stood
+and smote between the Trojans and the Achaians, and the spears from strong
+hands stuck some of them in his great shield, fain to win further, and many or
+ever they reached his white body stood fast halfway in the earth, right eager
+to sate themselves with his flesh.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and also
+carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble Achilles, swift of
+foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was standing by the stern of his
+great ship, watching the dire toil, and the woful rout of battle. And
+straightway he spake to his own comrade, Patroklos, calling to him from beside
+the ship, and he heard, and from the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to
+him was the beginning of evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to
+Achilles: &ldquo;Why dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of
+me?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: &ldquo;Noble son of
+Menoitios, dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand in
+prayer about my knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon them. But go
+now, Patroklos dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this that he bringeth
+wounded from the war. Verily from behind he is most like Machaon, that child of
+Asklepios, but I beheld not the eyes of the man, for the horses sped past me,
+straining forward eagerly.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran past the
+ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down on the
+bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of that old man
+from the car, and they dried the sweat from their doublets, standing before the
+breeze, by the shore of the sea, and thereafter came they to the hut, and sat
+them down on chairs. And fair-tressed Hekamede mixed for them a mess, Hekamede
+that the old man won from Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, and she was the
+daughter of great-hearted Arsinoos, and her the Achaians chose out for him,
+because always in counsel he excelled them all. First she drew before them a
+fair table, polished well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of bronze,
+with onion, for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the grain of sacred
+barley, and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old man brought from home,
+embossed with studs of gold, and four handles there were to it, and round each
+two golden doves were feeding, and to the cup were two feet below. Another man
+could scarce have lifted the cup from the table, when it was full, but Nestor
+the Old raised it easily. In this cup the woman, like unto the goddesses, mixed
+a mess for them, with Pramnian wine, and therein grated cheese of goats&rsquo;
+milk, with a grater of bronze, and scattered white barley thereover, and bade
+them drink, whenas she had made ready the mess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took their
+pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos stood at the
+doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he arose from his
+shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in, and bade him be
+seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for refusing, and spake and
+said: &ldquo;No time to sit have I, old man, fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou
+persuade me. Revered and dreaded is he that sent me forth to ask thee who this
+man is that thou bringest home wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see
+Machaon, shepherd of the host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to
+speak a word to Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus,
+how terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is
+blameless.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: &ldquo;Wherefore is
+Achilles thus sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are wounded
+with darts? He knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the camp: for the
+best men lie in the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by spear. Wounded with
+the shaft is strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and smitten is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon, and this other have I but newly carried out of battle,
+wounded with an arrow from the bowstring. But Achilles, for all his valiance,
+careth not for the Danaans, nor pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet
+ships hard by the shore shall burn in the consuming fire, and till we be slain
+one upon another? Nay, but even now speak thou thus and thus to wise-hearted
+Achilles, if perchance he will obey thee. Who knows but that, God helping, thou
+mightst stir his spirit with thy persuading? and good is the persuasion of a
+friend. But if in his heart he be shunning some oracle of God, and his lady
+mother hath told him somewhat from Zeus, natheless let him send forth thee, and
+let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow with thee, if perchance any
+light shall arise from thee to the Danaans; and let him give thee his fair
+harness, to bear into the war, if perchance the Trojans may take thee for him,
+and withhold them from the strife, and the warlike sons of the Achaians might
+take breath, being wearied; for brief is the breathing time in battle. And
+lightly might ye, being unwearied, drive men wearied in the war unto the city,
+away from the ships and the huts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and ran by
+the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap12"></a>BOOK XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So in the huts the strong son of Menortios was tending the wounded Eurypylos,
+but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans. Nor were the fosse
+of the Danaans and their wide wall above long to protect them, the wall they
+had builded for defence of the ships, and the fosse they had drawn round about;
+for neither had they given goodly hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard
+with its bounds their swift ships and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless
+gods was it builded, wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While
+Hector yet lived, and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of
+Priam the king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode
+steadfast. But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,—some were taken, and some were left,—and the city of Priam was sacked
+in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships to their own
+dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo take counsel to wash away the
+wall, bringing in the might of the rivers, of all that flow from the hills of
+Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios,
+Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields
+and helms fell in the dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths
+of all these waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he
+drave their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker of the
+earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader, and sent forth
+into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones that the Achaians had
+laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong current of the Hellespont,
+and covered again the great beach with sand, when he had swept away the wall,
+and turned the rivers back to flow in their channel, where of old they poured
+down their fair flow of water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and the din of
+war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of the towers rang
+beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the scourge of Zeus, were
+penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in dread of Hector, the mighty maker
+of flight, but he, as aforetime, fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among
+hounds and hunting men, a boar or lion wheeleth him about, raging in his
+strength, and these array themselves in fashion like a tower, and stand up
+against him, casting many javelins from their hands; but never is his stout
+heart confused nor afraid, and his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth
+him about, and maketh trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he maketh
+onset there the ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and besought his
+comrades through the press, and spurred them on to cross the dyke. But his
+swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed, standing by the sheer
+edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither easy to leap from hard by,
+nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood round about it all on either hand,
+and above it was furnished with sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaians had
+planted there, thick set and great, a bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not
+lightly might a horse enter, drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen
+were eager, if they might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant
+Hector, and spake to him: &ldquo;Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans and
+allies, foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke; nay right hard
+it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over against them the wall of
+the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and fight in chariots, for strait is the
+place wherein, methinks, we might come by a mischief. For if Zeus that thunders
+on high is utterly to destroy them in his evil will, and is minded to help the
+Trojans, verily then I too would desire that even instantly this might be, that
+the Achaians should perish here nameless far from Argos: but and if they turn
+again, and we flee back from among the ships, and rush into the delved ditch,
+then methinks that not even one from among us to bear the tidings will win back
+to the city before the force of the Achaians when they rally. But come as I
+declare, let us all obey. Let our squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we
+being harnessed in our gear as foot soldiers follow all together with Hector,
+and the Achaians will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of death be made
+fast upon them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and straightway in
+his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground. Nor were the other
+Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all leaped forth, when they beheld
+goodly Hector. There each gave it into the charge of his own charioteer, to
+keep the horses orderly there by the fosse. And they divided, and arrayed
+themselves, and ordered in five companies they followed with the leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most, and
+bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the hollow ships;
+and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for Hector had left another man
+with his chariot, a weaker warrior than Kebriones. The second company Paris
+led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and the third company Helenos led, and godlike
+Deiphobos,—two sons of Priam,—the third was the warrior Asios, Asios
+Hyrtakos&rsquo; son, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought out of Arisbe, from
+the river Selleeis. And of the fourth company was the brave son of Anchises
+leader, even Aineias; and with him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and
+Akamas, both well skilled in all warfare.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose Glaukos and
+warlike Asteropaios, for they seamed to him to be manifestly the bravest of all
+after himself but he was excellent, yea, above all the host. And these when
+they had arrayed one another with well-fashioned shields of bulls&rsquo; hide,
+went straight and eager against the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer
+resist them, but that themselves should fall on the black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the counsel of
+blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of men, willed not to
+leave his horses there, and his squire the charioteer, but with them he drew
+near the swift ships, fond man! for never was he, avoiding evil Fates, to
+return, rejoicing in his horses and chariot, back from the ships to windy
+Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate of ill name over-shadowed him, by the spear of
+Idomeneus, the haughty son of Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank
+of the ships, whereby the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and
+horses: there he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the doors
+shut on the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them open if
+perchance they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of the battle
+towards the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with unswerving aim, and
+his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they deemed that the Achaians could
+no longer hold them off, but that themselves would fall on the black ships:
+fools, for in the gates they found two men of the bravest, the high-hearted
+sons of the warrior Lapithae, one the son of Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and
+one Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These twain stood in front of the
+lofty gates, like high-crested oak trees in the hills, that for ever abide the
+wind and rain, firm fixed with roots great and long; even so these twain,
+trusting to the mightiness of their hands, abode the coming of great Asios, and
+fled not. But straight came the Trojans against the well-builded wall, holding
+their shields of dry bulls&rsquo; hide on high, with mighty clamour, round the
+prince Asios, and Iamenos, and Orestes, and Adamas, son of Asios, and Thoon,
+and Oinomaos. But the other twain for a while, being within the wall, urged the
+well-greaved Achaians to fight for the ships; but when they saw the Trojans
+assailing the wall, while the Danaans cried and turned in flight, then forth
+rushed the twain, and fought in front of the gates like wild boars that in the
+mountains abide the assailing crew of men and dogs, and charging on either
+flank they crush the wood around them, cutting it at the root, and the clatter
+of their tusks wages loud, till one smite them and take their life away: so
+clattered the bright bronze on the breasts of the twain, as they were smitten
+in close fight, for right hardily they fought, trusting to the host above them,
+and to their own strength.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded towers, in
+defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the swift-faring ships. And like
+snowflakes the stones fell earthward, flakes that a tempestuous wind, as it
+driveth the dark clouds, rains thickly down on the bounteous earth: so thick
+fell the missiles from the hands of Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms
+rang harsh and their bossy shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily
+then Asios, son of Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and indignantly
+he spake: &ldquo;Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie, for I deemed
+not that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and our hands invincible.
+But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that have made their dwellings in a
+rugged path, and leave not their hollow hold, but abide and keep the hunters at
+bay for the sake of their little ones, even so these men have no will to give
+ground from the gates, though they are but two, ere they slay or be
+slain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for his will
+was to give renown to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were for me
+like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the wall of stone
+rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow, defending the ships of
+necessity; and all the gods were grieved at heart, as many as were defenders of
+the Danaans in battle. And together the Lapithae waged war and strife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the spear,
+through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the bronze helm stay the
+spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through the bone, and all the brain
+within was scattered, and the spear overcame him in his eagerness. Thereafter
+he slew Pylon and Ormenos. And Leonteus of the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos,
+son of Antimachos, with the spear, striking him on the girdle. Then again he
+drew his sharp sword from the sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close
+fight, rushing on him through the throng, that he fell on his back on the
+ground; and thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes one
+after the other, to the bounteous earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men who
+followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number and bravest,
+and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on fire, these still
+stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager to pass over a bird had
+appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on the left hand.
+In its talons it bore a blood-red monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still;
+yea, not yet had it forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote
+the bird that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the throng;
+then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the Trojans shuddered
+when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst of them; an omen of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: &ldquo;Hector, ever
+dost thou rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since it by no
+means beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee, in council or in
+war, but always to increase thy power; but now again will I say all that
+seemeth to me to be best. Let us not advance and fight with the Danaans for the
+ships. For even thus, methinks, the end will be, if indeed this bird hath come
+for the Trojans when they were eager to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty
+flight, skirting the host on the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red
+monstrous snake, yet living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he
+reached his own nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings.
+Even so shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall of the
+Achaians, and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return in disarray
+from the ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans shall we leave
+behind, whom the Achaians will slay with the sword, in defence of the ships.
+Even so would a soothsayer interpret that in his heart had clear knowledge of
+omens, and whom the people obeyed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: &ldquo;Polydamas,
+that thou speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how to
+conceive another counsel better than this. But if thou verily speakest thus in
+earnest, then the gods themselves have utterly destroyed thy wits; thou that
+bidst us forget the counsels of loud-thundering Zeus, that himself promised me,
+and confirmed with a nod of his head! But thou bidst us be obedient to birds
+long of wing, whereto I give no heed, nor take any care thereof, whether they
+fare to the right, to the dawn and to the sun, or to the left, to mist and
+darkness. Nay, for us, let us trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who is king
+over all mortals and immortals. One omen is best, to fight for our own country.
+And wherefore dost thou fear war and battle? For if all the rest of us be slain
+by the ships of the Argives, yet needst thou not fear to perish, for thy heart
+is not warlike, nor enduring in battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from the
+fight, or winnest any other with thy words to turn him from war, straightway by
+my spear shalt thou be smitten, and lose thy life.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and Zeus that
+joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida, a blast of wind, which bare
+the dust straight against the ships; and he made weak the heart of the
+Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to Hector. Trusting then in his
+omens, and their might, they strove to break the great wall of the Achaians.
+They dragged down the machicolations [projecting galleries] of the towers, and
+overthrew the battlements, and heaved up the projecting buttresses, that the
+Achaians set first in the earth, to be the props of the towers. These they
+overthrew, and hoped to break the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now did the
+Danaans give ground from the path, but closed up the battlements with shields
+of bulls&rsquo; hides, and cast from them at the foemen as they went below the
+walls.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and arousing
+the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with honeyed words, another
+with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever they saw utterly giving ground
+from the fight: &ldquo;O friends, whosoever is eminent, or whosoever is of
+middle station among the Argives, ay, or lower yet, for in no wise are all men
+equal in war, now is there work for all, and this yourselves well know. Let
+none turn back to the ships, for that he hath heard one threatening aloud; nay,
+get ye forward, and cheer another on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, will grant us to drive back the assault, and push the foe to the
+city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the Achaians.
+But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus the Counsellor bath
+begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his to men, and he hath lulled the
+winds, and he snoweth continually, till he hath covered the crests of the high
+hills, and the uttermost headlands, and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of
+men; and the snow is scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and
+only the wave as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are
+swathed over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides their
+stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the Trojans against
+the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over all the wall the din
+arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the gates of
+the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not roused his son
+Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the kine of crooked horn.
+Straightway he held forth his fair round shield, of hammered bronze, that the
+bronze-smith had hammered out, and within had stitched many bulls&rsquo; hides
+with rivets of gold, all round the circle, this held he forth, and shook two
+spears; and sped on his way, like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh
+meat, and his brave spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come
+even against a well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby,
+guarding the sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven
+without an effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep, and
+seizeth it, or himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart from a
+strong hand. So did his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon to rush against
+the wall, and break through the battlements. And instantly he spake to Glaukos,
+son of Hippolochos: &ldquo;Glaukos, wherefore have we twain the chiefest
+honour,—seats of honour, and messes, and full cups in Lykia, and all men look
+on us as gods? And wherefore hold we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a
+fair demesne of orchard-land, and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it
+behoveth us to take our stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter
+fiery battle, that certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, &lsquo;Verily
+our kings that rule Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep, and
+drink the choice wine honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of excellent might,
+for they war in the foremost ranks of the Lykians.&rsquo; Ah, friend, if once
+escaped from this battle we were for ever to be ageless and immortal, neither
+would I fight myself in the foremost ranks, nor would I send thee into the war
+that giveth men renown, but now—for assuredly ten thousand fates of death do
+every way beset us, and these no mortal may escape nor avoid—now let us go
+forward, whether we shall give glory to other men, or others to us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they twain
+went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for against his
+tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked along the tower of the
+Achaians if perchance he might see any of the leaders, that would ward off
+destruction from his comrades, and he beheld the two Aiantes, insatiate of war,
+standing there, and Teukros hard by, newly come from his hut; but he could not
+cry to be heard of them, so great was the din, and the noise went up unto
+heaven of smitten shields and helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates,
+for they had all been shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove by
+force to break them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the herald
+Thootes: &ldquo;Go, noble Thootes, and run, and call Aias: or rather the twain,
+for that will be far the best of all, since quickly here will there be wrought
+utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce
+in strong battle. But if beside them too war and toil arise, yet at least let
+the strong Telamonian Aias come alone and let Teukros the skilled bowman follow
+with him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started and ran
+by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by the Aiantes, and
+straightway spake: &ldquo;Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Achaians,
+the dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth you go thither, that, if it
+be but for a little while, ye may take your part in battle: both of you he more
+desireth, for that will be far the best of all, since quickly there will there
+be wrought utter ruin. For thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old
+are fierce in strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at
+least let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly spake
+winged words to the son of Oileus: &ldquo;Aias, do ye twain stand here, thyself
+and strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all their might; but I
+go thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly will I come again, when I
+have well aided them.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his brother
+by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow of Teukros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing within the
+wall,—and to men sore pressed they came,—the foe were climbing upon the
+battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong leaders and counsellors of
+the Lykians; and they hurled together into the war and the battle-cry arose.
+Now first did Aias Telamol&rsquo;s son slay a man, Epikles great of heart, the
+comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged stone he smote him, a great stone that lay
+uppermost within the wall, by the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it
+in both hands, however strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but
+Aias lifted it, and cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold
+crest, and broke the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from the lofty
+tower, and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote Glaukos, the strong son
+of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow from the lofty wall; even where he
+saw his shoulder bare he smote him, and made him cease from delight in battle.
+Back from the wall he leapt secretly, lest any of the Achaians should see him
+smitten, and speak boastfully. But sorrow came on Sarpedon when Glaukos
+departed, so soon as he was aware thereof, but he forgot not the joy of battle.
+He aimed at Alkmaon, son of Thestor, with the spear, and smote him, and drew
+out the spear. And Alkmaon following the spear fell prone, and his bronze-dight
+arms rang round him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong hands the battlement, and
+dragged, and it all gave way together, while above the wall was stripped bare,
+and made a path for many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an arrow, on
+the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast, but Zeus warded
+off the Fates from his son, that he should not be overcome beside the
+ships&rsquo; sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his shield, nor did the
+spear pass clean through, yet shook he Sarpedon in his eagerness. He gave
+ground a little way from the battlement, yet retreated not wholly, since his
+heart hoped to win renown. Then he turned and cried to the godlike Lykians:
+&ldquo;O Lykians, wherefore thus are ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is
+for me, stalwart as I am, alone to break through, and make a path to the ships,
+nay, follow hard after me, for the more men, the better work.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on the harder
+around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other side made strong
+their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil began for them. For neither
+could the strong Lykians burst through the wall of the Danaans, and make a way
+to the ships, nor could the warlike Danaans drive back the Lykians from the
+wall, when once they had drawn near thereto. But as two men contend about the
+marches of their land, with measuring rods in their hands, in a common field,
+when in narrow space they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements
+divided them, and over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the
+breasts of either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were wounded in
+the flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of any of the warriors
+was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean through the very shield. Yea,
+everywhere the towers and battlements swam with the blood of men shed on either
+side, by Trojans and Achaians. But even so they could not put the Argives to
+rout, but they held their ground, as an honest woman that laboureth with her
+hands holds the balance, and raises the weight and the wool together, balancing
+them, that she may win scant wages for her children; so evenly was strained
+their war and battle, till the moment when Zeus gave the greater renown to
+Hector, son of Priam, who was the first to leap within the wall of the
+Achaians. In a piercing voice he cried aloud to the Trojans: &ldquo;Rise, ye
+horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and cast among the ships
+fierce blazing fire.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears, and in
+one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears in their hands
+climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And Hector seized and carried a
+stone that lay in front of the gates, thick in the hinder part, but sharp at
+point: a stone that not the two best men of the people, such as mortals now
+are, could lightly lift from the ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it
+alone, for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as
+when a shepherd lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand, and
+little doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it straight
+against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set portals, double gates
+and tall, and two cross bars held them within, and one bolt fastened them. And
+he came, and stood hard by, and firmly planted himself, and smote them in the
+midst, setting his legs well apart, that his cast might lack no strength. And
+he brake both the hinges, and the stone fell within by reason of its weight,
+and the gates rang loud around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this
+way and that beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped in,
+with face like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was clad about
+his body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met him could have held
+him back when once he leaped within the gates: none but the gods, and his eyes
+shone with fire. Turning towards the throng he cried to the Trojans to overleap
+the wall, and they obeyed his summons, and speedily some overleaped the wall,
+and some poured into the fair-wrought gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear
+among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless clamour arose.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of Idomeneus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left
+them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again he turned his
+shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian horsebreeders, and the
+Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink
+mare&rsquo;s milk, and the Abioi, the most righteous of men. To Troy no more at
+all he turned his shining eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the
+Immortals would draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on the
+war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for thence all
+Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of
+the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and sate him down, and he had pity
+on the Achaians, that they were subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his
+anger against Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift steps, and
+the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the immortal footsteps of
+Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and with the fourth he reached his
+goal, even Aigae, and there was his famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his
+glistering golden mansions builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and
+let harness to the car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with
+their golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove across
+the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all sides out of the
+deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness the sea stood asunder,
+and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath, and the
+bounding steeds bare him on to the ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between Tenedos
+and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, stay his
+horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food
+to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about their hooves, tethers
+neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the horses might continually await
+their lord&rsquo;s return. And he went to the host of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array, with
+fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries they came, and
+thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay thereby all the bravest
+of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the world, the Shaker of the earth,
+was urging on the Argives, and forth he came from the deep salt sea, in form
+and untiring voice like unto Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that
+themselves were eager for battle: &ldquo;Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the
+people of the Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill
+fear. For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans,
+that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved
+Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread lest
+some evil befall us, even here where that furious one is leading like a flame
+of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may
+some god put it into the hearts of you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and
+urge others to do the like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring
+ships, despite his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him
+to war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the twain
+with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their limbs he made
+light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even as a swift-winged
+hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall sheer rock, and swoops to
+chase some other bird across the plain, even so Poseidon sped from them, the
+Shaker of the world. And of the twain Oileus&rsquo; son, the swift-footed Aias,
+was the first to know the god, and instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon:
+&ldquo;Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus, that in the
+semblance of a seer commands us now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is
+he, the prophet and sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and
+knees as he turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own
+heart within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: &ldquo;Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within me, and
+both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even in single
+fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which the god
+put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the Achaians that
+were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside the swift ships. Their
+limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea, and their souls filled with
+sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in
+their multitude. And they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows,
+thinking that never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth
+right easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos, and
+Thoas, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all
+these he spurred on with winged words: &ldquo;Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships. But if
+you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth shine that shall
+see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this
+that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to
+pass, the Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves,
+and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the
+Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the
+Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness of the
+people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to defend the
+swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the
+hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for
+that he did dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we
+refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for
+easily righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I myself would
+not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I
+am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through
+this remissness,—but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and indignation,
+for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the
+loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath
+burst in sunder.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians. And
+straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands that Ares
+himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that marshals the host.
+Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans and goodly Hector, and
+spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield on serried shield, buckler
+pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood
+each by other, and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their
+hearts were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them, pressing
+straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the winter-swollen
+water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken the foundations of the
+stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping aloft it flies, and the wood
+echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its course, till it reaches the level
+plain, and then it rolls no more for all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a
+while threatened lightly to win to the sea through the huts and the ships of
+the Achaians, slaying as he came, but when he encountered the serried
+battalions, he was stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other
+part, the sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: &ldquo;Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the Achaians
+will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed themselves in fashion
+like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee back before the spear, if verily
+the chief of gods has set me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deiphobos, the
+son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in front of him
+the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his feet, advancing
+beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at him with a shining
+spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the circle of the bulls-hide
+shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay, well ere that might be, the long
+spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the
+bulls-hide shield, and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that
+hero shrunk back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for
+the loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to
+go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he
+had left in his hut.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an inextinguishable cry.
+First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the spearman Imbrios, the son of
+Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt, before the coming of the sons of
+the Achaians, and he had for wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock,
+Medesikaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again
+to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who
+honoured him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the
+ear with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze, and
+brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and round him rang
+his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed forth, most eager to strip
+his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came with his shining spear. But
+Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so
+Hector struck Amphimachos, son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the
+spear, as he was returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour
+rang upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachos the
+helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at Hector as he came, with
+a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his body, for he was all clad in dread
+armour of bronze; but he smote the boss of his shield, and drave him back by
+main force, and he gave place from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians
+drew them out of the battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the
+Athenians, conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but
+Imbrios the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and carry
+it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the ground in their
+jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and spoiled his arms. Then
+the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate neck, in wrath for the sake of
+Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a ball through the throng, and it dropped
+in the dust before the feet of Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his sol&rsquo;s son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidol&rsquo;s son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur on the
+Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then Idomeneus,
+spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that had but newly
+returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee with the sharp bronze.
+Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus gave charge to the leeches, and
+so went on to his hut, for he still was eager to face the war. Then the mighty
+Shaker of the earth addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon,
+that ruled over the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was
+honoured like a god by the people: &ldquo;Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the
+Cretans, say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the
+Achaians threatened the Trojans?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: &ldquo;O Thaos, now
+is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war. Neither
+is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that gives place to
+cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus, methinks, must it have
+seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the Achaians should perish nameless
+here, far away from Argos. But Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and
+dost spur on some other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground,
+therefore slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: &ldquo;Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the sport of
+dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take thy weapons and
+away: herein we must play the man together, if any avail there may be, though
+we are no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get courage from company, but we
+twain know well how to battle even with the brave.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus, so
+soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about his body,
+and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that Kronion seizes in
+his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal
+men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the
+breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he
+was still near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: &ldquo;Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of
+my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art
+thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart&rsquo;s point, or dost thou come with
+a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the
+huts, but to fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: &ldquo;I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which before I
+carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: &ldquo;Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut, against
+the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have spoiled their
+slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with foemen from afar,
+wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and helms, and corslets of splendid
+sheen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: &ldquo;Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand. Nay, for
+methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth among the
+foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the strife of battle. Any
+other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should sooner forget my prowess, but
+thou art he that knoweth it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: &ldquo;I know what a
+man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay, if now
+beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an ambush—wherein the
+valour of men is best discerned; there the coward, and the brave man most
+plainly declare themselves: for the colour of the coward changes often, and his
+spirit cannot abide firm within him, but now he kneels on one knee, now on the
+other, and rests on either foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as
+he thinks of doom, and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave
+man does not change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters
+the ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war. Were
+we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man reckon
+lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou wert stricken in
+battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart would not strike thee in
+the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back, but would encounter thy breast or
+belly, as thou dost press on, towards the gathering of the foremost fighters.
+But come, no more let us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man
+be vehemently wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the spear of
+bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high thoughts of battle.
+And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into the war, and with him
+follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless, that terrifies even the hardy
+warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and harness them for fight with the
+Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but
+give honour to one only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of
+men, set forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: &ldquo;Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to
+enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on
+the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired Achaians so
+like to fail in fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: &ldquo;In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes, and
+Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in close fight;
+these will give Hector Priam&rsquo;s son toil enough, howsoever keen he be for
+battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will he find it, with all
+his lust for war, to overcome their strength and their hands invincible, and to
+fire the ships, unless Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning
+brand. But not to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man
+that is mortal and eateth Demeter&rsquo;s grain, and may be chosen with the
+sword of bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles
+the breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for
+speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as
+thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn whether
+we are to win glory from others, or other men from us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till they came
+to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with him,
+and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him through the press.
+Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships. And as the gusts speed on,
+when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the
+winds raise together a great cloud of dust, even so their battle clashed
+together, and all were fain of heart to slay each other in the press with the
+keen bronze. And the battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears,
+the piercing spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming
+helmets dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he have
+been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were contriving
+sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for the Trojans and
+Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he did not wish the Achaian
+host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only to give renown to Thetis and her
+strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went among the Argives and stirred them to
+war, stealing secretly forth from the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that
+they were overcome by the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus.
+Verily both were of the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was
+the elder and the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness of a
+man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong strife and equal
+war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and Achaians, a knot that none
+might break nor undo, for the loosening of the knees of many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on the
+Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he slew
+Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had followed after the
+rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of the daughters of Priam,
+Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with promise of mighty deed, namely
+that he would drive perforce out of Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him
+the old man Priam had promised and appointed that he would give her, so he
+fought trusting in his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright
+spear, and cast and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet
+of bronze that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and lifted up
+his voice, saying: &ldquo;Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all mortal
+men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised Priam, son of
+Dardanos, that promised thee again his own daughter. Yea, and we likewise would
+promise as much to thee, and fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest
+daughter of the son of Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee,
+if only thou wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us
+that we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no
+hard exacters of gifts of wooing.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce mellay.
+But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the charioteer guided
+so that still their breath touched the shoulders of Asios. And the desire of
+his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was beforehand with him, and smote him
+with the spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the point straight
+through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that
+craftsmen have felled on the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship&rsquo;s
+timber; even so he lay stretched out before the horses and the chariot,
+groaning, and clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and
+kept not his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of
+the hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced
+the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze he
+was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his belly.
+Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and Antilochos, the
+son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from the Trojans, among the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh
+Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily
+watching him, avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of
+his shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he
+allows bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the
+spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed
+thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote
+Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him
+terribly, crying aloud: &ldquo;Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay,
+methinks, that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will
+rejoice at heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and stirred
+above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite his sorrow, he
+was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood over him, and covered
+him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and
+goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him
+to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving, either to
+cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to fall in warding
+off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of Aisyetes, fosterling of
+Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who was son-in-law of Anchises, and
+had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her
+lady mother dearly loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her
+age in beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a
+spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a pillar, or
+a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus smote him in the
+midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat of bronze about him, that
+aforetime warded death from his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the
+spear. And he fell with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still
+beating, shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: &ldquo;Deiphobos,
+are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since
+thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that
+thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither! For Zeus
+first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble
+Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and
+now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all
+the Trojans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he should
+retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted Trojans, or should
+try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind it seemed the better, to
+go after Aineias, whom he found standing the last in the press, for Aineias was
+ever wroth against goodly Priam, for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his
+valour among men. So Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him:
+&ldquo;Aineias, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need
+that thou shouldst succour thy sister&rsquo;s husband, if any care for kin doth
+touch thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister&rsquo;s husband,
+who of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and
+now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to seek
+Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon Idomeneus, as
+though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay, like a boar on the
+hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the great assailing throng of
+men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his back, and his eyes shine with
+fire, while he whets his tusks, and is right eager to keep at bay both men and
+hounds. Even so stood spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came
+to the rescue, and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, all
+masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake winged words:
+&ldquo;Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and terribly I dread
+the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is assailing me; for he is right
+strong to destroy men in battle, and he hath the flower of youth, the greatest
+avail that may be. Yea, if he and I were of like age, and in this spirit
+whereof now we are, speedily should he or I achieve high victory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood hard by
+each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the other side,
+cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and noble Agenor, that
+with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the hosts followed them, as
+sheep follow their leader to the water from the pasture, and the shepherd is
+glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw
+the hosts of the people following to aid him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears, and
+round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each other in
+the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and Idomeneus, the
+peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the other with the
+pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who steadily watching him
+avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of Aineias went quivering in the
+earth, since vainly it had flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote
+Oinomaos in the midst of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the
+bronze let forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing
+spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour
+from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own spear,
+nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the pitiless day
+of destiny, but in retreat: his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the
+battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining
+spear, for verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalapbos, the son of Enyalios, with
+his dart, and the strong spear passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the
+dust, and clutched the earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful
+Ares was not yet aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he
+was reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos tore from
+Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leaped
+forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and from his hand the
+vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And Meriones sprang forth
+instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong spear from the shoulder of
+Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of his comrades. But the own brother
+of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his hands round his waist, and led him forth
+from the evil din of war, even till he came to the swift horses, that waited
+for him behind the battle and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight
+chariot. These bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and
+the blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that chanced
+to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped down and his
+shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the spirit overwhelmed him.
+And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the other way, and leaped on him, and
+wounded him, severing all the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the
+neck; this he severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching
+out both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans
+gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not
+avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard on
+every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And never did
+Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was
+his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart
+was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he
+was aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios,
+who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at
+hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him
+the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake,
+in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones following
+after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the privy parts and
+the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he
+fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull
+that herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long, till the
+hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness
+covered his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great Thracian
+sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged, fell on the
+ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as it rolled between
+his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, and he
+went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince, shaking his sharp
+spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. And both at once were
+making ready to let fly, one with his sharp spear, the other with the arrow
+from the string. Then the son of Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his
+arrow, on the plate of the corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from
+a broad shovel in a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and
+pulse, before the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower&rsquo;s
+shovel, even so from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far
+aside the bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow,
+clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew to the
+ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down at his side,
+for the ashen spear dragged after him. And the great-hearted Agenor drew the
+spear from his hand, and himself bound up the hand with a band of twisted
+sheep&rsquo;s-wool, a sling that a squire carried for him, the shepherd of the
+host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate was
+leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome in the dread
+strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset upon each other,
+the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Peisandros smote
+the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, for the wide shield caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet
+Peisandros rejoiced in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of
+Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And
+Peisandros, under his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long
+and polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below
+the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow,
+above the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot
+on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: &ldquo;Even
+thus then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+ye Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye shall
+not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds
+of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering
+Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O
+ye that wantonly carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when
+ye were entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain
+you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say that thou dost
+excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these things are from
+thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of violence, even the Trojans,
+whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they have their fill of the din of
+equal war. Of all things there is satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of
+sweet song, and dance delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than
+of war, but the Trojans are insatiable of battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body, and gave
+them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again, and mingled in
+the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylaimenes, leaped
+out against him, Harpalion that followed his dear father to Troy, to the war,
+nor ever came again to his own country. He then smote the middle of the shield
+of Atreus&rsquo; son with his spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive
+the bronze clean through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate, glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and
+smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder
+and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his
+dear comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and
+drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding
+tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had been his
+host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his sake, he let fly
+a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor, the son of Polyidos the
+seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was in Corinth. And well he knew
+his own ruinous fate, when he went on ship-board, for often would the old man,
+the good Polyidos, tell him, that he must either perish of a sore disease in
+his halls, or go with the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the
+Trojans. Wherefore he avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and
+the hateful disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not heard nor
+knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being subdued by the
+Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so mighty was the Holder
+and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives; yea, and himself mightily
+defended them. But Hector kept where at first he had leaped within the walls
+and the gate, and broken the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even
+where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the
+hoary sea, while above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the
+heroes and their horses were raging in battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught on the
+ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like a flame of
+fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among them Menestheus son
+of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichios, and
+brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion
+and Drakios, and in front of the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in
+war. Now the one, Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of
+Aias, and he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain
+a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their armour, in
+the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the ships, and fighting
+among the Boiotians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side of
+Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow land two
+wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough, and round the
+roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and nought sunders them but
+the polished yoke, as they labour through the furrow, till the end of the
+furrow brings them up, so stood the two Aiantes close by each other. Now verily
+did many and noble hosts of his comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and
+bore his shield when labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians
+followed not with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze,
+shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but
+trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep&rsquo;s wool, they followed
+with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake
+the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front contended with the Trojans,
+and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind kept shooting
+from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the joy of battle, for
+the arrows confounded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans have
+withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant Hector and said:
+&ldquo;Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that would counsel thee;
+for that god has given thee excellence in the works of war, therefore in
+council also thou art fain to excel other men in knowledge. But in nowise wilt
+thou be able to take everything on thyself. For to one man has god given for
+his portion the works of war, [to another the dance, to another the lute and
+song,] but in the heart of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent
+understanding, whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and
+himself best knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me.
+Behold all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being scattered
+among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the best of the
+warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully, whether we should
+fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god willeth to give us victory, or
+after counsel held, should return unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear
+lest the Achaians repay their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there
+tarrieth a man insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand
+aloof from battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake to him
+winged words and said: &ldquo;Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best of the
+host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly will return again,
+when I have straitly laid on them my commands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and shouting
+aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped to Polydamas,
+the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of Hector. But he went
+seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he
+might find them. But them he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but,
+lo, some among the sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by
+the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or
+cast. But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with words of
+shame: &ldquo;Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for women,
+thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and
+Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and where is Othryoneus? Now
+hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too, thou seest, is sheer
+destruction sure.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: &ldquo;Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather withdraw
+me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a coward. For from the
+time that thou didst gather the battle of thy comrades about the ships, from
+that hour do we abide here, and war with the Danaans ceaselessly; and our
+comrades concerning whom thou inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the
+strong prince Helenos have both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the
+hand with long spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but
+beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother&rsquo;s heart, and they went forth
+where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble Polydamas, and
+Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Askanios, and
+Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their turn, out of deep-soiled
+Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus urged them to fight. And these set
+forth like the blast of violent winds, that rushes earthward beneath the
+thunder of Zeus, and with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and
+therein are many swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white
+with foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in van
+and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. In
+front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and plates of beaten
+bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And everywhere he went in
+advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance they would yield to him as he
+charged under cover of his shield. But he could not confound the heart within
+the breast of the Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged
+him first: &ldquo;Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the
+Argives? We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus
+are we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled
+city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight to Zeus,
+and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than
+falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust
+across the plain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of lofty
+flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged by the omen,
+but renowned Hector answered: &ldquo;Aias, thou blundering boaster, what sayest
+thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely the son of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and that I were held in such honour as
+Apollo and Athene, as verily this day is to bring utter evil on all the
+Argives! And thou among them shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my
+long spear, which shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat
+and flesh the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and the whole
+host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side answered with a shout,
+and forgot not their valiance, but abode the onslaught of the bravest of the
+Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts went up through the higher air, to the
+splendour of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and Poseidon
+spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he spake
+winged words to the son of Asklepios: &ldquo;Bethink thee, noble Machaon, what
+had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong warriors by the ships.
+Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright wine, till Hekamede of the
+fair tresses shall heat warm water for the bath, and wash away the clotted
+blood, but I will speedily go forth and come to a place of outlook.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming Thrasymedes,
+which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for the son had the
+shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with a point of keen
+bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway beheld a deed of shame, the
+Achaians fleeing in rout, and the high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the
+wall of the Achaians was overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with
+a dumb wave, and dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still
+unmoved nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way and
+that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And thus as he
+pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go to the son of Atreus.
+Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each other, and the stout bronze rang
+about their bodies as they were thrust with swords and double-pointed spears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went up
+from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus&rsquo; son,
+and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the battle were
+their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for these were the first
+they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the wall in front of the
+hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, wide as it was, hold all the ships,
+and the host was straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row,
+and filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between
+them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears, to look
+on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the
+old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the breasts
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: &ldquo;O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast deserted
+the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the word that dread
+Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us, speaking in the
+assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he return to Ilios from the
+ships, till he had burned the ships with fire, and slain the men. Even so he
+spake, and, lo, now all these things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the
+other well-greaved Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like
+Achilles, and have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying &ldquo;Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus
+himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is
+overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of the
+ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel, how these things may best
+be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we should go
+down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: &ldquo;Nestor, for that they are
+warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath availed not, nor
+the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much labour, hoping in their hearts
+that it should be the unbroken bulwark of the ships, and of their own
+bodies—such it seemeth must be the will of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians
+should perish here nameless far from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward
+to aid the Danaans, and now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like
+that of the blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come,
+as I declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in
+the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes, if even
+at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we drag down all the
+ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin, yea, even in the night.
+Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than he that is overtaken.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels:
+&ldquo;Atreus&rsquo; son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of
+mischief, sure thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among
+us, to whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to leave
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure with sorrow so
+many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians hear this word, that no
+man should so much as suffer to pass through his mouth, none that understandeth
+in his heart how to speak fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath
+hosts obeying him so many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I
+wholly scorn thy thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the
+midst of war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire, albeit they
+win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon us. For the Achaians
+will not make good the war, when the ships are drawn down to the salt sea, but
+will look round about to flee, and withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel
+work a mischief, O marshal of the host!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: &ldquo;Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the sons
+of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered ships to the
+salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a wiser counsel than
+this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would it be to me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: &ldquo;The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of me, and
+each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the youngest among
+you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a noble sire, Tydeus, whom
+in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For Portheus had three well-born
+children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas,
+and the third was Oineus the knight, the father of my father, and in valour he
+excelled the others. And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither
+he had wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of trees
+apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he excelled all the
+Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak sooth. Therefore ye could
+not say that I am weak and a coward by lineage, and so dishonour my spoken
+counsel, that well I may speak. Let us go down to the battle, wounded as we
+are, since we needs must; and then might we hold ourselves aloof from the
+battle, beyond the range of darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the
+others will we spur on, even them that aforetime gave place to their passion,
+and stand apart, and fight not.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they set
+forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in the
+guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus&rsquo; son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+&ldquo;Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he hath
+no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and god mar him.
+But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth, nay, even yet methinks
+the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover the wide plain with dust, and
+thyself shalt see them fleeing to the city from the ships and the huts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud as nine
+thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the strife of war,
+so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth sent forth from his
+breast, and great strength he put into the heart of each of the Achaians, to
+strive and war unceasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with her
+eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord&rsquo;s going to and
+fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And she beheld
+Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he
+was hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might
+beguile the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to
+be the best counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself,
+if perchance a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eye lids and his
+crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had
+fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret
+bolt, that no other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the
+shining doors. With ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her winsome
+body, and anointed her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour;
+if it were but shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour
+thereof went right forth to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair
+body, and combed her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair
+and ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set many
+things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold.
+And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set
+earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering,
+therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless goddess
+veiled herself, a fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath her shining
+feet she bound goodly sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her
+array, she went forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other
+gods, and spake to her, saying: &ldquo;Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that
+which I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: &ldquo;Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart bids me
+fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: &ldquo;Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal men. For
+I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of
+the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and nourished me in their
+halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing Zeus imprisoned Kronos
+beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am I going to visit, and their
+endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they hold apart from
+each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. If with words I might
+persuade their hearts, and bring them back to love, ever should I be called
+dear to them and worshipful.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: &ldquo;It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms of
+Zeus, the chief of gods.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and loving
+converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she laid in her
+hands, and spake, and said: &ldquo;Lo now, take this girdle and lay it up in
+thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are fashioned; methinks
+thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou
+desirest.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the zone
+within her breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera, rushing
+down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped&rsquo; over the snowy hills of the
+Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the ground with her
+feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea, and came to Lemnos, the
+city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of Death, and clasped
+her hand in his, and spake and called him by name: &ldquo;Sleep, lord of all
+gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear my word, obey me again even now,
+and I will be grateful to thee always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes
+of Zeus beneath his brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne,
+imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own
+child, shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a festival. Nay
+come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the Graces, to wed and to be
+called thy wife.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:—&ldquo;Come now, swear
+to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands grasp the
+bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all may be witnesses
+to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos, that verily thou wilt give
+me one of the younger of the Graces, even Pasithea, that myself do long for all
+my days.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she sware as he
+bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below Tartaros that are
+called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that oath, the twain left the
+citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in mist, and swiftly they
+accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild
+beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the sea, and they twain fared above
+the dry land, and the topmost forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep
+halted, ere the eyes of Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the
+loftiest pine that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air.
+But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came over his
+deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said: &ldquo;Hera, with
+what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses and chariot
+are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: &ldquo;I am going to visit the
+limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother
+Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them am I going to
+visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they
+hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. But my
+horses are standing at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall
+bear me over wet and dry. And now it is because of thee that I am thus come
+hither, down from Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me
+hereafter, if silently I were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing
+Okeanos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: &ldquo;Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the love of
+goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart within my
+breast.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and love
+overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the Achaians, to tell
+his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the earth. And he stood near
+him, and spake winged words: &ldquo;Eagerly now, Poseidon, do thou aid the
+Danaans, and give them glory for a little space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for
+over him have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath beguiled him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the more did
+he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang far afront of the
+foremost, and called to them: &ldquo;Argives, are we again to yield the victory
+to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships and win renown? Nay, even
+so he saith and declareth that he will do, for that Achilles by the hollow
+ships abides angered at heart. But for him there will be no such extreme
+regret, if we spur us on to aid each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us
+all obey. Let us harness us in the best shields that are in the host, and the
+greatest, and cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears
+in our hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And
+whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his
+shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger
+shield.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the kings
+themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus&rsquo; son, and Odysseus, and
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host, and made exchange of
+weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior harness him in, the worse he
+gave to the worse. But when they had done on the shining bronze about their
+bodies, they started on the march, and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the
+earth, with a dread sword of fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning;
+wherewith it is not permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear
+holds men afar therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even dark-haired
+Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans, the other with the
+Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and they
+gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea
+against the land, stirred up from the deep by the harsh breath of the north
+wind, nor so loud is the roar of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when
+it springs to burn up the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high
+leafy tresses of the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was
+the cry of the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon
+each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him full, and
+did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched across his breast,
+the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded sword; these guarded his
+tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because his swift spear had flown vainly
+from his hand, and he retreated into the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge stone;
+for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the feet of the
+fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the breast, over the
+shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top with the blow, that he
+reeled round and round. And even as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the
+stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and
+whoso stands near and beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of
+great Zeus, even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear
+fell from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to drag him
+away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to wound or smite the
+shepherd of the host, before that might be the bravest gathered about him,
+Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians,
+and noble Glaukos, and of the rest not one was heedless of him, but they held
+their round shields in front of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms,
+and bare him out of the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were
+standing waiting for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the
+rear of the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying Xanthos,
+that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground,
+and poured water over him, and he gat back his breath, and looked up with his
+eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling, he vomited black blood. Then again he
+sank back on the ground, and black night covered his eyes, the stroke still
+conquering his spirit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes of the
+Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and many were
+overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed, and abode beside
+the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and Zeus awoke, on the peaks
+of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he leaped up, and stood, and
+beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in flight, and these driving them on
+from the rear, even the Argives, and among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector
+he saw lying on the plain, and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping
+with difficult breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it
+was not the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera, with
+fierce look: &ldquo;O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy crafty wile
+that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has terrified the host.
+Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be the first to reap the fruits
+of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember,
+when thou wert hung from on high, and from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and
+round thy hands fastened a golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst
+hang in the clear air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus,
+but they could not come round and unloose thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him winged
+words, saying: &ldquo;Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven above,
+and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most terrible to the
+blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own bridal bed, whereby never
+would I forswear myself, that not by my will does earth-shaking Poseidon
+trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour them of the other part. Nay, it is
+his own soul that urgeth and commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians,
+when he beheld them hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him
+also to go even where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her he spake
+winged words: &ldquo;If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera, wouldst
+hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods, thereon would
+Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly turn his mind
+otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou speakest the truth and
+soothly, go thou now among the tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come
+hither, and Apollo, the renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of
+mail-clad Achaians and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get
+him unto his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now
+wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred
+in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of
+Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos; and him
+shall renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has
+slain many other youths, and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath
+therefor shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause
+a new pursuit from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the
+Achaians take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to
+help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus,
+as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head,
+on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she sped
+down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the gathering of the
+immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the
+messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake winged words, and addressed them,
+saying: &ldquo;Zeus bids you go to Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have
+gone, and looked on the face of Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and
+command.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and stood
+there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them, for that
+speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris first he spake
+winged words: &ldquo;Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the prince Poseidon, and tell
+him all these things, nor be a false messenger. Command him to cease from war
+and battle, and to go among the tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But
+if he will not obey my words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him
+consider in his heart and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide
+me when I come against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and
+elder born.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went down the
+hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail fleets from the
+clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the clear air, so fleetly
+she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew near the renowned Earth-shaker
+and spake to him the message of Zeus. And he left the host of the Achaians, and
+passed to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: &ldquo;Go now,
+dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector be thy care,
+and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their flight to the
+ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I devise word and deed
+wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again from their toil.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went down
+the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is the swiftest
+of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector,
+sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late got back his life, and knew
+the comrades around him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, from the
+moment when the will of aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then
+far-darting Apollo stood near him, and spake to him: &ldquo;Hector, son of
+Priam, why dost thou sit fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that
+some trouble cometh upon thee?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: &ldquo;Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face? Dost thou
+not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the Achaians, Aias of the
+loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone, as I was slaying his
+comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous might? And verily I deemed that
+this very day I should pass to the dead, and the house of Hades, when I had
+gasped my life away.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: &ldquo;Take courage now,
+so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand by thee
+and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who of old defend
+thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now, bid thy many charioteers
+drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and I will go before and
+make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian
+heroes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and even
+as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether and speedeth
+at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to bathe in the
+fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the mane floweth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his knees bear him to the
+haunts and pasture of the mares, even so Hector lightly moved his feet and
+knees, urging on his horsemen, when he heard the voice of the god. But as when
+hounds and country folk pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock
+and shady wood save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their
+clamour a bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them
+all despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on always
+in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed spears, but when
+they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, then were they afraid, and
+the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the Aitolians,
+skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in council did few
+of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate; he
+made harangue and spake among them: &ldquo;Alas, and verily a great marvel is
+this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again arisen, and hath avoided the
+Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he had died
+beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath
+delivered and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the
+Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle.
+But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the
+ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with outstretched
+spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear at heart to enter
+into the press of the Danaans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were with
+Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and Meges the peer of
+Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained the fight with
+Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude returned to the ships of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides Hector led
+them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in
+cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread, circled with a shaggy fringe,
+and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of
+men; with this in his hands did he lead the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on both
+sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears from
+stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men swift in
+fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh, stuck in the
+ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo
+held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts smote either side amain,
+and the folk fell. But when he looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift
+steeds, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their
+heart in their breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two
+wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not
+by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent
+a panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called aloud on
+the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level with his held
+the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous din, and in front of
+them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep
+ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide
+as is a spear-cast, when a man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby
+the Trojans poured forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held
+the splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians,
+as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long toil
+and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other; and
+lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently, and chiefly
+prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his hand towards the
+starry heaven: &ldquo;O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in wheat-bearing
+Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and prayed that he might
+return, and thou didst promise and assent thereto, of these things be thou
+mindful, and avert, Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to
+overcome the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered loudly,
+hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus, rushed yet
+the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the joy of battle. And
+as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the bulwarks of a ship, the
+might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly swells the waves, even so did
+the Trojans with a great cry bound over the wall, and drave their horses on,
+and at the hindmost row of the ships were fighting hand to hand with
+double-pointed spears, the Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing
+up aloft, from the black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships
+for battle at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling the
+behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but softened the
+temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the
+others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to Hector, the son of
+Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire, unwearied, upon the
+beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore
+wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes should see the glare of a burning
+ship. For even from that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the
+Trojans from the ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was
+he rousing Hector, Priam&rsquo;s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene
+was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus.
+And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he break them
+for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled like a steep rock
+and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the
+shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans
+steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire
+on all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is
+all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail,
+and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way are
+they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the breasts of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that unwearied and
+unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought. And in their
+striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed that never would
+they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped
+in his breast, that they should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the
+Achaians. With these imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized
+the stern of a seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own country. Now
+round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor
+far apart did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing
+hard each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from
+off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship&rsquo;s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+&ldquo;Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came hither
+against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by the cowardice
+of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the
+ships, and kept back the host. But if even then far-seeing Zeus did harm our
+wits, now he himself doth urge and command us onwards.&rdquo; So spake he, and
+they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no longer abode their onset,
+for he was driven back by the darts, but he withdrew a little,—thinking that
+now he should die,—on to the oarsmal&rsquo;s bench of seven feet long, and he
+left the decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his
+spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied
+fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: &ldquo;O friends,
+Danaan heroes, men of Ares&rsquo; company, play the man, my friends, and be
+mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or
+some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend ourselves, having
+a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay, but we are set down in the
+plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our backs against the sea, and far off
+from our own land. Therefore is safety in battle, and not in slackening from
+the fight.&rdquo; So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen
+spear. And whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing
+fire, to pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with
+his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he
+wound.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans from the
+ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew near
+Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a fountain of
+dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream. And noble
+swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his sake, and accosted
+him, and spake winged words, saying: &ldquo;Wherefore weepest thou, Patroklos,
+like a fond little maid, that runs by her mother&rsquo;s side, and bids her
+mother take her up, snatching at her gown, and hinders her in her going, and
+tearfully looks at her, till the mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost
+thou let fall soft tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me
+myself, or is it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost
+thou lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy spirit,
+that we may both know all.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: &ldquo;O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth, seeing
+that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of them that
+aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and wounded. Smitten
+is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow.
+And about them the leeches skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds,
+but thou art hard to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold
+of me as that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from
+the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy father,
+nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer cliffs, so
+untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning some oracle, and
+thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth
+quickly, and make the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any
+light may arise from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about
+my shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain
+from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as
+they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh
+drive men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to be his
+own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great heaviness
+spake swift-footed Achilles: &ldquo;Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, what
+word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that I wot of, nor yet
+has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but this dread sorrow comes upon
+my heart and spirit, from the hour that a man wishes to rob me who am his
+equal, and to take away my prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread
+sorrow to me is this, after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The
+maiden that the sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I
+won with my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon
+the son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be
+angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease from my
+wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the war-cry and the
+battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness, and lead the war-loving
+Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction from the ships, lest they even
+burn the ships with blazing fire, and take away our desired return. But when
+thou hast driven them from the ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering
+lord of Hera grant thee to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight
+with the war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward
+Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against thee; right
+dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return back when thou halt
+brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to fight along the plain. For
+would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that not one of all the
+Trojans might escape death, nor one of the Argives, but that we twain might
+avoid destruction, that alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he was
+overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the shafts of
+the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept ringing terribly
+about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the fair-wrought
+cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as steadfastly he held up
+his glittering shield, nor yet could they make him give ground, as they pressed
+on with their darts around him. And ever he was worn out with difficult breath,
+and much sweat kept running from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw
+breath, so on all sides was evil heaped on evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell on the
+ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of Aias he smote
+with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the point, and shore it clean
+away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his hand no more than a pointless
+spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, even
+how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him avail in war, and
+desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back out of the darts. But the
+Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying fire, and instantly the
+inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon
+Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to Patroklos: &ldquo;Arise, Patroklos of
+the seed of Zeus, commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the
+rush of the consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no
+more retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His goodly
+greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs, and next did
+on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the swift-footed son of
+Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of bronze, with studs of
+silver, and next took the great and mighty shield, and on his proud head set a
+well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from
+above. Then seized he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not
+the spear of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the
+horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to abide his
+call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift horses, Xanthos and
+Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses that the harpy Podarge bare
+to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in
+the side-traces he put the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he
+took the city of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the
+immortal horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their hearts
+unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on the horses and
+the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of each of them, and the
+ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard the prince. And as when a man
+builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of
+the winds, even so close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield
+pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by the
+wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them in their
+nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they make for many.
+With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured out now from the ships,
+and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting
+aloud: &ldquo;Myrmidons, ye comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my
+friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for
+the son of Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and
+whose close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the
+best of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused each mal&rsquo;s heart and courage, and all in a mass
+they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the cry of
+the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of Menoitios, himself
+and his squire, shining in their armour, the heart was stirred in all of them,
+and the companies wavered, for they deemed that by the ships the swift-footed
+son of Peleus had cast away his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man
+glanced round, to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press, where
+most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of great-hearted
+Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian horsemen out of
+Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on the right shoulder, and
+he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and his comrades around him, the
+Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew
+their leader that was ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the
+ships, and quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there,
+and the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among
+the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high
+crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a dense
+cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and glades, and
+from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven
+the blazing fire from the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was
+no pause in the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by
+the Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber
+wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves behold
+it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of courage,—even so
+the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight,
+and forgot their impetuous valour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the helm of
+bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad shoulders with his
+shield of bulls&rsquo; hide, and watched the hurtling of the arrows, and the
+noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change in the mastery of war, but
+even so he abode, and was striving to rescue his trusty comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air, when
+Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the war-cry and
+the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again. But his swift-footed
+horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left the host of Troy, whom the
+delved trench restrained against their will. And in the trench did many swift
+steeds that draw the car break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the
+chariots of their masters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full of evil
+will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight filled all the ways,
+for they were scattered, and on high the storm of dust was scattered below the
+clouds, and the whole-hooved horses strained back towards the city, away from
+the ships and the huts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did he
+guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone from their
+chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of shattering. But straight
+over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the swift horses. And the heart of
+Patroklos urged him against Hector, for he was eager to smite him, but his
+swift steeds bore Hector forth and away. And even as beneath a tempest the
+whole black earth is oppressed, on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain
+most vehemently, and all the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents
+tear away, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring
+mightily, and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them backward
+again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city, despite their
+desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, he rushed on
+them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade slain. There first he smote
+Pronoos with a shining spear, where the shield left bare the breast, and
+loosened his limbs, and he fell with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he
+next assailed, as he sat crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck
+distraught, and the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with
+the lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos
+caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with line
+and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping
+from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life left him as he fell.
+Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone,
+and all his head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth
+he fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and
+Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris,
+and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he
+brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he
+cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: &ldquo;Shame, ye Lykians, whither
+do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this man that I may know who
+he is that conquers here, and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in
+that he hath loosened the knees of many men and noble.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground. But
+Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his chariot. And
+they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks, that war with loud
+yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with cries against each other.
+And beholding then the son of Kronos of the crooked counsels took pity on them,
+and he spake to Hera, his sister and wife: &ldquo;Ah woe is me for that it is
+fated that Sarpedon, the best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under
+Patroklos son of Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is
+divided, as I ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful
+war, and set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: &ldquo;Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to fate dost thou
+desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy will, but all we
+other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another thing I will tell thee, and
+do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own
+house, consider lest thereon some other god likewise desire to send his own
+dear son away out of the strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam
+war many sons of the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible
+wrath. But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos
+son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia, there
+will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar, for this is
+the due of the dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he shed
+bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that Patroklos was about
+to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off from his own country. Now
+when they were come near each other in onset, there verily did Patroklos smite
+the renowned Thrasymelos, the good squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower
+part of the belly, and loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his
+shining javelin, as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the
+right shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other twain
+reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were confused on
+them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof did Automedon, the
+spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his long-edged sword from his
+stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the
+pair righted themselves, and strained in the reins, and they met again in
+life-devouring war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the spear
+flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he in turn
+arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his hand, but
+struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating heart. And he fell as
+falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine tree, that on the hills the
+shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be timber for ship-building; even so
+before the horses and chariot he lay at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at
+the bloody dust. And as when a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull,
+tawny and high of heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes
+groaning beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade:
+&ldquo;Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to
+be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if
+indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the heroes
+that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself
+do battle for me with the sword. For to thee even in time to come shall I be
+shame and disgrace for ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine
+armour, fallen in the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur
+on all the host.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his nostrils,
+but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out of his flesh, and
+the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew forth together the spear
+point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the Myrmidons held there his panting
+steeds, eager to fly afar, since the chariot was reft of its lords.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his
+heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with his hand he
+caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound of the arrow
+wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros had smitten him,
+warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in prayer spake Glaukos to
+far-darting Apollo: &ldquo;Hear, O Prince that art somewhere in the rich land
+of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen everywhere to the man that is in
+need, as even now need cometh upon me. For I have this stark wound, and mine
+arm is thoroughly pierced with sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and
+by the wound is my shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go
+and fight against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the
+son of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may
+call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself may fight about
+the dead man fallen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he made
+his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black blood, and put
+courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him, and was glad, for that
+the great god speedily heard his prayer. First went he all about and urged on
+them that were leaders of the Lykians to fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter
+he went with long strides among the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and
+noble Agenor, and he went after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and
+standing by them spake winged words: &ldquo;Hector, now surely art thou utterly
+forgetful of the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their
+own country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended Lykia
+by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued beneath the spear
+of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry in your hearts lest the
+Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and dishonour the dead, in wrath for the
+sake of the Danaans, even them that perished, whom we slew with spears by the
+swift ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not to be
+borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a stranger as he was,
+for many people followed with him, and himself the best warrior of them all.
+Then they made straight for the Danaans eagerly, and Hector led them, being
+wroth for Sarpedol&rsquo;s sake. But the fierce heart of Patrokloa son of
+Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And he spake first to the twain Aiantes that
+themselves were right eager: &ldquo;Aiantes, now let defence be your desire,
+and be such as afore ye were among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low
+who first leaped on to the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us
+strive to take him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his
+shoulders, and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue
+with the pitiless bronze.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both sides they
+strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons and Achaians, and
+they joined battle to fight around the dead man fallen; terribly they shouted,
+and loud rang the harness of men. And as the din ariseth of woodcutters in the
+glades of a mountain, and the sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din
+of them from the wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned
+bulls&rsquo; hides smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not
+even a clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And ever men
+thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the full
+milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the bowls, even so
+thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from the strong fight his
+shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and much in his heart he debated of
+the slaying of Patroklos, whether there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious
+Hector should slay him likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his
+harness from his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer
+labour of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus&rsquo; son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should rob many
+of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and leaping into
+his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of the Trojans to flee,
+for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the
+strong Lykians abide, but fled all in fear, when they beheld their king
+stricken to the heart, lying in the company of the dead, for many had fallen
+above him, when Kronion made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from
+the shoulders of Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son
+of Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus that
+gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: &ldquo;Prithee, dear Phoebus, go take
+Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from him, and
+thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, and
+anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that wax not old, and send
+him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+quickly will set him in the rich land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and
+clansmen give him burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the
+dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the hills
+of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly Sarpedon out of
+the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in the streams of the river,
+and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him in garments that wax not old, and
+sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+swiftly set him down in the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his
+horses and Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son
+of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever
+is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the spirit of
+Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst thou slay,
+Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos first, and Autonoos,
+and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippos, and
+thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and Pylartes; these he slew, but the others
+were each man of them fain of flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he
+raged with the spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall,
+with baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo force
+him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But when for the
+fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting Apollo terribly, and
+spake winged words: &ldquo;Give back, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not
+beneath thy spear is it fated that the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall,
+nay nor beneath Achilles, a man far better than thou.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining his
+whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into the din and
+fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall. While thus he was
+thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of a young man and a strong,
+Asios, who was the mother&rsquo;s brother of horse-taming Hector, being own
+brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of
+Sangarios. In his guise spake Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: &ldquo;Hector,
+wherefore dost thou cease from fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I
+were as much stronger than thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou
+stand aloof from war to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy
+strong-hooved horses, if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee
+glory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned Hector
+bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then Apollo went
+and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the Argives, but to the
+Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let the other Argives be, and
+slew none of them, but against Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses,
+and Patroklos on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a
+spear in his left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone,
+that his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he
+shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the
+charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the
+sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone drave
+together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground in the dust,
+there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought
+car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him,
+knightly Patroklos: &ldquo;Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth!
+Yea, if perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so
+lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans
+too there be diving men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that while
+wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own valour is his
+bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou leap furiously. But
+Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. And these
+twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on the mountain peaks fight, both
+hungering, both high of heart, for a slain hind. Even so for Kebriones&rsquo;
+sake these two masters of the war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned
+Hector, were eager each to hew the other&rsquo;s flesh with the ruthless
+bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while Patroklos on
+the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the others, Trojans and
+Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind and the South contend with
+one another in shaking a deep wood in the dells of a mountain, shaking beech,
+and ash, and smooth-barked cornel tree, that clash against each other their
+long boughs with marvellous din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans
+and Achaians were leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any
+thought of ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones,
+and winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote the
+shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty
+and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote either
+side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of the loosing of
+oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the better. The hero
+Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the tumult of the Trojans, and
+stripped the harness from his shoulders, and with ill design against the
+Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three times then rushed he on, peer of
+swift Ares, shouting terribly, and thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth
+time he sped on like a god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life
+appear, for Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And
+Patroklos was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick
+mist did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his
+head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the crests
+were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear was shattered
+in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and strong, and sharp,
+while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the
+ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness seized
+his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in amaze, and at
+close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the back, between the
+shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of Panthoos, who excelled
+them of his age in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of
+foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down twenty men from their chariots,
+though then first had he come with his car to learn the lesson of war. He it
+was that first smote a dart into thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee,
+but ran back again and mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the
+flesh his ashen spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he
+was, in the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give ground, being
+smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through the ranks, and wounded
+him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the belly, and drave the bronze
+clean through. And he fell with a crash, and sorely grieved the host of
+Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in battle an untiring boar, they
+twain fighting with high heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well,
+and both are desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar
+that draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son
+of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at
+close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+&ldquo;Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from
+Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to thine own
+dear country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift horses of Hector
+straining their speed for the fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel
+among the war-loving Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but
+thee shall vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his
+valour, availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, &lsquo;Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his
+breast;&rsquo; so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in
+thy witlessness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: &ldquo;Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given the
+victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my harness from
+my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered me, here had they all
+perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have ruinous Fate and the son of
+Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou art the third in my slaying. But
+another thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou
+thyself art not long to live, but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and
+strong Fate, that thou art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the
+seed of Aiakos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul, fleeting
+from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its own doom, leaving
+manhood and youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: &ldquo;Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that
+Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my spear,
+and lose his life?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot on
+the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And straightway with the
+spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed Aiakides,
+for he was eager to smite him; but his swift-footed immortal horses bare him
+out of the battle, horses that the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreus&rsquo; son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying of
+Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of the fight
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as above a first-born
+calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos strode fair-haired
+Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the circle of his shield, eager to
+slay whoever should encounter him. Then was Panthoos&rsquo; son of the stout
+ashen spear not heedless of noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the
+circle of the shield of Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the
+point was bent back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus&rsquo; son in
+his turn made at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and
+as he gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck
+went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour rang upon
+him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto the hair of the Graces,
+and his tresses closely knit with bands of silver and gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos&rsquo; son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a man, of
+Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even the horses
+of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by mortal man, save
+only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile hath warlike Menelaos
+Atreus&rsquo; son stridden over Patroklos and slain the best of the Trojans
+there, even Panthoos&rsquo; son Euphorbos, and hath stayed him in his impetuous
+might.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief darkened
+Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the lines, and
+straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble arms, and the
+other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the gaping wound. Then he
+went through the front of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, crying a
+shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos&rsquo; flame unquenchable. Not deaf to his
+shrill cry was Atreus&rsquo; son, and sore troubled he spake to his great
+heart: &ldquo;Ay me, if I shall leave behind me these goodly arms, and
+Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance&rsquo; sake, I fear lest some Danaan
+beholding it be wroth against me. But if for honour&rsquo;s sake I do battle
+alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest they come about me many against
+one; for all the Trojans is bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might
+somewhere find Aias of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be
+mindful of battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might
+save his dead for Achilles Peleus&rsquo; son: that were best among these
+ills.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan ranks
+came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave backward, and left
+the dead man, turning himself ever about like a deep-waned lion which men and
+dogs chase from a fold with spears and cries; and his strong heart within him
+groweth chill, and loth goeth he from the steading; so from Patroklos went
+fair-haired Menelaos, and turned and stood, when he came to the host of his
+comrades, searching for mighty Aias Telamol&rsquo;s son. Him very speedily he
+espied on the left of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them
+to fight, for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him
+to run, and straightway stood by him and said: &ldquo;This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least we
+may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the glancing
+helm.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up through the
+front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now Hector, when he had
+stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was dragging him thence that he might
+cut off the head from the shoulders with the keen bronze and carry his body to
+give to the dogs of Troy. But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was
+as a tower; then Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang
+into his chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son
+of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in a
+forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood
+Atreus&rsquo; son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; &ldquo;Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and bethink
+you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of noble Achilles
+that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the strife of
+war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook his comrades, not
+yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides&rsquo; glorious arms. And
+standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed his armour; his own he gave
+the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of
+Achilles, Peleus&rsquo; son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector arming him
+in the armour of Peleus&rsquo; godlike son, he shook his head and spake thus
+unto his soul: &ldquo;Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart of death that
+yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine armour of a peerless
+man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade, gentle and brave, thou hast
+slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the armour from his head and shoulders; yet
+now for a while at least I will give into thy hands great might, in recompense
+for this, even that nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for
+Andromache to receive from thee Peleides&rsquo; glorious arms.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread war-god
+entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and strength.
+Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and in the flashing of
+his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus&rsquo; great-hearted son.
+And he came to each and encouraged him with his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and
+Medon and Thersilochos and Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys
+and Chromios and the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged
+words: &ldquo;Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It
+was not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you
+from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans&rsquo; wives
+and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying
+my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the courage
+of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the foe and live or
+die, for such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead
+though he be, among the horse-taming men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him
+will I award half the spoils and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great
+as mine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their weight,
+levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to drag the corpse
+from under Aias, Telamol&rsquo;s son. Fond men! from full many reft he life
+over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the loud war-cry:
+&ldquo;Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that we two of
+ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I so much dread for the
+corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the men of
+Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded
+by a storm-cloud of war, even by Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face.
+But come, call thou to the best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: &ldquo;O friends, ye leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus,
+Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders of the
+host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me to distinguish
+each chief amid the press—such blaze is there of the strife of war. But let
+each go forward of himself and be wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a
+sport among the dogs of Troy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Oileus&rsquo; son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus&rsquo; brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all that
+after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And as
+when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth against the
+stream, and arouseth the high cliffs&rsquo; echo as the salt sea belloweth on
+the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came. But the Achaians
+stood firm around Menoitios&rsquo; son with one soul all, walled in with
+shields of bronze. And over their bright helmets the son of Kronos shed thick
+darkness, for in the former time was Menoitios&rsquo; son not unloved of him,
+while he was yet alive and squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should
+become a prey of the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to
+do battle for him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank before
+them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of them with spears,
+though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But little while would the
+Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the
+first in presence and in deeds of all the Danaans after the noble son of
+Peleus. Right through the fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar
+in his might that in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly
+dogs and lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamol&rsquo;s son
+the glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as
+they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and
+win renown.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have been
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the Argives would have
+won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by their power and might. But
+Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on the semblance of Periphas the
+herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old with his old father in his heraldship,
+of friendly thought toward Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of
+Zeus: &ldquo;Aineias, how could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the
+will of God? Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet ye are
+dismayed exceedingly and fight not.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon his
+face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud &ldquo;Hector and ye other leaders
+of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our weakness overcome we
+were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares. Nay, thus saith a
+god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest Orderer, is our helper in this
+fight. Therefore let us go right onward against the Danaans. Not easily at
+least let them take the dead Patroklos to the ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And the
+Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they as it had
+been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun or moon, for over
+all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain son of Menoitios they
+were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing sunlight was spread over them,
+and on all the earth and hills there was no cloud seen; and they ceased
+fighting now sad again, avoiding each other&rsquo;s dolorous darts and standing
+far apart. But they who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness
+and the battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and unabatingly
+ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet of each man and
+arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle around the brave squire of
+fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the hide of a great bull to his folk
+to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they take and stretch it standing in a
+circle, and straightway the moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in
+under the haling of many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they
+on both sides haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their
+hearts were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild, nor might
+Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof, albeit their anger
+were exceeding great.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus on
+that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of Patroklos&rsquo;
+death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting beneath the wall of
+the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his heart that he was dead, but
+that he should come back alive, after that he had touched the gates; for
+neither that other thought had he anywise, that Patroklos should sack the
+stronghold without his aid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made onset
+relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak among the
+mail-clad Achaians: &ldquo;Friends, it were verily not glorious for us to go
+back to the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for us all beneath
+our feet. Far better were that straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming
+Trojans to hale this man to their city and win renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+&ldquo;Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on, and the
+iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen heaven. But the
+horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were weeping, since first
+they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in the dust beneath the hand
+of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon, Diores&rsquo; valiant son, plied them
+oft with blows of the swift lash, and oft with gentle words he spake to them
+and oft with chiding, yet would they neither go back to the ships at the broad
+Hellespont nor yet to the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth
+firm that standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from beneath the
+yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son of Kronos beheld
+them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his head and spake to his
+own heart: &ldquo;Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to king Peleus, a mortal
+man, while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it that ye should suffer
+sorrows among ill-fated men? For methinketh there is nothing more piteous than
+a man among all things that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector
+Priam&rsquo;s son shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I
+not suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself
+vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may
+bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further
+will I increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come
+down.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to earth
+the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid Trojans and
+Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief for his comrade,
+swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese; for lightly he would flee
+out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly charge, pursuing them through the
+thick mellay. Yet could he not slay any man as he halted to pursue them, for it
+was impossible that being alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them
+with the spear and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade,
+even Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and
+spake unto Automedon: &ldquo;Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou art
+fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy comrade even
+now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own shoulders the
+armour of Aiakides.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: &ldquo;Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save only
+Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now have death and
+fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will get me
+down from my horses, that I may fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly took
+the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And noble Hector
+espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood near:
+&ldquo;Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two horses of
+fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble charioteers. Therefore might I
+hope to take them if thou in thy heart art willing, since they would not abide
+our onset and stand to do battle against us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And they
+twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried and tough,
+and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios and godlike Aretos,
+and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men and drive off the
+strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not without blood lost were they to get
+them back from Automedon. He praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost
+heart with valour and strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his
+faithful comrade: &ldquo;Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with
+their very breath upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will
+not refrain him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles&rsquo; horses of
+goodly manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: &ldquo;Aiantes, leaders
+of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto whoso may best
+avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and come ye to ward the day
+of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in the dolorous war are Hector and
+Aineias, the best men of the Trojans, pressing hard. Yet verily these issues
+lie in the lap of the gods: I too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus
+decide.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on the
+circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the spear, but
+right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his belly low down through
+his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp axe smiting behind the horns of
+an ox of the homestead cleaveth the sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward
+and falleth, so leapt Aretos forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his
+entrails very piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at
+Automedon with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze
+javelin as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered, and
+there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at each other
+with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted them in their fury,
+when they were come through the mellay at their comrades&rsquo; call. Before
+them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios shrank backward and gave ground
+and left Aretos wounded to the death as he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift
+Ares, stripped off the armour of the dead, and spake exultingly: &ldquo;Verily,
+I have a little eased my heart of grief for the death of Menoitios&rsquo; son,
+albeit a worse man than him have I slain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat him
+thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath devoured a bull.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the Trojans
+their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias son of Telamon:
+&ldquo;Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool, know that father
+Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse away and ourselves return
+home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as they look hitherward and deem
+that no longer shall the fury of man-slaying Hector&rsquo;s unapproachable hand
+refrain itself, but fall upon the black ships. And would there were some
+comrade to carry tidings with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem
+that he hath not even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is
+slain. But nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves
+and their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou
+the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe
+sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us, since it is thy
+good pleasure that we die.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle which men
+say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though he be far aloft
+the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching beneath a leafy bush, but
+the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in
+that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither
+through the multitude of the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold
+Nestor&rsquo;s son yet alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole
+battle, heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: &ldquo;Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had never
+been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth
+mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is the
+best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for the
+Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell this to
+Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue to his ship the naked corpse: but
+his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helmet.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long time
+speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears, and his full
+voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the bidding of Menelaos, but
+set him to run, when he had given his armour to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who
+close anigh him was wheeling his whole-hooved horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of Peleus
+carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, chose not to
+stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos departed, and great
+sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and
+himself went again to bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood
+beside the Aiantes and straightway spake to them: &ldquo;So have I sent that
+man to the swift ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he
+will now come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent
+means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape
+death and fate amid the Trojans&rsquo; battle-cry.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him great Aias Telamol&rsquo;s son, saying: &ldquo;All this hast
+thou said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the fray,
+while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and noble Hector,
+one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we are wont to await
+fierce battle side by side.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted him
+mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they saw the
+Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring in front of
+hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run in haste to rend
+him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in his might, then they
+give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus for a while the Trojans
+pressed on with all their power, striking with swords and double-headed spears,
+but when the Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they
+changed colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new armour of
+Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles came
+Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his ships of
+upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now were accomplished.
+And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: &ldquo;Ay me, wherefore again
+are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the ships and flying in rout over
+the plain? May the gods not have wrought against me the grievous fears at my
+heart, even as my mother revealed and told me that while I am yet alive the
+best man of the Myrmidons must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of
+the sun. Surely now must Menoitios&rsquo; valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely
+I bade him when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to
+the ships nor with Hector fight amain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto him noble
+Nestor&rsquo;s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous tidings:
+&ldquo;Ay me, wise Peleus&rsquo; son, very bitter tidings must thou hear, such
+as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are fighting around
+his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with both
+hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his comely
+face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself in the dust lay
+mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore and marred his hair.
+And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in
+the grief of their hearts, and ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat
+on their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung.
+And Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles&rsquo;
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave
+his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother
+heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And
+thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the
+daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the bright
+cave was filled, and they all beat together on their breasts, and Thetis led
+the lament: &ldquo;Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what
+sorrows are in my heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first
+of men! For after I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and
+he shot up like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of
+Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I will
+go, that I may look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him
+though he abide aloof from the war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping, and
+around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the ships of
+the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And as he groaned
+heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a shrill cry clasped the
+bead of her child, and spake unto him winged words of lamentation: &ldquo;My
+child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come to thy heart? Tell it forth,
+hide it not. One thing at least hath been accomplished of Zeus according to the
+prayer thou madest, holding up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians
+should all be pent in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer
+hateful things.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;My mother,
+that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what delight have
+I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I honoured above all
+my comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost, and Hector that slew him
+hath stripped from him the armour great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the
+gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed
+of a mortal man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the
+sea, and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome
+him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among
+men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay for
+his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios&rsquo; son.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: &ldquo;Short-lived, I ween, must
+thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after Hector is
+death appointed unto thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath fallen
+afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now therefore, since
+I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at all been succour to
+Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have been slain by noble Hector,
+but I sit beside my ships a profitless burden of the earth, I that in war am
+such an one as is none else of the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are
+others better—may strife perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that
+stirreth even a wise man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling
+honey waxeth like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now
+against Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I may
+light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept my death
+whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal gods. For not
+even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear to Kronian Zeus the
+king, but Fate overcame him and Hera&rsquo;s cruel wrath. So also shall I, if
+my fate hath been fashioned likewise, lie low when I am dead. But now let me
+win high renown, let me set some Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of
+Dardanos, staunching with both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and
+wailing bitterly; yea, let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long
+from the war. Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: &ldquo;Yea verily,
+my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy
+comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is held
+among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his shoulders in
+triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein, for death is hard
+anigh him. But thou, go not yet down into the mellay of war until thou see me
+with thine eyes come hither. In the morning will I return, at the coming up of
+the sun, bearing fair armour from the king Hephaistos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she spake among
+her sisters of the sea: &ldquo;Ye now go down within the wide bosom of the
+deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father&rsquo;s house, and
+tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of noble skill, if haply
+he will give unto my son noble armour shining gloriously.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the sea. And
+the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she might bring noble
+armour to her son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries were
+fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and to the
+Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse of Patroklos
+Achilles&rsquo; squire out of the darts, for now again overtook him the host
+and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might as it were a flame of
+fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from behind by the feet, resolved to
+drag him away, and mightily called upon the men of Troy. Thrice did the two
+Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous might, beat him off from the dead man, but
+he nathless, trusting in his might, anon would charge into the press, anon
+would stand and cry aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds
+in the field avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam
+from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown
+unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus with a
+message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and the other gods,
+for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and spake to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most redoubtable! Succour
+Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot before the ships. There slay
+they one another, these guarding the dead corpse, while the men of Troy are
+fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to
+drag him, and his heart biddeth him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when
+he hath sundered it from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let
+awe enter thy heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy.
+Thine were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: &ldquo;Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: &ldquo;It was Hera that sent me,
+the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos nor any other
+of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their dwelling-place.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: &ldquo;And how may I go
+into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me forbear to
+array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she promised to bring
+fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none whose noble armour I might
+put on, save it were the shield of Aias Telamol&rsquo;s son. But himself, I
+ween, is in the forefront of the press, dealing death with his spear around
+Patroklos dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: &ldquo;Well are we also aware
+that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the trench as thou
+art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they will shrink back and
+refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians take
+breath.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus arose,
+and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis, and around his
+head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud, and kindled therefrom a
+blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from a city and riseth up into the
+upper air, from an island afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from
+their city fight all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun
+blaze out the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the heavens. And
+he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet mingled not among the
+Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his mother. There stood he and
+shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror
+unspeakable among the men of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it
+soundeth by reason of slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang
+forth the voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were
+fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts, And
+the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze fierce on
+the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and
+thrice were the men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and
+then perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears.
+But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade he saw
+lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth with chariot
+and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone unwillingly
+unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble Achaians made pause
+from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And first of
+them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon the breast of
+his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore, even as a deep-bearded
+lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched away out of a deep wood; and
+the lion coming afterward grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the
+track of the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most
+bitter anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: &ldquo;Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when I
+cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring back to
+Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that
+should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for
+them. It is appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here
+in Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on
+me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy
+funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of twelve noble
+sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain. Till then beside the
+beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and around thee deep-bosomed women,
+Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee weeping night and day, even they whom we
+toiled to win by our strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities
+of mortal men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on the
+fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody gore. So
+they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured therein water and
+took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped the belly of the tripod,
+and the water grew hot. And when the water boiled in the bright bronze, then
+washed they him and anointed with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh
+ointment, and laid him on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to
+foot, and thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: &ldquo;Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles fleet of
+foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired Achaians be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: &ldquo;Most dread son of Kronos,
+what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is to accomplish
+what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath not wisdom as we. How
+then was I who avow me the first of goddesses both by birth and for that I am
+called thy wife, and thou art king among all Immortals—how was I not in mine
+anger to devise evil against the men of Troy?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver feet
+came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen among the
+dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the crook-footed god
+himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about his bellows, for he was
+forging tripods twenty in all to stand around the wall of his stablished hall,
+and beneath the base of each he had set golden wheels, that of their own motion
+they might enter the assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a
+marvel to look upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from
+the fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest;
+and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy
+breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in them
+are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods. These moved
+beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set
+him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by
+her name: &ldquo;Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house,
+honoured that thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak
+what thou hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: &ldquo;Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many grievous
+sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid upon me above all
+others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea to enthrall me to a man,
+even Peleus Aiakos&rsquo; son, and with a man I endured wedlock sore against my
+will. Now lieth he in his halls forspent with grievous age, but other griefs
+are mine. A son he gave me to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he
+shot up like a young branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him
+and sent him forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy,
+but never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The maiden
+whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath the lord
+Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted he his heart,
+while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered
+them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over
+many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them,
+he put his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked
+the town, but that when now Menoitios&rsquo; valiant son had wrought much harm,
+Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector.
+Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to
+give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty comrade
+lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with
+anguish in his soul.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: &ldquo;Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I avail to
+hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon him, as surely
+shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men afterward shall marvel at,
+whatsoever may behold.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them upon
+the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew on the
+crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his labour and now
+anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on. And he threw bronze that
+weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious gold and silver, and next he
+set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and
+in the other he took the tongs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and set
+thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a silver baldric.
+Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein fashioned he much cunning
+work from his wise heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the unwearying
+sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one wherewith the
+heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Oriol&rsquo;s might, and the Bear
+that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place and watcheth Orion,
+and alone hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they were
+leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud arose the
+bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and among them flutes
+and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her door were marvelling.
+But the folk were gathered in the assembly place; for there a strife was
+arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed
+to pay full atonement, expounding to the people, but the other denied him and
+would take naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on polished
+stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves
+from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given
+unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms. And
+two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to share all
+with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city held within. But the
+besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an ambushment. On the wall there
+stood to guard it their dear wives and infant children, and with these the old
+men; but the rest went forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene,
+both wrought in gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great
+were they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their
+feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay
+ambush, in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by them
+afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And
+presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that
+took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white sheep, and
+slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat before the
+speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much din among the oxen,
+mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and came up with speed.
+Then they arrayed their battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one
+another with bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and
+fell Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on her
+shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they hurled
+together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other&rsquo;s slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth and
+wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave their yokes to
+and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to the boundary of the
+field and turned, then would a man come to each and give into his hands a
+goblet of sweet wine, while others would be turning back along the furrows,
+fain to reach the boundary of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind
+and seemed as it were a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great
+marvel of the work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were reaping
+with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe were falling
+in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were binding in twisted
+bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys
+gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders;
+and among them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a
+feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were
+strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters, wrought fair
+in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung throughout on silver poles.
+And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and round that a fence of tin; and one
+single pathway led to it, whereby the vintagers might go when they should
+gather the vintage. And maidens and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet
+fruit in plaited baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on
+a clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for
+departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling
+together kept time with the music and song.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine were
+fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the byre to
+pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And herdsmen of gold
+were following with the kine, four of them, and nine dogs fleet of foot came
+after them. But two terrible lions among the foremost kine had seized a
+loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as they haled him, and the dogs and
+the young men sped after him. The lions rending the great bull&rsquo;s hide
+were devouring his vitals and his black blood; while the herdsmen in vain
+tarred on their fleet dogs to set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but
+stood hard by and barked and swerved away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a great
+pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and folds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that which once
+in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely tresses. There were
+youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their hands upon one
+another&rsquo;s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the youths
+well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had the maidens,
+and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. And now would they
+run round with deft feet exceeding lightly, as when a potter sitting by his
+wheel that fitteth between his hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now
+anon they would run in lines to meet each other. And a great company stood
+round the lovely dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the
+measure, two tumblers whirled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the uttermost
+rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him a
+corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive helmet to
+fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of gold, and he
+wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and laid it
+before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang down from snowy
+Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the Achaians,
+and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light to
+gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the god. Her
+dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud lament; and round
+him many of his company made moan. And the bright goddess stood beside him in
+their midst, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called upon his name:
+&ldquo;My child, him who lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by
+the will of gods from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from
+Hephaistos arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders
+yet hath borne.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they rang
+all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor dared any to
+gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles looked thereon,
+then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed terribly forth as it were
+a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he held in his hands that splendid
+gift of a god. But when he had satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the
+arms, straightway to his mother spake he winged words: &ldquo;My mother, the
+arms the god has given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals
+should be, and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm
+me in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios&rsquo; valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: &ldquo;Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel tribes of
+flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie till a whole
+year&rsquo;s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better
+even than now. But call thou the Achaian warriors to the place of assembly, and
+unsay thy wrath against Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly
+for battle, and clothe thee with thy strength.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos she shed
+ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might abide the
+same continually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible cry, and
+roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to abide in the
+circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept the steerage of the
+ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food, even these came then to the
+place of assembly, because Achilles was come forth, after long ceasing from
+grievous war. Limping came two of Ares&rsquo; company, Tydeus&rsquo; son
+staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each leaning on his spear, for their
+wounds were grievous still; and they went and sate them down in the forefront
+of the assembly. And last came Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him,
+for him too in the stress of battle Kooen Antenor&rsquo;s son had wounded with
+his bronze-tipped spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: &ldquo;Son of Atreus, was this
+in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with grief at our
+hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would
+that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I
+took her to me, when I had spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many
+Achaians have bitten the wide earth beneath their enemies&rsquo; hands, by
+reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but
+the Achaians I think shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and
+me. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight the
+flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of Troy and put
+them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard by the ships.
+Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their knees when they are
+fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from before our spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted son of
+Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake Agamemnon king
+of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen to stand forth in
+their midst: &ldquo;O Danaan friends and heroes, men of Ares&rsquo; company,
+seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak, nor behoveth it to
+break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man that were hard. For amid the
+uproar of many men how should one listen, or yet speak? even the
+clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of Peleus I will declare myself,
+but ye other Argives give heed, and each mark well my word. Oft have the
+Achaians spoken thus to me, and upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause,
+but Zeus and Destiny and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my
+soul fierce madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles
+of his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter
+of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet, for
+not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads of men, making men
+fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus was blinded upon a time, he
+who they say is greatest among gods and men; yet even him Hera with a female
+wile deceived, on the day when Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring
+forth the strength of Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods:
+&lsquo;Here me ye all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my
+soul within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing women,
+bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell round about,
+among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.&rsquo; And to him in
+subtlety queen Hera spake: &lsquo;Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish
+thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that verily and indeed shall
+that man be lord over all that dwell round about, who this day shall fall
+between a womal&rsquo;s feet, even he among all men who are of the lineage of
+thy blood.&rsquo; So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her subtlety but
+sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For Hera darted from
+Olympus&rsquo; peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were she knew was the
+stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also great with child, and
+her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale
+of months was untold, but she stayed Alkmene&rsquo;s bearing and kept the
+Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to
+Kronos&rsquo; son Zeus she spake: &lsquo;Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a
+word will I speak to thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall
+rule among the Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of
+thy lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.&rsquo; She said,
+but sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized
+Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath
+that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who blindeth
+all alike. He said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry
+heaven, and quickly came she down among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned
+against her when he beheld his beloved son in cruel travail at
+Eurystheus&rsquo; hest. Thus also I, what time great Hector of the glancing
+helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of
+Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft
+me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong.
+Only arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I ready
+to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise in thy hut.
+So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle, and squires shall
+take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee, that thou mayest see that
+what I give sufficeth thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: &ldquo;Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if so thou
+wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink us of battle
+with all speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work
+is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be seen in the forefront of the battle,
+laying waste with his brazen spear the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof
+let each of you think as he fighteth with his man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: &ldquo;Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of Achaians
+fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell shall the battle be,
+when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall breathe valour into both. But
+bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships food and wine; for thence is vigour
+and might. For no man fasting from food shall be able to fight with the foe all
+day till the going down of the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle
+yet his limbs unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his
+knees in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come, disperse
+the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let Agamemnon king
+of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that all Achaians may behold
+them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an
+oath, standing in the midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the
+damsel&rsquo;s bed or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with
+woman]; and let thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him
+make thee a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more
+righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make
+amends if he have been the first to deal violently.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: &ldquo;Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the oath I am
+willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear myself before
+God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle though he be, and all ye
+others abide together, until the gifts come forth from my hut, and we make
+faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose
+thee young men, princes of the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship,
+even all that we promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women.
+And let Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: &ldquo;Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye should
+be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and the spirit
+within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie mangled on the
+field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus gave him glory—and ye
+call men to their food. Verily for my part I would bid the sons of the Achaians
+to fight now unfed and fasting, and with the setting sun make ready a mighty
+meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least
+nor food nor drink shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying
+mangled by the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters, but of
+slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: &ldquo;O Achilles, Peleus&rsquo;
+son, mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou than
+I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since I was born
+first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to listen to my
+speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein the sword streweth
+most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a pitched battle there is
+little plunder, the hope of which might help to sustain mel&rsquo;s efforts in
+storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars
+of men. But it cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for
+exceeding many and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest
+from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when
+once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war
+must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may
+fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it be for
+whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one we will rouse
+against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of Phyleus,
+and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and Melanippos. And
+they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus&rsquo; son. Forthwith as
+the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven tripods they bare from the hut,
+as he promised him, and twenty bright caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon
+they led forth women skilled in goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was
+fair-faced Briseis. Then Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all,
+led the way, and with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they
+set in the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god&rsquo;s,
+and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his hands
+his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his sword, cut off the
+first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands he prayed to Zeus, and all
+the Argives sat silent in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And he
+prayed aloud, looking up to the wide heaven: &ldquo;Be Zeus before all witness,
+highest and best of the gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth
+take vengeance upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid
+hand on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she
+has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may the
+gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth against
+them in his oath.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and cut the boar&rsquo;s throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be the
+food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the warrior
+Argives: &ldquo;Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men. Never
+could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast, nor led off the
+damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed that on many of the
+Achaians death should come. But now go forth to your meal, that we may join
+battle thereupon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up the
+gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid them in the
+huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the horses among their
+troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld Patroklos
+mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill lament, and tore with
+her hands her breast and tender neck, and beautiful face. And she spake amid
+her weeping, that woman like unto goddesses: &ldquo;Patroklos, dearest to my
+hapless heart, alive I left thee when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the
+people, I am come back to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my
+lot. My husband, unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before
+our city mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when swift
+Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes&rsquo; city, wouldest ever
+that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me godlike
+Achilles&rsquo; wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships to Phthia
+and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore with all my soul I
+mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the elders of
+the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied them with a groan:
+&ldquo;I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me, bid me not sate my
+heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is come upon me. Till the sun
+go down I will abide, and endure continually until then.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons of
+Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and Phoinox,
+ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he could no whit be
+soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war. And bethinking him he
+sighed very heavily and spake aloud: &ldquo;Thou too, O hapless, dearest of my
+friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth in out hut with ready speed a
+savoury meal, what time the Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming
+Trojans dolorous war. But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of
+meat and drink, that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this
+could I endure, not though I should hear of my father&rsquo;s death, who now I
+ween in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in
+an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor
+though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still at least
+is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within me trusted that
+I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land,
+but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the
+child in thy swift black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance
+and servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be
+dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting
+ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them what
+each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them sorrowing he
+pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words: &ldquo;My child,
+thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath Achilles then no longer
+a place within thy thought? He before the steep-prowed ships sits mourning his
+dear comrade; the rest are gone to their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But
+go, distil into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of
+hunger come on him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a falcon
+wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven through the
+upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently throughout the camp, she
+in Achilles&rsquo; breast distilled nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that grievous
+hunger might not assail his knees, and then herself was gone to the firm house
+of her mighty father. Then the Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As
+when thick snowflakes flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas
+born in the upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And the
+sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in the flash
+of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men, and in the midst
+of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed together, and his eyes
+blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into his heart was intolerable
+anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men of Troy he put on the gift of
+the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the
+fair greaves fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass
+about his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its
+brightness shone afar off as the mool&rsquo;s. Or as when over the sea there
+appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high
+among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:— so from
+Achilles&rsquo; goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot up toward
+heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head, and like a star
+it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold
+that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him
+in his armour to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious
+limbs ran free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the
+shepherd of hosts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forth from its stand he drew his father&rsquo;s spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles alone
+awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to his father
+dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And Automedon and
+Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them fair breast-straps, and
+bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins behind to the firm-built
+chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up
+behind the horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his
+armour like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: &ldquo;Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort take
+heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done
+with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from beneath the
+yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell from the yoke-cushion
+beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the white-armed goddess Hera gave
+him speech: &ldquo;Yea verily for this hour, dread Achilles, we will still bear
+thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh at hand, neither shall we be cause
+thereof, but a mighty god, and forceful Fate. For not through sloth or
+heedlessness of ours did the men of Troy from Patrokios&rsquo; shoulders strip
+his arms, but the best of the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in
+the forefront of the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind
+of Zephyr, swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore troubled did
+fleet-footed Achilles answer him: &ldquo;Xanthos, why prophesiest thou my
+death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it is appointed me
+to perish here, far from my father dear and mother; howbeit anywise I will not
+refrain till I give the Trojans surfeit of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved steeds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the Achaians
+armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high ground of the
+plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus&rsquo;
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There was no
+River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that haunt fair
+thickets and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And they came to the
+house of Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them down in the polished
+colonnades which Hephaistos in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father
+Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker heedless
+of the goddess&rsquo; call, but from the salt sea came up after the rest, and
+set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of Zeus:
+&ldquo;Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the gods
+again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the Trojans and
+Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are kindled very
+nigh.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: &ldquo;Thou knowest, O
+Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you hither; even
+in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I will abide here,
+sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden my heart with gazing;
+but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans and Achaians and succour
+these or those, howsoever each of you hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall
+fight against the Trojans, not even a little while shall they hold back the son
+of Peleus, the fleet of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they
+looked upon him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible
+I fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side and on
+that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and
+Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent
+in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his
+strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the
+Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn
+hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the Achaians
+glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his long ceasing
+from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were smitten with sore
+trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror when they beheld the son
+of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But
+when among the mellay of men the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her
+might Strife, rouser of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by
+the hollowed trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the
+storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again
+along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst into
+fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from heaven
+above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and the steep
+mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained Ida, and all her
+crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians. And the
+Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in hell, and leapt from his
+throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the world be cloven above him by
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and
+immortals—grim halls, and vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose
+of that battle of gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his
+winged arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer Artemis,
+sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper Hermes, and
+against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods call Xanthos and men
+Skamandros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all to meet
+Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood chiefliest his spirit
+bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But straightway Apollo, rouser of
+hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son of Peleus, and filled him with brave
+spirit: and he made his own voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in
+his semblance spake Apollo, son of Zeus: &ldquo;Aineias, counsellor of Trojans,
+where now are thy threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over
+thy wine, saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles,
+Peleus&rsquo; son?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him Aineias answered and said: &ldquo;Son of Priam, why biddest thou me
+thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain thereto? Not
+for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles, fleet of foot; once
+before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he harried our kine and wasted
+Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me out of his hand and put strength
+into my knees that they were swift. Else had I fallen beneath the hands of
+Achilles, and of Athene who went before and gave him light, and urged him to
+slay Leleges and Trojans with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible
+for man to face Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to
+ward off death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair field
+of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast him made of
+bronze throughout.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: &ldquo;Yea, hero, pray thou too
+to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite daughter
+of Zeus, and Achilles&rsquo; mother is of less degree among the gods. For thy
+mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea. Come, bear up
+thy unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn thee back with revilings
+and bitter words.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he went
+onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing bronze. But
+white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises&rsquo; son as he went through
+the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering the gods about her
+she spake among them thus: &ldquo;Consider ye twain, Poseidon and Athene,
+within your hearts, what shall come of these things that are done. Here is
+Aineias gone forth harnessed in flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and
+it is Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back
+straightway; or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give
+him mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war
+and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come
+down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with her
+thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this
+from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him
+in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look upon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: &ldquo;Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to match
+gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart and seat us
+there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if Ares or Phoebus Apollo
+fall to fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles and hinder him from fight,
+then straightway among us too shall go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon,
+methinks, shall they hie them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the
+company of the gods, overcome by the force of our hands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and Pallas
+Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him, what time he
+should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There sate them down
+Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders with impenetrable
+cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the brows of Kallikolon around
+thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of cities. Thus they on either side sat
+devising counsels, but shrank all from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from
+his high seat commanded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together in the
+fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst between the
+hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises&rsquo; son, and noble Achilles.
+First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm; his rapid shield
+he held before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. And on the other
+side the son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men
+desire to slay, a whole tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding,
+but when some warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth
+himself open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his
+ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight
+on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or
+whether himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was Achilles
+driven of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet Aineias great of
+heart. And when they were come near against each other, then first to Aineias
+spake fleet-footed noble Achilles: &ldquo;Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far
+come forward from the crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight
+with me in hope of holding Priam&rsquo;s honour and lordship among the
+horse-taming Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or
+have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the
+rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou
+slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I ween,
+have I made thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day when thou
+wert alone with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed down Ida&rsquo;s
+steeps in haste?—then didst thou not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence
+fleddest thou to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having fought against it with the
+help of Athene and of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving
+them of their day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not
+this time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against me,
+while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: &ldquo;Son of Peleus, think not with
+words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how to speak
+taunts and unjust speech. We know each other&rsquo;s race and lineage in that
+we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast thou set eyes
+on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say, art son of nobie Peleus, and of
+Thetis of the fair tresses, the daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is
+Anchises great of heart, and my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or
+the other mourn their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we
+two satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn
+also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men:
+First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for
+not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but
+still they dwelt on slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son,
+king Erichthonios, who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had
+he that pastured along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of
+them was Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned
+horse he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened
+ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of
+the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then
+Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three noble
+sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who became the most
+beautiful of mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for
+sake of his beauty, that he might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat
+a son, noble Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will, for he
+is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer like children,
+standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in plenty for both of us
+to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not suffice for the load of them. Glib
+is the tongue of man, and many words are therein of every kind, and wide is the
+range of his speech hither and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt
+thou hear in answer. But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling
+each against each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I
+desire, until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and against that other&rsquo;s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the son of
+Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in fear, for he
+thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of heart would lightly
+pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his mind and heart that not lightly
+do the glorious gifts of gods yield to force of mortal men. So did not the
+great spear of wise Aineias pierce that shield, for the gold resisted it, even
+the gift of the god. Yet through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for
+five folds had the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one
+of gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the
+circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where the bronze
+ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon; and right through
+sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked under it. And Aineias
+crouched and held up the shield away from him in dread; and the spear flew over
+his back and fixed itself in the earth, having divided asunder the two circles
+of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and
+a vast anguish drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him
+so nigh. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying
+his terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed) such
+as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with ease wielded
+it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the stone as he charged,
+either on helm or shield, which had warded from him bitter death, and then
+would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him with his sword, had not
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed, and straightway spoken among
+the immortal gods: &ldquo;Alas, woe is me for Aineias great of heart, who
+quickly will go down to Hades slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey
+the words of Apollo the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him
+from grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others&rsquo; wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to
+the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of
+death&rsquo;s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for
+it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without
+seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the children
+born to him from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam hath Zeus already
+hated. But thus shall the might of Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his
+childrel&rsquo;s children, who shall be born in the aftertime.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: &ldquo;Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or leave him
+[to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus&rsquo; son]. For by many
+oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas Athene and I,
+never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not even when all Troy shall
+burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they that burn her shall be the warlike
+sons of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle and
+the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles were. Then
+presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus&rsquo; son, and drew
+the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias great of heart, and
+set it before Achilles&rsquo; feet, and lifted Aineias and swung him high from
+off the earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias
+soaring in the hand of the god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle
+of many onsets, where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard
+beside him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against
+Peleus&rsquo; vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and dearer to
+Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even
+contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall
+have met his death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the
+foremost, for there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things. Then
+quickly from Achilles&rsquo; eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared with
+wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: &ldquo;Ha! verily a great
+marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the ground, nor
+can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to slay him. Truly
+then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods, howbeit I deemed that his
+boosting thereof was altogether vanity. Away with him! not again will he find
+heart to make trial of me, now that once more he has escaped death to his joy.
+But come, I will call on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some
+other Trojan face to face.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: &ldquo;No longer
+stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match man and
+throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be strong, to assail
+so vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares, though an immortal god, nor
+Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my
+utmost power with hands and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack,
+nay, never so little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem
+I that any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called aloud, and
+proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles: &ldquo;High-hearted
+Trojans, fear not Peleus&rsquo; son. I too in words could fight even Immortals,
+but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger far. Neither shall
+Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof he is to accomplish, and
+part to break asunder in the midst. And against him will I go forth, though the
+hands of him be even as fire, yea though his hands be as fire and his
+fierceness as the flaming steel.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for battle; and
+their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry arose. Then Phoebus
+Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: &ldquo;Hector, no longer challenge
+Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng await him and from amid the
+roar of the battle, lest haply he spear thee or come near and smite thee with
+his sword.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he was
+amazed when he heard the sound of a god&rsquo;s voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with strength,
+crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition, Otrynteus&rsquo; valiant
+son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph to Otrynteus waster of
+cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde&rsquo;s rich domain. Him as he came right
+on did goodly Achilles smite with his hurled spear, down through the midst of
+his head, and it was rent asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly
+Achilles exulted over him; &ldquo;here is thy death, thy birth was on the
+Gygaian lake, where is thy sire&rsquo;s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and
+eddying Hermos.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him the
+chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the forefront of the
+battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples, through his
+bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle, Antenor&rsquo;s son.
+No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the spear-head and clave
+the bone, and the brain within was all scattered: that stroke made ending of
+his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from his chariot and fled before him,
+Achilles wounded in the back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit
+with a roar, as when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the
+altar of the Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles
+with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam&rsquo;s son. Him would
+his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was
+youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just
+then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing
+through the forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did
+fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he darted by,
+where his belt&rsquo;s golden buckles clasped, and the breast and back plates
+overlapped: and right through beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell
+on his knee with a cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped
+his bowels to him with his hands as he sank.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his hands,
+and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer might he endure
+to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles brandishing his sharp
+spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when he saw him, sprang up, and
+spake exultingly: &ldquo;Behold the man who hath deepest stricken into my soul,
+who slew my dear-prized friend; not long shall we now shrink from each other
+along the highways of the war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: &ldquo;Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: &ldquo;Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know myself
+how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a man of might,
+and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in the lap of the gods,
+whether I though weaker shall take thy life with my hurled spear, for mine too
+hath been found keen ere now.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath turned it
+back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly
+Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then Achilles set fiercely upon him,
+eager to slay him, crying his terrible cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very
+easily, as a god may, and hid him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed
+noble Achilles make onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick
+mist. [But when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout
+he spake to him winged words: &ldquo;Dog, thou art now again escaped from
+death; yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear, and he
+fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and hurled at Demuchos
+Philetor&rsquo;s son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him with a stroke upon
+his knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and reft him of life. Then
+springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias, he thrust both from their
+chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast smiting and the other in close
+battle with his sword. Then Tros, Alastor&rsquo;s son—he came and clasped his
+knees to pray him to spare him, and let him live, and slay him not, having
+compassion on his like age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his
+prayers; for nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce
+mood—with his hands he touched Achilles&rsquo; knees, eager to entreat him, but
+he smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered
+his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and right
+through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he smote Agenor&rsquo;s
+son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted sword, and all the sword
+grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death seized his eyes, and forceful fate.
+Then next Deukalion, just where the sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he
+him through the forearm with his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm
+weighed down, beholding death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with
+his sword swept far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the
+backbone, and the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward
+after Peires&rsquo; noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace:
+him in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in his
+lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire, as he turned
+the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust him
+from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side, and the
+deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way the flame, so
+raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god, pressing hard on the
+men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. For even as when one yoketh
+wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a stablished threshing-floor, and
+quickly is it trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus
+beneath great-hearted Achilles his whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and
+shields together; and with blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the
+rims that ran around the car, for blood-drops from the horses&rsquo; hooves
+splashed them, and blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of
+Peleus pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within their
+gates.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even eddying
+Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he chased the one part
+to the plain toward the city, even where the Achaians were flying in affright
+the day before, when glorious Hector was in his fury—thither poured some in
+flight, and Hera spread before them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were
+pent into the deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty
+noise, and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the eddies.
+And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a river, and the
+unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset, and they huddle in the
+water; so before Achilles was the stream of deep-eddying Xanthos filled with
+the roar and the throng of horses and men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant against
+tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his sword alone, and
+devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him every way about: and
+their groaning went up ghastly as they were stricken by the sword, and the
+water reddened with blood. As before a dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and
+fill the nooks of some fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain
+whichsoever of them he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream
+the Trojans crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were
+weary of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios&rsquo; son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut
+thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave them to
+his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he made his onset,
+athirst for slaying.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river, Lykaon, whom
+once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his father&rsquo;s orchard,
+in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze young shoots of a wild fig
+tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to him an unlooked-for bane came
+goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending
+him on ship board, and the son of Jason gave a price for him; and thence a
+guest friend freed him with a great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to
+goodly Arisbe; whence flying secretly he came to his father&rsquo;s house.
+Eleven days he rejoiced among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on
+the twelfth once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to
+send him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed
+noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had
+thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee out of
+the river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in wrath spake
+Achilles to his great heart: &ldquo;Ha! verily great marvel is this that I
+behold with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom I have slain rise
+up again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath this man come back
+escaped from his pitiless fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath
+the deep of the hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But
+come then, of our spear&rsquo;s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn
+in my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or whether
+the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the
+strong.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to touch
+his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death and black
+destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with intent to smite
+him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his knees; and the spear went
+over his back and stood in the ground, hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon
+besought him, with one hand holding his knees, while with the other he held the
+sharp spear and loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: &ldquo;I cry thee
+mercy, Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I tasted meal
+of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the well-ordered
+orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my friends unto goodly
+Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred oxen. And now have I been
+ransomed for thrice that, and this is my twelfth morn since I came to Ilios
+after much pain. Now once again hath ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands;
+surely I must be hated of father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto
+thee; and to short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes&rsquo;
+daughter—Altes who ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos
+on the Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou smotest him
+with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here, for no hope have I
+to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me thereunto. Yet one thing will
+I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart: slay me not, since I am not of the
+same mother as Hector, who slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but he
+heard a voice implacable: &ldquo;Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these
+words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my soul to
+spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the sea: but now
+there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios God shall deliver
+into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but chiefest among Priam&rsquo;s
+sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who
+was better far than thou. Seest thou not also what manner of man am I for might
+and goodliness? and a good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet
+over me too hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some
+noonday when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the other&rsquo;s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles&rsquo; spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew his
+sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all the two-edged
+sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the earth, and blood
+flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized Achilles by the foot and
+sent him down the stream, and over him exulting spake winged words:
+&ldquo;There lie thou among the fishes, which shall lick off thy wound&rsquo;s
+blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay thee on a bed and mourn for thee,
+but Skamandros shall bear thee on his eddies into the broad bosom of the sea.
+Leaping along the wave shall many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of
+the white flesh of Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred
+Ilios, ye flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many
+bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this
+yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for Patroklos&rsquo; slaying and
+the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift ships ye slew while I tarried
+afar.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and sought in
+his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and ward destruction
+from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his far-shadowing spear
+leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing
+Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set
+Achilles, and Asteropaios stood against him from the river, holding two spears;
+for Xanthos put courage into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered
+youths whom Achilles was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: &ldquo;Who and whence art thou of men, that darest
+to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them with my
+might.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him, made answer Pelegol&rsquo;s noble son: &ldquo;High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a land far
+off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now is the eleventh
+morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of wide-flowing Axios, who begat
+Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men say, was my father. Now fight we,
+noble Achilles!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash: but the
+warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he could use both
+hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but pierced it not right
+through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god; and with the other he
+grazed the elbow of Achilles&rsquo; right arm, and there leapt forth dark
+blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in the earth, eager to batten on
+flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash,
+fain to have slain him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and
+quivering half its length in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of
+Peleus drew his sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he
+availed not to draw with his stout hand Achilles&rsquo; ashen shaft from the
+steep bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen spear
+of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft him of life
+with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the navel, and all his
+bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered his eyes as he lay
+gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast stripped off his armour and
+spake exultingly: &ldquo;Lie there! It is hard to strive against children of
+Kronos&rsquo; mighty son, even though one be sprung from a River-god. Thou
+truly declarest thyself the seed of a wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the
+linkage of great Zeus. My sire is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son
+of Aiakos, and Aiakos was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than
+seaward-murmuring rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of
+a river. Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him not
+even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of deep-flowing Ocean,
+from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all springs and deep wells: yea,
+even he hath fear of the lightning of great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it
+pealeth out of heaven.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water flooded
+him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the fat about his
+kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones who still along the
+eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their best man in the stress of
+battle slain violently by the hands and the sword of the son of Peleus. There
+slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios
+and Ophelestes; and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain,
+had not the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy&rsquo;s depth sent forth a voice: &ldquo;O Achilles, thy might
+and thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever
+helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the Trojans
+to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim deeds on the
+plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor can I pour my stream to
+the great sea, being choked with dead, and thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then,
+let be; I am astonished, O captain of hosts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease from
+slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made trial with
+Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake the
+deep-eddying River: &ldquo;Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus,
+thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos&rsquo; son, who charged thee
+straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with light
+late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into his
+midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all his streams
+in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in him, slain by
+Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a bull, and saved the
+living under his fair streams, hiding them within eddies deep and wide. But
+terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous wave, and the stream smote
+violently against his shield, nor availed he to stand firm upon his feet. Then
+he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and it fell uprooted and tore away all the
+bank, and reached over the fair river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed
+the River himself, falling all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the
+eddy, made haste to fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid.
+But the great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear&rsquo;s throw, with the
+swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and swiftest of
+winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze rang terribly as
+he fled from beneath the onset, and behind him the River rushed on with a
+mighty roar. As when a field-waterer from a dark spring leadeth water along a
+bed through crops and garden grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth
+hindrances from the ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and
+swiftly gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for
+gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles
+struggled to stand against it, and know whether all immortals be upon him who
+inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great wave of the heaven-sprung River
+beat upon his shoulders from above, and he sprang upward with his feet, sore
+vexed at heart; and the River was wearying his knees with violent rush beneath,
+devouring the earth from under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud,
+looking up to the broad heaven: &ldquo;Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods
+take it on him in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me
+what may. None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but
+only my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo.
+Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been
+the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I doomed
+to die, pent in this mighty river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth
+down as he essayeth to cross it in a storm.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood beside him,
+in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs pledged him in words.
+And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: &ldquo;Son of
+Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers of thee are we from the
+gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and I, for to be vanquished of a
+river is not appointed thee, but he will soon give back, and thou wilt thyself
+perceive it: but we will give thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not
+thy hand from hazardous battle until within Ilios&rsquo; famous walls thou have
+pent the Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto
+thee to win.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the plain—for
+the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all the plain was
+filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and corpses of slain youths
+were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees as he rushed against the stream
+right on, nor stayed him the wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength
+in him. Neither did Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged
+against the son of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream,
+lifting himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: &ldquo;Dear
+brother, the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the
+battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy springs,
+and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and stir huge roaring
+of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce man who now is lording
+it, and deeming himself match for gods. For neither, I ween, will strength
+avail him nor comeliness anywise, nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath
+the flood shall be o&rsquo;erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my
+sands and pour round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the
+Achaians know where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap
+over them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need
+of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high, thundering with
+foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark wave of the
+heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son of Peleus. But Hera
+cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River sweep him
+away, and straightway she called to Hephaistos, her dear son: &ldquo;Rise, lame
+god, O my son; it was against thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched
+in fight. Help with all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go
+to raise a strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south
+which shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos&rsquo; banks burn up his trees and wrap himself
+in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor
+stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the unwearying
+fire.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on the
+plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick, slain by
+Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water stayed. And as
+when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new watered orchard, and
+he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole plain parched, and Hephaistos
+consumed the dead; then against the river he turned his gleaming flame. Elms
+burnt and willow trees and tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale
+which round the fair streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and
+fishes beneath the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams
+tumbled this way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And
+the strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name:
+&ldquo;Hephaistos, there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee
+thus ablaze with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And as a
+cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of some fatted
+hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie thereunder,—so burned
+his fair streams in the fire, and the water boiled. He had no mind to flow, but
+refrained him, for the breath of cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him.
+Then unto Hera, earnestly beseeching her,&rsquo; he spake winged words:
+&ldquo;Hera, wherefore hath thy son assailed my stream to vex it above others?
+I am less chargeable than all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo,
+I will give over, if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further
+will swear even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans,
+not even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike
+sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she spake
+unto Hephaistos her dear son: &ldquo;Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it befitteth
+not thus for mortals&rsquo; sake to do violence to an immortal god.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the wave
+once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed them,
+though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter strife, and
+their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they clashed together
+with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the clarion of great Heaven
+rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus, and his heart within him
+laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife of gods. Then no longer stood
+they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields began the battle and first made for
+Athene with his bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: &ldquo;Wherefore, O
+dogfly, dost thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy
+great spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus&rsquo; son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now
+that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the lightning
+of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his long spear. But
+she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain,
+black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be the landmark of a field;
+this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on the neck, and unstrung his limbs.
+Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his
+armour rang upon him. And Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words
+exultingly: &ldquo;Fool, not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou
+I claim to be, that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou
+satisfy thy mother&rsquo;s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her
+wrath, for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojal&rsquo;s
+aid.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for
+scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed goddess
+Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged words:
+&ldquo;Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo there the
+dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of battle down the
+throng—nay then, pursue her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her and
+smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees and heart
+were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and she spake winged
+words exultingly: &ldquo;Such let all be who give the Trojans aid when they
+fight against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and brave as Aphrodite
+when she came to succour Ares and defied my might. Then should we long ago have
+ceased from war, having laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo spake the
+earth-shaking lord: &ldquo;Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth not after
+the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without fighting we should
+go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art
+younger; it were not meet for me, since I was born first and know more. Fond
+god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone
+of gods endured at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon
+and served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his
+commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the joyous
+seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable Laomedon robbed
+us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He threatened that he would bind
+together our feet and hands and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of
+both of us he vowed to shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry
+hearts, wroth for the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou
+showest favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: &ldquo;Shaker of the earth, of
+no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee for the
+sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in glowing life,
+consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into death. Let us with
+all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle by themselves.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father&rsquo;s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: &ldquo;So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and given him
+glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual bow in vain? Let me
+not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast as before among the immortal
+gods thou wouldst stand up to fight against Poseidon.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the noble
+spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:] &ldquo;How now
+art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were it for thee to
+match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against women Zeus made thee
+a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on
+the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier
+than thou. But if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far
+stronger am I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other&rsquo;s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and therewith,
+smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and that; and the swift
+arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from before her the goddess fled
+like a dove that from before a falcon flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she
+was not fated to be caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and
+arrows where they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus:
+&ldquo;Leto, with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to
+blows with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart&rsquo;s
+content among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and
+main.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen hither and
+thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter&rsquo;s bow she went
+back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus,
+and weeping set herself on her father&rsquo;s knee, while round her her divine
+vesture quivered: and her father, Kronos&rsquo; son, took her to him and asked
+of her, laughing gently: &ldquo;Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child,
+hath dealt with thee thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong
+thing openly]?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+&ldquo;It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred
+Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city, lest the
+Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other ever-living gods
+went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly triumphing, and sat down beside
+Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven, when a
+city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to all, and griefs
+to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the Trojans. And the old man
+Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware of dread Achilles, how before
+him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was any succour found of them. Then with
+a cry he went down from the tower, to rouse the gallant warders along the
+walls: &ldquo;Hold open the gates in your hands until the folk come to the city
+in their rout, for closely is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be
+deadly deeds. And when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath,
+then again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and the
+gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front that he
+might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the city and the
+high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed from the plain, and
+Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his
+heart continually, and he thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of
+the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly
+Agenor, Antenor&rsquo;s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put
+good courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous
+visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick
+mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great heart:
+&ldquo;Ay me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are driven
+terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or
+what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee
+upon my feet from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to
+the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay,
+why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get
+me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet;
+then will it no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I go
+forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and
+there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of
+Kronos giveth him renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his stout
+heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth from a deep
+thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor fleeth when she
+heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first smite her with thrust or
+throw, yet even pierced through with the spear she ceaseth not from her courage
+until she either grapple or be slain, so noble Antenor&rsquo;s son, goodly
+Agenor, refused to flee till he should put Achilles to the proof, but held
+before him the circle of his shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried
+aloud: &ldquo;Doubtless thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day
+to sack the city of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful
+things yet be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who
+in front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt
+here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on the leg
+beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of new-wrought tin rang
+terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from him it smote, nor pierced
+him, for the god&rsquo;s gift drave it back. Then the son of Peleus in his turn
+made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo suffered him not to win renown, but caught
+away Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone
+out of the war. Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in
+complete semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river Skamandros, as he
+ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo beguiled him that he kept
+ever hoping to overtake him in the race), meantime the other Trojans in common
+rout came gladly unto their fastness, and the city was filled with the throng
+of them. Neither had they heart to await one another outside the city and wall,
+and to know who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and knees
+might save.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their sweat and
+drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair battlements, while the
+Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to shoulders. But Hector deadly
+fate bound to abide in his place, in front of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then
+to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus Apollo: &ldquo;Wherefore, son of Peleus,
+pursuest thou me with swift feet, thyself being mortal and I a deathless god?
+Thou hast not even yet known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently.
+Truly thou regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered
+hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou hast
+turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have bitten the dust
+or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed me of great renown,
+and lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no vengeance to fear
+thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I but the power.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like some
+victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed over the
+plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the old man Priam
+first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the star that cometh forth
+at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine forth amid the host of stars in
+the darkness of night, the star whose name men call Oriol&rsquo;s Dog.
+Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign is he set, and bringeth much fever
+upon hapless men. Even so on Achilles&rsquo; breast the bronze gleamed as he
+ran. And the old man cried aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising
+them on high, and with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he
+before the gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old
+man spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: &ldquo;Hector,
+beloved son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier
+far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I! then quickly would
+dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby would cruel pain go from my
+heart—the man who hath bereft me of many valiant sons, slaying them and selling
+them captive into far-off isles. Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and
+Polydoros, I cannot see among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons
+whom Laothoe bare me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the
+enemy&rsquo;s host, then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is
+store within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul
+and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the
+folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles&rsquo; hand. Nay, come
+within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men and women of Troy,
+neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and be thyself bereft of sweet
+life. Have compassion also on me, the helpless one, who still can feel,
+ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos&rsquo; son, will bring to naught by a
+grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full many ills, his sons
+perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste
+and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons&rsquo;
+wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of
+all at the street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or
+throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having drunk my
+blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man all beseemeth,
+even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on the field;
+though he be dead yet is all honourable to him, whate&rsquo;er be seen: but
+when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this is
+the most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from his
+head, but he persuaded not Hector&rsquo;s soul. Then his mother in her turn
+wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand
+she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if ever I
+gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and from this side
+the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in front to meet him. He is merciless;
+if he slay thee it will not be on a bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee,
+my own dear child, but far away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift
+dogs devour thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet they
+persuaded not Hector&rsquo;s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he drew
+nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den awaiteth a man,
+having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered into him, and terribly
+he glared as he coileth himself about his den, so Hector with courage
+unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining shield against a jutting tower.
+Then sore troubled he spake to his great heart: &ldquo;Ay me, if I go within
+the gates and walls, Polydamas will be first to bring reproach against me,
+since he bade me lead the Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when
+noble Achilles arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better
+far. And now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man
+than I shall say: &lsquo;Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.&rsquo; So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously before the
+city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout helm, and lean my
+spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet noble Achilles and promise him
+that Helen, and with her all possessions that Alexandros brought in hollow
+ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to
+take away, and therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that
+this city holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever wealth the
+pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? I might
+come unto him and he would not pity or regard me at all, but presently slay me
+unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put off my armour. No time is it now to
+dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and
+maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better is it to join battle with all
+speed: let us know upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow
+renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of Enyalios
+warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder the Pelian ash,
+his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him flashed like the gleam of
+blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was
+aware of him, nor endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind
+him and fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth
+fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill
+screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled beneath
+the Trojans&rsquo; wall, and plied swift knees. They past the watch-place and
+wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the wall, along the
+waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains
+rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and
+smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the other
+even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth.
+And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of
+stone, where wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash
+bright raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an
+oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for mel&rsquo;s speed of foot,
+but for the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some great prize
+lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so
+thrice around Priam&rsquo;s city circled those twain with flying feet, and all
+the gods were gazing on them. Then among them spake first the father of gods
+and men: &ldquo;Ay me, a man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is
+woe for Hector, who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of
+many-folded Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam&rsquo;s town. Come, give your counsel,
+gods, and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus&rsquo; son.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: &ldquo;O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A man
+that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back from
+ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: &ldquo;Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be kind
+to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the crests
+of Olympus she darted down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when on the
+mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it from its
+covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle him under a bush,
+yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until he find it; so Hector
+baffled not Peleus&rsquo; fleet-footed son. Oft as he set himself to dart under
+the well-built walls over against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they
+might succour him with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him
+toward the plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a
+dream one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and
+Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death,
+had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble Achilles
+sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts against Hector, lest
+any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself come second. But when the
+fourth time they had reached the springs, then the Father hung his golden
+balances, and set therein two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of
+horse-taming Hector, and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector&rsquo;s
+fated day sank down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left
+him. But to Peleus&rsquo; son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing
+near spake to him winged words: &ldquo;Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to
+Zeus, I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is
+it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should
+travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now
+stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in
+fight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood leaning on
+his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to noble Hector, like
+unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and standing near spake to him
+winged words: &ldquo;Dear brother, verily fleet Achilles doth thee violence,
+chasing thee round Priam&rsquo;s town with swift feet: but come let us make a
+stand and await him on our defence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: &ldquo;Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall honour
+thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou sawest me, to
+come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: &ldquo;Dear brother, of
+a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me much,
+entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all tremble before
+him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And now fight we with
+straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of spears, that we may know
+whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our bloody spoils to the hollow ships,
+or whether he might be vanquished by thy spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of the glancing
+helm: &ldquo;No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before I thrice ran
+round the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy onset. Now my heart
+biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay or be slain. But come
+hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they shall be best witnesses and
+beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus
+grant me to outstay thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled
+thee of thy glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is no
+pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine evil
+continually against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me to be
+friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until one or other shall have
+fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of
+all thy soldiership: now behoveth it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and
+valiant man of war. No longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas
+Athene will straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou
+pay back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of
+thy spear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he crouched,
+and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas
+Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles, unknown of Hector shepherd of
+hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble son of Peleus: &ldquo;Thou hast missed,
+so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom,
+though thou thoughtest it. Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech,
+that fearing thee I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt
+thou plant thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I
+set on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the war be
+lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their greatest
+bane.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the midst
+of the shield of Peleus&rsquo; son, and missed him not: but far from the shield
+the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon had left his
+hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second ashen spear. And he
+called with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white shield, and asked of him a
+long spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart,
+and spake and said: &ldquo;Ay me, now verily the gods have summoned me to
+death. I deemed the warrior Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the
+wall, and it was Athene who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come
+very nigh me, not far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of
+old the pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not die
+without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms whereof men
+yet to be born shall hear.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and strong,
+and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that darteth to the plain
+through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or crouching hare. So Hector
+swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles made at him, for his heart
+was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with
+his fair graven shield, and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it
+waved fair golden plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a
+star goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars
+set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing his
+fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his flesh was
+covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong Patroklos when he
+slew him, but there was an opening where the collar bones coming from the
+shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet, where destruction of life cometh
+quickliest; there, as he came on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear,
+and right through the tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen
+spear clave not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+&ldquo;Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou
+wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left behind,
+who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear foully, but his
+funeral shall the Achaians make.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: &ldquo;I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the
+Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold, gifts
+that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them home my body
+back again, that the Trojans and Trojans&rsquo; wives give me my due of fire
+after my death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart&rsquo;s desire could so bid
+me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought me, as
+surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even should they
+bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and promise even more,
+not even were Priam Dardanos&rsquo; son to bid pay thy weight in gold, not even
+so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds
+shall devour thee utterly.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: &ldquo;Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee; truly
+thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon thee wrath of
+gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee, for all thy valour,
+at the Skaian gate.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth
+of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate, leaving her
+vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles: &ldquo;Die: for my
+death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other immortal gods are minded
+to accomplish it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it aside, and
+stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons of Achaians ran
+up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor
+did any stand by but wounded him, and thus would many a man say looking toward
+his neighbour: &ldquo;Go to, of a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than
+when he burnt the ships with blazing fire.&rdquo; Thus would many a man say,
+and wound him as he stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled
+him, he stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: &ldquo;Friends,
+chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest together, come
+let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we may know somewhat of
+the Trojans&rsquo; purpose, whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the
+citadel, or whether they are minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more. But
+wherefore doth my heart debate thus? There lieth by the ships a dead man
+unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him will I not forget, while I abide among the
+living and my knees can stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget
+their dead, yet will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye
+sons of the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain
+the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had
+been a god.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of both feet
+behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust therethrough thongs of
+ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving his head to trail. And when he
+had mounted the chariot and lifted therein the famous armour, he lashed his
+horses to speed, and they nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that
+was dragged, and his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay
+all his once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld her son,
+tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried aloud with an
+exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and around them the folk
+fell to crying and moaning throughout the town. Most like it seemed as though
+all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep
+back the old man in his hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For
+he besought them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man
+by his name: &ldquo;Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this
+accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows
+and pity an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who begat and
+reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and most of all to me hath he brought woe.
+So many sons of mine hath he slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for
+the rest I mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief
+will bring me down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in
+my arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him
+to her ill hap, and I myself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him. And
+among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: &ldquo;My child, ah, woe
+is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who night and day
+wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both men and women of Troy
+throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for verily an exceeding glory to
+them wert thou in thy life:—now death and fate have overtaken thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector&rsquo;s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates, but in
+an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double purple web, and
+broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to her goodly-haired
+handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, that Hector
+might have warm washing when he came home out of the battle fond heart, and was
+unaware how, far from all washings, bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the
+hand of Achilles. But she heard shrieks and groans from the battlements, and
+her limbs reeled, and the shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again
+among her goodly-haired maids she spake: &ldquo;Come two of ye this way with me
+that I may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband&rsquo;s
+noble mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against
+the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet
+terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the city by
+himself and chased him to the plain and ere this ended his perilous pride that
+possessed him, for never would he tarry among the throng of men but ran out
+before them far, yielding place to no man in his hardihood.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating heart, and
+with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the battlements and the
+throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and gazed, and beheld him dragged
+before the city:—swift horses dragged him recklessly toward the hollow ships of
+the Achaians. Then dark night came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell
+backward and gasped forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright
+attiring thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And around her
+thronged her husband&rsquo;s sisters and his brothers&rsquo; wives, who held
+her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last she came to
+herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing with deep sobs she
+spake among the women of Troy: &ldquo;O Hector, woe is me! to one fate then
+were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe under
+woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared me from a little one—ill-fated
+sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he have begotten me not. Now thou to the
+house of Hades beneath the secret places of the earth departest, and me in
+bitter mourning thou leavest a widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant
+child—son of unhappy parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector,
+since thou art dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians&rsquo;
+woful war, yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his fellows,
+and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with tears. And in his
+need the child seeketh his father&rsquo;s friends, plucking this one by cloak
+and that by coat, and one of them that pity him holdeth his cup a little to his
+mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his palate he moisteneth not. And some
+child unorphaned thrusteth him from the feast with blows and taunting words,
+&lsquo;Out with thee! no father of thine is at our board.&rsquo; Then weeping
+to his widowed mother shall he return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his
+father&rsquo;s knee ate only marrow and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell
+on him and he ceased from childish play, then in bed in his nurse&rsquo;s arms
+he would slumber softly nested, having satisfied his heart with good things;
+but now that he hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that
+name the Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents, shall
+coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as thou liest
+naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate and fair, wrought by
+the hands of women. But verily all these will I consume with burning fire—to
+thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie therein, yet that his be honour to
+thee from the men and the women of Troy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were come
+to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own ship: only
+the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but spake among his
+comrades whose delight was in war: &ldquo;Fleet-horsed Myrmidons, my trusty
+comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved steeds from their cars, but
+with horses and chariots let us go near and mourn Patroklos, for such is the
+honour of the dead. Then when we have our fill of grievous wailing, we will
+unyoke the horses and all sup here.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led their
+mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned steeds,
+moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing. Bedewed were the
+sands with tears, bedewed the warriors&rsquo; arms; so great a lord of fear
+they sorrowed for. And Peleus&rsquo; son led their loud wail, laying his
+man-slaying hands on his comrade&rsquo;s breast: &ldquo;All hail, Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee before am I
+accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give raw unto dogs to
+devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to slaughter before thy pyre,
+because of mine anger at thy slaying.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him prone in
+the dust beside the bier of Menoitios&rsquo; son. And the rest put off each his
+glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing horses, and sate them
+down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed Aiakides, and he gave them
+ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were stretched out, their throats cut with
+steel, and many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well
+grown in fat were spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides
+round the corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble Agamemnon
+by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his heart was wroth
+for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnol&rsquo;s hut, forthwith
+they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the fire, if haply they
+might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him the bloody gore. But he
+denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an oath: &ldquo;Nay, verily by
+Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful is it that water should come
+nigh my head or ever I shall have laid Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a
+barrow, and shaved my hair, since never again shall second grief thus reach my
+heart, while I remain among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us
+to our mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he
+goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn him
+quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their work.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly making
+ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of equal feast. But
+when they had put off from them the desire of meat and drink, the rest went
+down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the son of Peleus upon the
+beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in
+an open place, where waves were breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold
+on him, easing the cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for
+sore tired were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like
+his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his
+body was the same; and he stood above Achilles&rsquo; head and spake to him:
+&ldquo;Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast
+thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I pass
+the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of men outworn,
+nor suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but vainly I wander along
+the wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy
+hand, for never more again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me
+my due of fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear
+comrades and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles
+peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one
+thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay
+not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured
+in your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your
+country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew
+Amphidamas&rsquo; son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then
+took me the knight Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy
+squire: so therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two
+handled, thy lady mother&rsquo;s gift].&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: &ldquo;Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should do?
+Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But stand more
+nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms around each other, and take our
+fill of dolorous lament.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for like a
+vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek. And Achilles
+sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and spake a word of woe:
+&ldquo;Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of Hades a spirit and
+phantom of the dead, albeit the life be not anywise therein: for all night long
+hath the spirit of hapless Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan,
+and charged me everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self
+it seemed.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around the
+piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the huts to
+fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even Meriones, squire of
+kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with wood-cutting axes in their hands and
+well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules, and uphill and downhill and
+sideways and across they went. But when they came to the spurs of
+many-fountained Ida, straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged
+oaks with the long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then
+splitting them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore
+up the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones, squire
+of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in line, where
+Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate them down
+all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the warlike Myrmidons
+gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his chariot; and they arose and
+put their armour on, and mounted their chariots, both fighting men and
+charioteers. In front were the men in chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed
+after, numberless; and in the midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they
+heaped all the corpse with their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and
+behind did goodly Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he
+speeding forth unto the realm of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set down
+the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre he shore off a
+golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer unto the River
+Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth over the wine-dark sea:
+&ldquo;Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father Peleus unto thee that I
+returning thither to my native land should shear my hair for thee and offer a
+holy hecatomb, and fifty rams should sacrifice there above thy springs, where
+is the sacred close and altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou
+hast not accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and stirred in
+all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light of the sun have
+gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said quickly to Agamemnon as
+he stood beside him: &ldquo;Son of Atreus—for to thy words most will the host
+of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation they may sate them to the full. But
+now disperse them from the burning and bid them make ready their meal, and we
+to whom the dead is dearest will take pains for these things; yet let the
+chiefs tarry nigh unto us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the host
+among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and piled the
+wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on the pyre&rsquo;s
+top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many lusty sheep and
+shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready before the pyre; and
+taking from all of them the fat, great hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse
+therein from head to foot, and heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set
+therein two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and
+four strong-necked horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine
+house-dogs had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them
+on the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless might of
+the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: &ldquo;All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in the house of Hades,
+for all that I promised thee before am I now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons
+of great-hearted Trojans, behold these all in company with thee the fire
+devoureth: but Hector son of Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon,
+but to dogs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day and
+night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him with
+rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from heaven to earth and
+covered all that place whereon the dead man lay, lest meanwhile the sul&rsquo;s
+strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his sinews and limbs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed to the two Winds
+of North and West, and promised them fair offerings, and pouring large
+libations from a golden cup besought them to come, that the corpses might blaze
+up speedily in the fire, and the wood make haste to be enkindled. Then Iris,
+when she heard his prayer, went swiftly with the message to the Winds. They
+within the house of the gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat,
+when Iris sped thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw
+her with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by him.
+But she refused to sit, and spake her word: &ldquo;No seat for me; I must go
+back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians&rsquo; land where they
+sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their rites.
+But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West to come, and promising
+them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre be kindled whereon lieth
+Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are making moan.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound, rolling the
+clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the sea, and the wave
+rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troy, and fell
+upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty fire. So all night drave they the
+flame of the pyre together, blowing shrill; and all night fleet Achilles,
+holding a two-handled cup, drew wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth
+and drenched the earth, calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a
+father waileth when he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death
+is woe to his hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon the
+earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and spreadeth over the
+salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame died down. And the Winds
+went back again to betake them home over the Thracian main, and it roared with
+a violent swell. Then the son of Peleus turned away from the burning and lay
+down wearied, and sweet sleep leapt on him. But they who were with
+Atreus&rsquo; son gathered all together, and the noise and clash of their
+approach aroused him; and he sate upright and spake a word to them: &ldquo;Son
+of Atreus and ye other chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine
+all the burning so far as the fire&rsquo;s strength hath reached, and then let
+us gather up the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios&rsquo; son, singling them well,
+and easy are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us
+put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I myself be hidden
+in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a seemly one, no more:
+then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and high, whosoever of you after I
+am gone may be left in the benched ships.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus. First
+quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame went, and the
+ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered up the white bones of
+their gentle comrade into a golden urn and double-folded fat, and placed the
+urn in the hut and covered it with a linen veil. And they marked the circle of
+the barrow, and set the foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway
+heaped thereon a heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they
+were for going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes, caldrons and
+tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and fair-girdled women, and grey
+iron.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman skilled in
+fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared tripod that held
+two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and for the second he
+ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal in her womb; and for the
+third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by fire, holding four measures,
+bright as when first made; and for the fourth he ordained two talents of gold;
+and for the fifth a two-handled urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: &ldquo;Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved
+Achaians, for the chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists.
+If in some other&rsquo;s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it
+would be I who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know
+how far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and
+Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I will
+abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have they lost,
+and one so kind, who on their manes full often poured smooth oil, when he had
+washed them in clear water. For him they stand and mourn, and their manes are
+trailing on the ground, and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But
+ye others throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were gathered. First
+of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos&rsquo; son, a skilful charioteer;
+and next to him arose Tydeus&rsquo; son, valiant Diomedes, and yoked his horses
+of the breed of Tros, which on a time he seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved
+their lord. And after him arose Atreus&rsquo; son, fair-haired heaven-sprung
+Menelaos, and yoked him a swift pair Aithe, Agamemnol&rsquo;s mare, and his own
+horse Podargos. Her unto Agamemnon did Anchises&rsquo; son Echepolos give in
+fee, that he might escape from following him to windy Ilios and take his
+pleasure at home; for great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon
+of spacious lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the
+race. And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet horses
+bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side spake
+counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+&ldquo;Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is no great
+need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet are thy horses
+very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be sad work for thee. For
+the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the men know not more cunning than
+thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind with all manner of cunning, that
+the prize escape thee not. By cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by
+cunning doth a helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by
+winds; by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end, his
+horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of
+crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping his eye upon the
+post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far at first to force his
+horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them safe in hand and watcheth the
+leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a certain sign, and it shall not
+escape thee. A fathom&rsquo;s height above the ground standeth a withered
+stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in the rain, and two white
+stones on either side thereof are fixed at the joining of the track, and all
+round it is smooth driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead
+long ago, or have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is
+the mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and bear
+thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the well-knit car
+slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with voice and lash, and
+give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the post so that the
+nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it—yet beware of touching the
+stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would that be
+triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on
+thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none
+shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly
+Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the horses
+of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he had
+told his son the sum of every matter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then went
+they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles shook them, and
+forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor&rsquo;s son, and the next lot had lord
+Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaos, and next to
+him drew Meriones his place; then lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew
+his lot for his chariot&rsquo;s place. Then they stood side by side, and
+Achilles showed to them the turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and
+beside it he placed an umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father&rsquo;s follower,
+that he might note the running and tell the truth thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them with the
+reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they forthwith sped swiftly
+over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and beneath their breasts stood the
+rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes waved on the blowing
+wind. And the chariots ran sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles
+would bound into the air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of
+every man beat in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses,
+that flew amid their dust across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course, back
+toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the horses
+strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet mares of
+Pheres&rsquo; grandson, and next to them Diomedes&rsquo; stallions of the breed
+of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as they would
+mount Eumelos&rsquo; car, and with their breath his back was warm and his broad
+shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as they flew along. Thus would
+Tydeus&rsquo; son have either outstripped the other or made it a dead heat, had
+not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with him and smitten from his hand the shining
+lash. Then from his eyes ran tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at
+speed, even swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as
+running without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo&rsquo;s guile
+against Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of
+Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds&rsquo; yoke, and the mares
+ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And
+Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth
+and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his eyes
+filled with tears and his lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides held his
+whole-hooved horses on one side, darting far out before the rest, for Athene
+put spirit into his steeds and shed glory on himself. Now next after him came
+golden-haired Menelaos Atreus&rsquo; son. But Antilochos called to his
+father&rsquo;s horses: &ldquo;Go ye too in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly
+I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which
+Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake
+Atreides&rsquo; horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest
+Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave
+steeds? Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will slay
+you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but the worse
+prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my part will devise a
+plan to pass them in the strait part of the course, and this shall fail me
+not.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier some
+little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a strait place
+in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth, where torrent water
+gathered and brake part of the track away, and hollowed all the place; there
+drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of the wheels. But Antilochos turned his
+whole-hooved horses out of the track, and followed him a little at one side.
+And the son of Atreus took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: &ldquo;Antilochos,
+thou art driving recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon
+thou mayest pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us
+both.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying his
+lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk swung from
+the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his force, even so
+far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus&rsquo; son gave back, for he ceased
+of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds should encounter on
+the track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the drivers fall in the dust in
+their zeal for victory. So upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos:
+&ldquo;Antilochos, no mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way,
+since falsely have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not
+bear off the prize unchallenged to an oath.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: &ldquo;Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before yours,
+for they both lack youth.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on, and
+were quickly close upon the others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they came
+flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them was
+Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the concourse in
+the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of one that shouted,
+though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a horse showing plainly in the
+front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but in the forehead marked with a white
+star round like the moon. And he stood upright and spoke among the Argives:
+&ldquo;Friends, chiefs, and counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see
+the horses, or do ye also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new
+charioteer appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither post,
+but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere along the
+Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he could not drive
+aright round the post and failed in the turn? There, methinks, must he have
+been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and the mares must have left the
+course, in the wildness of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for
+myself I discern not certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian
+race, and he ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet Aias Oileus&rsquo; son rebuked him in unseemly sort:
+&ldquo;Idomeneus, why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the
+high-stepping mares are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far
+the youngest among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from
+thy head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they that
+led before, Eumelos&rsquo; mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins within
+the car.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: &ldquo;Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for thy
+mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and make
+Agamemnon Atreus&rsquo; son our umpire, which mares are leading, that thou
+mayest pay and learn.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus&rsquo; son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone further,
+had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: &ldquo;No longer answer
+each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for it beseemeth
+not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do thus. Sit ye in the
+concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon they in zeal for victory
+will come hither, and then shall ye know each of you the Argives&rsquo; horses,
+which follow, and which lead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote now and
+again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as they sped swiftly
+on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the charioteer, and his
+chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his fleet-footed steeds, and
+small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind in the fine dust, as they flew
+speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from
+the horses&rsquo; heads and chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth
+from the shining car, and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart
+Sthenelos tarried not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud
+comrades the woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his swift
+steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which draweth his
+master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost tail-hairs touch the
+tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much space between, as he
+speedeth far over the plain—by so much was Menelaos behind high-born
+Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole disk-cast behind, but quickly he
+was catching Antilochos up, for the high mettle of Agamemnol&rsquo;s mare,
+sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her. And if yet further both had had to run
+he would have passed his rival nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones,
+stout squire of Idomeneus, came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for
+tardiest of all were his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a
+chariot in the race. Last of them all came Admetos&rsquo; son, dragging his
+goodly car driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives:
+&ldquo;Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come
+let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but the
+first let the son of Tydeus take.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given him the
+mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of great-hearted
+Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf of his right: &ldquo;O
+Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou accomplish this word, for
+thou art minded to take away my prize, because thou thinkest of how his chariot
+and fleet steeds miscarried, and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it
+behoved him to pray to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of
+all in the race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even a
+richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee. But the
+mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the battle at my
+hands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with Antilochos,
+for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him winged words:
+&ldquo;Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some other thing beside
+from out my house, that also will I do. I will give unto him a breast-plate
+that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon a casting of bright tin is
+overlaid, and of great worth will it be to him.&rdquo; He said, and bade his
+dear comrade Automedon bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then
+he placed it in Eumelos&rsquo; hands, and he received it gladly.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly against
+Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called for silence
+among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man: &ldquo;Antilochos,
+who once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou hast shamed my
+skill and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in front that are far worse.
+Come now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us
+both, and favour neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any
+time: &lsquo;By constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone
+off with the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.&rsquo; Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just.
+Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up
+before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash wherewith
+thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of
+the earth that not wilfully didst thou hinder my chariot by guile.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: &ldquo;Bear with me now, for far younger am
+I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou knowest
+how a young mal&rsquo;s transgressions come about, for his mind is hastier and
+his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will of myself give to
+thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask some other greater thing
+from my house, I were fain to give it thee straightway, rather than fall for
+ever from my place in thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner
+against the gods.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor&rsquo;s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew cometh
+upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are bristling. So
+gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he spake unto
+Antilochos and uttered winged words: &ldquo;Antilochos, now will I of myself
+put away mine anger against thee, since no wise formerly wert thou flighty or
+light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was overcome of youthfulness. Another time
+be loth to outwit better men. Not easily should another of the Achaians have
+persuaded me, but thou hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father
+and brother, for my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even
+give unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my
+heart was never overweening or implacable.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos&rsquo; comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold
+in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was left unclaimed,
+a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this, bearing it to him through the
+concourse of Argives, and stood by him and said: &ldquo;Lo now for thee too,
+old man, be this a treasure, a memorial of Patroklos&rsquo; burying; for no
+more shalt thou behold him among the Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon,
+for not in boxing shalt thou strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin
+match, nor race with thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and spake
+unto him winged words: &ldquo;Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast meetly
+said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor do my arms at
+all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would that my youth were such
+and my force so firm as when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynkes at
+Buprasion, and his sons held the king&rsquo;s funeral games. Then was no man
+found like me, neither of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves or the
+great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in
+wrestling Ankaios of Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I
+outran Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding
+their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were
+left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the reins, the reins he ever
+held, the other called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but now
+let younger men join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but then was I
+of mark among heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with
+games. This gift do I accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou
+rememberest ever my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour
+wherewith it is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods
+for this grant thee due grace.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of Achaians, when
+he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus&rsquo; son. Then he ordained
+prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led forth and tethered
+amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest of all to break; and for
+the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: &ldquo;Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for these
+rewards we summon two men of the best to lift up their hands to box amain. He
+to whom Apollo shall grant endurance to the end, and all the Achaians
+acknowledge it, let him take the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut;
+and the loser shall take with him the two-handled-cup.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled in
+boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule and said
+aloud: &ldquo;Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the mule I say
+none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his fists, for I claim
+to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall short of you in battle?
+Not possible is it that in all arts a man be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it
+shall be accomplished: I will utterly bruise mine adversary&rsquo;s flesh and
+break his bones, so let his friends abide together here to bear him forth when
+vanquished by my hands.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against him
+Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos, Mekisteus,
+who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his burial, and there
+he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides famous with the spear made
+ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him with speech, and greatly desired for
+him victory. And first he cast about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut
+thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to,
+and their hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on, and as
+the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could he much more
+stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as when beneath the
+North Wind&rsquo;s ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered beach, and then
+the black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted
+Epeios took him in his hands and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood
+around him, and led him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out
+clotted blood, drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among
+them and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus&rsquo; son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the winner
+a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians among them at
+twelve oxens&rsquo; worth; and for the loser he brought a woman into the midst,
+skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four oxen. And he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: &ldquo;Rise, ye who will essay this
+match.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of many
+wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went into the midst
+of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with stalwart hands, like
+gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed craftsman joineth, that he may
+baffle the wind&rsquo;s force. And their backs creaked, gripped firmly under
+the vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in streams, and frequent weals along
+their ribs and shoulders sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove
+amain for victory, to win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias
+and bear him to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus&rsquo; strength withheld
+him. But when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to
+Odysseus great Aias, Telamol&rsquo;s son: &ldquo;Heaven-sprung son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his craft. He
+smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias&rsquo; knee, and loosed his limbs,
+and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest, and the folk
+gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring noble Odysseus tried to
+lift, and moved him a little from the ground, but lifted him not, so he crooked
+his knee within the other&rsquo;s, and both fell on the ground nigh to each
+other, and were soiled with dust, And now starting up again a third time would
+they have wrestled, had not Achilles himself arisen and held them back:
+&ldquo;No longer press each the other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is
+with both; take equal prizes and depart, that other Achaians may
+contend.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the dust from
+them and put their doublets on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness of
+foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in beauty it
+was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon wrought it
+cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the misty sea, and landed
+it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and Euneos son of Jason gave it to
+the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon Priam&rsquo;s son. Now this cup did
+Achilles set forth as a prize in honour of his friend, for whoso should be
+fleetest in speed of foot. For the second he set an ox great and very fat, and
+for the last prize half a talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word
+among the Argives: &ldquo;Rise, ye who will essay this match.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus&rsquo; son, and Odysseus
+of many wiles, and after them Nestor&rsquo;s son Antilochos, for he was best of
+all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles
+showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running from the start, but
+Oileus&rsquo; son forthwith shot to the front, and close behind him came noble
+Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a fair-girdled womal&rsquo;s breast
+when she pulleth it deftly with her hands, drawing the spool along the warp,
+and holdeth the rod nigh her breast— so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod
+in his footsteps or ever the dust had settled there, and on his head fell the
+breath of noble Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians
+applauded his struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard.
+But when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: &ldquo;Hearken, goddess, come thou a
+good helper of my feet.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs feel
+light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on the prize,
+then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race, where filth was strewn
+from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that fleet Achilles slew in honour of
+Patroklos: and Aias&rsquo; mouth and nostrils were filled with that filth of
+oxen. So much-enduring noble Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the
+mixing-bowl, and famous Aias took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the
+horn of the ox of the field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the
+Argives: &ldquo;Out on it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who
+from of old like a mother standeth by Odysseus&rsquo; side and helpeth
+him.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then Antilochos
+smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the Argives:
+&ldquo;Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even herein also
+the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older than I, but Odysseus
+of an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A green old age is his, they
+say, and hard were it for any Achaian to rival him in speed, save only
+Achilles.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: &ldquo;Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.&rdquo; He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus&rsquo; son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox&rsquo;s worth, embossed with flowers;
+and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus&rsquo; son
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus&rsquo; brave squire. And
+swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: &ldquo;Son of Atreus, for that we
+know how far thou excellest all, and how far the first thou art in the might of
+thy throw, take thou this prize with thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero
+Meriones let us give the spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at
+least advise.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones he
+gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave the
+goodliest prize.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake them
+each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper and sweet
+sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear comrade, nor
+did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he kept turning him to this
+side and to that, yearning for Patroklos&rsquo; manhood and excellent valour,
+and all the toils he achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the
+battles of men and the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears,
+now lying on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would
+he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he
+had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot
+to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the dead
+son of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on
+his face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for
+he had pity on him even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis,
+that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the blessed
+gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the clear-sighted slayer of
+Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the others seemed it good, yet not to
+Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed Maiden, but they continued as when at the
+beginning sacred Ilios became hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by
+reason of the sin of Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they
+came to his steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: &ldquo;Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector
+never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have ye not
+taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon and his mother
+and his child and his father Priam and his people, who speedily would burn him
+in the fire and make his funeral. But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to
+abet, whose mind is nowise just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned
+away, but he is cruelly minded as a lion that in great strength and at the
+bidding of his proud heart goeth forth against mel&rsquo;s flocks to make his
+meal; even thus Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth
+both harm and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son;
+yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul
+have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his
+life bindeth him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of his dear
+comrade: not, verily, is that more honourable or better for him. Let him take
+heed lest we wax wroth with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is
+entreating shamefully the senseless clay.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: &ldquo;Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to Achilles and
+to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a womal&rsquo;s breast,
+but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up and reared and gave to
+a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was dearest of all men to the
+Immortals&rsquo; heart. And all ye gods came to her bridal, and thou among them
+wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill company, faithless ever.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: &ldquo;Hera, be not
+wroth utterly with the gods: for these mel&rsquo;s honour is not to be the
+same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios.
+So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I loved. Never did
+my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and the steam of sacrifice, even the
+honour that falleth to our due. But verily we will say no more of stealing away
+brave Hector, for it cannot be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth
+ever nigh to him night and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would
+call Thetis to come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.&rdquo; Thus spake he,
+and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and
+rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her with a
+noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that mounted on horn of
+a field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in
+a hollow cave; about her sat gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in
+their midst was wailing for the fate of her noble son who must perish in
+deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed
+Iris spake to her: &ldquo;Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth
+thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: &ldquo;Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals, for I
+have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in vain,
+whatsoever he saith.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no blacker
+raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and wind-footed swift
+Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge of the sea was sundered.
+And when they had come forth upon the shore they sped up to heaven, and found
+the far-seeing son of Kronos, and round him sat gathered all the other blessed
+gods that are for ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave
+her place. And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with
+words, and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: &ldquo;Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself. Nevertheless will
+I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days hath dispute arisen among
+the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles waster of cities.
+Fain are they to send clear-sighted Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear
+what glory I accord herein to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come
+thy honour and good will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my
+bidding. Say to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the beaked
+ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and give Hector
+back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him go to the ships of
+the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient to his
+word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of Olympus. And she
+came to her sol&rsquo;s hut; there found she him making grievous moan, and his
+dear comrades round were swiftly making ready and furnishing their early meal,
+and a sheep great and fleecy was being sacrificed in the hut. Then his
+lady-mother sate her down close beside him, and stroked him with her hand and
+spake to him by his name: &ldquo;My child, how long with lamentation and woe
+wilt thou devour thine heart, taking thought of neither food nor rest? good
+were even a womal&rsquo;s embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me;
+already death and forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith
+unto me, for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth, because with
+furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and hast not given him
+back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the dead.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: &ldquo;So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart&rsquo;s intent
+the Olympian biddeth it himself.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each other many
+winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy Ilios: &ldquo;Go
+forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my message within Ilios
+to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom his
+dear son and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart; let him go
+alone, and no other man of the Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald
+attend on him to guide the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to
+the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought
+nor any fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have
+led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any
+other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she came to
+the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His children sitting
+around their father within the court were bedewing their raiment with their
+tears, and the old man in their midst was close wrapped all over in his cloak;
+and on his head and neck was much mire that he had gathered in his hands as he
+grovelled upon the earth. And his daughters and his sons&rsquo; wives were
+wailing throughout the house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had
+lost their lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the
+messenger of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: &ldquo;Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to
+forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who,
+though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee. The Olympian biddeth
+thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his
+heart: go thou alone, let none other of the Trojans go with thee. Only let some
+elder herald attend on thee to guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to
+carry back to the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be
+in thy thought, nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of
+Argus, who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee,
+nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked,
+but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons make
+ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage thereon. And
+himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar wood, high-roofed, that
+held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he called and spake: &ldquo;Lady,
+from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to me, that I go to the ships of the
+Achaians and ransom my dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden
+his heart. Come tell me how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my
+desire and heart bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide
+camp of the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: &ldquo;Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among
+stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone to the
+ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of
+thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he light on thee and behold
+thee with his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity
+thee, neither reverence thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make
+lament afar off. Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her
+thread at his beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut
+fleet-footed dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against
+my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him,
+but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he
+him of shelter or of flight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: &ldquo;Stay me not, for I
+am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls, for thou
+wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of earth that bade me
+this, whether some seer or of the priests that divine from sacrifice, then
+would we declare it false and have no part therein; but now, since I have heard
+the voice of the goddess myself and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and
+her word shall not be void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the
+mail-clad Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed,
+when once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very goodly
+womel&rsquo;s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a like
+number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he weighed and
+brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining tripods and four
+caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of Thrace had given him when he
+went thither on an embassy, a chattel of great price, yet not that even did the
+old man grudge from his halls, for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his
+dear son. Then he drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them
+with words of rebuke: &ldquo;Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye
+no mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos&rsquo; son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him
+that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier far
+shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere I behold
+with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me go down into the house of
+Hades.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth before
+the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding Helenos and
+Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and Polites of the loud
+war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud Dios; nine were they whom the
+old man called and bade unto him: &ldquo;Haste ye, ill sons, my shame; would
+that ye all in Hector&rsquo;s stead had been slain at the swift ships! Woe is
+me all unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but none of
+them is left for me to claim, neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his
+chariot of war, nor Hector who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the
+son of a mortal man but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my
+shames all left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people&rsquo;s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready
+a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our
+way?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father&rsquo;s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on the
+frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke with knob
+well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the yoke-band of nine
+cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the polished pole on the rest
+at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over the upright pin, which with three
+turns of the band they lashed to the knob, and then belayed it close round the
+pole and turned the tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and
+heaped on the polished wain the countless ransom of Hector&rsquo;s head, and
+yoked strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam, a
+splendid gift. But to Priam&rsquo;s car they yoked the horses that the old man
+kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with
+wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with
+honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make
+libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to
+Priam by name: &ldquo;Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou
+mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth
+to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of
+the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask
+of him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to
+him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his
+messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the
+Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: &ldquo;Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply
+he will have pity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water
+on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash
+withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then
+he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he
+looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: &ldquo;Father Zeus that bearest
+sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity
+under Achilles&rsquo; roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger
+that is dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon
+the right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto
+the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter
+called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of
+some rich mal&rsquo;s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and
+he appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they
+saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their
+breasts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from the
+doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wain,
+and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses which the old man urged with
+the lash at speed along the city: and his friends all followed lamenting loud
+as though he were faring to his death. And when they were come down from the
+city and were now on the plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and
+marriage kin. But the two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of
+far-seeing Zeus. But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: &ldquo;Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou wilt,
+go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians that no man
+behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans&rsquo; host, until he come to
+the son of Peleus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not disobedient unto
+his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his fair sandals, golden,
+divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the boundless land with the
+breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand wherewith he entranceth the
+eyes of such men as he will, and others he likewise waketh out of sleep: this
+did the strong slayer of Argus take in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he
+to Troy-land and the Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young
+man that is a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men
+is the comeliest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios, halted
+the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come down over the
+earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and marked him, and spake
+and said to Priam: &ldquo;Consider, son of Dardanos; this is matter of prudent
+thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let
+us flee in our chariot, or else at least touch his knees and entreat him that
+he have mercy on us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed exceedingly,
+and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood still amazed. But the
+Helper came nigh of himself and took the old mal&rsquo;s hand, and spake and
+questioned him: &ldquo;Whither, father, dost thou thus guide these horses and
+mules through the divine night, when other mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no
+fear of the fierce-breathing Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh
+thee? If one of them should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift
+black night, what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself,
+and thy companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any
+other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: &ldquo;Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god stretched
+forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer such as thou to
+meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy form and semblance; and
+thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents art thou sprung.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: &ldquo;All this, old
+sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me truly
+whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto alien men, where
+it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye are all forsaking holy
+Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you hath perished, even thy son; for
+of battle with the Achaians abated he never a jot.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, &ldquo;Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate of my
+hapless son.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: &ldquo;Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft seen
+with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was slaying the
+Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen bronze, and we stood
+still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered us not to fight, being wroth
+against Atreus&rsquo; son. His squire am I, and came in the same well-wrought
+ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and
+an old man even as thou, and six other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With
+the others I cast lots, and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now
+am I come from the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed
+Achaians will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to
+be sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: &ldquo;If verily thou art
+a squire of Achilles Peleus&rsquo; son, come tell me all the truth, whether
+still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath riven him limb
+from limb and cast him to the dogs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: &ldquo;Old sire, not
+yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles&rsquo; ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn now
+hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither worms consume
+it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles draggeth him recklessly
+around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as divine day dawneth, yet marreth
+he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh
+he lieth, and is washed clean of blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his
+wounds wherewith he was stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he
+be but a dead corpse, for they held him dear at heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: &ldquo;My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the Immortals,
+for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in our halls the gods
+who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered this for him, albeit his
+portion is death. But come now take from me this goodly goblet, and guard me
+myself and guide me, under Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of
+Peleus&rsquo; son.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: &ldquo;Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not prevail upon
+me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without Achilles&rsquo;
+privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him, lest some evil come
+to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would go even unto famous Argos,
+accompanying thee courteously in swift ship or on foot. Not from scorn of thy
+guide would any assail thee then.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he swiftly
+took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit into horses and
+mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench of the ships, there
+were the sentinels just busying them about their supper. Then the Messenger,
+the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them all, and straightway opened the gates
+and thrust back the bars, and brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon
+his wain. And they came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the
+Myrmidons made for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and
+thatched it with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and
+around it made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and
+the door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but Achilles by
+himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes the door for the old
+man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus&rsquo; fleet-footed son, and
+descended from the chariot to the earth and spake aloud: &ldquo;Old sire, I
+that have come to thee am an immortal god, even Hermes, for my father sent me
+to companion thee on thy way. But now will I depart from thee nor come within
+Achilles&rsquo; sight; it were cause of wrath that an immortal god should thus
+show favour openly unto mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of
+Peleus&rsquo; son and entreat him for his father&rsquo;s sake and his
+mother&rsquo;s of the lovely hair and for his child&rsquo;s sake that thou
+mayest move his soul.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from the car
+to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind the horses and
+mules; but the old man made straight for the house where Achilles dear to Zeus
+was wont to sit. And therein he found the man himself, and his comrades sate
+apart: two only, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were
+busy in attendance; and he was lately ceased from meat, even from eating and
+drinking: and still the table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great
+Priam as he came in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees
+of Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam&rsquo;s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his
+own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to the
+house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on him—so Achilles
+wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest wondered likewise, and looked
+upon one another. Then Priam spake and entreated him, saying: &ldquo;Bethink
+thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy father that is of like years with me, on
+the grievous pathway of old age. Him haply are the dwellers round about
+entreating evilly, nor is there any to ward from him ruin and bane.
+Nevertheless while he heareth of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart,
+and hopeth withal day after day that he shall see his dear son returning from
+Troy-land. But I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had, when
+the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of one mother, and
+concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the more part had impetuous
+Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet left and guarded city and men, him
+slewest thou but now as he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake
+come I unto the ships of the Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I
+bring with me untold ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have
+compassion on me, even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more
+piteous than he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved
+before, to stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my
+sons.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old mal&rsquo;s hand and gently moved him back. And
+as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying Hector wept
+sore as he was fallen before Achilles&rsquo; feet, and Achilles wept for his
+own father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan went up throughout the
+house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him with lament, and the desire
+thereof departed from his heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat
+and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and
+spake unto him winged words and said: &ldquo;Ah hapless! many ill things verily
+thou hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the
+Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we
+will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable men,
+that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For two urns
+stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and one with
+blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled
+lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he
+giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth
+him over the goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor
+men. Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and
+mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on
+him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death. Neither may
+I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country I am dwelling in
+Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard
+how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar,
+boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after
+that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and
+man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy
+heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: &ldquo;Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the huts,
+but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine eyes; and accept
+thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou have pleasure thereof, and
+come unto thy native land, since thou hast spared me from the first.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: &ldquo;No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee, for
+there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me, daughter of
+the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind, nor am unaware
+that some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+For no mortal man, even though in prime of youth, would dare to come among the
+host, for neither could he escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of
+our doors. Therefore now stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave
+not even thee in peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant,
+and lest I transgress the commandment of Zeus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son of
+Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone, for with him
+went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom above all his
+comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was dead. They then loosed
+from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led in the old mal&rsquo;s
+crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from the wain of goodly felloes they
+took the countless ransom set on Hector&rsquo;s head. But they left two robes
+and a well-spun doublet, that Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave
+him to be carried home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and
+anoint him when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon
+his son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he
+should look upon his son, and lest Achilles&rsquo; heart be vexed thereat and
+he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had
+washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe
+and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his
+comrades with him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud
+and called on his dear comrade by his name: &ldquo;Patroklos, be not vexed with
+me if thou hear even in the house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector
+unto his dear father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof
+I will deal to thee again thy rightful share.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down on the
+cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite wall, and spake a
+word to Priam: &ldquo;Thy son, old sire, is given back as thou wouldest and
+lieth on a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt see him thyself as thou
+carriest him. But now bethink we us of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe
+bethought her of meat, she whose twelve children perished in her halls, six
+daughters and six lusty sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew
+with arrows from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that
+Niobe matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there any
+to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on the tenth day the
+gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought her of meat, when she was
+wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere now among the cliffs, on the
+lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where they say are the couching-places of
+nymphs that dance around Acheloos, there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still
+over her troubles from the gods. But come let us too, noble father, take
+thought of meat, and afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou
+carriest him to Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep, and his
+comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and divided it cunningly
+and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off. And
+Automedon took bread and served it on a table in fair baskets, while Achilles
+dealt out the flesh. And they stretched forth their hands to the good cheer
+lying ready before them. But when they had put off the desire of meat and
+drink, then Priam son of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was
+and how goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words.
+But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the old
+man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: &ldquo;Now presently give me whereon to lie,
+fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our fill at rest:
+for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids since at thy hands my
+son lost his life, but I continually mourn and brood over countless griefs,
+grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted
+bread and poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted
+naught.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead beneath
+the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread coverlets above
+and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over all. And the maids went
+forth from the inner hail with torches in their hands, and quickly spread two
+beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning [in his reference to Agamemnon] said
+fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam: &ldquo;Lie thou without, dear sire, lest
+there come hither one of the counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take
+counsel with me by my side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee
+through the swift black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon
+shepherd of the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead.
+But come say this to me and tell it true, how many days&rsquo; space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide
+and may keep back the host.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: &ldquo;If thou art verily
+willing that I accomplish noble Hector&rsquo;s funeral, by doing as thou
+sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we are pent
+within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch, and the Trojans
+are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in our halls, and on the
+tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we
+will make, a barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle if need
+be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: &ldquo;All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle even
+so long a time as thou tellest me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he clasped the old mal&rsquo;s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house laid
+them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their hearts, but
+Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and beside him lay
+fair-cheeked Briseis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night, by soft
+sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold as he sought
+within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from the ships unespied
+of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head and spake a word to him:
+&ldquo;Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any evil, seeing thou yet
+sleepest among men that are thine enemies, for that Achilles spared thee. Truly
+now hast thou won back thy dear son, and at great price. But for thy life will
+thy sons thou hast left behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon
+Atreus&rsquo; son be aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes yoked
+the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly through the camp,
+and none was aware of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high Olympus,
+and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And they with wail
+and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew the dead. Nor marked
+them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite,
+having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her dear father as he stood in the
+car, and the herald that was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay
+upon the bier behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud
+throughout all the town: &ldquo;O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and
+look upon Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all came
+unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home the dead.
+First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast them on the
+fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them stood the throng and
+wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun they had lamented Hector in
+tears without the gate, had not the old man spoken from the car among the folk:
+&ldquo;Give me place for the mules to pass through; hereafter ye shall have
+your fill of wailing, when I have brought him unto his home.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And the
+others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a fretted
+bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who wailed a mournful
+lay, while the women made moan with them. And among the women white-armed
+Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands she held the head of Hector
+slayer of men: &ldquo;Husband, thou art gone young from life, and leavest me a
+widow in thy halls. And the child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated
+parents, thee and me; nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then
+shall this city be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst
+watch over it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant
+little ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where thou
+shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some harsh lord, or
+else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee from the battlement,
+a grievous death, for that he is wroth because Hector slew his brother or
+father or son, since full many of the Achaians in Hector&rsquo;s hands have
+bitten the firm earth. For no light hand had thy father in the grievous fray.
+Therefore the folk lament him throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and
+mourning hast thou left to thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall
+grievous pain abide. For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed
+in thy death, neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have
+thought on evermore as my tears fall night and day.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them Hekabe
+again led the loud lament: &ldquo;Hector, of all my children far dearest to my
+heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the gods, and even in thy
+doom of death have they had care for thee. For other sons of mine whom he took
+captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and
+Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee
+of thy life he was fain to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even
+Patroklos whom thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all
+dewy and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen led their
+sore lament: &ldquo;Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest to my heart!
+Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to Troy-land—would I had
+died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year since I went thence and am
+gone from my own native land, but never yet heard I evil or despiteful word
+from thee; nay, if any other haply upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether
+brother or sister of thine or brother&rsquo;s fair-robed wife, or thy
+mother—but thy father is ever kind to me as he were my own—then wouldst thou
+soothe such with words and refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by
+thy gentle words. Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless
+self with thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: &ldquo;Bring wood,
+men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a crafty
+ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he sent me from
+the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until the twelfth morn
+arise.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then they
+flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of wood. But
+when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they forth brave Hector,
+weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the dead man, and thereon cast
+fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector&rsquo;s pyre. First quenched they with
+bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire&rsquo;s strength went, and then
+his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting, and big tears
+flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid in a golden urn,
+shrouding them in soft purple robes, and straightway laid the urn in a hollow
+grave and piled thereon great close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow,
+while watchers were set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians
+should make onset before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they
+went back, and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at
+the palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Iliad of Homer
+Done into English Prose by Andrew Lang, M.A., Walter Leaf, Litt.D.,
+And Ernest Myers, M.A.
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+Title: The Iliad of Homer
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+Author: Homer (Lang, Leaf, Myers trans.)
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+
+THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+
+
+
+PREFATORY NOTE
+
+
+
+The execution of this version of the ILIAD has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+
+     Books      I. - IX.     .  .  .  .  W. Leaf.
+       "        X. - XVI.    .  .  .  .  A. Lang.
+       "     XVII. - XXIV.   .  .  .  .  E. Myers.
+
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but
+the whole has been revised by all three Translators, and the
+rendering of passages or phrases recurring in more than one portion
+has been determined after deliberation in common. Even in these,
+however, a certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of
+the translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that
+held by the third. Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books
+X. - XVI. Would have preferred "c" and "us" to "k" and "os" in the
+spelling of all proper names.
+
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except
+where the adoption of a different reading has been specified in a
+footnote. Where the balance of evidence, external and internal, has
+seemed to the Translator to be against the genuineness of the
+passage, such passage has been enclosed in brackets [].
+
+The Translator of Books X. - XVI. Has to thank Mr. R.W. Raper,
+Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising
+the proof-sheets of these Books.
+
+
+NOTE TO REVISED EDITION
+
+
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised
+throughout, and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes
+at the end of the volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted;
+one of the Translators hopes to publish very shortly a Companion to
+the Iliad for English readers, which will deal fully with most of
+the points therein referred to.
+
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to
+passages where there is external evidence, such as absence from the
+best MSS., for believing in interpolation. One or two departures
+from this Rule are noticed in footnotes.
+
+November 1891
+
+
+
+The reader will perhaps also be helped by the following list of the
+Greek and Latin names of the gods and goddesses who play important
+parts in the narrative. When the Greek names are new to him, the
+corresponding Latin names may be more familiar.
+
+      Greek                 Latin
+      -----                 -----
+      Zeus.                 Jupiter.
+      Hera.                 Juno.
+      (Pallas) Athene.      Minerva.
+      Aphrodite.            Venus.
+      Poseidon.             Neptune.
+      Ares.                 Mars.
+      Hephaestus.           Vulcan.
+
+
+
+
+
+    The sacred soil of Ilios is rent
+      With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow
+    Through plains where Simois and Scamander went
+      To war with gods and heroes long ago.
+    Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low
+      In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;
+    The bones of Agamemnon are a show,
+      And ruined is his royal monument.
+    The dust and awful treasures of the dead
+      Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,
+    Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,
+      And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she
+    To know the crown on thine immortal head
+      Of indivisible supremacy.                      A.L.
+
+
+    Athwart the sunrise of our western day
+      The form of great Achilles, high and clear,
+      Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.
+    The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,
+    Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,
+      Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,
+      Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.
+    But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,
+    More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;
+      Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,
+       Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.
+    What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?
+      Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;
+       Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death.   E.M.
+
+
+
+
+THE ILIAD OF HOMER
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+    How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy;
+    and Achilles withdrew himself from battle, and won from Zeus
+    a pledge that his wrong should be avenged on Agamemnon and
+    the Achaians.
+
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus' son, the ruinous wrath that
+brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades
+many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs
+and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its
+accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king of
+men and noble Achilles.
+
+Who among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Apollo, the son
+of Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague upon
+the host, so that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done
+dishonour to Chryses the priest. For the priest had come to the
+Achaians' fleet ships to win his daughter's freedom, and brought a
+ransom beyond telling; and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
+Far-darter upon a golden staff; and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
+host; "Ye sons of Atreus and all ye well-greaved Achaians, now may the
+gods that dwell in the mansions of Olympus grant you to lay waste the
+city of Priam, and to fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear child
+free, and accept the ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting
+Apollo."
+
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and
+accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern
+charge upon him, saying: "Let me not find thee, old man, amid the hollow
+ships, whether tarrying now or returning again hereafter, lest the staff
+and fillet of the god avail thee naught. And her will I not set free;
+nay, ere that shall old age come on her in our house, in Argos, far from
+her native land, where she shall ply the loom and serve my couch. But
+depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the rather go in peace."
+
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared
+silently along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged
+man apart and prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks
+bare: "Hear me, god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and
+holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built
+a temple gracious in thine eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh of
+thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil thou this my desire; let the Danaans
+pay by thine arrows for my tears."
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from
+the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow
+and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath,
+as the god moved; and he descended like to night. Then he sate him aloof
+from the ships, and let an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread
+clanging of the silver bow. First did the assail the mules and fleet
+dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his piercing dart, he smote; and
+the pyres of the dead burnt continually in multitude.
+
+Now for nine days ranged the god's shafts through the host; but on the
+tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did
+goddess Hera of white arms put the thought, because she had pity on the
+Danaans when she beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered and
+were met in assembly, then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and spake
+among them: "Son of Atreus, now deem I that we shall return wandering
+home again--if verily we might escape death--if war at once and
+pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But come, let us now inquire
+of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter of dreams--seeing
+that a dream too is of Zeus--who shall say wherefore Phoebus Apollo is
+so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or hecatomb; if perchance
+he would accept the savour of lambs or unblemished goats, and so would
+take away the pestilence from us."
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas
+son of Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that
+were and that should be and that had been before, and guided the ships
+of the Achaians to Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo bestowed
+on him. He of good intent made harangue and spake amid them: "Achilles,
+dear to Zeus, thou biddest me tell the wrath of Apollo, the king that
+smiteth afar. Therefore will I speak; but do thou make covenant with me,
+and swear that verily with all thy heart thou wilt aid me both by word
+and deed. For of a truth I deem that I shall provoke one that ruleth all
+the Argives with might, and whom the Achaians obey. For a king is more
+of might when he is wroth with a meaner man; even though for the one day
+he swallow his anger, yet doth he still keep his displeasure thereafter
+in his breast till he accomplish it. Consider thou, then, if thou wilt
+hold me safe."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: "Yea, be of
+good courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo
+dear to Zeus, him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy
+soothsaying to the Danaans, not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now
+avoweth him to be greatest far of the Achaians."
+
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: "Neither by reason
+of a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest's
+sake to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and
+accepted not the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes upon
+us, yea, and will bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly pestilence
+from the Danaans till we have given the bright-eyed damsel to her
+father, unbought, unransomed, and carried a holy hecatomb to Chryse;
+then might we propitiate him to our prayer."
+
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero
+son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark
+heart within him was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like
+flashing fire. To Kalchas first spake he with look of ill: "Thou seer of
+evil, never yet hast thou told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil is
+ever the joy of thy heart to prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell any
+good matter nor bring to pass. And now with soothsaying thou makest
+harangue among the Danaans, how that the Far-darter bringeth woes upon
+them because, forsooth, I would not take the goodly ransom of the damsel
+Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her own self within mine
+house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded wife; in no wise
+is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor stature, nor wit nor
+skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if that is better; rather
+would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only make ye me ready a prize
+of honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the Argives be disprized, which
+thing beseemeth not; for ye all behold how my prize is departing from
+me."
+
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: "Most noble son of
+Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted Achaians
+give thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of common
+store, but what spoil soe'er we took from captured cities hath been
+apportioned, and it beseemeth not to beg all this back from the folk.
+Nay, yield thou the damsel to the god, and we Achaians will pay thee
+back threefold and fourfold, if ever Zeus grant us to sack some
+well-walled town of Troy-land."
+
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: "Not in this wise, strong as
+thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt not
+outwit me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep thy
+meed of honour, for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me give
+her back? Nay, if the great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed suited
+to my mind, that the recompense be equal--but if they give it not, then
+I myself will go and take a meed of honour, thine be it or Aias', or
+Odysseus' that I will take unto me; wroth shall he be to whomsoever I
+come. But for this we will take counsel hereafter; now let us launch a
+black ship on the great sea, and gather picked oarsmen, and set therein
+a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair cheeks herself, and let one
+of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or goodly Odysseus, or
+thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice for us and
+propitiate the Far-darter."
+
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: "Ah me,
+thou clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any
+Achaian hearken to thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a journey
+or to fight the foe amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen came I
+hither to fight, for they have not wronged me; never did they harry mine
+oxen nor my horses, nor ever waste my harvest in deep-soiled Phthia, the
+nurse of men; seeing there lieth between us long space of shadowy
+mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou shameless one, followed we
+hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at the Trojans' hands
+for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this thou threatenest
+thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed much, and the
+sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like unto thine, when
+the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men; my hands bear the
+brunt of furious war, but when the apportioning cometh then is thy meed
+far ampler, and I betake me to the ships with some small thing, yet my
+own, when I have fought to weariness. Now will I depart to Phthia,
+seeing it is far better to return home on my beaked ships; nor am I
+minded here in dishonour to draw thee thy fill of riches and wealth."
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him "yea, flee, if thy soul be
+set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I have
+others by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus, lord of
+counsel. Most hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings of Zeus;
+thou ever lovest strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be very
+strong, yet that I ween is a gift to thee of God. Go home with thy ships
+and company and lord it among thy Myrmidons; I reck not aught of thee
+nor care I for thine indignation; and all this shall be my threat to
+thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of Chryseis, her with my ship
+and my company will I send back; and mine own self will I go to thy hut
+and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of honour, that
+thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and so shall
+another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival me to my
+face."
+
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus' son, and his heart within his
+shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade
+from his thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to
+assuage his anger and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in
+heart and soul, and was drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene
+came to him from heaven, sent forth of the white-armed goddess Hera,
+whose heart loved both alike and had care for them. She stood behind
+Peleus' son and caught him by his golden hair, to him only visible, and
+of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles marvelled, and turned him
+about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and terribly shone her eyes.
+He spake to her winged words, and said: "Why now art thou come hither,
+thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the insolence of
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall even
+be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
+life."
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: "I came from
+heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being
+sent forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike
+and careth for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine hand
+draw the sword; yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall come
+to pass. For thus will I say to thee, and so it shall be fulfilled;
+hereafter shall goodly gifts come to thee, yea in threefold measure, by
+reason of this despite; hold thou thine hand, and hearken to us."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: "Goddess, needs
+must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very wroth
+at heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods, to him
+they gladly hearken."
+
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the
+great Sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying
+of Athene; and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods
+in the palace of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then Peleus' son spake again with bitter words to Atreus' son, and in no
+wise ceased from anger: "Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of dog and
+heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle among thy
+folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that to thee
+were even as death. Far better booteth it, for sooth, to seize for
+thyself the meed of honour of every man through the wide host of the
+Achaians that speaketh contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king! seeing
+thou rulest men of naught; else were this despite, thou son of Atreus,
+thy last. But I will speak my word to thee, and swear a mighty oath
+therewith: verily by this staff that shall no more put forth leaf or
+twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the hills, neither
+shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of leaves
+and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise judgment bear
+it in their hands, even they that by Zeus' command watch over the
+traditions--so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes--verily shall
+longing for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians one
+and all; and then wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all thy
+grief, when multitudes fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then shalt
+thou tear thy heart within thee for anger that thou didst in no wise
+honour the best of the Achaians."
+
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden
+nails, and himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed
+furious. Then in their midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed
+discourse sweeter than honey. Two generations of mortal men already had
+he seen perish, that had been of old time born and nurtured with him in
+goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He of good intent made
+harangue to them and said: "Alas, of a truth sore lamentation cometh
+upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and Priam's sons,
+and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were they to hear all
+this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the Danaans
+in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are younger
+both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even than you,
+and never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such warriors,
+nor shall behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of the host and
+Kaineus and Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus son of Aigeus,
+like to the Immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of all men upon
+the earth; mightiest they were and with the mightiest fought they, even
+the wild tribes of the Mountain caves, and destroyed them utterly. And
+with these held I converse, being come from Pylos, from a distant land
+afar; for of themselves they summoned me. So I played my part in fight;
+and with them could none of men that are now on earth do battle. And
+they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to my voice. Even so
+hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither do thou, though
+thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but leave her as she was
+given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to be a meed of honour;
+nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a king, might against
+might; seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a sceptred king to
+whom Zeus apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong, and a goddess
+mother bare thee, yet his is the greater place, for he is king over
+more. And thou, Atreides, abate thy fury; nay, it is even I that beseech
+thee to let go thine anger with Achilles, who is made unto all the
+Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil war."
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: "Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all
+others, he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all;
+wherein I deem none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made
+him a spearman, do they therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to
+utter?"
+
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: "Yea, for I should be
+called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
+howsoe'er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
+master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover, will
+I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by
+violence will I strive for the damsel's sake, neither with thee nor any
+other; ye gave and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine
+beside my fleet black ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or bear
+it away against my will. Yea, go to now, make trial, that all these may
+see; forthwith thy dark blood shall gush about my spear."
+
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they
+stood up and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides
+went his way to his huts and trim ships with Menoitios' son [Patroklos]
+and his company; and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and
+picked twenty oarsmen therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god,
+and brought Chryseis of the fair cheeks and set her therein; and
+Odysseus of many devices went to be their captain.
+
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the
+folk purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the
+defilements into the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished
+hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea; and
+the sweet savour arose to heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not from
+the strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake to
+Talthybios and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires: "Go
+ye to the tent of Achilles Peleus' son, and take Briseis of the fair
+cheeks by the hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not, then
+will I myself go, and more with me, and seize her; and that will be yet
+more grievous for him."
+
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them.
+Unwillingly went they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came to
+the huts and ships of the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside his
+hut and black ship; nor when he saw them was Achilles glad. So they in
+dread and reverence of the king stood, and spake to him no word, nor
+questioned him. But he knew in his heart, and spake to them: "All hail,
+ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, come near; ye are not guilty in
+my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the sake of the damsel
+Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the damsel, and
+give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be my
+witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and of
+him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of me
+hereafter to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth
+with baleful mind, and hath not knowledge to look before and after, that
+so his Achaians might battle in safety beside their ships."
+
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth
+from the hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead away.
+So these twain took their way back along the Achaians' ships, and with
+them went the woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and sat him
+down apart, aloof from his comrades on the beach of the grey sea, gazing
+across the boundless main; he stretched forth his hands and prayed
+instantly to his dear mother: "Mother, seeing thou didst of a truth bear
+me to so brief span of life, honour at the least ought the Olympian to
+have granted me, even Zeus that thundereth on high; but now doth he not
+honour me, no, not one whit. Verily Atreus' son, wide-ruling Agamemnon,
+hath done me dishonour; for he hath taken away my meed of honour and
+keepeth her of his own violent deed."
+
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey sea,
+like a mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and
+stroked him with her hand, and spake and called on his name: "My child,
+why weepest thou? What sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it
+forth, hide it not in thy mind, that both may know it."
+
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: "Thou knowest
+it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to
+Thebe, the holy city of Eetion, and laid it waste and carried hither all
+the spoils. So the sons of the Achaians divided among them all aright;
+and for Atreides they set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks. But
+Chryses, priest of Apollo the Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships of
+the mail-clad Achaians to win his daughter's freedom, and brought a
+ransom beyond telling, and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
+Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his prayer unto all the
+Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
+host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest
+and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern
+charge upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard his
+prayers, seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the Argives
+his deadly darts. So the people began to perish in multitudes, and the
+god's shafts ranged everywhither throughout the wide host of the
+Achaians. Then of full knowledge the seer declared to us the oracle of
+the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade propitiate the god; but wrath gat
+hold upon Atreus' son thereat, and anon he stood up and spake a
+threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her the glancing-eyed
+Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and bear with
+them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds went and
+took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons of the
+Achaians gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard thine own
+son; betake thee to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any word whereby thou
+ever didst make glad his heart. For oft have I heard thee proclaiming in
+my father's halls and telling that thou alone amid the immortals didst
+save the son of Kronos, lord of the storm-cloud, from shameful wreck,
+when all the other Olympians would have bound him, even Hera and
+Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O goddess, enter in and
+loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to high Olympus him
+of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all men call Aigaion;
+for he is mightier even than his father--so he sate him by Kronion's
+side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods feared him withal
+and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his remembrance and sit by him
+and clasp his knees, if perchance he will give succour to the Trojans;
+and for the Achaians, hem them among their ships' sterns about the bay,
+given over to slaughter; that they may make trial of their king, and
+that even Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness,
+in that he honoured not at all the best of the Achaians."
+
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: "Ah me, my child, why reared I
+thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
+griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no
+long while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable
+beyond all men; in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go
+myself to snow-clad Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy
+is in the thunder, [perhaps rather, "hurler of the thunderbolt."] if
+perchance he may hearken to me. But tarry thou now amid thy fleet-faring
+ships, and continue wroth with the Achaians, and refrain utterly from
+battle: for Zeus went yesterday to Okeanos, unto the noble Ethiopians
+for a feast, and all the gods followed with him; but on the twelfth day
+will he return to Olympus, and then will I fare to Zeus' palace of the
+bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and think to win him."
+
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled woman's sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his
+will: and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb. When
+they were now entered within the deep haven, they furled their sails and
+laid them in the black ship, and lowered the mast by the forestays and
+brought it to the crutch with speed, and rowed her with oars to the
+anchorage. Then they cast out the mooring stones and made fast the
+hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to the sea-beach, and forth
+they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo, and forth came
+Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many counsels
+brought her to the altar and gave her into her father's arms, and spake
+unto him: "Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to bring thee
+thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the Danaans'
+behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought sorrow
+and lamentation on the Argives."
+
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child;
+and anon they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his
+well-builded altar; next washed they their hands and took up the barley
+meal. Then Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud for them:
+"Hearken to me, god of the silver bow that standest over Chryse and holy
+Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might; even as erst thou heardest my
+prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily afflictest the people of the
+Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire: remove thou from the
+Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence."
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had
+prayed and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims'
+heads and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the
+thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
+collops thereon, and the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made
+libation over them of gleaming wine; and at his side the young men in
+their hands held five-pronged forks. Now when the thighs were burnt and
+they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest and pierced it
+through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off again. So
+when they had rest from the task and had made ready the banquet, they
+feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when
+they had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, the young men
+crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his portion after the
+drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all day long worshipped
+they the god with music, singing the beautiful paean, the sons of the
+Achaians making music to the Far-darter [or, "the Averter" (of
+pestilence)]; and his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down
+and darkness came on them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship's
+hawsers; and when rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning,
+then set they sail for the wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the
+Far-darter sent them a favouring gale. They set up their mast and spread
+the white sails forth, and the wind filled the sail's belly and the dark
+wave sang loud about the stem as the ship made way, and she sped across
+the wave, accomplishing her journey. So when they were now come to the
+wide camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black ship to land high
+upon the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her; and
+themselves were scattered amid their huts and ships.
+
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the heaven-sprung
+son of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him neither to the
+assembly that is the hero's glory, neither to war, but consumed his
+heart in tarrying in his place, and yearned for the war-cry and for
+battle.
+
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are
+for ever fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis forgat
+not her son's charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at early morn
+mounted up to great heaven and Olympus. There found she Kronos' son of
+the far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the topmost peak of
+many-ridged Olympus. So she sat before his face and with her left hand
+clasped his knees, and with her right touched him beneath his chin, and
+spake in prayer to king Zeus son of Kronos: "Father Zeus, if ever I gave
+thee aid amid the immortal gods, whether by word or deed, fulfil thou
+this my desire: do honour to my son, that is doomed to earliest death of
+all men: now hath Agamemnon king of men done him dishonour, for he hath
+taken away his meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.
+But honour thou him, Zeus of Olympus, lord of counsel; grant thou
+victory to the Trojans the while until the Achaians do my son honour and
+exalt him with recompense."
+
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat
+long time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held
+she by him clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: "Promise me
+now this thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me, seeing
+there is naught for thee to fear; that I may know full well how I among
+all gods am least in honour."
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: "Verily it is
+a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene'er she
+provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever amid
+the immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do
+thou now depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought for
+these things to fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee, that
+thou mayest be of good courage; for that, of my part, is the surest
+token amid the immortals; no word of mine is revocable nor false nor
+unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath pledged it."
+
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved
+from the king's immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the
+deep sea from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All
+the gods in company arose from their seats before their father's face;
+neither ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him.
+So he sate him there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not ignorant
+how that the daughter of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the
+silver-footed, had devised counsel with him. Anon with taunting words
+spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: "Now who among the gods, thou
+crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is ever thy good
+pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give thy
+judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
+declare unto me the thing thou purposest."
+
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: "Hera, think not thou
+to know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my
+wife. But whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than
+thou shall know, be he god or man. Only when I will to take thought
+aloof from the gods, then do not thou ask of every matter nor make
+question."
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. "Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have
+not asked thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou
+have been won over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of
+the sea, for she at early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To her
+I deem thou gavest a sure pledge that thou wilt do honour to Achilles,
+and lay many low beside the Achaians' ships."
+
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: "Lady, Good lack! ever art
+thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have
+power to fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be
+even the worse for thee. And if it be so, then such must my good
+pleasure be. Abide thou in silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all
+the gods that are in Olympus keep not off from thee my visitation, when
+I put forth my hands unapproachable against thee."
+
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence,
+curbing her heart; but throughout Zeus' palace the gods of heaven were
+troubled. Then Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue
+among them, to do kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: "Verily this
+will be a sorry matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain thus
+fight for mortals' sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods; neither
+will there any more be joy of the goodly feast, seeing that evil
+triumpheth. So I give counsel to my mother, though herself is wise, to
+do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that our father upbraid us not
+again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the Olympian, the lord
+of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is strongest
+far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the Olympian
+forthwith be gracious unto us."
+
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother's hand the twy-handled
+cup, and spake to her: "Be of good courage, mother mine, and endure,
+though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so dear, chastised
+before mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all my sorrow to save
+thee; for the Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea, once ere this, when I
+was fain to save thee, he caught me by my foot and hurled me from the
+heavenly threshold; all day I flew, and at the set of sun I fell in
+Lemnos, and little life was in me. There did the Sintian folk forthwith
+tend me for my fall."
+
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the
+cup at her son's hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from
+right to left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter
+unquenchable arose amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling
+through the palace.
+
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul
+aught stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that Apollo
+held, and the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his own
+house to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning device
+by famed Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the lord of
+lightning, departed to his couch where he was wont of old to take his
+rest, whenever sweet sleep visited him. There went he up and slept, and
+beside him was Hera of the golden throne.
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+    How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly
+    of the Achaians and their marching forth to battle. And of
+    the names and numbers of the hosts of the Achaians and the
+    Trojans.
+
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only
+Zeus was not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his heart
+how he should do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the
+Achaians' ships. And this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit, to
+send a baneful dream upon Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and
+uttered to him winged words: "Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the
+Achaians' fleet ships, enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus,
+and tell him every word plainly as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms
+the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now he may take the
+wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang."
+
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge.
+With speed he came to the Achaians' fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber
+poured over him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son
+of Neleus, even Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured;
+in his likeness spake to him the heavenly Dream:
+
+"Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are
+entrusted and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me,
+for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath
+great care for thee and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the
+flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now thou mayest take
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
+halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
+turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
+hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart, not let
+forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave thee."
+
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his mind
+things that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to take
+Priam's city that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the plans that
+Zeus had in mind, who was willed to bring yet more grief and wailing on
+Trojans alike and Danaans throughout the course of stubborn fights. Then
+woke he from sleep, and the heavenly voice was in his ears. So he rose
+up sitting, and donned his soft tunic, fair and bright, and cast around
+him his great cloak, and beneath his glistering feet he bound his fair
+sandals, and over his shoulders cast his silver-studded sword, and
+grasped his sires' sceptre, imperishable for ever, wherewith he took his
+way amid the mail-clad Achaians' ships.
+
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus
+and all the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds summon
+to the assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those summon, and
+these gathered with speed.
+
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship of
+king Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed his
+cunning counsel: "Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to me in
+my sleep through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly Nestor was
+very like in shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over my head and
+charged me saying: 'Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses?
+To sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to
+whom peoples are entrusted and so many cares belong. But now hearken
+straightway to me, for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he
+be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He biddeth thee call to
+arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now thou
+mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that
+dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since
+Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the
+Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy
+heart.' So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet sleep left me.
+So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of the Achaians. But
+first I will speak to make trial of them as is fitting, and bid them
+flee with their benched ships; only do ye from this side and from that
+speak to hold them back."
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor, who
+was king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them and
+said: "My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any other of
+the Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and
+rather turn away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of all Achaians
+avoweth himself far greatest. So come, let us call to arms as we may the
+sons of the Achaians."
+
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other
+sceptred chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and
+the people hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees
+issue from the hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly clustering
+among the flowers of spring, and some on this hand and some on that fly
+thick; even so from ships and huts before the low beach marched forth
+their many tribes by companies to the place of assembly. And in their
+midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of Zeus, urging them to go; and so
+they gathered. And the place of assemblage was in an uproar, and the
+earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and there was turmoil.
+Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if perchance they might
+refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit, and keep them to
+their benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord Agamemnon bearing
+his sceptre, that Hephaistos had wrought curiously. Hephaistos gave it
+to king Zeus son of Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to the messenger-god
+the slayer of Argus [Or, possibly, "the swift-appearing"]; and king
+Hermes gave it to Pelops the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to
+Atreus shepherd of the host. And Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich
+in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left it to Agamemnon to bear, that
+over many islands and all Argos he should be lord. Thereon he leaned and
+spake his saying to the Argives:
+
+"My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares' company, Zeus Kronos' son
+hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart is
+he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not till I
+had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that he
+planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured, with
+the loss of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty Zeus,
+who hath laid low the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay low; for
+his is highest power. Shame is this even for them that come after to
+hear; how so goodly and great a folk of the Achaians thus vainly warred
+a bootless war, and fought scantier enemies, and no end thereof is yet
+seen. For if perchance we were minded, both Achaians and Trojans, to
+swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if the Trojans should
+gather together all that have their dwellings in the city, and we
+Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every company choose a
+Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a cup-bearer: so
+much, I say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the Trojans that
+dwell within the city. But allies from many cities, even warriors that
+wield the spear, are therein, and they hinder me perforce, and for all
+my will suffer me not to waste the populous citadel of Ilios. Already
+have nine years of great Zeus passed away, and our ships' timbers have
+rotted and the tackling is loosed; while there our wives and little
+children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet is our task utterly
+unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come, even as I bid let us
+all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear native land; for now
+shall we never take wide-wayed Troy."
+
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout the
+multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly swayed
+like high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south wind
+raise, rushing upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even as
+when the west wind cometh to stir a deep cornfield with violent blast,
+and the ears bow down, so was all the assembly stirred, and they with
+shouting hasted toward the ships; and the dust from beneath their feet
+rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his neighbor to seize the
+ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared out the
+launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will
+of fate, but that Hera spake a word to Athene: "Out on it, daughter of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed flee
+homeward to their dear native land over the sea's broad back? But they
+would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos,
+for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away from his
+dear native land. But go thou now amid the host of the mail-clad
+Achaians; with thy gentle words refrain thou every man, neither suffer
+them to draw their curved ships down to the salt sea."
+
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but
+went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the
+fleet ships of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of
+Zeus in counsel, neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship,
+because grief had entered into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed
+Athene stood by him and said: "Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of
+many devices, will ye indeed fling yourselves upon your benched ships to
+flee homeward to your dear native land? But ye would leave to Priam and
+the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for whose sake many an
+Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear native land. But go
+thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and with gentle
+words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved ships
+down to the salt sea."
+
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and
+set him to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered
+up, even Eurybated of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went to
+meet Agamemnon son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre of
+his sires, imperishable for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by
+his side, and refrained him with gentle words: "Good sir, it is not
+seemly to affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make
+all thy folk sit down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the
+purpose of Atreus' son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will
+afflict the sons of the Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he
+spake in the council? Beware lest in his anger he evilly entreat the
+sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul of heaven-fostered kings;
+because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of counsel loveth them."
+
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he
+drave with his sceptre and chode him with loud words: "Good sir, sit
+still and hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou
+art no warrior, and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in
+council. In no wise can we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of
+masters is no good thing; let there be one master, one king, to whom the
+son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath granted it, [even the sceptre and
+judgments, that he may rule among you"].
+
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly
+from ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea
+roareth on the long beach and the main resoundeth.
+
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only
+Thersites still chattered on, the uncontrolled speech, whose mind was
+full of words many and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the
+chiefs idly and in no good order, but even as he deemed that he should
+make the Argives laugh. And he was ill-favored beyond all men that came
+to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of one foot, and his two
+shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over them his head
+was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he to
+Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But
+now with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly
+Agamemnon. With him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in
+their souls. But he with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon:
+"Atreides, for what art thou now ill content and lacking? Surely thy
+huts are full of bronze and many women are in they huts, the chosen
+spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all, whene'er we take a town.
+Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well, such as some one of the
+horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his son, whom I
+perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some young
+girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it is
+not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the
+Achaians to ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia
+and men no more, let us depart home with our ships, and leave this
+fellow here in Troy-land to gorge him with meeds of honour, that he may
+see whether our aid avail him aught or no; even he that hath now done
+dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he; for he hath taken away
+his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent deed. Of a very
+surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles' mind, but he is slack; else
+this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last."
+
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with hard
+words rebuked him: "Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator though
+thou art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against kings. For I
+deem that no mortal is baser than thou of all that with the sons of
+Atreus came before Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou shouldest not
+have kings in thy mouth as thou talkest, and utter revilings against
+them and be on the watch for departure. We know not yet clearly how
+these things shall be, whether we sons of the Achaians shall return for
+good or ill. Therefore now dost thou revile continually Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the Danaan warriors give him many
+gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly. But I will tell thee plain, and
+that I say shall even be brought to pass: if I find thee again raving as
+now thou art, then may Odysseus' head no longer abide upon his
+shoulders, nor may I any more be called father of Telemachos, if I take
+thee not and strip from thee thy garments, thy mantle and tunic that
+cover thy nakedness, and for thyself send thee weeping to the fleet
+ships, and beat thee out of the assembly with shameful blows."
+
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he
+bowed down and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up from
+his back beneath the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was amazed,
+and in pain with helpless look wiped away the tear. But the rest, though
+they were sotty, laughed lightly at him, and thus would one speak
+looking at another standing by: "Go to, of a truth Odysseus hath wrought
+good deeds without number ere now, standing foremost in wise counsels
+and setting battle in array, but now is this thing the best by far that
+he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he hath stayed this
+prating railer from his harangues. Never again, forsooth, will his proud
+soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with slanderous words."
+
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with
+sceptre in his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness
+of a herald bade the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the
+Achaians, both the nearest and the farthest, might hear his words
+together and give heed to his counsel. He of good intent made harangue
+to them and said: "Atreides, now surely are the Achaians for making
+thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will they fulfil
+the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching hither
+from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow
+women do they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is
+toil to make a man depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but one
+single month far from his wife in his benched ship fretteth himself when
+winter storms and the furious sea imprison him; but for us, the ninth
+year of our stay here is upon us in its course. Therefore do I not
+marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their beaked ships; yet
+nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty. Be of good
+heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether Kalchas be a
+true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in our hearts,
+and ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates of death
+have not borne away. It was as it were but yesterday or the day before
+that the Achaians' ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted with trouble
+for Priam and the Trojans; and we round about a spring were offering on
+the holy altars unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a fair
+plane-tree whence flowed bright water, when there was seen a great
+portent: a snake blood-red on the back, terrible, whom the god of
+Olympus himself had sent forth to the light of day, sprang from beneath
+the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now there were there the brood
+of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the topmost branch, nestling
+beneath the leaves; eight were they and the mother of the little ones
+was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these cheeping pitifully. And the
+mother fluttered around wailing for her dear little ones; but he coiled
+himself and caught her by the wing as she screamed about him. Now when
+he had swallowed the sparrow's little ones and the mother with them, the
+god who revealed him made of him a sign; for the son of
+crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to stone, and we stood by and
+marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread portent brake in upon
+the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas forthwith prophesy, and
+said: 'Why hold ye your peace, ye flowing-haired Achaians? To us hath
+Zeus the counsellor shown this great sign, late come, of late
+fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never perish. Even as he swallowed
+the sparrow's little ones and herself, the eight wherewith the mother
+that bare the little ones was the ninth, so shall we war there so many
+years, but in the tenth year shall we take the wide-wayed city.' So
+spake the seer; and now are all these things being fulfilled. So come,
+abide ye all, ye well-greaved Achaians, even where ye are, until we have
+taken the great city of Priam."
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships
+echoed terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying
+of god-like Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia: "Out on it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys that
+have no care for deeds of war. What shall come of our covenants and our
+oaths? Let all counsels be cast into the fire and all devices of
+warriors and the pure drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship
+wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving with words nor can we
+find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here. Son of Atreus,
+do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the Argives amid
+the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one or two
+Achaians that take secret counsel--to depart to Argos first, before they
+know whether the promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or no. Yea, for
+I say that most mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day when the
+Argives embarked upon their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans death
+and fate; for by his lightning upon our right he manifested signs of
+good. Therefore let Trojan's wife and paid back his strivings and groans
+for Helen's sake. But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards,
+let him lay his hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he
+may encounter death and fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel
+thyself, and whate'er it be, shall not be cast away. Separate thy
+warriors by tribes and by clans, Agamemnon, that clan may give aid to
+clan and tribe to tribe. If thou do thus and the Achaians hearken to
+thee, then wilt thou know who among thy captains and who of the common
+sort is a coward, and who too is brave; for they will fight each after
+their sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine command that
+thou shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors and
+their ill skill in battle."
+
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: "Verily hast thou again
+outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus and
+Athene and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such
+councillors; then would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our
+hands, captive and wasted. But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos,
+hath brought sorrows upon me, in that he casteth my lot amid fruitless
+wranglings and strifes. For in truth I and Achilles fought about a
+damsel with violent words, and I was first to be angry; but if we can
+only be at one in council, then will there no more be any putting off
+the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go ye to
+your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his spear
+and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his fleet-footed
+steeds their meal, and look well to his chariot on every side and take
+thought for battle, that all day long we may contend in hateful war. For
+of respite shall there intervene no, not a whit, only that the coming of
+night shall part the fury of warriors. On each man's breast shall the
+baldrick of his covering shield be wet with sweat, and his hand shall
+grow faint about the spear, and each man's horse shall sweat as he
+draweth the polished chariot. And whomsoever I perceive minded to tarry
+far from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him shall there be no
+hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of prey."
+
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep
+shore, when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting
+rock, that is never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise
+from this side and from that. And they did sacrifice each man to one of
+the everlasting gods, praying for escape from death and the tumult of
+battle. But Agamemnon king of men slew a fat bull of five years to most
+mighty Kronion, and called the elders, the princes of the Achaian host,
+Nestor first and king Idomeneus, and then the two Aiantes and Tydeus'
+son, and sixthly Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel. And Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry came to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart how his
+brother toiled. Then stood they around the bull and took the
+barley-meal. And Agamemnon made his prayer in their midst and said:
+"Zeus, most glorious, most great, god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest
+in the heaven, vouchsafe that the sun set not upon us nor the darkness
+come near, till I have laid low upon the earth Priam's palace smirched
+with smoke, and burnt the doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent
+on Hector's breast his doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may
+full many of his comrades prone in the dust bite the earth."
+
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he
+accepted the sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew
+back the bull's head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices
+from the thigh's and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid
+raw collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of
+leaves, and spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos' flame. Now
+when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced
+they all the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it
+carefully and drew all off again. So when they had rest from the task
+and had made ready the banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught
+stinted of the fair banquet. But when they had put away from them the
+desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor of Gerenia open his
+saying to them: "Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, let us
+not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay the work that
+god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the mail-clad
+Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them throughout the
+ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide host of the
+Achaians, that the speedier we may arouse keen war."
+
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he
+bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired
+Achaians. So those summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the
+kings, the fosterlings of Zeus that were about Atreus' son, eagerly
+marshalled them, and bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy
+aegis that knoweth neither age nor death, whereon wave an hundred
+tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven and each one an hundred oxen
+worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the Achaian folk, urging
+them forth; and in every man's heart she roused strength to battle
+without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to them than to
+depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as ravaging
+fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountain's peaks, and the blaze is
+seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling gleam from the
+innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the heavens.
+
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or
+long-necked swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios' stream, fly hither
+and thither joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever
+onwards, and the mead resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of
+warriors from ships and huts into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth
+echoed terribly beneath the tread of men and horses. So stood they in
+the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as are leaves and flowers in
+their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies that hover about a
+herdsman's steading in the spring season, when milk drencheth the pails,
+even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon the plain in
+face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as the
+goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they mingle in
+the pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side and that,
+to enter into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon, his head and
+eyes like unto Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his waist like unto
+Ares and his breast unto Poseidon. Even as a bull standeth out far
+foremost amid the herd, for his is pre-eminent amid the pasturing kine,
+even such did Zeus make Atreides on that day, pre-eminent among many and
+chief amid heroes.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus--seeing that
+ye are goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only a
+rumour and know not anything--who were the captains of the Danaans and
+their lords. But the common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not
+if ten tongues were mine and ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my
+heart of bronze within me, did not the Muses of Olympus, daughters of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all that came to Ilios. So will I
+tell the captains of the ships and all the ships in order.
+
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoenor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky
+Aulis and Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and
+Graia and Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and
+Eilesion and Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and
+Hyle, Okalea and the stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis
+and Thisbe haunt of doves; and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos,
+and that possessed Plataia and that dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed
+the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes and holy Onchestos, Poseidon's
+bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich in vineyards, and Mideia and
+sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders. Of these there came
+fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the Boiotians an
+hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos of
+the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom
+Astyoche conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of
+Azeus, having entered her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty
+Ares lay with her privily. And with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of
+great-hearted Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed
+Kyparissos and rocky Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus, and
+they that dwelt about Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that lived
+by the goodly river Kephisos and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos' springs.
+And with them followed thirty black ships. So they marshalled the ranks
+of the Phokians diligently, and had their station hard by the Boiotians
+on the left.
+
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less,
+that was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small was
+he, with linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the
+Hellenes and Achaians. These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and
+Kalliaros and Bessa and Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and
+Thronion, about the streams of Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty
+black ships of the Lokrians that dwell over against holy Euboia.
+
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis
+and Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and
+the steep fortress of Dios and they that possessed Karytos, and they
+that dwelt in Styra, all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock
+of Ares, even the son of Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes.
+And with him followed the fleet Abantes with hair flowing behind,
+spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched to tear the corslets on
+the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships followed.
+
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of
+Erechtheus the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered
+when Earth, the grain-giver, brought him to birth;--and she gave him a
+resting-place in Athens in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons of
+the Athenians worship him with bulls and rams as the years turn in their
+courses--these again were led of Menestheus son of Peteos. And there was
+no man upon the face of earth that was like him for the marshalling of
+horsemen and warriors that bear the shield. Only Nestor rivalled him,
+for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled him, for he was the
+elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them
+where the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione
+and Asine that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eionai and Epidauros
+full of vines, and the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and
+Mases, these were led of Diomedes of the loud war-cary and Sthenelos,
+dear son of famous Kapaneus. And the third with them came Euryalos, a
+godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus son of Talaos. But Diomedes
+of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with them eighty black ships
+followed.
+
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and wealthy
+Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely
+Araithyrea and Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of
+them that possessed Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt
+about Aigion and through all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of
+them did lord Agamemnon son of Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him
+followed most and goodliest folk by far; and in their midst himself was
+clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was pre-eminent amid all
+warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far greatest in number.
+
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills,
+and Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in
+Bryseiai and lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and
+the sea-coast fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt about
+Oitylos, of these was the king's brother leader, even Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry, leader of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart. And
+himself marched among them confident in his zeal, urging his men to
+battle: and his heart most of all was set to take vengeance for his
+strivings and groans for Helen's sake [Or, "for Helen's searchings of
+heart and groans."].
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the
+fording-place of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were inhabitants
+of Kyparisseis and Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and Dorion--where
+the Muses met Thamyris the Thracian, and made an end of his singing, as
+he was faring from Oichalia, from Eurytos the Oichalian; for he averred
+with boasting that he would conquer, even did the Muses themselves sing
+against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus; but they in their
+anger maimed him, moreover they took from him the high gift of song and
+made him to forget his harping--of all these was knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of
+Kyllene, beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand
+to hand; and of them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in
+flocks, and Rhipe and Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed Tegea
+and lovely Mantineia, and possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in Parhasie, of
+these was Ankaios' son lord Agapenor leader, even of sixty ships; and in
+each ship embarked many Arkadian warriors skilled in fight. For
+Agamemnon king of men himself gave them benched ships wherewith to cross
+the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus; for matters of seafaring
+concerned them not.
+
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof
+as Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and
+Aleision bound between them, of these men there were four captains, and
+ten swift ships followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon. So
+some were led of Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor, sons
+one of Kteatos and one of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores
+captain, son of Amarynkes; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos
+was captain, son of king Agasthenes Augeias' son.
+
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond the
+sea over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares,
+Phyleides to wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus,
+him that erst changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against his
+father. And with him followed forty black ships.
+
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed
+Ithaka and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and
+rugged Aigilips, and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in
+Samos, and possessed the mainland and dwelt in the parts over against
+the isles. Them did Odysseus lead, the peer of Zeus in counsel, and with
+him followed twelve ships with vermillion prow.
+
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of
+them that dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the
+sea-shore and rocky Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were
+no more, neither did he still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was
+dead, to whose hands all had been committed, for him to be king of the
+Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed forty black ships.
+
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of
+them that possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and
+Miletos and chalky Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities
+all; and of all others that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of
+these men was Idomeneus the famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer of
+the man-slaying war-god. With these followed eighty black ships.
+
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles' son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
+ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold
+ordering, in Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of
+Tlepolemos the famous spearman, that was born to great Herakles by
+Astyocheia, whom he had brought away from Ephyre by the river Selleeis,
+when he laid waste many cities of strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now
+when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood within the strong palace walls,
+anon he slew his own father's dear uncle, an old man now, Likymnios of
+the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships and gathered much folk
+together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the other sons and
+grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes a
+wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
+tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and
+Kronion poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
+
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia
+and king Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under
+Ilios of all the Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was
+a weakling, and a scanty host followed him.
+
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
+city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
+Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
+With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos
+and Alope and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair
+women, and were called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all
+these, even fifty ships, Achilles was captain. But these took no thought
+of noisy war; for there was no man to array them in line of battle. For
+fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle amid the ships, wroth for the sake
+of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair, whom he had won from Lyrnessos
+and the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and Epistrophos, warriors
+that bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos' son. For her sake lay
+Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
+
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter's
+sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and
+Pteleos couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader
+while yet he lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His
+wife with marred visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal
+chamber half builded; for a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from
+his ship far first of the Achaians. Yet neither were his men leaderless,
+though they sorrowed for their leader; for Podarkes of the stock of Ares
+marshalled them, son of Phylakos' son Iphiklos was he, the lord of many
+flocks, own brother of great-hearted Protesilaos, and younger-born than
+he: but the other was alike the elder and the braver, even Protesilaos,
+that mighty man of war. Yet did not the host lack at all a leader, only
+they yearned for the noble dead. With him followed forty black ships.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
+Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos'
+dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
+Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
+Pelias.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia
+and rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader,
+the cunning archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to
+fight amain with the bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in
+the isle of goodly Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaians left him sick
+of a grievous wound from a deadly water-snake. There lay he pining; yet
+were the Argives soon to bethink them beside their ships of king
+Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless, only they sorrowed for
+their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus' bastard son, whom Rhene
+bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced ithome and that possessed
+Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again Asklepios' two
+sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and Machaon. And with
+them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and
+possessed Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was
+Eurypylos leader, Euaimon's glorious son; and with him, forty black
+ships followed.
+
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and
+Elone and the white city of Olooson, of these was captain unflinching
+Polypoites, son of Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites
+did famed Hippodameia conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took
+vengeance of the shaggy wild folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion and
+drave them to the Aithikes. And Polypoites ruled not alone, but with him
+was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son of high-hearted Koronos Kaineus'
+son. And with them forty black ships followed.
+
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed
+the Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes
+about wintry Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios that
+poureth his fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not mingle
+with the silver eddies of Peneios, but floweth on over him like unto
+oil, seeing that he is an offspring from the water of Styx, the dread
+river of the oath.
+
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that
+dwelt about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet
+Prothoos lead, and with him forty black ships followed.
+
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell
+me, O Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike and
+horses that followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres' son
+were far goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like of
+coat, like of age, matched to the measure of a levelling line across
+their backs. These were reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow,
+two mares carrying onward the terror of battle. But of warriors far best
+was the Telamonian Aias, while the wrath of Achilles yet endured; for he
+was greatest of all, he and his horses that bore him, even Peleus' noble
+son. But he lay idle among his seafaring ships, in sore wrath against
+Agamemnon Atreus' son, shepherd of the host; and his folk along the
+sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins and archery;
+and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle, champing clover
+and parsley of the marsh, and their lords' chariots lay well covered up
+within the huts, while the men yearned for their warrior chief, and
+wandered hither and thither through the camp and fought not.
+
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire;
+and the earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is
+in the thunder, when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country
+of the Arimoi, where men say is Typhoeus' couch. Even so groaned the
+earth aloud at their tread as they went: and with speed advanced they
+across the plain.
+
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding assembly
+at Priam's gate, being gathered all together both young men and old. And
+fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she made her
+voice like to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the sentinel of
+the Trojans and was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness upon the
+barrow of Aisyetes of old, and on the top thereof wait the sallying of
+the Achaians forth from their ships. Even in his likeness did
+fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: "Old man, words beyond number are
+still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace; but war without
+respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered into
+battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so
+great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the sands
+of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the city.
+But Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall say.
+Seeing that the allies are very many throughout Priam's great city, and
+diverse men, being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues; therefore let
+each one give the word to those whose chieftain he is, and them let him
+lead forth and have the ordering of his countrymen."
+
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess,
+and straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And the
+gates were thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and
+horsemen, and mighty din arose.
+
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain,
+with a clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call
+this "Batieia," but the immortals call it "The tomb of lithe Myrine."
+There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son
+of Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were
+arrayed, eager warriors of the spear.
+
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias,
+whom bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a
+goddess wedded to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were
+Antenor's two sons, Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the ways
+of war.
+
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida, the
+men of substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the Troes;
+of these Lykaon's glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom Apollo
+himself gave the bow.
+
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and
+possessed Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was
+captain, and Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of
+Perkote, that beyond all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered
+his children marching to murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for
+the fates of black death led them on.
+
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and
+Abydos and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos' son Asios, a
+prince of men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds
+brought from Arisbe, from the river Selleeis.
+
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
+them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos and
+Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
+Teutamos.
+
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they
+that the strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was
+captain of the Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos' son,
+fosterling of Zeus.
+
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in
+Amydon, from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the fairest
+that floweth over the face of the earth.
+
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of
+the Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that
+possessed Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed
+dwellings round the river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty
+Erythini.
+
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
+Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
+
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all
+his auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by the
+hand of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of the
+Trojans there and of the rest.
+
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania, and
+these were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes'
+two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the Maionians,
+whose birthplace was under Tmolos.
+
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos
+and the mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of
+Maiandros and the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos
+and Nastes: Nastes and Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And
+he came, forsooth, to battle with golden attire like a girl--fond man:
+that held not back in any wise grievous destruction, but he was
+vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, and
+wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
+Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+    How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and
+    Aphrodite rescued Paris. And how Helen and Priam beheld the
+    Achaian host from the walls of Troy.
+
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the
+Trojans marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as
+when there goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from
+the coming of winter and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the
+streams of ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in
+early morn offer cruel battle. But on the other side marched the
+Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at heart to give succour
+man to man.
+
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a mountain,
+mist unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than night,
+and a man can see no further than he casteth a stone; even so thick
+arose the gathering dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and
+with all speed they advanced across the plain.
+
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike
+Alexandros played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders
+panther-skin and curved bow and sword; and he brandished two
+bronze-headed spears and challenged all the chieftains of the Argives to
+fight him man to man in deadly combat. But when Menelaos dear to Ares
+marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude with long strides,
+then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great carcase, a
+horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an hungered; and
+so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds and lusty youths
+set upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his eyes beheld godlike
+Alexandros; for he thought to take vengeance upon the sinner. So
+straightway he leap in his armour from his chariot to the ground.
+
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his
+heart was smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades,
+avoiding death. And even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a mountain
+glade starteth backward and trembling seizeth his feet beneath him,
+and he retreateth back again, and paleness hath hold of his cheeks, even
+so did godlike Alexandros for fear of Atreus' son shrink back into the
+throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector beheld and upbraided him with
+scornful words: "Ill Paris, most fair in semblance, thou deceiver
+woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed. Yea, that were
+my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our shame and looked
+at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired Achaians laugh,
+deeming that a prince is our champion only because a goodly favour is
+his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any courage. Art thou
+indeed such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou didst sail over the
+deep with the company of thy trusty comrades, and in converse with
+strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a far country, one that was
+by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the spear, that she might be
+a sore mischief to they father and city and all the realm, but to our
+foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the head? And canst thou
+not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou mightest see what sort of
+warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast. Thy lyre will not avail thee
+nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy locks and fair favour, when thou
+grovellest in the dust. But the Trojans are very cowards: else ere this
+hadst thou donned a robe of stone [i.e., been stoned by the people] for
+all the ill thou hast wrought."
+
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: "Hector, since in
+measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure--they heart is ever keen,
+even as an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a
+ship's timber with skill, and thereby is the man's blow strengthened;
+even such is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth the
+lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the gods'
+glorious gifts that of their own good will they give; for by his desire
+can no man win them. But now if thou wilt have me do battle and fight,
+make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians, and set ye me in
+the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to fight for Helen and all her
+wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him
+take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home. And let
+the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
+deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses,
+and Achaia home of fair women."
+
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went
+into the midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his
+spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down. But the
+flowing-haired Achaians kept shooting at him, aiming with arrows and
+casting stones. But Agamemnon king of men cried aloud: "Refrain, ye
+Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the Achaians; for Hector of the glancing
+helm hath set himself to say somewhat."
+
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily.
+And Hector spake between the two hosts, "Hear of me, Trojans and
+well-greaved Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
+hath come about. He biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to
+lay down their goodly armour on the bounteous earth, and himself in the
+midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to fight alone for Helen and all her
+wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him
+take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home; but let
+all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths."
+
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their
+midst spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: "Hearken ye now to me, too;
+for into my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the
+parting of Argives and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have endured
+many ills because of my quarrel and the first sin of Alexandros. And for
+whichsoever of us death and fate are prepared, let him lie dead: and be
+ye all parted with speed. Bring ye two lambs, one white ram and one
+black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring one for Zeus. And call
+hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath himself, seeing he hath
+sons that are overweening and faithless, lest any by transgression do
+violence to the oath of Zeus; for young men's hearts are ever lifted up.
+But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he looketh both before and
+after, whereby the best issue shall come for either side."
+
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they
+should have rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to
+the ranks, and themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these they
+laid upon the earth each close to each, and there was but small space
+between. And Hector sent two heralds to the city will all speed, to
+bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And lord Agamemnon sent forth
+Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him bring a ram; and he
+was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of her
+husband's sister, the spouse of Antenor's son, even her that lord
+Helikaon Antenor's son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of Priam's
+daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web of
+double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at
+the hands of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said:
+"Come hither, dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of
+horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged
+tearful war upon each other in the plain, eager for deadly battle, even
+they sit now in silence, and the tall spears are planted by their sides.
+But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their tall
+spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him that
+conquereth."
+
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her
+former husband and her city and parents.
+
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her
+chamber, letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed
+with her two handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed
+Klymene. Then came she straightway to the place of the Skaian gates. And
+they that were with Priam and Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of Ares, Oukalegon withal and Antenor,
+twain sages, being elders of the people, sat at the Skaian gates. These
+had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were they right good
+orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree and utter
+their lily-like [supposed to mean "delicate" or "tender"] voice; even so
+sat the elders of the Trojans upon the tower. Now when they saw Helen
+coming to the tower they softly spake winged words one to the other:
+"Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved Achaians should for
+such a woman long time suffer hardships; marvellously like is she to the
+immortal goddesses to look upon. Yet even so, though she be so goodly,
+let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and our children
+after us."
+
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: "Come
+hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former
+husband and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame;
+nay, I hold the gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the
+Achaians--so mayest thou now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian
+warrior so goodly and great. Of a truth there are others even taller by
+a head; yet mine eyes never behold a man so beautiful nor so royal; for
+he is like unto one that is a king."
+
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: "Reverend art thou
+to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been
+my pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my
+kinsfolk and my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine
+age-fellows. But that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now
+will I tell thee that whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is
+Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, one that is both a goodly king and
+mighty spearman. And he was my husband's brother to me, ah shameless me;
+if ever such an one there was."
+
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: "Ah, happy
+Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons
+of the Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the
+land of vines, and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the
+nimble steeds, were very many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike
+Mygdon, that were then encamped along the banks of Sangarios. For I too
+being their ally was numbered among them on the day that the Amazons
+came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they so many as are the
+glancing-eyed Achaians."
+
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: "Come now, tell me of this
+man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His armour lieth
+upon the bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether rangeth the
+ranks of warriors. Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram ordering a
+great flock of ewes."
+
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: "Now this is Laertes' son,
+crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged though
+it be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device."
+
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: "Lady, verily the thing thou
+sayest is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an
+embassage for thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave
+them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect
+of both and their wise devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans
+in the assembly, while all stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the
+measure of his broad shoulders; but when both sat down, Odysseus was the
+more stately. And when they began to weave the web of words and counsel
+in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued fluently, in few words, but
+very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech, neither random, though
+in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full of wiles rose
+up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the ground, and waved
+not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held it stiff, like to
+a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be churlish, and naught
+but a fool. But when he uttered his great voice from his chest, and
+words like unto the snowflakes of winter, then could no mortal man
+contend with Odysseus; then marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus'
+aspect."
+
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: "Who then is this other
+Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the
+measure of his head and broad shoulders?"
+
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: "This is huge Aias,
+bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans standeth
+Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the
+Cretans. Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our house
+whene'er he came from Crete. And now behold I all the other
+glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and tell their names;
+but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer of horses
+and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same mother
+bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely Lakedaimon; or
+they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but now will not enter
+into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the many scornings and
+revilings that are mine."
+
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
+Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
+
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy
+oath-offerings, two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the
+earth, in a goat-skin bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining
+bowl and golden cups; and came to the old man and summoned him and said:
+"Rise, thou son of Laomedon. The chieftains of the horse-taming Trojans
+and mail-clad Achaians call on thee to go down into the plain, that ye
+may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will
+fight with their long spears for the lady's sake; and let lady and
+treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that are left pledge
+friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy, and they
+shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home of fair
+women."
+
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the
+horses; and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back the
+reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the two
+drave the fleet horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And when
+they had come even to the Trojans and Achaians, they went down from the
+chariots upon the bounteous earth, and marched into the midst of Trojans
+and Achaians. Then forthwith rose up Agamemnon king of men, and up rose
+Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly heralds gathered together the
+holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the wine in a bowl, and
+poured water over the princes' hands. And Atreides put forth his hand
+and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword's great sheath, and
+cut the hair from off the lambs' heads; and then the heralds portioned
+it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then in their midst
+Atreus' son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud: "Father Zeus, that
+rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou Sun that seest all
+things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and thou Earth, and ye that
+in the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever sweareth falsely; be ye
+witnesses, and watch over the faithful oath. If Alexandros slay
+Menelaos, then let him have Helen to himself and all her possessions;
+and we will depart on our seafaring ships. But if golden-haired Menelaos
+slay Alexandros, then let the Trojans give back Helen and all her
+possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that is seemly, such as
+shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if so be that Priam
+and Priam's sons will not pay the recompense unto me when Alexandros
+falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for the price of sin, and abide
+here till I compass the end of war."
+
+So said he, and cut the lambs' throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
+laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had taken
+their strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the bowl into
+the cups, and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that live for ever.
+And thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: "Zeus most
+glorious, most great, and all ye immortal gods, which folk soe'er be
+first to sin against the oaths, may their brains be so poured forth upon
+the earth even as this wine, theirs and their children's; and let their
+wives be made subject unto strangers."
+
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And
+in their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying:
+"Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return
+back to windy Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with
+mine eyes my dear son fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus
+knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for whether of the twain the doom of
+death is appointed."
+
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and entered
+in himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor mounted the
+splendid chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and Hector son
+of Priam and goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and then they took
+the lots, and shook them in a bronze-bound helmet, to know whether of
+the twain should first cast his spear of bronze. And the people prayed
+and lifted up their hands to the gods; and thus would say many an one of
+Achaians and Trojans: "Father Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious,
+most great; whichsoe'er it be that brought this trouble upon both
+peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and enter the house of Hades; that so
+for us peace may be assured and trusty oaths."
+
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet,
+looking behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the
+people sat them down by ranks where each man's high-stepping horses and
+inwrought armour lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned
+his beauteous armour, even he that was lord to Helen of the lovely hair.
+First upon his legs set he his greaves, beautiful, fastened with silver
+ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he donned the corslet of his brother
+Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over his shoulders cast he his
+silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield great and sturdy. And
+on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair crest,
+whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong spear
+fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his
+armour.
+
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they
+strode between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came
+on them that beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then took they their stand near together in the
+measured space, brandishing their spears in wrath each against other.
+First Alexandros hurled his far shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides'
+round shield; but the bronze brake not through, for its point was turned
+in the stout shield. Next Menelaos son of Atreus lifted up his hand to
+cast, and made prayer to father Zeus: "King Zeus, grant me revenge on
+him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly Alexandros, and subdue
+thou him at my hands; so that many an one of men that shall be hereafter
+may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown him kindness."
+
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote on
+the round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went the
+ponderous spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed on; and
+straight beside his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he swerved and
+escaped black death. Then Atreides drew his silver-studded sword, and
+lifted up his hand and smote the helmet-ridge; but the sword shattered
+upon it into three, yea four, and fell from his hand. Thereat Atreides
+looked up to the wide heaven and cried: "Father Zeus, surely none of the
+gods is crueller than thou. Verily I thought to have gotten vengeance on
+Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my sword breaketh in my hand, and
+my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have not smitten him."
+
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest, and
+swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians; and he
+was strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat, drawn
+tight below his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have dragged
+him away and won glory unspeakable, but that Zeus' daughter Aphrodite
+was swift to mark, and tore asunder for him the strap of slaughtered
+ox's hide; so the helmet came away empty in his stalwart hand. Thereat
+Menelaos cast it with a swing toward the well-greaved Achaians, and his
+trusty comrades took it up; and himself sprang back again eager to slay
+him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite snatched up Paris, very easily
+as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness, and sent him down in
+his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to summon Helen. Her she
+found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan women thronged. So
+with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and shook it and spake to
+her in the likeness of an aged dame, a wool-comber that was wont to work
+for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon, whom too she greatly
+loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake: "Come hither;
+Alexandros summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in his chamber and
+inlaid bed, radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst thou deem him to
+be come from fighting his foe, but rather to be faring to the dance, or
+from the dance to be just resting and set down."
+
+So said she, and stirred Helen's soul within her breast; and when now
+she marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the
+goddess, she marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her
+name: "Strange queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily
+thou wilt lead me further on to some one of the people cities of Phrygia
+or lovely Maionia, if there too thou hast perchance some other darling
+among mortal men, because even now Menelaos hath conquered goodly
+Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me, to his home. Therefore thou
+comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou by his side and
+depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet ever bear thee
+back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and guard him till he
+make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But thither will I not go--
+that were a sinful thing--to array the bed of him; all the women of Troy
+will blame me thereafter; and I have griefs untold within my soul."
+
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: "Provoke me not, rash
+woman, lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I
+love thee beyond measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between
+both, even betwixt Trojans and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil
+wise."
+
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in
+her bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her
+not; and the goddess led the way.
+
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the
+handmaidens turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went to
+the high-roofed chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her a
+chair and brought it, even she the goddess, and set it before the face
+of Paris. There Helen took her seat, the child of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+and with eyes turned askance spake and chode her lord: "Thou comest back
+from battle; would thou hadst perished there, vanquished of that great
+warrior that was my former husband. Verily it was once thy boast that
+thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in the might of thine
+arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear to Ares to fight
+thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee refrain, nor fight
+a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man, neither attack him
+recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear anon."
+
+And Paris made answer to her and said: "Chide not my soul, lady, with
+cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene's
+aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with us.
+But come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet hath
+love so enwrapped my heart--not even then when first I snatched thee
+from lovely Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my sea-faring ships, and
+in the isle of Kranae had converse with thee upon thy couch in love--as
+I love thee now and sweet desire taketh hold upon me." So saying he led
+the way to the couch, and the lady followed with him.
+
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while
+strode through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set
+eyes on godlike Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed
+allies could discover Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely
+did they in no wise hide him for kindliness, could any have seen him;
+for he was hated of all even as black death. So Agamemnon king of men
+spake among them there: "Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and
+allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to Ares; give ye back
+Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the recompense
+such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter." So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+    How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon
+    exhorted his chief captains to battle.
+
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in
+the midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden
+goblets pledged one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans.
+Then did Kronos' son essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake
+maliciously: "Twain goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera
+of Argos and Alalkomenean Athene. Yet these sit apart and take there
+pleasure in beholding; but beside that other ever standeth
+laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from him, and now hath
+she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the victory is to
+Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things shall be;
+whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din, or
+put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to all
+and well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation, and
+Menelaos take back Helen of Argos."
+
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by
+him and devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and
+said not anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold
+upon her: But Hera's breast contained not her anger, and she spake:
+"Most dread son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast
+thou the will to make my labour void and of none effect, and the sweat
+of my toil that I sweated, when my horses were wearied with my summoning
+of the host, to be the plague of Priam and his sons? Do as thou wilt;
+but we other gods do not all approve thee."
+
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: "Good lack, how
+have Priam and Priam's sons done thee such great wrong that thou art
+furiously minded to sack the established citadel of Ilios? Perchance
+wert thou to enter within the gates and long walls and devour Priam raw,
+and Priam's sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage thine
+anger. Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel hereafter be to
+me and thee a sore strife between us both. And this moreover will I say
+to thee, and do thou lay it to they heart; whene'er I too be of eager
+mind to lay waste to a city where is the race of men that are dear to
+thee, hinder thou not my wrath, but let me be, even as I yield to thee
+of free will, yet with soul unwilling. For all cities beneath sun and
+starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal men, holy Ilios was most
+honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
+spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even
+drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due."
+
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: "Of a surety three
+cities are there that are dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and
+wide-wayed Mykene; these lay thou waste whene'er they are found hateful
+to thy heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee
+them. For even if I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them,
+yet will my jealousy not avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than
+I. Still must my labour too not be made of none effect; for I also am a
+god, and my lineage is even as thine, and Kronos the crooked counsellor
+begat me to the place of honour in double wise, by birthright, and
+because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among all the
+immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
+to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do
+thou with speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of
+Trojans and Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon
+them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the
+oaths."
+
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith
+he spake to Athene winged words: "Betake thee with all speed to the
+host, to the midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans
+may first take upon them to do violence to the Achaians in their
+triumph, despite the oaths."
+
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
+Olympus' heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
+counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of
+men, bright shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude;
+even in such guise sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their
+midst; and astonishment came on them that beheld, on horse-taming
+Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And thus would many an one say,
+looking at his neighbor: "Of a surety either shall sore war and the
+fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth stablish peace between
+the foes, even he that is men's dispenser of battle."
+
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess
+entered the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor's
+son Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if
+haply she might find him. Lykaon's son found she, the noble and
+stalwart, standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from the streams of Aisepos. So
+she came near and spake winged words: "Wilt thou now hearken to me, thou
+wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou take heart to shoot a swift arrow
+at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory before all the Trojans,
+and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him first of any
+wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see Menelaos,
+Atreus' warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to the grievous
+pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to Apollo, the son
+of light [Or, perhaps, "the Wolf-born"], the lord of archery, to
+sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to
+thy home, in the city of holy Zeleia."
+
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool's heart. Forthwith he unsheathed
+his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had erst smitten
+beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while he awaited in
+a lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that it fell
+backward on the rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of sixteen
+palms; these the artificer, even the worker in horn, joined cunningly
+together, and polished them all well and set the top of gold thereon. So
+he laid it down when he had well strung it, by resting it upon the
+ground; and his staunch comrades held their shields before him, lest the
+warrior sons of the Achaians should first set on them, ere Menelaos,
+Atreus' son, were smitten. Then opened he the lid of his quiver and took
+forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a source of grievous pangs; and
+anon he laid the bitter dart upon the string and vowed to Apollo, the
+son of light, the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of
+firstling lambs when he should have returned to his home in the city of
+holy Zeleia. Then he took the notch and string of oxes' sinew together,
+and drew, bringing to his breast the string, and to the bow the iron
+head. So when he had now bent the great bow into a round, the horn
+twanged, and the string sang aloud, and the keen arrow leapt eager to
+wing his way amid the throng.
+
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all
+the daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee and
+warded off the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the flesh,
+even as a mother driveth a fly from her child that lieth in sweet
+slumber; and with her own hand guided it where the golden buckles of the
+belt were clasped and the doubled breastplate met them. So the bitter
+arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through the inwrought belt it sped and
+through the curiously wrought breastplate it pressed on and through the
+taslet [and apron or belt set with metal, worn below the corslet] he
+wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against darts; and this best
+shielded him, yet it passed on even through this. Then did the arrow
+graze the warrior's outermost flesh, and forthwith the dusky blood
+flowed from the wound.
+
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to
+make a cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure
+chamber, and many a horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up
+to be a king's boast, alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for
+his charioteer; even in such wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs
+stained with blood and thy legs and thy fair ankles beneath.
+
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood
+flowing from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered;
+but when he saw how thread [by which the iron head was attached to the
+shaft] and bards were without, his spirit was gathered in his breast
+again. Then lord Agamemnon moaned deep, and spake among them, holding
+Menelaos by the hand; and his comrades made moan the while: "Dear
+brother, to thy death, meseemeth, pledged I these oaths, setting thee
+forth to fight the Trojans alone before the face of the Achaians; seeing
+that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden under floor the trusty
+oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect, and the blood of lambs
+and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship wherein we
+trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about the fulfilment
+forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear amends, even
+with their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea of a surety I
+know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be
+laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear; and
+Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned on high, that dwelleth in the heaven,
+himself shall brandish over them all his lowring aegis, in indignation
+at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void; yet shall I have sore
+sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot of life. Yea
+in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing that the
+Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and so should
+we leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos. And
+the earth shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy task
+unfinished: and thus shall many an overweening Trojan say as he leapeth
+upon the tomb of glorious Menelaos: 'Would to God Agamemnon might so
+fulfil his wrath in every matter, even as now he led hither the host of
+the Achaians for naught, and hath gone home again to his dear native
+land with empty ships, and hath left noble Menelaos behind.' Thus shall
+men say hereafter: in that day let the wide earth gape for me."
+
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: "Be of good courage,
+neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart lighted
+not upon a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it, and the
+kirtle of mail beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned."
+
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: "Would it may be so, dear
+Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs that
+shall assuage thy dire pangs."
+
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: "Talthybios, with
+all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble
+leech, to see Menelaos, Atreus' warrior son, whom one well skilled in
+archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his
+glory and our grief."
+
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his
+way through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon.
+Him he found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
+shield-bearing host that followed him from Trike, pasture land of
+horses. So he came near and spake his winged words: "Arise, thou son of
+Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth thee to see Menelaos, captain of the
+Achaians, whom one well skilled in archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath
+wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief."
+
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way
+amid the throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they
+were now come where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many
+as were chieftains gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero
+came and stood in their midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the
+clasped belt; and as it was drawn forth the keen barbs were broken
+backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt and kirtle of mail beneath
+and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when he saw the wound
+where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood and
+cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good
+will had imparted to his sire.
+
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms again,
+and bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble
+Agamemnon slumbering, nor cowering, unready to fight, but very eager for
+glorious battle. He left his horses and his chariot adorned with bronze;
+and his squire, even Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios Peiraieus' son, kept
+apart the snorting steeds; and he straitly charged him to have them at
+hand whenever weariness should come upon his limbs with marshalling so
+many; and thus on foot ranged he through the ranks of warriors. And
+whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans he found eager, he stood by
+them and by his words encouraged them: "Ye Argives, relax not in any
+wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be no helper of liars,
+but as these were first to transgress against the oaths, so shall their
+own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we shall bear away their
+dear wives and little children in our ships, when once we take the
+stronghold."
+
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode
+sore with angry words: "Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of
+dishonour, have ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that are
+weary with running over the long plain and so stand still, and no valour
+is found in their hearts at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and fight
+not. Is it that ye wait for the Trojans to come near where your good
+ships' sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey sea, to see if
+Kronion will stretch his arm over you indeed?"
+
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to
+the Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were
+taking arms around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant
+as a wild boar, and Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost
+battalions. Then Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to see them, and anon
+spake to Idomeneus with kindly words: "Idomeneus, more than all the
+fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee, whether in war or in task of
+other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of the Argives mingle in
+the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even though all the
+other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet thy cup
+standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul biddeth
+thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest thyself to
+be of old."
+
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: "Atreides,
+of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
+promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
+Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have
+disannulled the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter shall
+be their lot, because they were the first to transgress against the
+oaths."
+
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the
+Aiantes as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were
+arming, and a cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a
+goatherd from a place of outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep
+before the blast of the west wind; and to him being afar it seemeth ever
+blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along the deep, and bringeth a great
+whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and driveth his flock beneath a
+cave; even in such wise moved the serried battalions of young men, the
+fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes into furious war,
+battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears. And lord
+Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and said:
+"Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing it is
+not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves ye do
+indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene and
+Apollo, would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would king
+Priam's city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands."
+
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor,
+the clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and
+urging them to fight, around great Pelegon and Alastor and Chromios and
+lord Haimon and Bias shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the
+horsemen with horses and chariots, and behind them the footmen many and
+brave, to be a bulwark of battle; but the cowards he drave into the
+midst, that every man, even though he would not, yet of necessity must
+fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen; these he bade hold in
+their horses nor be entangled in the throng. "Neither let any man,
+trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager to fight the Trojans
+alone and before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for so will ye be
+enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car can
+come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even
+so is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low
+cities and walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their
+breasts."
+
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words,
+and said: "Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine
+own breast, thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the
+common lot of age is heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some
+other man, and thou wert amid the young."
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: "Atreides, I verily, even
+I too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion. But
+the gods in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a youth,
+so doth old age now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the
+horsemen and urge them by counsel and words; for that is the right of
+elders. But the young men shall wield the spear, they that are more
+youthful than I and have confidence in their strength."
+
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus
+the charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were
+the Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty
+Odysseus, and round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble
+folk, stood still; for their host had not yet heard the battle-cry,
+seeing the battalions of horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just
+bestirred them to move; so these stood still tarrying till some other
+column of the Achaians should advance to set upon the Trojans and begin
+the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw it, he upbraided them,
+and spake to them winged words, saying: "O son of king Peteos fosterling
+of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of mind, why stand
+ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth it to stand in
+your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery battle; for ye are
+the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as we Achaians prepare
+a feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to eat roast meat and
+drink your cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye will. But now would ye
+gladly behold it, yea, if ten columns of Achaians in front of you were
+fighting with the pitiless sword."
+
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said:
+"Atreides, what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips?
+How sayest thou that we are slack in battle? When once our [Or, "that we
+are slack in battle, when once we Achaians," putting the note of
+interrogation after "tamers of horses."] Achaians launch furious war on
+the Trojans, tamers of horses, then shalt thou, if thou wilt, and if
+thou hast any care therefor, behold Telemachos' dear father mingling
+with the champions of the Trojans, the tamers of horses. But that thou
+sayest is empty as air."
+
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and
+took back his saying: "Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of
+devices, neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I
+know that thy heart within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy
+thoughts are as my thoughts. Go to, we will make amends hereafter, if
+any ill word hath been spoken now; may the gods bring it all to none
+effect."
+
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus
+found he, high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot
+well compact; and by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord
+Agamemnon saw and upbraided, and spake to him winged words, and said:
+"Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou, why
+gazest thou at the highways of the battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont to
+shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far in front of his dear comrades,
+as they say that beheld him at the task; for never did I meet him
+nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid all. Of a truth
+he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying
+against the holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that
+valiant allies might be given them, and our folk were fain to grant them
+and made assent to their entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill and
+turned their minds. So when these were departed and were come on their
+way, and had attained to Asopos deep in rushes, that maketh his bed in
+grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to be their ambassador. So
+he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos feasting in the
+palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus, even though a
+stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of the Kadmeians,
+but challenged them all to feats of strength, and in every one
+vanquished he them easily; so present a helper was Athene unto him. But
+the Kadmeians, the urgers of horses, were wroth, and as he fared back
+again they brought and set a strong ambush, even fifty young men, whose
+leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon, like to the immortals, and
+Autophonos' son Polyphontes staunch in battle. Still even on the Tydeus
+brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one that he sent home
+alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the omens of heaven.
+Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in battle is worse
+than he; only in harangue is he the better."
+
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to the
+chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus answered
+him: "Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how to speak
+truly. We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our fathers were:
+we did take the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we led a scantier
+host against a stronger wall, because we followed the omens of the gods
+and the salvation of Zeus; but they perished by their own iniquities. Do
+not thou therefore in any wise have our fathers in like honour with us."
+
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: "Brother, sit
+silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the
+host should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the
+glory will attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy
+Ilios; and his will be the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go
+to now, let us too bethink us of impetuous valour."
+
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and terribly
+rang the bronze upon the chieftain's breast as he moved; thereat might
+fear have come even upon one stout-hearted.
+
+As when on the  echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close
+array before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it first
+raise its head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth aloud and
+goeth with arching crest about the promontories, and speweth the foaming
+brine afar; even so in close array moved the battalions of the Danaans
+without pause to battle. Each captain gave his men the word, and the
+rest went silently; thou wouldest not deem that all the great host
+following them had any voice within their breasts; in silence feared
+they their captains. On every man glittered the inwrought armour
+wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like sheep beyond number
+that stand in the courtyard of a man of great substance, to be milked of
+their white milk, and bleat without ceasing to hear their lambs' cry,
+even so arose the clamour of the Trojans through the wide host. For they
+had not all like speech nor one language, but their tongues were
+mingled, and they were brought from many lands. These were urged on of
+Ares, and those of bright-eyed Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife
+whose fury wearieth not, sister and friend of murderous Ares; her crest
+is but lowly at the first, but afterward she holdeth up her head in
+heaven and her feet walk upon the earth. She now cast common discord in
+their midst, as she fared through the throng and made the lamentation of
+men to wax.
+
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
+they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields
+pressed each on each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of
+groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and the slain,
+and the earth streamed with blood. As when two winter torrents flow down
+the mountains to a watersmeet and join their furious flood within the
+ravine from their great springs, and the shepherd heareth the roaring
+far off among the hills: even so from the joining of battle came there
+forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew a Trojan warrior in
+full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos son of Thalysios; him
+was he first to smite upon the ridge of his crested helmet, and he drave
+the spear into his brow and the point of bronze passed within the bone;
+darkness clouded his eyes, and he crashed like a tower amid the press of
+fight. As he fell lord Elephenor caught him by the foot, Chalkodon's
+son, captain of the great-hearted Abantes, and dragged him from beneath
+the darts, eager with all speed to despoil him of his armour. Yet but
+for a little endured his essay; great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away
+the corpse, and where his side was left uncovered of his buckler as he
+bowed him down, there smote he him with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and
+unstrung his limbs. So his life departed from him, and over his corpse
+the task of Trojans and Achaians grew hot; like wolves leapt they one at
+another, and man lashed at man.
+
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemion's son, the lusty stripling
+Simoeisios, whose erst is mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on the
+way down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see their
+flocks. Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not his dear
+parents the recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of life by
+reason of the spear of great-hearted Aias that laid him low. For as he
+went he first was smitten on his right breast beside the pap; straight
+though his shoulder passed the spear of bronze, and he fell to the
+ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath grown up smooth in the
+lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the top thereof;
+this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him a felloe
+for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river's banks. In such
+a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of Anthemion; then
+at him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam's son, made a cast with
+his keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but smote Odysseus'
+valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the corpse his way, so
+that he fell upon it and the body dropped from his hands. Then Odysseus
+was very wroth at heart for the slaying of him, and strode through the
+forefront of the battle harnessed in flashing bronze, and went and stood
+hard by and glanced around him, and cast his bright javelin; and the
+Trojans shrank before the casting of the hero. He sped not the dart in
+vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam's bastard son that had come to him from
+tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him Odysseus, being wroth for his
+comrade's sake, smote with his javelin on one temple; and through both
+temples passed the point of bronze, and darkness clouded his eyes, and
+he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him. Then the
+forefighters and glorious Hector yielded, and the Argives shouted aloud,
+and drew the bodies unto them, and pressed yet further onward. But
+Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and had indignation, and with a shout
+called to the Trojans: "Arise, ye Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not
+to the Argives in fight; not of stone nor iron is their flesh, that it
+should resist the piercing bronze when they are smitten. Moreover
+Achilles, son of Thetis of the fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the
+ships broodeth on his bitter anger."
+
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were
+urged on of Zeus' daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she passed
+through the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he was
+smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and the
+caster thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peirros son of Imbrasos
+that had come from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly the two
+sinews and the bones; back fell he in the dust, and stretched out both
+his hands to his dear comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he that smote
+him, even Peiroos, sprang at him and pierced him with a spear beside the
+navel; so all his bowels gushed forth upon the ground, and darkness
+clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos departed from him Thoas of Aitolia
+smote with a spear his chest above the pap, and the point fixed in his
+lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from his breast the
+ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he smote his belly
+in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not off his armour; for
+his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the top-knot, stood around,
+their long spears in their hands, and albeit he was great and valiant
+and proud they drave him off from them and he gave ground reeling. So
+were the two captains stretched in the dust side by side, he of the
+Thracians and he of the mail-clad Epeians; and around them were many
+others likewise slain.
+
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it
+be that a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam
+in the midst, being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her guarded
+from the flying shafts. For many Trojans that day and many Achaians were
+laid side by side upon their faces in the dust.
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+    How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans,
+    and wounded even Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+
+But now to Tydeus' son Diomedes Athene gave might and courage, for him
+to be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown. She
+kindled flame unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the star of
+summer that above all others glittereth bright after he hath bathed in
+the ocean stream. In such wise kindled she flame from his head and
+shoulders and sent him into the midst, where men thronged the thickest.
+
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of
+Hephaistos; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in all
+the art of battle. These separated themselves and assailed him face to
+face, they setting on him from their car and he on foot upon the ground.
+And when they were now come near in onset on each other, first Phegeus
+hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over Tydeides' left shoulder the
+spear point passed, and smote not his body. Then next Tydeides made a
+spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in vain, but smote
+his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the chariot. So
+Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared not to bestride
+his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped black fate: but
+Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of darkness, that he
+might not have his aged priest all broken with sorrow. And the son of
+great-hearted Tydeus drave away the horses and gave them to his men to
+take to the hollow ships. But when the great-hearted Trojans beheld the
+sons of Dares, how one was fled, and one was slain beside his chariot,
+the spirit of all was stirred. But bright-eyed Athene took impetuous
+Ares by the hand and spake to him and said: "Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, can we not now leave the Trojans
+and Achaians to fight, on whichsoever it be that father Zeus bestoweth
+glory? But let us twain give place, and escape the wrath of Zeus."
+
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle.  Then she made him sit
+down beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
+
+So they laboured in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not
+tell with whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or with
+Achaians. For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at the
+full, that in swift course scattereth the causeys [Causeways.]; neither
+can the long lines of causeys hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful
+orchards stay its sudden coming when the rain of heaven driveth it; and
+before it perish in multitudes the fair works of the sons of men. Thus
+before Tydeides the serried battalions of the Trojans were overthrown,
+and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+
+But when Lykaon's glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow against
+Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his right
+shoulder the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through and
+held straight upon its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood. Over
+him then loudly shouted Lykaon's glorious son: "Bestir you,
+great-hearted Trojans, urgers of horses; the best man of the Achaians is
+wounded, and I deem that he shall not for long endure the violent dart."
+
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift
+dart, only he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot and
+spake to Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: "Haste thee, dear son of Kapaneus;
+descend from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the bitter arrow."
+
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood
+beside him and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder;
+and the blood darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the
+loud war-cry prayed thereat: "Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+unwearied maiden! If ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in
+the heat of battle, even so now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene.
+Grant me to slay this man, and bring within my spear-cast him that took
+advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me, deeming that not for long
+shall I see the bright light of the sun."
+
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs
+nimble, his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged
+words: "Be of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in
+thy breast I have set thy father's courage undaunted, even as it was in
+knightly Tydeus, wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from
+thine eyes the mist that erst was on them, that thou mayest well discern
+both god and man. Therefore if any god come hither to make trial of
+thee, fight not thou face to face with any of the immortal gods; save
+only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the battle, her smite thou
+with the keen bronze."
+
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and
+entered the forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was eager
+to do battle with the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come upon
+him, as upon a lion whom some shepherd in the field guarding his fleecy
+sheep hath wounded, being sprung into the fold, yet hath not vanquished
+him; he hath roused his might, and then cannot beat him back, but
+lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is affrighted; so the
+sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the lion in his fury
+leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled mighty Diomedes
+with the Trojans.
+
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his
+way along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike
+Pandaros, if haply he might find him. Lykaon's son he found, the noble
+and stalwart, and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him.
+"Pandaros, where now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame
+wherein no man of this land rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth to
+be thy better? Go to now, lift thy hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot thy
+dart at this fellow, whoe'er he be that lordeth it here and hath already
+wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing he hath unstrung the knees of
+many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god wroth with the Trojans,
+in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a sore thing to
+fall on men."
+
+And Lykaon's glorious son made answer to him: "Aineias, counsellor of
+the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of
+Tydeus; I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the
+aspect of his horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if
+it be the man I deem, even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without help
+of a god is he thus furious, but some immortal standeth beside him with
+a cloud wrapped about his shoulders and turned aside from him my swift
+dart even as it lighted. For already have I shot my dart at him and
+smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate of his corslet,
+yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I vanquished him
+not; surely it is some wrathful god. Already have I aimed at two
+princes, Tydeus' and Atreus' sons, and both I smote and surely drew
+forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore in an evil hour I
+took from the peg my curved bow on that day when I led my Trojans to
+lovely Ilios, to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I return and mine eyes
+behold my native land and wife and great palace lofty-roofed, then may
+an alien forthwith cut my head from me if I break not this bow with mine
+hands and cast it upon the blazing fire; worthless is its service to me
+as air."
+
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: "Nay, talk not thus;
+naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone
+to face this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon
+my car that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly
+across the plain; they will e'en bring us to the city safe and sound,
+even though Zeus hereafter give victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come
+therefore, take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will stand upon
+the car to fight; or else withstand thou him, and to the horses will I
+look."
+
+To him made answer Lykaon's glorious son: "Aineias, take thou thyself
+the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car for
+their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
+Tydeus' son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
+fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus
+attack us and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So
+drive thou thyself thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his
+onset with my keen spear." So saying mounted they upon the well dight
+chariot, and eagerly drave the fleet horses against Tydeides, And
+Sthenelos, the glorious son of Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to
+Tydeides winged words: "Diomedes son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I
+behold two stalwart warriors eager to fight against thee, endued with
+might beyond measure. The one is well skilled in the bow, even Pandaros,
+and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaon's son; and Aineias boasteth
+himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and his mother is
+Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot, neither rage
+thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest perchance thou
+lose thy life."
+
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: "Speak to me no
+word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not
+in my blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is
+steadfast still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am
+will I go to face them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as
+for these, their fleet horses shall not take both back from us again,
+even if one or other escape. And this moreover tell I thee, and lay thou
+it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel grant me this glory, to slay them
+both, then refrain thou here these my fleet horses, and bind the reins
+tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap upon Aineias' horses,
+and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the well-greaved Achaians.
+For they are of that breed whereof farseeing Zeus gave to Tros
+recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were the best of all
+horses beneath the daylight and the sun."
+
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain
+came near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaon's
+glorious son: "O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus,
+verily my swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will
+I make trial with my spear if I can hit thee."
+
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides' shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
+the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaon's glorious son: "Thou
+art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not long
+hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown."
+
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: "Thou hast missed, and
+not hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall
+have fallen and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war."
+
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside
+the eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut
+through his tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base of
+the chin. He fell from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming
+clanged upon him, and the fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there
+his soul and strength were unstrung.
+
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest
+perchance the Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over
+him like a lion confident in his strength, and held before him his spear
+and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoe'er should come to face
+him, crying his terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand a
+stone--a mighty deed--such as two men, as men now are, would not avail
+to lift; yet he with ease wielded it all alone. Therewith he smote
+Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the hip joint, and this
+men call the "cup-bone." So he crushed his cup-bone, and brake both
+sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the skin. Then the hero
+stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon the earth;
+and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias king of
+men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
+mark. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before his
+face a fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the darts,
+lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his
+breast and take away his life.
+
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of
+Kapaneus forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had
+laid upon him; he refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the
+tumult, binding the reins tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the
+sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and drave them from the Trojans to the
+well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to Deipylos his dear comrade whom
+he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows, because he was
+like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow ships.
+Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly.
+Now Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris
+[Aphrodite], knowing how she was a coward goddess and none of those that
+have mastery in battle of the warriors. Now when he had pursued her
+through the dense throng and come on her, then great-hearted Tydeus' son
+thrust with his keen spear, and leapt on her and wounded the skin of her
+weak hand; straight through the ambrosial raiment that the Graces
+themselves had woven her pierced the dart into the flesh, above the
+springing of the palm. Then flowed the goddess's immortal blood, such
+ichor as floweth in the blessed gods; for they eat no bread neither
+drink they gleaming wine, wherefore they are bloodless and are named
+immortals. And she with a great cry let fall her son: him Phoebus Apollo
+took into his arms and saved him in a dusky cloud, lest any of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away
+his life. But over her Diomedes of the loud war-cry shouted afar:
+"Refrain thee, thou daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not
+enough that thou beguilest feeble women? But if in battle thou wilt
+mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt shudder at the name of battle, if
+thou hear it even afar off."
+
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and
+wind-footed Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with her
+pain, and her fair skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares
+sitting, on the battle's left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and
+his fleet steeds. Then she fell on her knees and with instant prayer
+besought of her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds: "Dear
+brother, save me and give me thy steeds, that I may win to Olympus,
+where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am I afflicted with a
+wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now would fight
+even with father Zeus."
+
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she
+mounted on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in
+her hands grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and
+they flew onward nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of
+the gods, even steep Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the
+horses from the chariot and stabled them, and set ambrosial forage
+before them; but fair Aphrodite fell upon Dione's knees that was her
+mother. She took her daughter in her arms and stroked her with her hand,
+and spake and called upon her name: "Who now of the sons of heaven, dear
+child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as though thou wert a
+wrong-doer in the face of all?"
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: "Tydeus' son wounded
+me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
+son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the
+fierce battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are
+fighting even the immortals."
+
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: "Be of good heart, my child,
+and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions of
+Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one upon
+another."
+
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld,
+and with bitter words provoked Zeus the son, of Kronos. Of them was the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene first to speak: "Father Zeus, wilt thou
+indeed be wroth with me whate'er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was
+urging some woman of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so
+marvellously loveth; and stroking such an one of the fair-robed women of
+Achaia, she tore upon the golden brooch her delicate hand."
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto him
+golden Aphrodite and said: "Not unto thee, my child, are given the works
+of war; but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to all
+these things shall fleet Ares and Athene look."
+
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of
+the loud war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo
+himself had spread his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the
+great god, but still was eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his
+glorious armour. So thrice he leapt on him, fain to slay him, and thrice
+Apollo beat back his glittering shield. And when the fourth time he
+sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the Far-darter spake to him with
+terrible shout: "Think, Tydeides, and shrink, nor desire to match thy
+spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison of the race of immortal
+gods and of men that walk upon the earth."
+
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the
+wrath of Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the
+throng in holy Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer
+Artemis healed him in the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but
+Apollo of the silver bow made a wraith like unto Aineias' self, and in
+such armour as his; and over the wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians each
+hewed the others' bucklers on their breasts, their round shields and
+fluttering targes.
+
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: "Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this
+man and withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would fight
+even with father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in her
+hand hard by the wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a god."
+
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares
+entered among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of fleet
+Akamas, captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of Priam
+he called saying: "O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king, how
+long will ye yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians? Shall it
+be even until they fight about our well-builded gates? Low lieth the
+warrior whom we esteemed like unto goodly Hector, even Aineias son of
+Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let us save from the tumult our
+valiant comrade."
+
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon
+sorely chode noble Hector: "Hector, where now is the spirit gone that
+erst thou hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies thou
+wouldest hold the city, alone with thy sisters' husbands and thy
+brothers; but now can I not see any of these neither perceive them, but
+they are cowering like hounds about a lion; and we are fighting that are
+but allies among you."
+
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he
+leapt from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two
+keen spears went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and
+roused the dread battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the
+Achaians: and the Argives withstood them in close array and fled not.
+Even as a wind carrieth the chaff about the sacred threshing-floors when
+men are winnowing, and the chaff-heaps grow white--so now grew the
+Achaians white with falling dust which in their midst the horses' hooves
+beat up into the brazen heaven, as fight was joined again, and the
+charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they forward the fury of their
+hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of night to aid the
+Trojans in the battle, ranging everywhere. And Apollo himself sent forth
+Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of him,
+shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his comrades, and
+they were glad to see him come among them alive and sound and full of
+valiant spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all the toil
+forbade them that the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares bane
+of men and Strife raging insatiably.
+
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred
+the Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the
+Trojans' violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos' son
+setteth in windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might
+of the north wind sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with
+keen breath and scatter apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans
+withstood the Trojans steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged
+through the throng exhorting instantly: "My friends, quit you like men
+and take heart of courage, and shun dishonour in one another's eyes amid
+the stress of battle. Of men that shun dishonour more are saved than
+slain, but for them that flee is neither glory found nor any safety."
+
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost
+warrior, even great-hearted Aineias' comrade Deikoon son of Pergasos,
+whom the Trojans held in like honour with Priam's sons, because he was
+swift to do battle amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his
+dart upon the shield, and it stayed not the spear, but the point passed
+through, so that he drave it through the belt into his nethermost belly:
+and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
+
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of
+Diokles, Krethon and Orsilochos. Like them, two lions on the mountain
+tops are nurtured by their dam in the deep forest thickets; and these
+harry the kine and goodly sheep and make havoc of the farmsteads of men,
+till in their turn they too are slain at men's hands with the keen
+bronze; in such wise were these twain vanquished at Aineias' hands and
+fell like tall pine-trees.
+
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode
+through the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his
+spear; and Ares stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall
+beneath Aineias' hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor's son,
+beheld him, and strode through the forefront; because he feared
+exceedingly for the shepherd of the host, lest aught befall him and
+disappoint them utterly of their labour. So those two were now holding
+forth their hands and sharp spears each against the other, eager to do
+battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd of the host.
+But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he beheld
+two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to the
+Achaians' host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades' arms, and
+themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
+
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a
+shout, and the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might:
+and Ares led them on and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of
+war, the while Ares wielded in his hands his monstrous spear, and ranged
+now before Hector's face, and now behind.
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as a
+shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming river
+flowing on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth backwards,
+even so now Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host: "Friends, how
+marvel we that noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of war! Yet ever
+is there beside him some god that wardeth off destruction; even as now
+Ares is there by him in likeness of a mortal man. But with faces towards
+the Trojans still give ground backwards, neither be desirous to fight
+amain with gods."
+
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither
+turned them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward in
+battle, but still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the
+Trojans. But when the white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc
+of the Argives in the press of battle, anon she spake winged words to
+Athene: "Out on it, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied
+maiden! Was it for naught we pledged our word to Menelaos, that he
+should not depart till he had laid waste well-walled Ilios,--if thus we
+let baleful Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain also take thought of
+impetuous valour."
+
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So Hera
+the goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the
+gold-frontleted steeds. And Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast
+down at her father's threshold her woven vesture many-coloured, that
+herself had wrought and her hands had fashioned, and put on her the
+tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in her armour for
+dolorous battle. About her shoulders cast she the tasselled aegis
+terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown all round about, and Strife is
+therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught withal, and therein is the
+dreadful monster's Gorgon head, dreadful and grim, portent of
+aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested golden helm
+with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred cities. Upon
+the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her heavy spear, great
+and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of heroes
+with whom she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly smote the
+horses with the lash; self-moving groaned upon their hinges the gates of
+heaven whereof the Hours are warders, to whom is committed great heaven
+and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick cloud or set it to. There
+through the gates guided they their horses patient of the lash. And they
+found the son of Kronos sitting apart from all the gods on the topmost
+peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the white-armed goddess Hera stayed
+her horses and questioned the most high Zeus, the son of Kronos, and
+said: "Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation with Ares for these violent
+deeds? How great and goodly a company of Achaians hath he destroyed
+recklessly and in unruly wise, unto my sorrow. But here in peace Kypris
+and Apollo of the silver bow take their pleasure, having set on this mad
+one that knoweth not any law. Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth
+with me if I smite Ares and chase him from the battle in sorry plight?"
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: "Go to now, set
+upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore pain
+upon him."
+
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and
+lashed her horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry
+heaven. As far as a man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance as
+he sitteth on a place of outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea, so
+far leap the loudly neighing horses of the gods. Now when they came to
+Troy and the two flowing rivers, even to where Simoeis and Skamandros
+join their streams, there the white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses
+and loosed them from the car and poured thick mist round about them, and
+Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to graze. So the goddesses went
+their way with step like unto turtle-doves, being fain to bring succour
+to the men of Argos. And when they were now come where the most and most
+valiant stood, thronging about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the
+semblance of ravening lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise
+feeble, then stood the white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the
+likeness of great-hearted Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was
+loud as the cry of fifty other men: "Fie upon you, Argives, base things
+of shame, so brave in semblance! While yet noble Achilles entered
+continually into battle, then issued not the Trojans even from the
+Dardanian gate; for they had dread of his terrible spear. But now fight
+they far from the city at the hollow ships."
+
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to Tydeides'
+side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she found beside
+his horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros with his dart
+had pierced, for his sweat vexed it by reason of the broad baldrick of
+his round shield; therewith was he vexed and his arm grew weary, so he
+was lifting up the baldrick and wiping away the dusky blood. Then the
+goddess laid her hand on his horses' yoke, and said: "Of a truth Tydeus
+begat a son little after his own likeness. Tydeus was short of stature,
+but a man of war."
+
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: "I know thee, goddess
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart will I
+tell thee my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening terror
+taken hold upon me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of thy
+behest that thou didst lay upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face to
+face with all the blessed gods, save only if Zeus' daughter Aphrodite
+should enter into battle, then to wound her with the keen bronze.
+Therefore do I now give ground myself and have bidden all the Argives
+likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares lording it in the
+fray."
+
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: "Diomedes son of
+Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor
+any other of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now,
+at Ares first guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to
+hand, nor have any awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse incarnate,
+the renegade that of late in converse with me and Hera pledged him
+to fight against the Trojans and give succour to the Argives, but now
+consorteth with the Trojans and hath forgotten these."
+
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from
+the chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess
+mounted the car by noble Diomedes' side right eagerly. The oaken axle
+creaked loud with its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of
+might. Then Athene grasped the whip and reins; forthwith against Ares
+first guided she the whole-hooved horses. Now he was stripping huge
+Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians, Ochesios' glorious son. Him
+was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene donned the helm of Hades,
+that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when Ares scourge of
+mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying there, where
+at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and made straight
+at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh in onset on
+one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse's reins with
+spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene with her hand seized the spear and thrust it up over the
+car, to spend itself in vain. Next Diomedes of the loud war-cry attacked
+with spear of bronze; and Athene drave it home against Ares' nethermost
+belly, where his taslets were girt about him. There smote he him and
+wounded him, rending through his fair skin, and plucked forth the spear
+again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as nine thousand warriors or ten
+thousand cry in battle as they join in strife and fray. Thereat
+trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear, so mightily
+bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after beat a stormy
+wind ariseth, even so to Tydeus' son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
+clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods' dwelling,
+steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart,
+and shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously
+spake to him winged words: "Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to
+behold these violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one
+another's devices, in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at
+variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful,
+whose thought is ever of iniquitous deeds. For all the other gods that
+are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are subject every one; only her
+thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on,
+because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she urged on
+Tydeus' son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously against the
+immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist of
+her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god.
+Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish
+there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless from
+the smitings of the spear."
+
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: "Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all
+gods that dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and
+battles. Truly thy mother's spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even
+Hera's; her can I scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her
+prompting thou art in this plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see
+thee in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to me thy mother bare
+thee."
+
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him.  And Paieon laid assuaging drugs
+upon the wound. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk,
+that is liquid but curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly
+healed he impetuous Ares. And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in
+gracious raiment, and he sate him down by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying
+in his might.
+
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera and
+Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals from his man-slaying.
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+    How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known
+    to each other, and parted in friendliness. And how Hector
+    returning to the city bade farewell to Andromache his wife.
+
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the
+battle swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed
+against each other their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the
+streams of Xanthos.
+
+Now had the Trojans been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up
+into Ilios, in their weakness overcome, but that Prism's son Helenos,
+far best of augurs, stood by Aineias' side and Hector's, and spake to
+them: "Aineias and Hector, seeing that on you lieth the task of war in
+chief of Trojans and Lykians, because for every issue ye are foremost
+both for fight and counsel, stand ye your ground, and range the host
+everywhither to rally them before the gates, ere yet they fall fleeing
+in their women's arms, and be made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye
+have aroused all our battalions we will abide here and fight the
+Danaans, though in sore weariness; for necessity presseth us hard: but
+thou, Hector, go into the city, and speak there to thy mother and mine;
+let her gather the aged wives to bright-eyed Athene's temple in the
+upper city, and with her key open the doors of the holy house; and let
+her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the most gracious and greatest in
+her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the knees of
+beauteous-haired Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple
+twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy
+on the city and the Trojans' wives and little children. So may she
+perchance hold back Tydeus' son from holy Ilios, the furious spearman,
+the mighty deviser of rout, whom in good sooth I deem to have proved
+himself mightiest of the Achaians. Never in this wise feared we
+Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a goddess; nay, but he
+that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him for might."
+
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother's word, but leapt
+forthwith from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two
+sharp spears passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to battle,
+and stirred the dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face
+the Achaians, and the Argives gave ground and ceased from slaughter, and
+deemed that some immortal had descended from starry heaven to bring the
+Trojans succour, in such wise rallied they. Then Hector called to the
+Trojans with far-reaching shout: "O high-souled Trojans and ye far-famed
+allies, quit you like men, my friends, and take thought of impetuous
+courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid the elders of the council and
+our wives pray to the gods and vow them hecatombs."
+
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat
+on either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran
+uttermost about his bossed shield.
+
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus' son met in the mid-space of
+the foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in
+onset on each other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry:
+"Who art thou, noble sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee in
+glorious battle ere this, yet now hast thou far outstripped all men in
+thy hardihood, seeing thou abidest my far-shadowing spear. Luckless are
+the fathers whose children face my might. But if thou art some immortal
+come down from heaven, then will not I fight with heavenly gods. But if
+thou art of men that eat the fruit of the field, come nigh, that anon
+thou mayest enter the toils of destruction."
+
+Then Hippolochos' glorious son made answer to him: "Great-hearted
+Tydeides, why enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the
+generations of leaves such are those likewise of men; the leaves that be
+the wind scattereth on the earth, and the forest buddeth and putteth
+forth more again, when the season of spring is at hand; so of the
+generations of men one putteth forth and another ceaseth. Yet if thou
+wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well know our lineage, whereof
+many men have knowledge. Hippolochos, son of Bellerophon, begat me, and
+of him do I declare me to be sprung; he sent me to Troy and bade me very
+instantly to be ever the best and to excel all other men, nor put to
+shame the lineage of my fathers that were of noblest blood in Ephyre and
+in wide Lykia. This is the lineage and blood whereof I avow myself to
+be."
+
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his
+spear in the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd
+of the host: "Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times
+through my father: for goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble
+Bellerophon in his halls and kept him twenty days. Moreover they gave
+each the other goodly gifts of friendship; Oineus gave a belt bright
+with purple, and Bellerophon a gold two-handled cup. Therefore now am I
+to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost Argos, and thou in Lykia,
+whene'er I fare to your land. So let us shun each other's spears, even
+amid the throng; Trojans are there in multitudes and famous allies for
+me to slay, whoe'er it be that God vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake;
+and for thee are there Achaians in multitude, to slay whome'er thou
+canst. But let us make exchange of arms between us, that these also may
+know how we avow ourselves to be guest-friends by lineage."
+
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other
+by his hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took
+from Glaukos his wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus'
+son of golden armour for bronze, the price of five score oxen for the
+price of nine.
+
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak tree, there came
+running round about him the Trojans' wives and daughters, enquiring of
+sons and brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade them thereat all
+in turn pray to the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+
+But when he came to Priam's beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades--and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded
+hard by one another, wherein Priam's sons slept beside their wedded
+wives; and for his daughters over against them on the other side within
+the courtyard were twelve roofed chambers of polished stone builded hard
+by one another, wherein slept Priam's sons-in-law beside their chaste
+wives--then came there to meet him his bountiful mother, leading with
+her Laodike, fairest of her daughters to look on; and she clasped her
+hand in his, and spake, and called upon his name: "My son, why hast thou
+left violent battle to come hither. Surely the sons of the
+Achaians--name of evil!--press thee hard in fight about thy city, and so
+thy spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth thy hands
+to Zeus from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet wine,
+that thou mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals first, and
+then shalt thou thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt drink. When a man
+is awearied wine greatly maketh his strength to wax, even as thou art
+awearied in fighting for thy fellows."
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: "Bring me no
+honey-hearted wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage
+and I be forgetful of my might. But go thou to the temple of Athene,
+driver of the spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged wives together;
+and the robe that seemeth to thee the most gracious and greatest in thy
+palace, and dearest unto thyself, that lay thou upon the knees of
+beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple
+twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad, if she will have mercy
+on the city and the Trojans' wives and little children. So go thou to
+the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will go after Paris, to
+summon him, if perchance he will hearken to my voice. Would that the
+earth forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian fostered him to be a
+sore bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and to Priam's
+sons. If I but saw him going down to the gates of death, then might I
+deem that my heart had forgotten its sorrows."
+
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens,
+and they gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself
+went down to her fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the
+work of Sidonian women, whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from
+Sidon, when he sailed over the wide sea, that journey wherein he brought
+home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe took one to bear for an offering
+to Athene, the one that was fairest for adornment and greatest, and
+shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then went she her way and
+the multitude of aged wives hasted after her. And Hector was come to
+Alexandros' fair palace, that himself had builded with them that were
+most excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled Troy-land; these made him
+his chamber and hall and courtyard hard by to Priam and Hector, in the
+upper city. There entered in Hector dear to Zeus, and his hand bare his
+spear, eleven cubits long: before his face glittered the bronze
+spear-point, and a ring of gold ran round about it. And he found Paris
+in his chamber busied with his beauteous arms, his shield and
+breastplate, and handling his curved bow; and Helen of Argos sate among
+her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork for her handmaidens.
+Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful words: "Good sir,
+thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy heart. The folk are
+perishing about the city and high wall in battle, and for thy sake the
+battle-cry is kindled and war around this city; yes thyself wouldest
+thou fall out with another, didst thou see him shrinking from hateful
+war. Up then, lest the city soon be scorched with burning fire."
+
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: "Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou
+it to thine heart and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the
+Trojans, for wrath and indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain
+would I yield me to my sorrow. Even now my wife hath persuaded me with
+soft words, and urged me into battle; and I moreover, even I, deem that
+it will be better so; for victory shifteth from man to man. Go to then,
+tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of war; or else fare thou forth,
+and I will follow; and I think to overtake thee."
+
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word. But
+Helen spake to him with gentle words: "My brother, even mine that am a
+dog, mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my mother
+bare me at the first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a
+mountain or a billow of the loud-sounding sea, where the billow might
+have swept me away before all these things came to pass. Howbeit, seeing
+the gods devised all these ills in this wise, would that then I had been
+mated with a better man, that felt dishonour and the multitude of men's
+reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he now sound heart, nor ever
+will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap the fruit. But now
+come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my brother, since thy
+heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake of me, that am a
+dog, and for Alexandros' sin; on whom Zeus bringeth evil doom, that even
+in days to come we may be a song in the ears of men that shall be
+hereafter."
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: "Bid me not sit,
+Helen, of thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set
+to succour the men of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not
+with them. But rouse thou this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to
+overtake me yet within the city. For I shall go into mine house to
+behold my housefolk and my dear wife, and infant boy; for I know not if
+I shall return home to them again, or if the gods will now overthrow me
+at the hands of the Achaians."
+
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to
+his well-stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in
+the halls; she with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her
+stand upon the tower, weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not his
+noble wife within, he came and stood upon the threshold and spake amid
+the serving women: "Come tell me now true, my serving women. Whither
+went white-armed Andromache forth from the hall? Hath she gone out to my
+sisters or unto my brothers' fair-robed wives, or to Athene's temple,
+where all the fair-tressed Trojan women propitiate the awful goddess?"
+
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: "Hector, seeing thou
+straitly chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any of
+thy sisters or thy brothers' fair-robed wives, neither to Athene's
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the
+awful goddess; but she went to the great tower of Ilios, because she
+heard the Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory was for the
+Achaians. So hath she come in haste to the wall, like unto one frenzied;
+and the nurse with her beareth the child."
+
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the
+same way down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the
+great city and was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to
+issue upon the plain, then came his dear-won wife, running to meet him,
+even Andromache daughter of great-hearted Eetion. So she met him now,
+and with her went the handmaid bearing in her bosom the tender boy, the
+little child, Hector's loved son, like unto a beautiful star. Him Hector
+called Skamandrios, but all the folk Astyanax [Astyanax = "City King."];
+for only Hector guarded Ilios. So now he smiled and gazed at his boy
+silently, and Andromache stood by his side weeping, and clasped her hand
+in his, and spake and called upon his name. "Dear my lord, this thy
+hardihood will undo thee, neither hast thou any pity for thine infant
+boy, nor for me forlorn that soon shall be thy widow; for soon will the
+Achaians all set upon thee and slay thee. But it were better for me to
+go down to the grave if I lose thee; for never more will any comfort be
+mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met thy fate, but only sorrow.
+Nay, Hector, thou art to me father and lady mother, yea and brother,
+even as thou art my goodly husband. Come now, have pity and abide here
+upon the tower, lest thou make thy child an orphan and thy wife a
+widow."
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: "Surely I take
+thought for all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of the
+Trojans and Trojan dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I shrink
+away from battle. Moreover mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I have
+learnt ever to be valiant and fight in the forefront of the Trojans,
+winning my father's great glory and mine own. Yea of a surety I know
+this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid
+low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear. Yet doth
+the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so much trouble me, neither
+Hekabe's own, neither king Priam's, neither my brethren's, the many and
+brave that shall fall in the dust before their foemen, as doth thine
+anguish in the day when some mail-clad Achaian shall lead thee weeping
+and rob thee of the light of freedom. So shalt thou abide in Argos and
+ply the loom at another woman's bidding, and bear water from fount
+Messeis or Hypereia, being grievously entreated, and sore constraint
+shall be laid upon thee. And then shall one say that beholdeth thee
+weep: 'This is the wife of Hector, that was foremost in battle of the
+horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.' Thus shall one say
+hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such an husband as
+thou hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in death may the
+heaped-up earth be covering, ere I hear thy crying and thy carrying into
+captivity."
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the
+child shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at
+his dear father's aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair
+crest that he beheld nodding fiercely from the helmet's top. Then his
+dear father laughed aloud, and his lady mother; forthwith glorious
+Hector took the helmet from his head, and laid it, all gleaming, upon
+the earth; then kissed he his dear son and dandled him in his arms, and
+spake in prayer to Zeus and all the gods, "O Zeus and all ye gods,
+vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise prove even as I, pre-eminent
+amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be a great king of Ilios.
+Then may men say of him, 'Far greater is he than his father' as he
+returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him blood-stained
+spoils from the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother's heart be
+glad."
+
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife's arms; and she took him
+to her fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to
+see her, and caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her
+name: "Dear one, I pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man
+against my fate shall hurl me to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man
+hath escaped, be he coward or be he valiant, when once he hath been
+born. But go thou to thine house and see to thine own tasks, the loom
+and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their work; but for war shall
+men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in Ilios."
+
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet; and
+his dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting fall
+big tears. Anon she came to the well-stablished house of man-slaying
+Hector, and found therein her many handmaidens, and stirred lamentation
+in them all. So bewailed they Hector, while yet he lived, within his
+house: for they deemed that he would no more come back to them from
+battle, nor escape the fury of the hands of the Achaians.
+
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his
+brave armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city, trusting
+to his nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at the
+manger, breaketh his tether and speedeth at the gallop across the plain,
+being wont to bathe him in the fair-flowing stream, exultingly; and
+holdeth his head on high, and his mane floateth about his shoulders, and
+he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his limbs bear him to the haunts
+and pasturages of mares; even so Priam's son Paris, glittering in his
+armour like the shining sun, strode down from high Pergamos laughingly,
+and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook his brother noble
+Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away from the spot where
+he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake godlike Alexandros:
+"Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine haste by my tarrying,
+and came not rightly as thou badest me."
+
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: "Good brother, no
+man that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight, seeing
+thou art strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care; and for
+this my heart is grieved within me, that I hear shameful words
+concerning thee in the Trojans' mouths, who for thy sake endure much
+toil. But let us be going; all this will we make good hereafter, if Zeus
+ever vouchsafe us to set before the heavenly gods that are for
+everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls, when we have chased out
+of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians."
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+    Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the
+    burying of the dead, and the building of a wall about the
+    Achaian ships.
+
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went
+his brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and
+battle. Even as God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have
+grown weary of beating the main with polished oars, and their limbs are
+fordone with toil, even so appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the
+Argives in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of
+Olympus to holy Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her
+from Pergamos, and would have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met
+each the other by the oak-tree. To her spake first king Apollo son of
+Zeus: "Why now art thou come thus eagerly from Olympus, thou daughter of
+great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart sent thee? Surely it is to give
+the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing thou hast no mercy on the
+Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to me--and it were
+far better so--let us now stay battle and warring for the day; hereafter
+shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios, since thus it
+seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay waste this
+city."
+
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: "So be it,
+Far-darter; in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of
+Trojans and Achaians. But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of
+the warriors?"
+
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: "Let us arouse the
+stalwart spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some
+one of the Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly
+combat. So shall the bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one
+to fight singly with goodly Hector." So spake he and the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene disregarded not. Now Helenos Priam's dear son understood
+in spirit their resolve that the gods in counsel had approved; and he
+went to Hector and stood beside him, and spake a word to him: "Hector
+son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel, wouldest thou now hearken at all
+to me? for I am thy brother. Make the other Trojans sit, and all the
+Achaians, and thyself challenge him that is best of the Achaians to meet
+thee man to man in deadly combat. It is not yet thy destiny to die and
+meet thy doom; for thus heard I the voice of the gods that are from
+everlasting." So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his
+saying, and went into the midst and refrained the battalions of the
+Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them
+down: and Agamemnon made the well-greaved Achaians sit. And Athene
+withal and Apollo of the silver bow, in the likeness of vulture birds,
+sate them upon a tall oak holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus, rejoicing
+in their warriors; and the ranks of all of them sate close together,
+bristling with shields and plumes and spears. Even as there spreadeth
+across the main the ripple of the west wind newly risen, and the sea
+grows black beneath it, so sate the ranks of Achaians and Trojans upon
+the plain. And Hector spake between both hosts: "Hearken to me, Trojans
+and well-greaved Achaians, that I may speak what my mind within my
+breast biddeth me. Our oaths of truce Kronos' son, enthroned on high,
+accomplished not; but evil is his intent and ordinance for both our
+hosts, until either ye take fair-towered Troy or yourselves be
+vanquished beside your seafaring ships. But in the midst of you are the
+chiefest of all the Achaians; therefore now let the man whose heart
+biddeth him fight with me come hither from among you all to be your
+champion against goodly Hector. And this declare I, and be Zeus our
+witness thereto; if that man slay me with the long-edged sword, let him
+spoil me of my armour and bear it to the hollow ships, but give back my
+body to my home, that Trojans and Trojans' wives may give me my due of
+burning in my death. But if I slay him and Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I
+will spoil him of his armour and bear it to holy Ilios and hang it upon
+the temple of far-darting Apollo, but his corpse will I render back to
+the well-decked ships, that the flowing-haired Achaians may entomb him,
+and build him a barrow beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say even of
+men that be late born, as he saileth in his benched ship over the
+wine-dark sea: 'This is the barrow of a man that died in days of old, a
+champion whom glorious Hector slew.' So shall a man say hereafter, and
+this my glory shall never die."
+
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him
+they were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up
+Menelaos and spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned
+deep at heart: "Ah me, vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more
+men, surely all this shall be a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the
+Danaans now goeth to meet Hector. Nay, turn ye all to earth and water,
+sitting there each man disheartened, helplessly inglorious; against him
+will I myself array me; and from on high the threads of victory are
+guided of the immortal gods."
+
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the end
+of life appeared for thee at Hector's hands, seeing he was stronger far,
+but that the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee. And
+Atreus' son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right hand
+and spake a word and called upon his name: "Thou doest madly, Menelaos
+fosterling of Zeus; yet is it no time for this thy madness. Draw back,
+though it be with pain, nor think for contention's sake to fight with
+one better than thou, with Hector Priam's son, whom others beside thee
+abhor. Yea, this man even Achilles dreadeth to meet in battle, wherein
+is the warrior's glory; and Achilles is better far than thou. Go
+therefore now and sit amid the company of thy fellows; against him shall
+the Achaians put forth another champion. Fearless though he be and
+insatiate of turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to rest his knees, if
+he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray."
+
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother's heart with just counsel;
+and he obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour from
+his shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives: "Fie upon
+it, verily sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia. Verily old
+Peleus driver of chariots would groan sore, that goodly counsellor of
+the Myrmidons and orator, who erst questioned me in his house, and
+rejoiced greatly, inquiring of the lineage and birth of all the Argives.
+If he heard now of those that all were cowering before Hector, then
+would he lift his hands to the immortals, instantly praying that his
+soul might depart from his limbs down to the house of Hades. Would to
+God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then would Hector of
+the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of you that be
+chieftains of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man of good
+heart to meet Hector face to face." So the old man upbraided them, and
+there stood up nine in all. Far first arose Agamemnon king of men, and
+after him rose Tydeus' son stalwart Diomedes, and after them the Aiantes
+clothed with impetuous might, and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus'
+brother-in-arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and after them
+Eurypylos Euaimon's glorious son; and up rose Thoas Andraimon's son and
+goodly Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight with goodly Hector. And
+among them spake again knightly Nestor of Gerenia: "Now cast ye the lot
+from the first unto the last, for him that shall be chosen: for he shall
+in truth profit the well-greaved Achaians, yea and he shall have profit
+of his own soul, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray."
+
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the helmet
+of Agamemnon Atreus' son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up their hands
+to the gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide heaven: "O
+father Zeus, vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or Tydeus' son, or
+else on the king of Mykene rich in gold."
+
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and
+there leapt forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of Aias.
+And Aias saw and knew the token upon the lot, and rejoiced in heart, and
+spake: "My friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself am glad at
+heart, because I deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come now,
+while I clothe me in my armour of battle, pray ye the while to Kronos'
+son king Zeus, in silence to yourselves, that the Trojans hear you
+not--nay rather, openly if ye will, for we have no fear of any man
+soever. For none by force shall chase me, he willing me unwilling,
+neither by skill; seeing I hope that not so skill-less, either, was I
+born in Salamis nor nurtured."
+
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos' son, king Zeus; and thus would
+one speak, looking up to wide heaven: "O father Zeus that rulest from
+Ida, most glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the
+winning of great glory. But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest
+for him, grant unto either equal prowess and renown."
+
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he had
+now clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge Ares
+coming forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos' son
+setteth to fight in fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge
+Aias, bulwark of the Achaians, with a smile on his grim face: and went
+with long strides of his feet beneath him, shaking his far-shadowing
+spear. Then moreover the Argives rejoiced to look upon him, but sore
+trembling came upon the Trojans, on the limbs of every man, and Hector's
+own heart beat within his breast. But in no wise could he now flee nor
+shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing he had challenged him to
+battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like shield of bronze, with
+sevenfold ox-hide, and stood near to Hector, and spake to him threatening:
+"Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man to man, what manner
+of princes the Danaans likewise have among them, even after Achilles,
+render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his beaked seafaring ships
+lieth in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of the host; yet are we such
+as to face thee, yea and many of us. But make thou beginning of war and
+battle."
+
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: "Aias of the seed of
+Zeus, son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like some
+puny boy or woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well know wars
+and slaughterings. To right know I, to left know I the wielding of my
+tough targe; therein I deem is stalwart soldiership. And I know how to
+charge into the mellay of fleet chariots, and how in close battle to
+join in furious Ares' dance. Howbeit, I have no mind to smite thee,
+being such an one as thou art, by spying thee unawares; but rather
+openly, if perchance I may hit thee."
+
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote Aias'
+dread shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the eighth
+layer that was thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn bronze
+cleaving, but in the seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung Aias
+hurled next his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the circle of the
+shield of Priam's son. Through the bright shield passed the violent
+spear, and through the curiously wrought corslet pressed it on; and
+straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his doublet; but he
+swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with their
+hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions or
+wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam's son smote the
+shield's midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the
+point turned back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and
+straight through went the spear and staggered him in his onset, and
+cleft its way unto his neck, so that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even
+then did not Hector of the glancing helm cease from fight, but yielded
+ground and with stout hand seized a stone lying upon the plain, black
+and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and smote Aias' dread shield
+of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss, and the bronze
+resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and hurled
+it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and
+burst it inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his
+knees; and he was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but
+Apollo straightway raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to
+hand with swords, but that the heralds, messengers of gods and men,
+came, one from the Trojans, one from the mail-clad Achaians, even
+Talthybios and Idaios, both men discreet. Between the two held they
+their staves, and herald Idaios spake a word, being skilled in wise
+counsel: "Fight ye no more, dear sons, neither do battle; seeing Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are men of war; that verily
+know we all. But night already is upon us: it is well withal to obey the
+hest [behest] of night."
+
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: "Idaios, bid ye Hector
+to speak those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our
+best. Let him be first, and I will surely follow as he saith."
+
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: "Aias, seeing God
+gave thee stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art
+excellent above all the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and
+battle for the day; but hereafter will we fight until God judge between
+as, giving to one of us the victory: But come, let us give each the
+other famous gifts, that men may thus say, Achaians alike and Trojans:
+'These, having fought for sake of heart-consuming strife, parted again
+reconciled in friendship.'"
+
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and
+well-cut baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they
+parted, and one went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the
+throng of Trojans. And these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive
+and sound, escaped from the fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable;
+and they brought him to the city saved beyond their hope. And Aias on
+their side the well-greaved Achaians brought to noble Agamemnon,
+exulting in his victory.
+
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon
+king of men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most
+mighty son of Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it
+all, and minced it cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and
+roasted it carefully, and drew all off again. Then as soon as they had
+rest from the task and had made ready the meal, they began the feast,
+nor was their soul aught stinted of the equal banquet. And the hero son
+of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias slices of the chine's
+full length for his honour. And when they had put from them the desire
+of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave the web of
+counsel, even Nestor whose rede [counsel] of old time was proved most
+excellent. He made harangue among them and said: "Son of Atreus and ye
+other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired Achaians
+are dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about fair-flowing
+Skamandros, and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades;
+therefore it behoveth thee to make the battle of the Achaians cease with
+daybreak; and we will assemble to wheel hither the corpses with oxen and
+mules; so let us burn them; and let us heap one barrow about the pyre,
+rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto build with speed
+high towers, a bulwark for our ships and for ourselves. In the midst
+thereof let us make gates well compact, that through them may be a way
+for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep foss hard by, to be
+about it and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle of the lordly
+Trojans be heavy on us hereafter."
+
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in
+the high town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused,
+beside Priam's gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue:
+"Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give
+Helen of Argos and the wealth with her for the sons of Atreus to take
+away. Now fight we in guilt against the oaths of faith; therefore is
+there no profit for us that I hope to see fulfilled, unless we do thus."
+
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble
+Alexandros, lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and spake
+winged words: "Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my
+pleasure; yet thou hast it in thee to devise other sayings more
+excellent than this. But if indeed thou sayest this in earnest, then
+verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy wit. But I will speak
+forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare outright; my wife will
+I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to our home, all
+that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own substance."
+
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of
+the seed of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to
+them, and said: "Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that
+I may tell you that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat your
+supper throughout the city as of old, and take thought to keep watch,
+and be wakeful every man. And at dawn let Idaios fare to the hollow
+ships to tell to Atreus' sons Agamemnon and Menelaos the saying of
+Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come about: and likewise to ask
+them this wise word, whether they are minded to refrain from noisy war
+till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight again, till
+heaven part us and give one or other victory."
+
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed: and at
+dawn Idaios fared to the hollow ships. He found the Danaans in assembly,
+the men of Ares' company, beside the stern of Agamemnon's ship; and so
+the loud-voiced herald stood in their midst and said unto them:
+"Atreides and ye other princes of the Achaians, Priam and all the noble
+Trojans bade me tell you-if perchance it might find favour and
+acceptance with you-the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath
+come about. The wealth that Alexandros brought in his hollow ships to
+Troy-would he had perished first!-all that he hath a mind to give, and
+to add more thereto of his substance. But the wedded wife of glorious
+Menelaos he saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid him do
+it. Moreover they bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are minded
+to refrain from noisy war until we have burned our dead; afterwards will
+we fight again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory."
+
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: "Let no man now
+accept Alexandros' substance, neither Helen's self; known is it, even to
+him that hath no wit at all, how that the issues of destruction hang
+already over the Trojans."
+
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to
+Idaios: "Idaios, thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how
+they answer thee; and the like seemeth good to me. But as concerning the
+dead, I grudge you not to burn them; for dead corpses is there no
+stinting; when they once are dead, of the swift propitiation of fire.
+And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the loud-thundering lord of
+Hera."
+
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and
+Idaios departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in
+assembly, gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he
+came and stood in their midst and declared his message. Then they made
+them ready very swiftly for either task, some to bring the dead, and
+some to seek for wood. And on their part the Argives hasted from their
+well-decked ships, some to bring the dead and some to seek for wood.
+
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from
+the deep stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together.
+Then was it a hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them
+with water clean of clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted
+them upon the wains. But great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in
+silence heaped they the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart; and when
+they had burned them with fire departed to holy Ilios. And in like
+manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians heaped the corpses on the
+pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned them with fire
+departed to the hollow ships.
+
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the
+chosen folk of the Achaians gathered together around the pyre, and made
+one barrow about it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and
+thereto built they a wall and lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships
+and for themselves. In the midst thereof made they gates well-compacted,
+that through them might be a way for chariot-driving. And without they
+dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great, and planted a palisade
+therein.
+
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the
+lord of lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad
+Achaians. And Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: "O father
+Zeus, is there any man throughout the boundless earth that will any more
+declare to the immortals his mind and counsel? Seest thou not how the
+flowing-haired Achaians have now again built them a wall before their
+ships, and drawn a foss around it, but gave not excellent hecatombs to
+the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall reach as far as the dawn
+spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and Phoebus Apollo built
+with travail for the hero Laomedon."
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: "Out on it,
+far-swaying Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might some
+other god fear this device, one that were far feebler than thou in the
+might of his hands: but thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn
+spreadeth. Go to now, hereafter when the flowing-haired Achaians be
+departed upon their ships to their dear native land, then burst thou
+this wall asunder and scatter it all into the sea, and cover the great
+sea-beach over with sand again, that the great wall of the Achaians be
+brought to naught."
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+    How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles'
+    wrong on Agamemnon; and therefore bade the gods refrain from
+    war, and gave victory to the Trojans.
+
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus
+whose joy is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the
+topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them
+and all the gods gave ear: "Hearken to me, all gods and all ye
+goddesses, that I may tell you what my heart within my breast commandeth
+me. One thing let none essay, be it goddess or be it god, to wit, to
+thwart my saying; approve ye it all together, that with all speed I may
+accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive minded to go, apart
+from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in no seemly
+wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him into misty
+Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth;
+there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far beneath Hades
+as heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how far I am
+mightiest of all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye all may
+know. Fasten ye a rope of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay hold
+thereof and all goddesses; yet could ye not drag from heaven to earth
+Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye toiled sore. But once I likewise
+were minded to draw with all my heart, then should I draw you up with
+very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind the rope about a
+pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in air. By
+so much am I beyond gods and beyond men."
+
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet of
+foot, with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold upon
+his flesh, and grasped the whip of gold, well wrought, and mounted upon
+his car, and lashed the horses to start them; they nothing loth sped on
+between earth and starry heaven. So fared he to many-fountained Ida,
+mother of wild beasts, even unto Gargaros, where is his demesne and
+fragrant altar. There did the father of men and gods stay his horses,
+and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist about them; and
+himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to behold the
+city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and
+thereafter arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed
+them throughout the town--a smaller host, yet for all that were they
+eager to fight in battle, of forceful need, for their children's sake
+and their wives'. And the gates were opened wide and the host issued
+forth, footmen and horsemen; and mighty din arose.
+
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they
+targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields
+pressed each on each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of
+groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and the slain,
+and the earth streamed with blood.
+
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either
+side lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun
+bestrode mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and
+put therein two fates of death that layeth men at their length, one for
+horse-taming Trojans, one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the
+scale-yard by the midst and lifted it, and the Achaians' day of destiny
+sank down. So lay the Achaians' fates on the bounteous earth, and the
+Trojans' fates were lifted up towards wide heaven. And the god thundered
+aloud from Ida, and sent his blazing flash amid the host of the
+Achaians; and they saw and were astonished, and pale fear gat hold upon
+all.
+
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood
+the twain Aiantes, men of Ares' company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood
+his ground, he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but
+his horse was fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helen's
+lord, had smitten with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the
+foremost hairs of horses grow upon the skull; and there is the most
+deadly spot. So the horse leapt up in anguish and the arrow sank into
+his brain, and he brought confusion on the steeds as he writhed upon the
+dart. While the old man leapt forth and with his sword began to hew the
+traces, came Hector's fleet horses through the tumult, bearing a bold
+charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the old man lost his life, but
+that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark. Terribly shouted
+he, summoning Odysseus: "Heaven-born son of Laertes, Odysseus of many
+wiles, whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward in the
+throng? Beware lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy
+shoulders. Nay, stand thy ground, till we thrust back from the old man
+his furious foe."
+
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but
+hastened by to the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though
+but one, mingled amid the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand
+before the steeds of the old man, Neleus' son, and spake to him winged
+words, and said: "Old man, of a truth young warriors beset thee hard;
+and thy force is abated, and old age is sore upon thee, and thy squire
+is but a weakling, and thy steeds are slow. Come then, mount upon my
+car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
+skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across
+the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of fear.
+Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also
+rageth in my hands."
+
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the two
+squires tended Nestor's horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and kindly
+Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes' car. And
+Nestor took into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the horses; and
+soon they drew nigh Hector. Then Tydeus' son hurled at him as he charged
+straight upon them: him missed he, but his squire that drave his
+chariot, Eniopeus, high-hearted Thebaios' son, even him as he held the
+reins, he smote upon the breast beside the nipple. So he fell from out
+the car, and his fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul
+and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed Hector's soul for
+sake of his charioteer. Yet left he him there lying, though he sorrowed
+for his comrade, and drave in quest of a bold charioteer; and his horses
+lacked not long a master, for anon he found Iphitos' son, bold
+Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his fleet horses, and gave
+the reins into his hands.
+
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so
+had they been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods and
+men been swift to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his white
+lightning and hurled it before Diomedes' steeds to earth; and there
+arose a terrible flame of sulphur burning, and the two horses were
+affrighted and cowered beneath the car. And the shining reins dropped
+from Nestor's hands, and he was afraid at heart and spake to Diomedes:
+"Come now Tydeides, turn back thy whole-hooved horses to flight: seest
+thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth not on thee? Now doth Kronos'
+son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the day; hereafter shall he
+grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at all ward off the will
+of Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he verily is mightier far."
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: "Yea verily, old man,
+all this thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore grief
+that entereth my heart and soul: Hector some day shall say as he maketh
+harangue amid the Trojans: 'Tydeides betook him to the ships in flight
+before my face.' So shall he boast--in that day let the wide earth yawn
+for me."
+
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through
+the tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon
+them their dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of
+the glancing helm: "Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to
+honour thee with the highest place, and meats, and cups brimful, but now
+will they disdain thee; thou art after all no better than a woman.
+Begone, poor puppet; not for my flinching shalt thou climb on our
+towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy ships; ere that will I
+deal thee thy fate."
+
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his
+horses and fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul,
+and thrice from Ida's mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and
+gave to the Trojans a sign, the turning of the course of battle. And
+Hector with loud shout called to the Trojans: "Trojans and Lykians and
+Dardanians that love close fight, be men, my friends, and bethink you of
+impetuous valour. I perceive that of good will Kronion vouchsafest me
+victory and great glory, and to the Danaans destruction. Fools, that
+devised these walls weak and of none account; they shall not withhold
+our fury, and lightly shall our steeds overleap the delved foss. But
+when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then be thought taken of
+consuming fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and slay the men."
+
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: "Xanthos, and thou
+Podargos, and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending,
+even the abundance that Andromache, great-hearted Eetion's daughter, set
+before you of honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the
+heart's bidding. Pursue ye now and haste, that we may seize Nestor's
+shield, the fame whereof now reacheth unto heaven, how that it is of
+gold throughout, armrods and all; and may seize moreover from
+horse-taming Diomedes' shoulders his richly dight breastplate that
+Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could we but take these, then might I hope
+this very night to make the Achaians to embark on their fleet ships."
+
+And now had he burned the trim ships with blazing fire, but that queen
+Hera put it in Agamemnon's heart himself to bestir him and swiftly
+arouse the Achaians. So he went his way along the huts and ships of the
+Achaians, holding a great cloak of purple in his stalwart hand, and
+stood by Odysseus' black ship of mighty burden, that was in the midst,
+so that a voice could be heard to either end. Then shouted he in a
+piercing voice, and called to the Danaans aloud: "Fie upon you, Argives,
+ye sorry things of shame, so brave in semblance! Whither are gone our
+boastings when we said that we were bravest, the boasts ye uttered
+vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate your fill of flesh of
+tall-horned oxen and drank goblets crowned with wine, and said that
+every man should stand in war to face fivescore yea tenscore Trojans?
+yet now can we not match one, even this Hector that anon will burn our
+ships with flame of fire. O Father Zeus, didst ever thou blind with such
+a blindness any mighty king, and rob him of great glory? Nay, Zeus, this
+hope fulfil thou me; suffer that we ourselves at least flee and escape,
+neither suffer that the Achaians be thus vanquished of the Trojans."
+
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed
+him that his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an
+eagle--surest sign among winged fowl--holding in his claws a fawn, the
+young of a fleet hind; beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall
+the fawn, where the Achaians did sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all
+oracles. So when they saw that the bird was come from Zeus, they sprang
+the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the joy of battle.
+
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast that
+he before Tydeus' son had guided his fleet horses forth, and driven them
+across the trench and fought man to man; first by far was Tydeides to
+slay a warrior of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos son of
+Phradmon. Now he had turned his steeds to flee; but as he wheeled the
+other plunged the spear into his back between his shoulders, and drave
+it through his breast. So fell he from his chariot, and his armour
+clanged upon him.
+
+And after him came Atreus' sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after
+them the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them
+Idomeneus and Idomeneus' brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios
+slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos, Euaimon's glorious son. And
+ninth came Teukros, stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand
+beneath the shield of Aias son of Telamon. And so Aias would stealthily
+withdraw the shield, and Teukros would spy his chance; and when he had
+shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell such an one and gave up
+the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child beneath his mother,
+so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+
+And Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to behold him making havoc with his
+stalwart bow of the battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood by
+his side and spake to him, saying: "Teukros, dear heart, thou son of
+Telamon, prince of the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou
+mayest be found the salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father
+Telamon."
+
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: "Most noble son of
+Atreus, why urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such
+strength as is in me forbear I not, but ever since we drave them towards
+Ilios I watch with my bow to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed arrows
+have I now sped, and all are buried in the flesh of young men swift in
+battle; only this mad dog can I not smite."
+
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector;
+and his heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for
+Apollo turned the dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector's bold
+charioteer, he smote on the breast beside the nipple as he hasted into
+battle: so he fell from his car and his fleet-footed horses swerved
+aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung. Then sore grief
+encompassed Hector's soul for his charioteer's sake; yet left he him,
+though he sorrowed for his comrade, and bade Kebriones his own brother,
+being hard by, take the chariot reins; and he heard and disregarded not.
+And himself he leapt to earth from the resplendent car, with a terrible
+shout; and in his hand he caught a stone, and made right at Teukros, and
+his heart bade him smite him. Now Teukros had plucked forth from his
+quiver a keen arrow, and laid it on the string; but even as he drew it
+back, Hector of the glancing helm smote him with the jagged stone, as he
+aimed eagerly against him, even beside his shoulder, where the
+collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where is the most deadly
+spot; and he brake the bowstring, and his hand from the wrist grew numb,
+and he stayed fallen upon his knee, and his bow dropped from his hand.
+But Aias disregarded not his brother's fall, but ran and strode across
+him and hid him with his shield. Then two trusty comrades bent down to
+him, even Mekisteus son of Echios and goodly Alastor, and bare him,
+groaning sorely, to the hollow ships. And once again the Olympian
+aroused the spirit of the Trojans. So they drove the Achaians straight
+toward the deep foss, and amid the foremost went Hector exulting in his
+strength. And even as when a hound behind wild boar or lion, with swift
+feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or buttock, and watcheth for
+him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on the flowing-haired
+Achaians, slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled on. But when they
+were passed in flight through palisade and foss, and many were fallen
+beneath the Trojans' hands, then halted they and tarried beside the
+ships, calling one upon another, and lifting up their hands to all the
+gods prayed each one instantly. But Hector wheeled round his
+beauteous-maned steeds this way and that, and his eyes were as the eyes
+of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion,
+and anon spake winged words to Athene: "Out on it, thou child of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, shall not we twain any more take thought for the
+Danaans that perish, if only for this last time? Now will they fill up
+the measure of evil destiny and perish by one man's onslaught; seeing
+that he is furious now beyond endurance, this Hector son of Priam, and
+verily hath wrought many a deed of ill."
+
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, "Yea in good
+sooth, may this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the
+Argives' hands in his native land; only mine own sire is furious, with
+no good intent, headstrong, ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes. But
+now make thou ready our whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the
+palace of aegis-bearing Zeus and gird me in my armour for battle, that I
+may see if Priam's son, Hector of the glancing helm, shall be glad at
+the appearing of us twain amid the highways of the battle. Surely shall
+many a Trojan likewise glut dogs and birds with fat and flesh, fallen
+dead at the ships of the Achaians."
+
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. But when
+father Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris
+golden-winged to bear a message: "Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them
+back, neither suffer them to face me; for in no happy wise shall we join
+in combat. For thus will I declare, and even so shall the fulfilment be;
+I will maim their fleet horses in the chariot, and them will I hurl out
+from the car, and will break in pieces the chariot; neither within the
+courses of ten years shall they heal them of the wounds the thunderbolt
+shall tear; that the bright-eyed one may know the end when she striveth
+against her father. But with Hera have I not so great indignation nor
+wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart me, whate'er I have
+decreed."
+
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and
+departed from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the
+entrance of the gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed
+them, and told them the saying of Zeus.
+
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble
+Shaker of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and
+spread a cloth thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his
+golden throne, and beneath his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene
+and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and spake no word to him neither
+questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his heart, and said, "Why are
+ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are not wearied of making
+havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye cherish bitter
+hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for
+you twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye
+beheld war and war's fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so
+had the fulfilment been--never had ye, once smitten with the
+thunderbolt, fared on your chariots back unto Olympus where is the
+habitation of the immortals."
+
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her;
+but Hera's heart contained not her anger, and she spake: "Most dread son
+of Kronos, what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we, that
+thy might is no wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan
+spearmen, that now shall perish and fill up the measure of grievous
+fate."
+
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: "At morn shalt thou
+behold most mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed
+queen, making yet more havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for
+headlong Hector shall not refrain from battle till that Peleus' son
+fleet of foot have arisen beside the ships, that day when these shall
+fight amid the sterns in most grievous stress, around Patroklos fallen.
+Such is the doom of heaven. And for thine anger reck I not, not even
+though thou go to the nethermost bounds of earth and sea, where sit
+Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of Hyperion the Sun-god,
+neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about them. Though
+thou shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I not of thy
+vexation, seeing there is no thing more unabashed than thou."
+
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sun's bright
+light dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the
+grain-giver. Against the Trojans' will daylight departed, but welcome,
+thrice prayed for, to the Achaians came down the murky night.
+
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart
+from the ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was
+found a spot clear of dead. And they came down from their chariots to
+the ground to hear the word that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He
+in his hand held his spear eleven cubits long; before his face gleamed
+the spearhead of bronze, and a ring of gold ran round about it. Thereon
+he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying: "Hearken to me, Trojans and
+Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to make havoc of the ships and
+all the Achaians and depart back again to windy Ilios; but dusk came too
+soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives and the ships beside
+the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black night, and make our
+supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your fair-maned horses, and
+set fodder beside them. And from the city bring kine and goodly sheep
+with speed; and provide you with honey-hearted wine, and corn from your
+houses, and gather much wood withal, that all night long until
+early-springing dawn we may burn many fires, and the gleam may reach to
+heaven; lest perchance even by night the flowing-haired Achaians strive
+to take flight over the broad back of the sea. Verily must they not
+embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease: but see ye that many a one of
+them have a wound to nurse even at home, being stricken with arrow or
+keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his ship; that so many another man
+may dread to wage dolorous war on the horse-taming men of Troy. And let
+the heralds dear to Zeus proclaim throughout the city that young maidens
+and old men of hoary heads camp round the city on the battlements
+builded of the gods; and let the women folk burn a great fire each in
+her hall; and let there be a sure watch set, lest an ambush enter the
+city when the host is absent. Howbeit for the night will we guard our
+own selves, and at morn by daybreak, arrayed in our armour, let us awake
+keen battle at the hollow ships. I will know whether Tydeus' son
+stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from the ships back to the wall, or I
+shall lay him low with my spear and bear away his gory spoils. To-morrow
+shall he prove his valour, whether he can abide the onslaught of my
+spear. Would that I were immortal and ageless all my days and honoured
+like as Athene is honoured and Apollo, so surely as this day bringeth
+the Argives ill."
+
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they
+loosed their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with
+thongs, each man beside his chariot; and from the city they brought kine
+and goodly sheep with speed, and provided them with honey-hearted wine
+and corn from their houses, and gathered much wood withal. And from the
+plain the winds bare into heaven the sweet savour. But these with high
+hopes sate them all night along the highways of the battle, and their
+watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when in heaven the stars about
+the bright moon shine clear to see, when the air is windless, and all
+the peaks appear and the tall headlands and glades, and from heaven
+breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars are seen, and the
+shepherd's heart is glad; even in like multitude between the ships and
+the streams of Xanthos appeared the watchfires that the Trojans kindled
+in front of Ilios. A thousand fires burned in the plain and by the side
+of each sate fifty in the gleam of blazing fire. And the horses champed
+white barley and spelt, and standing by their chariots waited for the
+throned Dawn.
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+    How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him
+    to be appeased; and how Achilles denied him.
+
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of heaven-sent
+panic, handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were stricken to
+the heart with grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up the main,
+the home of fishes, even the north wind and the west wind that blow from
+Thrace, coming suddenly; and the dark billow straightway lifteth up its
+crest and casteth much tangle out along the sea; even so was the
+Achaians' spirit troubled in their breast.
+
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about
+bidding the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the
+assembly, but not to shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the
+foremost. So they sat sorrowful in assembly, and Agamemnon stood up
+weeping like unto a fountain of dark water that from a beetling cliff
+poureth down its black stream; even so with deep groaning he spake amid
+the Argives and said: "My friends, leaders and captains of the Argives,
+Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of
+soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised and gave his
+pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I depart,
+but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in dishonour to
+Argos with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is the good
+pleasure of most mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of many
+cities, yea and shall lay low; for his is highest power. So come, even
+as I shall bid let us all obey; let us flee with our ships to our dear
+native land, for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy."
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time
+were the sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid them and said: "Atreides: with
+thee first in thy folly will I contend, where it is just, O king, even
+in the assembly; be not thou wroth therefor. My valour didst thou blame
+in chief amid the Danaans, and saidst that I was no man of war but a
+coward; and all this know the Argives both young and old. But the son of
+crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee but by halves; he granted
+thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men, but valour he gave
+thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou that the sons of
+the Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as thou sayest? If
+thine own heart be set on departing, go thy way; the way is before thee,
+and thy ships stand beside the sea, even the great multitude that
+followed thee from Mykene. But all the other flowing-haired Achaians
+will tarry here until we lay waste Troy. Nay, let them too flee on their
+ships to their dear native land; yet will we twain, even I and
+Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of Ilios; for in God's name are
+we come."
+
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding
+the saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and said
+amid them: "Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in council
+art thou best among thine equals in years; none of all the Achaians will
+make light of thy word nor gainsay it. Now let us yield to black night
+and make ready our meal; and let the sentinels bestow them severally
+along the deep-delved foss without the wall. This charge give I to the
+young men; and thou, Atreides, lead then the way, for thou art the most
+royal. Spread thou a feast for the councillors; that is thy place and
+seemly for thee. Thy huts are full of wine that the ships of the
+Achaians bring thee by day from Thrace across the wide sea; all
+entertainment is for thee, being king over many. In the gathering of
+many shalt thou listen to him that deviseth the most excellent counsel;
+sore need have all the Achaians of such as is good and prudent, because
+hard by the ships our foemen are burning their watch-fires in multitude;
+what man can rejoice thereat? This night shall either destroy or save
+the host."
+
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied
+the sentinels in their harness. Seven were the captains of the
+sentinels, and with each went fivescore young men bearing their long
+spears in their hands; and they took post midway betwixt foss and wall,
+and kindled a fire and made ready each man his meal.
+
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to
+his hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth
+their hands to the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had
+put away from them the desire of meat and drink, then the old man first
+began to weave his counsel, even Nestor, whose rede of old time was
+approved the best. He spake to them and said: "Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, in thy name will I end and with thy name begin,
+because thou art king over many hosts, and to thy hand Zeus hath
+entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest take counsel for thy folk.
+Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to speak and hearken, and
+to accomplish what another than thou may say. No other man shall have a
+more excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old time even
+until now, since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king, didst go and
+take the damsel Briseis from angry Achilles' hut by no consent of ours.
+Nay, I right heartily dissuaded thee; but thou yieldedst to thy proud
+spirit, and dishonouredst a man of valour whom even the immortals
+honoured; for thou didst take and keepest from him his meed of valour.
+Still let us even now take thought how we may appease him and persuade
+him with gifts of friendship and kindly words."
+
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: "Old sir, in no
+false wise hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it not.
+Worth many hosts is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now he
+honoureth this man and destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But seeing I
+was a fool in that I yielded to my sorry passion, I will make amends and
+give a recompense beyond telling. In the midst of you all I will name
+the excellent gifts; seven tripods untouched of fire, and ten talents of
+gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and twelve stalwart horses, winners
+in the race, that have taken prizes by their speed. No lackwealth were
+that man whose substance were as great as the prizes my whole-hooved
+steeds have borne me off. And seven women will I give, skilled in
+excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom I chose me from the spoils the day
+that he himself took stablished Lesbos, surpassing womankind in beauty.
+These will I give him, and with them shall be she whom erst I took from
+him, even the daughter of Briseus. All these things shall be set
+straightway before him; and if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste
+the great city of Priam, then let him enter in when we Achaians be
+dividing the spoil, and lade his ship full of gold and bronze, and
+himself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that there be after
+Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands, even Achaian
+Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold him in like honour with
+Orestes, my stripling boy that is nurtured in all abundance. Three
+daughters are mine in my well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike and
+Iphianassa; let him take of them which he will, without gifts of wooing,
+to Peleus' house; and I will add a great dower such as no man ever yet
+gave with his daughter. And seven well-peopled cities will I give him,
+Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and holy Pherai and Antheia deep in
+meads, and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of vines. And all are nigh to
+the salt sea, on the uttermost border of sandy Pylos; therein dwell men
+abounding in flocks and kine, men that shall worship him like a god with
+gifts, and beneath his sway fulfil his prosperous ordinances. All this
+will I accomplish so he but cease from wrath. Let him yield; Hades I
+ween is not to be softened neither overcome, and therefore is he
+hatefullest of all gods to mortals. Yea, let him be ruled by me,
+inasmuch as I am more royal and avow me to be the elder in years."
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: "Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be
+esteemed that thou offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed
+forth picked men to go with all haste to the hut of Peleus' son
+Achilles. Lo now, whomsoever I appoint let them consent. First let
+Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the way, and after him great Aias and noble
+Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and Eurybates be their companions.
+And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep holy silence, that we
+may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he will have mercy
+upon us."
+
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith
+the heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the
+bowls with drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured the
+libation in the cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as their
+heart desired, they issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus. And knightly Nestor of Gerenia gave them full charge, with many
+a glance to each, and chiefest to Odysseus, how they should essay to
+prevail on Peleus' noble son.
+
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making
+instant prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that they
+might with ease prevail on Aiakides' great heart. So they came to the
+huts and ships of the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his
+pleasure of a loud lyre, fair, of curious work, with a silver cross-bar
+upon it. Therein he was delighting his soul, and singing the glories of
+heroes. And over against him sate Patroklos alone in silence, watching
+till Aiakides should cease from singing. So the twain came forward, and
+noble Odysseus led the way, and they stood before his face; and Achilles
+sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand, and left the seat where he
+was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he beheld the men arose.
+Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and said: "Welcome; verily ye
+are friends that are come--sore indeed is the need--even ye that are
+dearest of the Achaians to me even in my wrath."
+
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on
+settles and carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being
+near: "Bring forth a greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle
+stronger drink, and prepare each man a cup, for dearest of men are these
+that are under my roof."
+
+Then put they forth their hands to the good cheer lying before them. And
+when they had put from them the desire of meat and drink, Aias nodded to
+Phoinix. But noble Odysseus marked it, and filled a cup with wine and
+pledged Achilles: "Hail, O Achilles! The fair feast lack we not either
+in the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in thine; for feasting
+is there abundance to our heart's desire, but our thought is not for
+matters of the delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore destruction,
+thou fosterling of Zeus, and are afraid. Now is it in doubt whether we
+save the benched ships or behold them perish, if thou put not on thy
+might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the high-hearted Trojans and famed
+allies pitched their camp, and kindled many fires throughout their host,
+and ween that they shall no more be withheld but will fall on our black
+ships. And Zeus son of Kronos sheweth them signs upon the right by
+lightning, and Hector greatly exulteth in his might and rageth
+furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not of god nor man, for mighty
+madness hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn to shine forth with
+all speed, for he bath passed his word to smite off from the ships the
+ensigns' tops, and to fire the hulls with devouring flame, and hard
+thereby to make havoc of the Achaians confounded by the smoke. Therefore
+am I sore afraid in my heart lest the gods fulfil his boastings, and it
+be fated for us to perish here in Troy-land, far from Argos pasture-land
+of horses. Up then! if thou art minded even at the last to save the
+failing sons of the Achaians from the war-din of the Trojans. Eschew thy
+grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee worthy gifts, so thou wilt cease
+from anger. Lo now, hearken thou to me, and I will tell thee all the
+gifts that in his hut Agamemnon promised thee. But if Agamemnon be too
+hateful to thy heart, both he and his gifts, yet have thou pity on all
+the Achaians that faint throughout the host; these shall honour thee as
+a god, for verily thou wilt earn exceeding great glory at their hands.
+Yea now mightest thou slay Hector, for he would come very near thee in
+his deadly madness, because he deemeth that there is no man like unto
+him among the Danaans that the ships brought hither."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: "Heaven-sprung
+son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare
+unto you my saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof
+shall be, that ye may not sit before me and coax this way and that. For
+hateful to me even as the gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in
+his heart and uttereth another: but I will speak what meseemeth best.
+Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of Atreus persuade, nor the other
+Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for battling with the foemen
+ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath equal share with him
+that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both the coward and
+the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that hath
+toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation of
+soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her
+unfledged chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it
+goeth hard, even so I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and
+pass through many bloody days of battle, warring with folk for their
+women's sake. Twelve cities of men have I laid waste from ship-board,
+and from land eleven, throughout deep-soiled Troy-land; out of all these
+took I many goodly treasures and would bring and give them all to
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying behind amid the fleet ships
+would take them and portion out some few but keep the most. Now some he
+gave to be meeds of honour to the princes and the kings, and theirs are
+left untouched; only from me of all the Achaians took he my darling lady
+and keepeth her. But why must the Argives make war on the Trojans? why
+hath Atreides gathered his host and led them hither? is it not for
+lovely-haired Helen's sake? Do then the sons of Atreus alone of mortal
+men love their wives? surely whatsoever man is good and sound of mind
+loveth his own and cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine with all my
+heart, though but the captive of my spear. But now that he hath taken my
+meed of honour from mine arms and hath deceived me, let him not tempt me
+that know him full well; he shall not prevail. Nay, Odysseus, let him
+take counsel with thee and all the princes to ward from the ships the
+consuming fire. Verily without mine aid he hath wrought many things, and
+built a wall and dug a foss about it wide and deep, and set a palisade
+therein; yet even so can he not stay murderous Hector's might. But so
+long as I was fighting amid the Achaians, Hector had no mind to array
+his battle far from the wall, but scarce came unto the Skaian gates and
+to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone and scarce escaped my
+onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight with noble Hector, I will
+to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods, and store well my ships
+when I have launched them on the salt sea--then shalt thou see, if thou
+wilt and hast any care therefor, my ships sailing at break of day over
+Hellespont, the fishes' home, and my men right eager at the oar; and if
+the great Shaker of the Earth grant me good journey, on the third day
+should I reach deep-soiled Phthia. There are my great possessions that I
+left when I came hither to my hurt; and yet more gold and ruddy bronze
+shall I bring from hence, and fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at
+least that were mine by lot; only my meed of honour hath he that gave it
+me taken back in his despitefulness, even lord Agamemnon son of Atreus.
+To him declare ye everything even as I charge you, openly, that all the
+Achaians likewise may have indignation, if haply he hopeth to beguile
+yet some other Danaan, for that he is ever clothed in shamelessness.
+Verily not in my face would he dare to look, though he have the front of
+a dog. Neither will I devise counsel with him nor any enterprise, for
+utterly he hath deceived me and done wickedly; but never again shall he
+beguile me with fair speech--let this suffice him. Let him begone in
+peace; Zeus the lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me
+are his gifts, and I hold him at a straw's worth. Not even if he gave me
+ten times, yea twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him
+otherwhence, even all the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes where
+the treasure-houses are stored fullest--Thebes of the hundred gates,
+whence sally forth two hundred warriors through each with horses and
+chariots--nay, nor gifts in number as sand or dust; not even so shall
+Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back all the bitter
+despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not wed, not
+were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for handiwork
+matched bright-eyed Athene--not even then will I wed her; let him choose
+him of the Achaians another that is his peer and is more royal than I.
+For if the gods indeed preserve me and I come unto my home, then will
+Peleus himself seek me a wife. Many Achaian maidens are there throughout
+Hellas and Phthia, daughters of princes that ward their cities;
+whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear lady. Very often was my
+high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help meet for me, and
+have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus possesseth. For not
+of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth that men say was
+possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of peace gone by,
+before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the treasure that the
+stone threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo encompasseth in rocky
+Pytho. For kine and goodly flocks are to be had for the harrying, and
+tripods and chestnut horses for the purchasing; but to bring back man's
+life neither harrying nor earning availeth when once it hath passed the
+barrier of his lips. For thus my goddess mother telleth me, Thetis the
+silver-footed, that twain fates are bearing me to the issue of death. If
+I abide here and besiege the Trojans' city, then my returning home is
+taken from me, but my fame shall be imperishable; but if I go home to my
+dear native land, my high fame is taken from me, but my life shall
+endure long while, neither shall the issue of death soon reach me.
+Moreover I would counsel you all to set sail homeward, seeing ye shall
+never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of a surety far-seeing Zeus
+holdeth his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. So go your
+way and tell my answer to the princes of the Achaians, even as is the
+office of elders, that they may devise in their hearts some other better
+counsel, such as shall save them their ships and the host of the
+Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this counsel availeth them naught
+that they have now devised, by reason of my fierce wrath. But let
+Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest, that he may follow with
+me on my ships to our dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for I will
+not take him perforce."
+
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and marvelled
+at his saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the last spake
+to them the old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because he was sore
+afraid for the ships of the Achaians: "If indeed thou ponderest
+departure in thy heart, glorious Achilles, and hast no mind at all to
+save the fleet ships from consuming fire, because that wrath bath
+entered into thy heart; how can I be left of thee, dear son, alone
+thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus send me the day he sent
+thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet unskilled in equal
+war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore sent he me to
+teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a doer of
+deeds. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou godlike Achilles, with
+my heart's love; for with none other wouldest thou go unto the feast,
+neither take meat in the hall, till that I had set thee upon my knees
+and stayed thee with the savoury morsel cut first for thee, and put the
+wine-cup to thy lips. Oft hast thou stained the doublet on my breast
+with sputtering of wine in thy sorry helplessness. Thus I suffered much
+with thee, and much I toiled, being mindful that the gods in nowise
+created any issue of my body; but I made thee my son, thou godlike
+Achilles, that thou mayest yet save me from grievous destruction.
+Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit; neither beseemeth it thee to
+have a ruthless heart. Nay, even the very gods can bend, and theirs
+withal is loftier majesty and honour and might. Nay, come for the gifts;
+the Achaians shall honour thee even as a god. But if without gifts thou
+enter into battle the bane of men, thou wilt not be held in like honour,
+even though thou avert the fray."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: "Phoinix my
+father, thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise;
+for I deem that I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which
+shall abide upon me amid my beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in
+my body and my limbs are strong. Moreover I will say this thing to thee
+and lay thou it to thine heart; trouble not my soul by weeping and
+lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior Atreides; neither beseemeth
+it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me that cherish thee. It
+were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth me. Be thou
+king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear my
+message. So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and with
+break of day will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or to
+abide."
+
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for
+Phoinix a thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart from
+the hut with speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamon's godlike son, and
+said: "Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, let us go
+hence; for methinks the purpose of our charge will not by this journey
+be accomplished; and we must tell the news, though it be no wise good,
+with all speed unto the Danaans, that now sit awaiting. But Achilles
+hath wrought his proud soul to fury within him--stubborn man, that
+recketh naught of his comrades' love, wherein we worshipped him beyond
+all men amid the ships--unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept recompense of
+his brother's murderer or for his dead son; and so the man-slayer for a
+great price abideth in his own land, and the kinsman's heart is
+appeased, and his proud soul, when he hath taken the recompense. But for
+thee, the gods have put within thy breast a spirit implacable and evil,
+by reason of one single damsel. And now we offer thee seven damsels, far
+best of all, and many other gifts besides; entertain thou then a kindly
+spirit, and have respect unto thine home; because we are guests of thy
+roof, sent of the multitude of Danaans, and we would fain be nearest to
+thee and dearest beyond all other Achaians, as many as there be."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: "Aias sprung of
+Zeus, thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak all
+this almost after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath as oft
+as I bethink me of those things, how Atreides entreated me arrogantly
+among the Argives, as though I were some worthless sojourner. But go ye
+and declare my message; I will not take thought of bloody war until that
+wise Priam's son, noble Hector, come to the Myrmidons' huts and ships,
+slaying the Argives, and smirch the ships with fire. But about mine hut
+and black ship I ween that Hector, though he be very eager for battle,
+shall be refrained."
+
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation
+and went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And
+Patroklos bade his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a thick
+couch for Phoinix; and they obeyed and spread a couch as he ordained,
+fleeces and rugs and fine flock of linen. Then the old man laid him down
+and tarried for bright Dawn.
+
+Now when those were come unto Atreides' huts, the sons of the Achaians
+stood up on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold, and
+questioned them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: "Come now,
+tell me, Odysseus full of praise, thou great glory of the Achaians; will
+he save the ships from consuming fire, or said he nay, and hath wrath
+yet hold of his proud spirit?"
+
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: "Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but
+is yet more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth
+thee take counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships
+and folk of the Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break
+of day he will launch upon the sea his trim well-benched ships. Moreover
+he said that he would counsel all to sail for home, because ye now shall
+never reach your goal of steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus holdeth his
+hand over her and her folk are of good courage. Even so said he, and
+here are also these to tell the tale that were my companions, Aias and
+the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old man Phoinix laid him
+there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he may follow with him on
+his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for he will not
+take him perforce."
+
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at
+his saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the
+Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them: "Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of
+men, would thou hadst never besought Peleus' glorious son with offer of
+gifts innumerable; proud is he at any time, but now hast thou yet far
+more encouraged him in his haughtiness. Howbeit we will let him bide,
+whether he go or tarry; hereafter he shall fight, whenever his heart
+within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come now, even as I shall say
+let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your hearts' desire of meat
+and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but when fair rosy-fingered
+Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the ships thy folk and
+horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the foremost."
+
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of
+Diomedes tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every man
+to his hut, and there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+
+
+
+BOOK X.
+
+    How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans,
+    and themselves spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses
+    of Rhesos, the Thracian king.
+
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were
+sleeping all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, shepherd of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he
+debated in his mind. And even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera
+lighteneth, fashioning either a mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or
+snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the ploughed lands, or fashioning
+perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so oft in his breast
+groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his spirits
+trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at the
+sound of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to the
+ships he glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a lock
+clean forth from his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly groaned
+his noble heart.
+
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all
+to Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some
+right device that should be for the warding off of evil from all the
+Danaans.
+
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+shining feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the
+tawny skin of a lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet,
+and he grasped his spear.
+
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for
+neither on his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should
+befall the Argives, who verily for his sake over wide waters were come
+to Troy-land, with fierce war in their thoughts.
+
+With a dappled pard's akin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he
+raised and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his
+strong hand. Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that mightily
+ruled over all the Argives, and as a god was honoured by the people. Him
+found he harnessing his goodly gear about his shoulders, by the stern of
+the ship, and glad to his brother was his coming. Then Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry first accosted him: "Wherefore thus, dear brother, art thou
+arming? Wilt thou speed forth any of thy comrades to spy on the Trojans?
+Nay, terribly I fear lest none should undertake for thee this deed, even
+to go and spy out the foeman alone through the ambrosial night; needs
+must he be a man right hardy of heart."
+
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: "Need of good counsel
+have I and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help
+and save the Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned
+again. Surely on the sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather
+than on ours. For never did I see, nor heard any tell, that one man
+devised so many terrible deeds in one day, as Hector, dear to Zeus, hath
+wrought on the sons of the Achaians, unaided; though no dear son of a
+goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath done deeds that methinks will be a
+sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long, such evils hath he devised
+against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the ships, and summon
+Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and bid him
+arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company of the
+sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others would
+they listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and the
+brother in arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all we
+entrusted this charge."
+
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: "How meanest thou this
+word wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there with
+them, waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I have
+well delivered to them thy commandment?"
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: "There do thou
+abide lest we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through
+the camp. But call aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake,
+naming each man by his lineage, and his father's name, and giving all
+their dues of honour, nor be thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us
+ourselves be labouring, for even thus did Zeus from our very birth
+dispense to us the heaviness of toil."
+
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the
+host, whom he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside
+him lay his arms, a shield, and two spears, and a shining helmet. Beside
+him lay his glittering girdle wherewith the old man was wont to gird
+himself when he harnessed him for war, the bane of men, and led on the
+host, for he yielded not to grievous old age. Then he raised him on his
+elbow, lifting his head, and spake to the son of Atreus, inquiring of
+him with this word: "Who art thou that farest alone by the ships,
+through the camp in the dark night, when other mortals are sleeping?
+Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy comrades? speak, and come not
+silently upon me. What need hast thou?"
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: "O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
+whom above all men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours, while my
+breath abides within my breast, and my knees move. I wander thus, for
+that sweet sleep rests not on mine eyes, but war is my care, and the
+troubles of the Achaians. Yea, greatly I fear for the sake of the
+Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am tossed to and fro, and my heart
+is leaping from my breast, and my good knees tremble beneath me. But if
+thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh sleep, let us go
+thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be fordone
+with toil, and so are slumbering, and have quite forgotten to keep
+watch. And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at all but that they
+are keen to do battle in the night."
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: "Verily will I follow
+after thee, but let us also rouse others again, both the son of Tydeus,
+spearman renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and the strong son of
+Phyleus. But well it would be if one were to go and call those also, the
+godlike Aias, and Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are furthest of
+all, and nowise close at hand. But Menelaos will I blame, dear as he is
+and worshipful, yea, even if thou be angry with me, nor will I hide my
+thought, for that he slumbereth, and to thee alone hath left the toil;
+now should he be toiling among all the chiefs and beseeching them, for
+need no longer tolerable is coming upon us."
+
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: "Old man, another
+day I even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not
+to labour, yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart,
+but looking toward me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke
+far before me, and came to me, and him I sent forward to call those
+concerning whom thou inquirest. But let us be gone, and them shall
+we find before the gates, among the sentinels, for there I bade them
+gather."
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: "So will none of the
+Argives be wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any
+one, and give him his commands."
+
+So spake he, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his
+bright feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple
+cloak, with double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went among
+the ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the peer of
+Zeus in counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of sleep, with
+his voice, and quickly the cry came all about his heart, and he came
+forth from the hut and spake to them saying: "Wherefore thus among the
+ships and through the camp do ye wander alone, in the ambrosial night;
+what so great need cometh upon you?"
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: "Laertes' son, be not
+wroth, for great trouble besetteth the Achaians. Nay follow, that we may
+arouse others too, even all that it behoveth to take counsel, whether we
+should fly, or fight."
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and cast
+a shield about his shoulders, and went after them.
+
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found
+outside his hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were
+sleeping with their shields beneath their heads, but their spears were
+driven into the ground erect on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone
+the bronze, like the lightning of father Zeus. Now that hero was asleep,
+and under him was strewn the hide of an ox of the field, but beneath his
+head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside him went and stood knightly
+Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of his foot, and aroused
+him, chiding him to his face, saying: "Wake, son of Tydeus, why all
+night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the Trojans on the
+high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and but a little
+space holdeth them apart?"
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to
+him winged words: "Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never
+ceasest. Now are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who might
+rouse when there is need each of the kings, going all around the host?
+but thou, old man, art indomitable."
+
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, "Nay verily, my son,
+all this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I,
+and there be many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the
+others. But a right great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to
+all of us it standeth on a razor's edge, either pitiful ruin for the
+Achaians, or life. But come now, if indeed thou dost pity me, rouse
+swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for thou art younger than I."
+
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great
+fiery lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and
+started on his way, and roused the others from their place and led them
+on.
+
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not the
+leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with their
+arms. And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in a fold,
+having heard a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood among the
+hills, and much clamour riseth round him of hounds and men, and sleep
+perisheth from them, even so sweet sleep did perish from their eyes, as
+they watched through the wicked night, for ever were they turning toward
+the plains, when they heard the Trojans moving.
+
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his
+saying, and calling out to them he spake winged words: "Even so now,
+dear children, do ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we
+become a cause of rejoicing to them that hate us."
+
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the
+kings of the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them
+went Meriones, and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to
+share their counsel. So they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat
+down in the open, where the mid-space was clear of dead men fallen,
+where fierce Hector had turned again from destroying the Argives, when
+night covered all. There sat they down, and declared their saying each
+to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia began discourse: "O
+friends, is there then no man that would trust to his own daring spirit,
+to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might take some
+straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour among the
+Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves, whether they are
+fain to abide there by the ships, away from the city, or will retreat
+again to the city, now that they have conquered the Achaians? All this
+might such an one learn, and back to us come scathless: great would be
+his fame under heaven among all men, and a goodly gift will be given
+him. For all the best men that bear sway by the ships, each and all of
+them will give him a black ewe, with her lamb at her foot, and ever will
+he be present at feasts and clan-drinkings."
+
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but
+to them spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: "Nestor, my heart and manful
+spirit urge me to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of the
+Trojans: and if some other man will follow with me, more comfort and
+more courage will there be. If two go together, one before another
+perceiveth a matter, how there may be gain therein; but if one alone
+perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter, and weak his device."
+
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two
+Aiantes were willing, men of Ares' company, and Meriones was willing,
+and right willing the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos,
+spearman renowned, yea and the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into
+the throng of Trojans, for always daring was his heart within him. But
+among them spake the king of men, Agamemnon: "Diomedes son of Tydeus,
+joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily shalt thou choose, whomsoever thou
+wilt, the best of them that be here, for many are eager. But do not
+thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man behind, and give
+thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and looking to
+their lineage, even if one be more kingly born."
+
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But
+to them again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: "If indeed ye bid
+me choose myself a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike
+Odysseus, whose heart is passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all
+manner of toils; and Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with me,
+even out of burning fire might we both return, for he excelleth in
+understanding."
+
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: "Son of Tydeus,
+praise me not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus
+among the Argives that themselves know all. But let us be going, for
+truly the night is waning, and near is the dawn, and the stars have gone
+onward, and the night has advanced more than two watches, but the third
+watch is yet left."
+
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of
+Tydeus did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his
+own was left by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm of
+bull's hide, without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and
+keeps the heads of stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow and
+a quiver, and a sword, and on his head set a helm made of leather, and
+with many a thong was it stiffly wrought within, while without the white
+teeth of a boar of flashing tusks were arrayed thick set on either side,
+well and cunningly, and in the midst was fixed a cap of felt.
+
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set
+forth to go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did
+Pallas Athene send forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way,
+and they beheld it not with their eyes, through the dark night, but they
+heard its shrill cry. And Odysseus was glad in the omen of the bird, and
+prayed to Athene: "Listen to me, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, that
+ever in all toils dost stand by me, nor doth any motion of mine escape
+thee: but now again above all be thou friendly to me, Athene, and grant
+that we come back with renown to the ships, having wrought a great work,
+that shall be sorrow to the Trojans."
+
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: "Listen now likewise to
+me, thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when
+with my father thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when
+he went forth as a messenger from the Achaians. Even so now stand thou
+by me willingly, and protect me. And to thee will I sacrifice a yearling
+heifer, broad of brow, unbroken, that never yet hath man led below the
+yoke. Her will I sacrifice to thee, and gild her horns with gold."
+
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when
+they had prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on their
+way, like two lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter, amid
+the slain men, through the arms and the black blood.
+
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he
+called together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders
+of the Trojans, them did he call together, and contrived a crafty
+counsel: "Who is there that would promise and perform for me this deed,
+for a great gift? yea his reward shall be sufficient. For I will give
+him a chariot, and two horses of arching neck, the best that be at the
+swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever shall dare the deed, and for
+himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to go near the
+swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded, as
+of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the foes
+are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch
+through the night, being fordone with dread weariness."
+
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there
+was among the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald,
+and he was rich in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill
+favoured to look upon, but swift of foot. So he spake then a word to the
+Trojans and to Hector: "Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me to go
+near the swift-faring ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray thee,
+hold up the staff, and swear to me, that verily thou wilt give me the
+horses and the chariots bedight with bronze that bear the noble son of
+Peleus. But to thee I will prove no vain spy, nor disappoint thy hope.
+For I will go straight to the camp, until I may come to the ship of
+Agamemnon, where surely the chiefs are like to hold council, whether to
+fight or flee."
+
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him:
+"Now let Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera, that
+no other man of the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I
+declare, shalt rejoice in them for ever."
+
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to go.
+And straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did on
+thereover the skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of
+ferret-skin, and took a sharp javelin, and went on his way to the ships
+from the host. But he was not like to come back from the ships and bring
+word to Hector.
+
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth eagerly
+on the way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as he
+approached, and said unto Diomedes: "Lo, here is some man, Diomedes,
+coming from the camp, I know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to
+strip certain of the dead men fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by
+us a little way on the plain, and thereafter may we rush on him and take
+him speedily, and if it chance that he outrun us by speed of foot, ever
+do thou hem him in towards the ships and away from the camp, rushing on
+him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape towards the city."
+
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the
+bodies of the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness.
+But when he was as far off as is the length of the furrow made by mules,
+these twain ran after him, and he stood still when he heard the sound,
+supposing in his heart that they were friends come from among the
+Trojans to turn him back, at the countermand of Hector. But when they
+were about a spear-cast off, or even less, he knew them for foe-men, and
+stirred his swift limbs to fly, and speedily they started in pursuit.
+
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press
+ever hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs
+screaming before them, even so Tydeus' son and Odysseus the sacker of
+cities cut Dolon off from the host, and ever pursued hard after him. But
+when he was just about to come among the sentinels, in his flight
+towards the ships, then Athene poured strength into the son of Tydeus,
+that none of the mail-clad Achaians might boast himself the first to
+smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes leaped upon him with the
+spear, and said: "Stand, or I shall overtake thee with the spear, and
+methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer destruction at my hand."
+
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the man,
+and passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished spear
+stuck fast in the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread and
+trembling, and the teeth chattered in his mouth, and he was green with
+fear. Then the twain came up with him, panting, and gripped his hands,
+and weeping he spake: "Take me alive, and I will ransom myself, for
+within our house there is bronze, and gold, and smithied iron, wherefrom
+my father would do you grace with ransom untold, if he should learn that
+I am alive among the ships of the Achaians."
+
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: "Take courage,
+let not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly all the
+tale, why thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the ships,
+through the black night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest thou to
+strip certain of the dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee forth to
+spy out everything at the hollow ships, or did thine own spirit urge
+thee on?"
+
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: "With many a
+blind hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the
+whole-hooved horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight with
+bronze: and he bade me fare through the swift black night, and draw nigh
+the foemen, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded, as of old,
+or whether, already, being subdued beneath our hands, they are devising
+of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch through the night,
+being fordone with dread weariness."
+
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer:
+"Verily now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the
+wise son of Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and hard
+to drive, for any but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare. But
+come, tell me all this truly, all the tale: where when thou camest
+hither didst thou leave Hector, shepherd of the host, and where lie his
+warlike gear, and where his horses? And how are disposed the watches,
+and the beds of the other Trojans? And what counsel take they among
+themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh the ships afar from the
+city, or will they return to the city again, seeing that they have
+subdued unto them the Achaiana?"
+
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: "Lo, now all these
+things will I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are
+counsellors holdeth council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from
+the din, but as for the guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen
+watch nor guard keepeth the host. As for all the watch fires of the
+Trojans--on them is necessity, so that they watch and encourage each
+other to keep guard; but, for the allies called from many lands, they
+are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep watch, for no wise
+near dwell the children and wives of the allies." Then Odysseus of the
+many counsels answered him and said: "How stands it now, do they sleep
+amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell me clearly, that I may
+know."
+
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: "Verily all this likewise will I
+recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians of
+the bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi. And
+towards Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty Mysians,
+and the Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians lords of
+chariots. But wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly concerning all
+these things? for if ye desire to steal into the throng of Trojans, lo,
+there be those Thracians, new comers, at the furthest point apart from
+the rest, and among them their king Rhesos, son of Eioneus. His be the
+fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the greatest, whiter than snow,
+and for speed like the winds. And his chariot is fashioned well with
+gold and silver, and golden is his armour that he brought with him,
+marvellous, a wonder to behold; such as it is in no wise fit for mortal
+men to bear, but for the deathless gods. But bring me now to the swift
+ships, or leave me here, when ye have bound me with a ruthless bond,
+that ye may go and make trial of me whether I have spoken to you truth,
+or lies."
+
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: "Put no thought of
+escape, Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast brought,
+since once thou halt come into our hands. For if now we release thee or
+let thee go, on some later day wilt thou come to the swift ships of the
+Achaians, either to play the spy, or to fight in open war, but if
+subdued beneath my hands thou lose thy life, never again wilt thou prove
+a bane to the Argives."
+
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin,
+and implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck,
+rushing on him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the
+head of him still speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped
+him of the casque of ferret's skin from off his head, and of his
+wolf-skin, and his bended bow, and his long spear, and these to Athene
+the Giver of Spoil did noble Odysseus hold aloft in his hand, and he
+prayed and spake a word: "Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for to thee
+first of all the immortals in Olympus will we call for aid; nay, but yet
+again send us on against the horses and the sleeping places of the
+Thracian men."
+
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them
+on a tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see,
+gathering together reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they
+should miss the place as they returned again through the swift dark
+night.
+
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and
+quickly they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were
+slumbering, fordone with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on
+the ground, all orderly, in three rows, and by each man his pair of
+steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses
+were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of the chariot. Him Odysseus
+spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes: "Lo, Diomedes, this is
+the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon that we slew did give us
+tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength; it doth not behove
+thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses; or do thou
+slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed."
+
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and
+he began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their
+groaning, as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was
+reddened with blood. And like as a lion cometh on flocks without a
+herdsman, on goats or sheep, and leaps upon them with evil will, so set
+the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace, till he had slain twelve. But
+whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote with the sword, him did
+Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from behind, and drag
+him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the fair-maned
+horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit, when they
+trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men. But when the
+son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth from whom he
+took sweet life away, as he was breathing hard, for an evil dream stood
+above his head that night through the device of Athens. Meanwhile the
+hardy Odysseus loosed the whole-hooved horses, and bound them together
+with thongs, and drave them out of the press, smiting them with his bow,
+since he had not taken thought to lift the shining whip with his hands
+from the chariot; then he whistled for a sign to noble Diomedes.
+
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do,
+whether he should take the chariot, where lay the armour, and drag it
+out by the pole, or lift it upon high, and so bear it forth, or whether
+he should take the life away from yet more of the Thracians. And while
+he was pondering this in his heart, then Athene drew near, and stood,
+and spake to noble Diomedes: "Bethink thee of returning, O son of
+great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow ships, lest perchance thou come
+thither in flight, and perchance another god rouse up the Trojans
+likewise."
+
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the goddess,
+and swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them with his
+bow, and they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld
+Athene caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole among
+the crowded press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians,
+Hippokoon, the noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out of sleep,
+when he beheld the place desolate where the swift horses had stood, and
+beheld the men gasping in the death struggle; then he groaned aloud, and
+called out by name to his comrade dear. And a clamour arose and din
+unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together, and they marvelled at the
+terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had wrought, and had gone
+thereafter to the hollow ships.
+
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of
+Hector, there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and
+Tydeus' son, leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands of
+Odysseus, and again mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped onward
+nothing loth. But Nestor first heard the sound, and said: "O friends,
+leaders and counsellors of the Argives, shall I be wrong or speak sooth?
+for my heart bids me speak. The sound of swift-footed horses strikes
+upon mine ears. Would to god that Odysseus and that strong Diomedes may
+even instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses from among the
+Trojans; but terribly I fear in mine heart lest the bravest of the
+Argives suffer aught through the Trojans' battle din."
+
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and leaped
+down to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with hand-clasping,
+and with honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of Gerenia make
+question: "Come, tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great glory of the
+Achaians, how ye twain took those horses? Was it by stealing into the
+press of Trojans? Or did some god meet you, and give you them? Wondrous
+like are they to rays of the sun. Ever with the Trojans do I mix in
+fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the ships, old warrior as I am. But
+never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of such. Nay, methinks some god
+must have encountered you and given you these. For both of you doth Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+bright-eyed Athene."
+
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: "O Nestor, son of
+Neleus, great glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he
+would, give even better steeds than these, for the gods are far stronger
+than we. But as for these new-come horses, whereof, old man, thou askest
+me, they are Thracian, but their lord did brave Diomedes slay, and
+beside him all the twelve best men of his company. The thirteenth man
+was a spy we took near the ships, one that Hector and the other haughty
+Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp."
+
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the foss,
+laughing; and the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they
+had come to the well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the
+horses with well-cut thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of
+Diomedes stood eating honey-sweet barley.
+
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the ship,
+that they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for
+themselves, they went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from
+shins, and neck, and thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed the
+thick sweat from their skin, and their hearts revived again, they went
+into polished baths, and were cleansed.
+
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat
+down at supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the
+honey-sweet wine, and poured it forth to Athene.
+
+
+
+BOOK XI.
+
+    Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press
+    hard on the Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on
+    Patroklos.
+
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to
+the immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord unto
+the fleet ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the signal of
+war. And she stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that was in the
+midst, to make her voice heard on either side, both to the huts of Aias,
+son of Telamon, and to the huts of Achilles, for these twain, trusting
+in their valour and the might of their hands, had drawn up their trim
+ships at the two ends of the line. There stood the goddess and cried
+shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and mighty strength she set in
+the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight unceasingly. And
+straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in the hollow ships
+to their dear native land.
+
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them
+in by the foss, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms
+were hasting about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the
+cry arose into the Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they
+arrayed at the foss, but after them a little way came up the drivers.
+And among them the son of Kronos aroused an evil din, and from above
+rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper air, for that he was
+about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain,
+gathered them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias that
+as a god was honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three sons
+of Antenor, Polybos, and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto the
+immortals. And Hector in the foremost rank bare the circle of his
+shield. And as from amid the clouds appeareth glittering a baneful star,
+and then again sinketh within the shadowy clouds, even so Hector would
+now appear among the foremost ranks, and again would be giving command
+in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the lightning of
+aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths
+through a rich man's field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the
+handfuls, even so the Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other,
+destroying, and neither side took thought of ruinous flight; and equal
+heads had the battle, and they rushed on like wolves. And woful Discord
+was glad at the sight, for she alone of the gods was with them in the
+war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in peace they sat
+within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded in the
+folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of
+the storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But of
+them took the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat apart,
+glad in his glory, looking toward the city of the Trojans, and the ships
+of the Achaians, and the glitter of bronze, and the slayers and the
+slain.
+
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the
+shafts of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when
+a woodman maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he
+hath tired his hands with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on
+his soul, and desire of sweet food taketh his heart, even then the
+Danaans by their valour brake the battalions, and called on their
+comrades through the lines. And in rushed Agamemnon first of all, where
+thickest clashed the battalions, there he set on, and with him all the
+well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as they were driven
+in flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and from
+beneath them rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering
+hooves of horses. And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after,
+calling on the Argives. And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense
+woodland, and the whirling wind beareth it everywhere, and the thickets
+fall utterly before it, being smitten by the onset of the fire, even so
+beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus fell the heads of the Trojans as they
+fled; and many strong-necked horses rattled empty cars along the
+highways of the battle, lacking their noble charioteers; but they on the
+earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures than to their wives. But
+Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the dust, from the
+man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus followed
+on, crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos,
+son of Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of the wild
+fig-tree they sped, making for the city, and ever the son of Atreus
+followed shouting, and his invincible hands were defiled with gore. But
+when they were come to the Skaian gates, and the oak-tree, there then
+they halted, and awaited each other. But some were still in full flight
+through the mid plain, like kine that a lion hath scattered, coming on
+them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered, but to one sheer death
+appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck first, seizing her with
+strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth greedily the blood and all the
+guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of Atreus followed hard on the Trojans,
+ever slaying the hindmost man, and they were scattered in flight, and on
+face or back many of them fell from their chariots beneath the hands of
+Agamemnon, for mightily he raged with the spear. But when he was
+nowabout coming below the city, and the steep wall, then did the father
+of men and gods sit him down on the crests of many-fountained Ida, from
+heaven descending, with the thunderbolt in his hands.
+
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: "Up and
+go, swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees
+Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters, and
+ruining the ranks of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the rest of
+the host war with the foe in strong battle. But when, or smitten with
+the spear or wounded with arrow shot, Agamemnon leapeth into his
+chariot, then will I give Hector strength to slay till he come even to
+the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and sacred darkness draw
+on."
+
+So swift-footed Iris spake to Hector the words of Zeus and departed, but
+Hector with his harness leaped from the chariot to the ground, and,
+shaking his sharp spears went through all the host, stirring up his men
+to fight, and he roused the dread din of battle. And they wheeled round,
+and stood and faced the Achaians, while the Argives on the other side
+strengthened their battalions. And battle was made ready, and they stood
+over against each other, and Agamemnon first rushed in, being eager to
+fight far in front of all.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that
+first encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of
+their allies renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and
+mighty, who was nurtured in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep; he
+it was that then encountered Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they were
+come near in onset against each other, Atreus' son missed, and his spear
+was turned aside, but Iphidamas smote him on the girdle, below the
+corslet, and himself pressed on, trusting to his heavy hand, but pierced
+not the gleaming girdle, for long ere that the point struck on the
+silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon caught the
+spear with his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like a lion, and
+snatched it out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with the
+sword, and unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a sleep
+of bronze most piteously. Then did Agamemnon son of Atreus strip him,
+and went bearing his goodly harness into the throng of the Achaians.
+
+Now when Koon beheld him, Koon Antenor's eldest son, illustrious among
+men, strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother's
+fall: and he stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble
+Agamemnon smote him on the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean through
+went the point of the shining spear. Then Agamemnon king of men
+shuddered, yet not even so did he cease from battle and war, but rushed
+against Koon, grasping his wind-nurtured spear. Verily then Koon seized
+right lustily by the foot Iphidamas, his brother, and his father's son,
+and called to all the best of his men; but him, as he dragged the dead
+through the press, beneath his bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a
+bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his limbs, and drew near and cut off his
+head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, at the hands of
+Agamemnon the king, filled up the measure of their fate, and went down
+within the house of Hades.
+
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and
+great stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his
+wound. But when the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then
+keen pangs came on the might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped he into
+his chariot, and bade his charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he
+was sore vexed at heart. And he called in a piercing voice, and shouted
+to the Danaans: "O friends, leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do
+ye now ward from the seafaring ships the harsh din of battle, for Zeus
+the counsellor suffers me not all day to war with the Trojans."
+
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the
+hollow ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were
+covered with foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they
+bore the wounded king away from the war.
+
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and
+Lykians with a loud shout: "Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that
+war in close fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your impetuous
+valour. The best man of them hath departed and to me hath Zeus, the son
+of Kronos, given great renown. But straightway drive ye the whole-hooved
+horses against the mighty Danaans, that ye may be the masters and bear
+away the higher glory."
+
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. Himself with
+high thoughts he fared among the foremost, and fell upon the fight; like
+a roaring blast, that leapeth down and stirreth the violet-coloured
+deep. There whom first, whom last did he slay, even Hector, son of
+Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed him renown?
+
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast
+in the fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter smote
+the multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of the
+white South Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth huge,
+rolling onward, and the spray is scattered on high beneath the rush of
+the wandering wind; even so many heads of the host were smitten by
+Hector.
+
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would
+all the Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had
+not called to Diomedes, son of Tydeus: "Tydeus' son, what ails us that
+we forget our impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy
+stand by me, for verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm
+take the ships."
+
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: "Verily will I abide and
+endure, but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer,
+clearly desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us."
+
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting
+him with the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the
+godlike squire of that prince. These then they let be, when they had
+made them cease from war, and then the twain fared through the crowd
+with a din, as when two boars full of valour fall on the hunting hounds;
+so rushed they on again, and slew the Trojans, while gladly the Achaians
+took breath again in their flight from noble Hector.
+
+But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks, and rushed upon them
+shouting, and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. And
+beholding him, Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered, and straightway
+spake to Odysseus that was hard by: "Lo, on us this ruin, even mighty
+Hector, is rolling: let us stand, and await him, and ward off his
+onset."
+
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and
+smote him nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the
+crest, and bronze by bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for
+it was stopped by the threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus
+Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector sprang back a wondrous way, and
+mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen on his knee, and leaned
+on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night veiled his eyes.
+
+But while Tydeus' son was following after his spear-cast, far through
+the foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat
+breath again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the
+throng, and avoided black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty
+Diomedes spake to him: "Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet
+came ill very nigh thee: but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom
+thou must surely pray when thou goest amid the clash of spears. Verily I
+will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize."
+
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at
+Tydeides, shepherd of the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on
+the barrow, by men fashioned, of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the
+people in time gone by. Now Diomedes was stripping the shining corslet
+of strong Agastrophos from about his breast, and the shield from his
+shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the centre of his bow;
+nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the flat of the
+right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and stood
+fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up from his
+lair, and boasted, and said: "Thou art smitten, nor vainly hath the dart
+flown forth; would that I had smitten thee in the nether belly, and
+taken thy life away. So should the Trojans have breathed again from
+their trouble, they that shudder at thee, as bleating goats at a lion."
+
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: "Bowman, reviler,
+proud in thy bow of horn, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou madest
+trial in full harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts would
+nothing avail thee, but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou hast
+grazed the sole of my foot. I care not, more than if a woman had struck
+me or a senseless boy, for feeble is the dart of a craven man and a
+worthless. In other wise from my hand, yea, if it do but touch, the
+sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its man, and torn are the
+cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he, reddening the
+earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than women round him."
+
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in
+front of him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp arrow
+from his foot, and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then sprang he
+into his car, and bade his charioteer drive back to the hollow ships,
+for he was hurt at heart. Then Odysseus, spearman renowned, was left
+alone, nor did one of the Argives abide by him, for fear had fallen on
+them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit:
+"Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil it is if I flee, in
+dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be taken all alone, for the
+other Danaans bath Kronion scattered in flight. But wherefore doth my
+heart thus converse with herself? for I know that they are cowards, who
+flee the fight, but whosoever is a hero in war, him it mainly behoves to
+stand stubbornly, whether he be smitten, or whether he smite another."
+
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the
+Trojans under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them
+their own bane. And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom
+press round a boar, and he cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting his
+white tusk between crooked jaws, and round him they rush, and the sound
+of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and straightway they await his
+assault, so dread as he is, even so then round Odysseus, dear to Zeus,
+rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble Deiopites, from above, in
+the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and next he slew Thoon
+and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his chariot, he
+smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield, and he fell
+in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his hand. These
+left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the spear, the
+brother of high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a godlike man,
+and stood hard by him, and spake saying: "O renowned Odysseus,
+insatiable of craft and toil, to-day shalt thou either boast over two
+sons of Hippasos, as having slain two such men of might, and stripped
+their harness, or smitten by my spear shaft lose thy life."
+
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the
+shining shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight
+corslet it was thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but
+Pallas Athens did not suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero,
+and Odysseus knew that the dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot,
+and drawing backward, he spake unto Sokos "Ah, wretched one, verily
+sheer destruction is come upon thee. Surely thou hast made me to cease
+from warring among the Trojans, but here to thee I declare that slaying
+and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and beneath my spear
+overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades of the
+noble steeds."
+
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as
+he turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it
+through the breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus
+boasted over him: "Ah, Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of
+horses, the end of death hath come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou
+avoided. Ah, wretch, thy father and lady mother shall not close thine
+eyes in death, but birds that eat flesh raw shall tear thee, shrouding
+thee in the multitude of their wings. But to me, if I die, the noble
+Achaians will yet give due burial."
+
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from
+his flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when
+the spear was drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the
+great-hearted Trojans when they beheld the blood of Odysseus, with
+clamour through the throng came all together against him. But he gave
+ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he shouted then, as loud
+as man's mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos dear to Zeus hear his
+call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him: "Aias, of the
+seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the shout of Odysseus
+of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans were
+oppressing him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong
+battle. Nay, let us speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue
+him. I fear lest he suffer some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so
+brave as he is, and lest great sorrow for his loss come upon the
+Danaans."
+
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike man.
+Then found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him like
+tawny jackals from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a man
+hath smitten with an arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath fled
+from him by speed of foot, as long as the blood is warm and his limbs
+are strong, but when the swift arrow hath overcome him, then do the
+ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a dark wood, and then god
+leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee before him, but
+he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the crafty
+counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew
+near, bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the
+Trojans fled from him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led
+Odysseus out of the press, holding him by the hand, till the squire
+drave up the horses.
+
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of
+Priam, and thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros, and
+Pyrasos, and Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down upon the
+plain, in winter flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of Zeus, and
+many dry oaks and many pines it sucketh in, and much soil it casteth
+into the sea, even so renowned Aias charged them, pursuing through the
+plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist Hector thereof at all, for he
+was fighting on the left of all the battle, by the banks of the river
+Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and an unquenchable
+cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And Hector with
+them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the spear and in
+horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young men. Nor would
+the noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path, if Alexandros,
+the lord of fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon shepherd of the
+host in his valorous deeds, and smitten him on the right shoulder with a
+three-barbed arrow. Therefore were the Achaians, breathing valour, in
+great fear, lest men should seize Machaon in the turning of the fight.
+
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with
+thee let Machaon go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved
+horses. For a leech is worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and
+spread soothing medicaments."
+
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but
+straightway gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of
+Asklepios the good leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew
+they forward to the hollow ships, where they desired to be.
+
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in
+flight, and spake to him, and said: "Hector, here do we contend with the
+Danaans, at the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other Trojans are
+driven in flight confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son of Telamon is
+driving them; well I know him, for wide is the shield round his
+shoulders. Nay, let us too urge thither the horses and chariot, there
+where horsemen and footmen thickest in the forefront of evil strife are
+slaying each other, and the cry goes up unquenchable."
+
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding
+whip, and they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among
+the Trojans and Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and
+with blood was sprinkled all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round
+the car with the drops from the hooves of the horses, and with drops
+from the tires about the wheels. And Hector was eager to enter the press
+of men, and to leap in and break through, and evil din of battle he
+brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he from smiting with
+the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men, with spear,
+and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of Aias son
+of Telamon.
+
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he
+stood in amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull's hide,
+and gazed round in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast, turning this
+way and that, and slowly retreating step by step. And as when hounds and
+country folk drive a tawny lion from the mid-fold of the kine, and
+suffer him not to carry away the fattest of the herd; all night they
+watch, and he in great desire for the flesh maketh his onset, but takes
+nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from strong hands against him,
+and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all his fury, and in the
+dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at that time departed Aias,
+vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right unwillingly, for he feared
+sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as when a lazy ass going past a
+field hath the better of the boys with him, an ass that hath had many a
+cudgel broken about his sides, and he fareth into the deep crop, and
+wasteth it, while the boys smite him with cudgels, and feeble is the
+force of them, but yet with might and main they drive him forth, when he
+hath had his fill of fodder, even so did the high-hearted Trojans and
+allies, called from many lands, smite great Aias, son of Telamon, with
+darts on the centre of his shield, and ever followed after him. And Aias
+would now be mindful of his impetuous valour, and turn again, and hold
+at bay the battalions of the horse-taming Trojans, and once more he
+would turn him again to flee. Yet he hindered them all from making their
+way to the fleet ships, and himself stood and smote between the Trojans
+and the Achaians, and the spears from strong hands stuck some of them in
+his great shield, fain to win further, and many or ever they reached his
+white body stood fast halfway in the earth, right eager to sate
+themselves with his flesh.
+
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and
+also carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble
+Achilles, swift of foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was
+standing by the stern of his great ship, watching the dire toil, and the
+woful rout of battle. And straightway he spake to his own comrade,
+Patroklos, calling to him from beside the ship, and he heard, and from
+the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to him was the beginning of
+evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to Achilles: "Why
+dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of me?"
+
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: "Noble son of
+Menoitios, dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand
+in prayer about my knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon them.
+But go now, Patroklos dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this that he
+bringeth wounded from the war. Verily from behind he is most like
+Machaon, that child of Asklepios, but I beheld not the eyes of the man,
+for the horses sped past me, straining forward eagerly."
+
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran
+past the ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down on
+the bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of
+that old man from the car, and they dried the sweat from their doublets,
+standing before the breeze, by the shore of the sea, and thereafter came
+they to the hut, and sat them down on chairs. And fair-tressed Hekamede
+mixed for them a mess, Hekamede that the old man won from Tenedos, when
+Achilles sacked it, and she was the daughter of great-hearted Arsinoos,
+and her the Achaians chose out for him, because always in counsel he
+excelled them all. First she drew before them a fair table, polished
+well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of bronze, with onion,
+for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the grain of sacred barley,
+and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old man brought from home,
+embossed with studs of gold, and four handles there were to it, and
+round each two golden doves were feeding, and to the cup were two feet
+below. Another man could scarce have lifted the cup from the table, when
+it was full, but Nestor the Old raised it easily. In this cup the woman,
+like unto the goddesses, mixed a mess for them, with Pramnian wine, and
+therein grated cheese of goats' milk, with a grater of bronze, and
+scattered white barley thereover, and bade them drink, whenas she had
+made ready the mess.
+
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took
+their pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos
+stood at the doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he
+arose from his shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in,
+and bade him be seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for
+refusing, and spake and said: "No time to sit have I, old man,
+fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou persuade me. Revered and dreaded is he
+that sent me forth to ask thee who this man is that thou bringest home
+wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see Machaon, shepherd of the
+host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to speak a word to
+Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus, how
+terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is
+blameless."
+
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: "Wherefore is
+Achilles thus sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are
+wounded with darts? He knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the
+camp: for the best men lie in the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by
+spear. Wounded with the shaft is strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and
+smitten is Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon, and this other
+have I but newly carried out of battle, wounded with an arrow from the
+bowstring. But Achilles, for all his valiance, careth not for the
+Danaans, nor pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet ships hard
+by the shore shall burn in the consuming fire, and till we be slain one
+upon another? Nay, but even now speak thou thus and thus to wise-hearted
+Achilles, if perchance he will obey thee. Who knows but that, God
+helping, thou mightst stir his spirit with thy persuading? and good is
+the persuasion of a friend. But if in his heart he be shunning some
+oracle of God, and his lady mother hath told him somewhat from Zeus,
+natheless let him send forth thee, and let the rest of the host of the
+Myrmidons follow with thee, if perchance any light shall arise from thee
+to the Danaans; and let him give thee his fair harness, to bear into the
+war, if perchance the Trojans may take thee for him, and withhold them
+from the strife, and the warlike sons of the Achaians might take breath,
+being wearied; for brief is the breathing time in battle. And lightly
+might ye, being unwearied, drive men wearied in the war unto the city,
+away from the ships and the huts."
+
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and
+ran by the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos.
+
+
+
+BOOK XII.
+
+    How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the
+    Achaians.
+
+So in the huts the strong son of Menortios was tending the wounded
+Eurypylos, but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans.
+Nor were the fosse of the Danaans and their wide wall above long to
+protect them, the wall they had builded for defence of the ships, and
+the fosse they had drawn round about; for neither had they given goodly
+hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard with its bounds their swift
+ships and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless gods was it builded,
+wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While Hector yet lived,
+and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of Priam the
+king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode steadfast.
+But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,--some were taken, and some were left,--and the city of Priam
+was sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their
+ships to their own dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo
+take counsel to wash away the wall, bringing in the might of the rivers,
+of all that flow from the hills of Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and
+Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios, Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly
+Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields and helms fell in the
+dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths of all these
+waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he drave
+their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker
+of the earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader, and
+sent forth into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones that
+the Achaians had laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong
+current of the Hellespont, and covered again the great beach with sand,
+when he had swept away the wall, and turned the rivers back to flow in
+their channel, where of old they poured down their fair flow of water.
+
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and the
+din of war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of the
+towers rang beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the
+scourge of Zeus, were penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in dread
+of Hector, the mighty maker of flight, but he, as aforetime, fought like
+a whirlwind. And as when, among hounds and hunting men, a boar or lion
+wheeleth him about, raging in his strength, and these array themselves
+in fashion like a tower, and stand up against him, casting many javelins
+from their hands; but never is his stout heart confused nor afraid, and
+his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth him about, and maketh
+trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he maketh onset there the
+ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and besought his comrades
+through the press, and spurred them on to cross the dyke. But his
+swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed, standing by the
+sheer edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither easy to leap
+from hard by, nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood round about it
+all on either hand, and above it was furnished with sharp stakes that
+the sons of the Achaians had planted there, thick set and great, a
+bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not lightly might a horse enter,
+drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen were eager, if they
+might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant Hector, and spake
+to him: "Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans and allies,
+foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke; nay right hard
+it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over against them the
+wall of the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and fight in chariots,
+for strait is the place wherein, methinks, we might come by a mischief.
+For if Zeus that thunders on high is utterly to destroy them in his evil
+will, and is minded to help the Trojans, verily then I too would desire
+that even instantly this might be, that the Achaians should perish here
+nameless far from Argos: but and if they turn again, and we flee back
+from among the ships, and rush into the delved ditch, then methinks that
+not even one from among us to bear the tidings will win back to the city
+before the force of the Achaians when they rally. But come as I declare,
+let us all obey. Let our squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we
+being harnessed in our gear as foot soldiers follow all together with
+Hector, and the Achaians will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of
+death be made fast upon them."
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and
+straightway in his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground. Nor
+were the other Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all leaped
+forth, when they beheld goodly Hector. There each gave it into the
+charge of his own charioteer, to keep the horses orderly there by the
+fosse. And they divided, and arrayed themselves, and ordered in five
+companies they followed with the leaders.
+
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most, and
+bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the hollow
+ships; and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for Hector had
+left another man with his chariot, a weaker warrior than Kebriones. The
+second company Paris led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and the third
+company Helenos led, and godlike Deiphobos,--two sons of Priam,--the
+third was the warrior Asios, Asios Hyrtakos' son, whom his tall sorrel
+steeds brought out of Arisbe, from the river Selleeis. And of the fourth
+company was the brave son of Anchises leader, even Aineias; and with
+him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and Akamas, both well skilled
+in all warfare.
+
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose
+Glaukos and warlike Asteropaios, for they seamed to him to be manifestly
+the bravest of all after himself but he was excellent, yea, above all
+the host. And these when they had arrayed one another with
+well-fashioned shields of bulls' hide, went straight and eager against
+the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer resist them, but that
+themselves should fall on the black ships.
+
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the counsel
+of blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of men,
+willed not to leave his horses there, and his squire the charioteer, but
+with them he drew near the swift ships, fond man! for never was he,
+avoiding evil Fates, to return, rejoicing in his horses and chariot,
+back from the ships to windy Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate of ill name
+over-shadowed him, by the spear of Idomeneus, the haughty son of
+Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank of the ships, whereby
+the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and horses: there
+he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the doors shut on
+the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them open if perchance
+they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of the battle towards
+the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with unswerving aim, and
+his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they deemed that the Achaians
+could no longer hold them off, but that themselves would fall on the
+black ships: fools, for in the gates they found two men of the bravest,
+the high-hearted sons of the warrior Lapithae, one the son of
+Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and one Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane
+of men. These twain stood in front of the lofty gates, like high-crested
+oak trees in the hills, that for ever abide the wind and rain, firm
+fixed with roots great and long; even so these twain, trusting to the
+mightiness of their hands, abode the coming of great Asios, and fled
+not. But straight came the Trojans against the well-builded wall,
+holding their shields of dry bulls' hide on high, with mighty clamour,
+round the prince Asios, and Iamenos, and Orestes, and Adamas, son of
+Asios, and Thoon, and Oinomaos. But the other twain for a while, being
+within the wall, urged the well-greaved Achaians to fight for the ships;
+but when they saw the Trojans assailing the wall, while the Danaans
+cried and turned in flight, then forth rushed the twain, and fought in
+front of the gates like wild boars that in the mountains abide the
+assailing crew of men and dogs, and charging on either flank they
+crush the wood around them, cutting it at the root, and the clatter of
+their tusks wages loud, till one smite them and take their life away: so
+clattered the bright bronze on the breasts of the twain, as they were
+smitten in close fight, for right hardily they fought, trusting to the
+host above them, and to their own strength.
+
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded
+towers, in defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the
+swift-faring ships. And like snowflakes the stones fell earthward,
+flakes that a tempestuous wind, as it driveth the dark clouds, rains
+thickly down on the bounteous earth: so thick fell the missiles from the
+hands of Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms rang harsh and
+their bossy shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily then
+Asios, son of Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and
+indignantly he spake: "Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie,
+for I deemed not that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and
+our hands invincible. But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that
+have made their dwellings in a rugged path, and leave not their hollow
+hold, but abide and keep the hunters at bay for the sake of their little
+ones, even so these men have no will to give ground from the gates,
+though they are but two, ere they slay or be slain."
+
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for
+his will was to give renown to Hector.
+
+But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were for
+me like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the wall
+of stone rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow,
+defending the ships of necessity; and all the gods were grieved at
+heart, as many as were defenders of the Danaans in battle. And together
+the Lapithae waged war and strife.
+
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the
+spear, through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the bronze
+helm stay the spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through the
+bone, and all the brain within was scattered, and the spear overcame him
+in his eagerness. Thereafter he slew Pylon and Ormenos. And Leonteus of
+the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos, son of Antimachos, with the spear,
+striking him on the girdle. Then again he drew his sharp sword from the
+sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close fight, rushing on him
+through the throng, that he fell on his back on the ground; and
+thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes one after the
+other, to the bounteous earth.
+
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men who
+followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number and
+bravest, and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on
+fire, these still stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager to
+pass over a bird had appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight,
+skirting the host on the left hand. In its talons it bore a blood-red
+monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still; yea, not yet had it
+forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote the bird
+that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the
+throng; then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the
+Trojans shuddered when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst of
+them; an omen of aegis-bearing Zeus.
+
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: "Hector, ever
+dost thou rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since it
+by no means beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee, in
+council or in war, but always to increase thy power; but now again will
+I say all that seemeth to me to be best. Let us not advance and fight
+with the Danaans for the ships. For even thus, methinks, the end will
+be, if indeed this bird hath come for the Trojans when they were eager
+to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on
+the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red monstrous snake, yet
+living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he reached his own
+nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings. Even so
+shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall of the
+Achaians, and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return in
+disarray from the ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans
+shall we leave behind, whom the Achaians will slay with the sword, in
+defence of the ships. Even so would a soothsayer interpret that in his
+heart had clear knowledge of omens, and whom the people obeyed."
+
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: "Polydamas,
+that thou speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how to
+conceive another counsel better than this. But if thou verily speakest
+thus in earnest, then the gods themselves have utterly destroyed thy
+wits; thou that bidst us forget the counsels of loud-thundering Zeus,
+that himself promised me, and confirmed with a nod of his head! But thou
+bidst us be obedient to birds long of wing, whereto I give no heed, nor
+take any care thereof, whether they fare to the right, to the dawn and
+to the sun, or to the left, to mist and darkness. Nay, for us, let us
+trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who is king over all mortals and
+immortals. One omen is best, to fight for our own country. And wherefore
+dost thou fear war and battle? For if all the rest of us be slain by the
+ships of the Argives, yet needst thou not fear to perish, for thy heart
+is not warlike, nor enduring in battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from
+the fight, or winnest any other with thy words to turn him from war,
+straightway by my spear shalt thou be smitten, and lose thy life."
+
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and Zeus
+that joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida, a blast of
+wind, which bare the dust straight against the ships; and he made weak
+the heart of the Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to Hector.
+Trusting then in his omens, and their might, they strove to break the
+great wall of the Achaians. They dragged down the machicolations
+[projecting galleries] of the towers, and overthrew the battlements, and
+heaved up the projecting buttresses, that the Achaians set first in the
+earth, to be the props of the towers. These they overthrew, and hoped to
+break the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now did the Danaans give ground
+from the path, but closed up the battlements with shields of bulls'
+hides, and cast from them at the foemen as they went below the walls.
+
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and
+arousing the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with honeyed
+words, another with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever they saw
+utterly giving ground from the fight: "O friends, whosoever is eminent,
+or whosoever is of middle station among the Argives, ay, or lower yet,
+for in no wise are all men equal in war, now is there work for all, and
+this yourselves well know. Let none turn back to the ships, for that he
+hath heard one threatening aloud; nay, get ye forward, and cheer another
+on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of lightning, will grant us to
+drive back the assault, and push the foe to the city."
+
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the
+Achaians. But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus
+the Counsellor bath begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his
+to men, and he hath lulled the winds, and he snoweth continually, till
+he hath covered the crests of the high hills, and the uttermost
+headlands, and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of men; and the snow
+is scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and only the
+wave as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are
+swathed over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides
+their stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the
+Trojans against the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over
+all the wall the din arose.
+
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the
+gates of the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not
+roused his son Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the
+kine of crooked horn. Straightway he held forth his fair round shield,
+of hammered bronze, that the bronze-smith had hammered out, and within
+had stitched many bulls' hides with rivets of gold, all round the
+circle, this held he forth, and shook two spears; and sped on his way,
+like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh meat, and his brave
+spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come even against a
+well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby, guarding
+the sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven
+without an effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep,
+and seizeth it, or himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart
+from a strong hand. So did his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon
+to rush against the wall, and break through the battlements. And
+instantly he spake to Glaukos, son of Hippolochos: "Glaukos, wherefore
+have we twain the chiefest honour,--seats of honour, and messes, and
+full cups in Lykia, and all men look on us as gods? And wherefore hold
+we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a fair demesne of orchard-land,
+and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it behoveth us to take our
+stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter fiery battle,
+that certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, 'Verily our kings
+that rule Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep, and drink
+the choice wine honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of excellent might,
+for they war in the foremost ranks of the Lykians.' Ah, friend, if once
+escaped from this battle we were for ever to be ageless and immortal,
+neither would I fight myself in the foremost ranks, nor would I send
+thee into the war that giveth men renown, but now--for assuredly ten
+thousand fates of death do every way beset us, and these no mortal may
+escape nor avoid--now let us go forward, whether we shall give glory to
+other men, or others to us."
+
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they
+twain went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for against
+his tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked along the
+tower of the Achaians if perchance he might see any of the leaders,
+that would ward off destruction from his comrades, and he beheld the two
+Aiantes, insatiate of war, standing there, and Teukros hard by, newly
+come from his hut; but he could not cry to be heard of them, so great
+was the din, and the noise went up unto heaven of smitten shields and
+helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates, for they had all been
+shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove by force to break
+them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the herald Thootes:
+"Go, noble Thootes, and run, and call Aias: or rather the twain, for
+that will be far the best of all, since quickly here will there be
+wrought utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of
+old are fierce in strong battle. But if beside them too war and toil
+arise, yet at least let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone and let
+Teukros the skilled bowman follow with him."
+
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started
+and ran by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by
+the Aiantes, and straightway spake: "Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the
+mail-clad Achaians, the dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth
+you go thither, that, if it be but for a little while, ye may take your
+part in battle: both of you he more desireth, for that will be far the
+best of all, since quickly there will there be wrought utter ruin. For
+thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce in
+strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at least
+let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him."
+
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly
+spake winged words to the son of Oileus: "Aias, do ye twain stand here,
+thyself and strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all their
+might; but I go thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly will I
+come again, when I have well aided them."
+
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his
+brother by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow
+of Teukros.
+
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing
+within the wall,--and to men sore pressed they came,--the foe were
+climbing upon the battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong
+leaders and counsellors of the Lykians; and they hurled together into
+the war and the battle-cry arose. Now first did Aias Telamon's son slay
+a man, Epikles great of heart, the comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged
+stone he smote him, a great stone that lay uppermost within the wall, by
+the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it in both hands, however
+strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but Aias lifted it, and
+cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold crest, and broke
+the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from the lofty tower,
+and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote Glaukos, the strong son
+of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow from the lofty wall; even
+where he saw his shoulder bare he smote him, and made him cease from
+delight in battle. Back from the wall he leapt secretly, lest any of the
+Achaians should see him smitten, and speak boastfully. But sorrow came
+on Sarpedon when Glaukos departed, so soon as he was aware thereof, but
+he forgot not the joy of battle. He aimed at Alkmaon, son of Thestor,
+with the spear, and smote him, and drew out the spear. And Alkmaon
+following the spear fell prone, and his bronze-dight arms rang round
+him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong hands the battlement, and dragged,
+and it all gave way together, while above the wall was stripped bare,
+and made a path for many.
+
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an
+arrow, on the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast,
+but Zeus warded off the Fates from his son, that he should not be
+overcome beside the ships' sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his
+shield, nor did the spear pass clean through, yet shook he Sarpedon in
+his eagerness. He gave ground a little way from the battlement, yet
+retreated not wholly, since his heart hoped to win renown. Then he
+turned and cried to the godlike Lykians: "O Lykians, wherefore thus are
+ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is for me, stalwart as I am, alone
+to break through, and make a path to the ships, nay, follow hard after
+me, for the more men, the better work."
+
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on the
+harder around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other side
+made strong their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil began for
+them. For neither could the strong Lykians burst through the wall of
+the Danaans, and make a way to the ships, nor could the warlike Danaans
+drive back the Lykians from the wall, when once they had drawn near
+thereto. But as two men contend about the marches of their land, with
+measuring rods in their hands, in a common field, when in narrow space
+they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements divided them, and
+over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the breasts of
+either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were wounded in the
+flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of any of the
+warriors was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean through the very
+shield. Yea, everywhere the towers and battlements swam with the blood
+of men shed on either side, by Trojans and Achaians. But even so they
+could not put the Argives to rout, but they held their ground, as an
+honest woman that laboureth with her hands holds the balance, and raises
+the weight and the wool together, balancing them, that she may win scant
+wages for her children; so evenly was strained their war and battle,
+till the moment when Zeus gave the greater renown to Hector, son of
+Priam, who was the first to leap within the wall of the Achaians. In a
+piercing voice he cried aloud to the Trojans: "Rise, ye horse-taming
+Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and cast among the ships fierce
+blazing fire."
+
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears,
+and in one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears
+in their hands climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And
+Hector seized and carried a stone that lay in front of the gates, thick
+in the hinder part, but sharp at point: a stone that not the two best
+men of the people, such as mortals now are, could lightly lift from the
+ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it alone, for the son of
+crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as when a shepherd
+lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand, and little
+doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it straight
+against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set portals, double
+gates and tall, and two cross bars held them within, and one bolt
+fastened them. And he came, and stood hard by, and firmly planted
+himself, and smote them in the midst, setting his legs well apart, that
+his cast might lack no strength. And he brake both the hinges, and the
+stone fell within by reason of its weight, and the gates rang loud
+around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this way and that
+beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped in, with face
+like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was clad about his
+body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met him could have
+held him back when once he leaped within the gates: none but the gods,
+and his eyes shone with fire. Turning towards the throng he cried to the
+Trojans to overleap the wall, and they obeyed his summons, and speedily
+some overleaped the wall, and some poured into the fair-wrought
+gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear among the hollow ships, and a
+ceaseless clamour arose.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIII.
+
+    Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships.
+    The valour of Idomeneus.
+
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships,
+left them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again
+he turned his shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian
+horsebreeders, and the Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the
+proud Hippemolgoi that drink mare's milk, and the Abioi, the most
+righteous of men. To Troy no more at all he turned his shining eyes, for
+he deemed in his heart that not one of the Immortals would draw near, to
+help either Trojans or Danaans.
+
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on
+the war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for
+thence all Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of
+Priam, and the ships of the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and
+sate him down, and he had pity on the Achaians, that they were subdued
+to the Trojans, and strong was his anger against Zeus.
+
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift
+steps, and the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the
+immortal footsteps of Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and
+with the fourth he reached his goal, even Aigae, and there was his
+famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his glistering golden mansions
+builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and let harness to the
+car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with their golden
+manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove
+across the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all
+sides out of the deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness
+the sea stood asunder, and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was
+not wetted beneath, and the bounding steeds bare him on to the ships
+of the Achaians.
+
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between
+Tenedos and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth,
+stay his horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before
+them ambrosial food to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about
+their hooves, tethers neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the
+horses might continually await their lord's return. And he went to the
+host of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array,
+with fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries
+they came, and thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay
+thereby all the bravest of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the
+world, the Shaker of the earth, was urging on the Argives, and forth he
+came from the deep salt sea, in form and untiring voice like unto
+Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that themselves were eager
+for battle: "Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the people of the Achaians,
+if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill fear. For verily
+I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans, that have
+climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved
+Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread
+lest some evil befall us, even here where that furious one is leading
+like a flame of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus.
+Nay, but here may some god put it into the hearts of you twain, to stand
+sturdily yourselves, and urge others to do the like; thereby might ye
+drive him from the fleet-faring ships, despite his eagerness, yea, even
+if the Olympian himself is rousing him to war."
+
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the
+twain with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their
+limbs he made light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even
+as a swift-winged hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall
+sheer rock, and swoops to chase some other bird across the plain, even
+so Poseidon sped from them, the Shaker of the world. And of the twain
+Oileus' son, the swift-footed Aias, was the first to know the god, and
+instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon: "Aias, since it is one of
+the gods who hold Olympus, that in the semblance of a seer commands us
+now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is he, the prophet and
+sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and knees as he
+turned away, and the gods are easy to discern--lo, then mine own heart
+within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight."
+
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: "Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within
+me, and both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even
+in single fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam."
+
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which
+the god put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the
+Achaians that were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside
+the swift ships. Their limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea,
+and their souls filled with sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had
+climbed over the great wall in their multitude. And they looked on them,
+and shed tears beneath their brows, thinking that never would they
+escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth right easily came among
+them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors. Teukros first he
+came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos, and Thoas, and
+Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all these
+he spurred on with winged words: "Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships.
+But if you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth
+shine that shall see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily
+a great marvel is this that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that
+methought should never come to pass, the Trojans advancing against our
+ships! Of yore they were like fleeting hinds, that in the wild wood are
+the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves, and wander helpless,
+strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the Trojans of old
+cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the Achaians,
+not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness
+of the people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to
+defend the swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if
+indeed and in truth the hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus,
+is the very cause of all, for that he did dishonour the swift-footed son
+of Peleus, not even so may we refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us
+right our fault with speed, for easily righted are the hearts of the
+brave. No longer do ye well to refrain from impetuous might, all ye that
+are the best men of the host. I myself would not quarrel with one that,
+being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I am heartily wroth.
+Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through this
+remissness,--but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and
+indignation, for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the
+mighty Hector of the loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the
+gates and the long bar he hath burst in sunder."
+
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians.
+And straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands
+that Ares himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that
+marshals the host. Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans
+and goodly Hector, and spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield
+on serried shield, buckler pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man
+on man. The horse-hair crests on the bright helmet-ridges touched each
+other as they nodded, so close they stood each by other, and spears
+brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their hearts were
+steadfast and lusted for battle.
+
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them,
+pressing straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the
+winter-swollen water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken
+the foundations of the stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping
+aloft it flies, and the wood echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its
+course, till it reaches the level plain, and then it rolls no more for
+all its eagerness,--even so Hector for a while threatened lightly to
+win to the sea through the huts and the ships of the Achaians, slaying
+as he came, but when he encountered the serried battalions, he was
+stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other part, the
+sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled
+backward. Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans:
+"Trojans, and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground,
+for the Achaians will not long ward me off, nay, though they have
+arrayed themselves in fashion like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will
+flee back before the spear, if verily the chief of gods has set me on,
+the loud-thundering lord of Hera."
+
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deiphobos,
+the son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in
+front of him the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his
+feet, advancing beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at
+him with a shining spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the
+circle of the bulls-hide shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay,
+well ere that might be, the long spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now
+Deiphobos was holding off from him the bulls-hide shield, and his heart
+feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that hero shrunk back among the
+throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for the loss of victory,
+and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to go to the
+huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he had
+left in his hut.
+
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an
+inextinguishable cry. First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the
+spearman Imbrios, the son of Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt,
+before the coming of the sons of the Achaians, and he had for wife a
+daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock, Medesikaste; but when the curved
+ships of the Danaans came, he returned again to Ilios, and was
+pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who honoured him
+like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the ear with
+his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze,
+and brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and
+round him rang his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed
+forth, most eager to strip his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came
+with his shining spear. But Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by
+a little the spear of bronze; so Hector struck Amphimachos, son of
+Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the spear, as he was returning
+to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour rang upon him.
+
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted
+Amphimachos the helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at
+Hector as he came, with a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his
+body, for he was all clad in dread armour of bronze; but he smote the
+boss of his shield, and drave him back by main force, and he gave place
+from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians drew them out of the
+battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the Athenians,
+conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but Imbrios
+the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and
+carry it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the
+ground in their jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and
+spoiled his arms. Then the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate
+neck, in wrath for the sake of Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a
+ball through the throng, and it dropped in the dust before the feet of
+Hector.
+
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his son's son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidon's son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur on
+the Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then
+Idomeneus, spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that
+had but newly returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee
+with the sharp bronze. Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus
+gave charge to the leeches, and so went on to his hut, for he still was
+eager to face the war. Then the mighty Shaker of the earth addressed
+him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon, that ruled over the
+Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was honoured like
+a god by the people: "Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the Cretans, say,
+whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the Achaians
+threatened the Trojans?"
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: "O Thaos, now
+is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war.
+Neither is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that
+gives place to cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus,
+methinks, must it have seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the
+Achaians should perish nameless here, far away from Argos. But Thoas,
+seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and dost spur on some other man,
+wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground, therefore slacken not now,
+but call aloud to every warrior."
+
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: "Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the
+sport of dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take
+thy weapons and away: herein we must play the man together, if any avail
+there may be, though we are no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get
+courage from company, but we twain know well how to battle even with the
+brave."
+
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus,
+so soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about
+his body, and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that
+Kronion seizes in his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing
+forth a sign to mortal men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so
+shone the bronze about the breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones,
+his good squire, met him, while he was still near his hut,--he was going
+to bring his spear of bronze,--and mighty Idomeneus spake to him:
+"Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of my company, wherefore
+hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art thou wounded at
+all, and vexed by a dart's point, or dost thou come with a message for
+me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the huts,
+but to fight."
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: "I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which
+before I carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud
+Deiphobos."
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: "Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut,
+against the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have
+spoiled their slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with
+foemen from afar, wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and helms,
+and corslets of splendid sheen."
+
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: "Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand.
+Nay, for methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth
+among the foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the
+strife of battle. Any other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should
+sooner forget my prowess, but thou art he that knoweth it."
+
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: "I know what
+a man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay,
+if now beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an
+ambush--wherein the valour of men is best discerned; there the coward,
+and the brave man most plainly declare themselves: for the colour of the
+coward changes often, and his spirit cannot abide firm within him, but
+now he kneels on one knee, now on the other, and rests on either foot,
+and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as he thinks of doom, and his
+teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave man does not change,
+nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters the ambush of
+heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war. Were we
+being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man
+reckon lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou
+wert stricken in battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart
+would not strike thee in the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back,
+but would encounter thy breast or belly, as thou dost press on, towards
+the gathering of the foremost fighters. But come, no more let us talk
+thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man be vehemently wroth,
+but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear."
+
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the
+spear of bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high
+thoughts of battle. And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into
+the war, and with him follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless,
+that terrifies even the hardy warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and
+harness them for fight with the Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans,
+yet hearken not to both peoples, but give honour to one only; like these
+gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, set forth into the
+fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake first to
+Idomeneus saying: "Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to enter
+into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on
+the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired
+Achaians so like to fail in fight."
+
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: "In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes,
+and Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in
+close fight; these will give Hector Priam's son toil enough, howsoever
+keen he be for battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will
+he find it, with all his lust for war, to overcome their strength and
+their hands invincible, and to fire the ships, unless Kronion himself
+send down on the swift ships a burning brand. But not to a man would he
+yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man that is mortal and eateth
+Demeter's grain, and may be chosen with the sword of bronze, and with
+hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles the breaker of the
+ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for speed of
+foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as
+thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn
+whether we are to win glory from others, or other men from us."
+
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till
+they came to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with
+him, and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him
+through the press. Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships.
+And as the gusts speed on, when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust
+lies thickest on the roads, and the winds raise together a great cloud
+of dust, even so their battle clashed together, and all were fain of
+heart to slay each other in the press with the keen bronze. And the
+battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears, the piercing
+spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming helmets
+dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he
+have been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of
+battle.
+
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were
+contriving sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for
+the Trojans and Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he
+did not wish the Achaian host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only
+to give renown to Thetis and her strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went
+among the Argives and stirred them to war, stealing secretly forth from
+the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that they were overcome by
+the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus. Verily both were of
+the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was the elder and
+the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness
+of a man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong
+strife and equal war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and
+Achaians, a knot that none might break nor undo, for the loosening of
+the knees of many.
+
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on
+the Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he
+slew Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had
+followed after the rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of
+the daughters of Priam, Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with
+promise of mighty deed, namely that he would drive perforce out of
+Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him the old man Priam had
+promised and appointed that he would give her, so he fought trusting in
+his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright spear, and cast
+and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet of bronze
+that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and
+lifted up his voice, saying: "Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all
+mortal men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised
+Priam, son of Dardanos, that promised thee again his own daughter. Yea,
+and we likewise would promise as much to thee, and fulfil it, and would
+give thee the fairest daughter of the son of Atreus, and bring her from
+Argos, and wed her to thee, if only thou wilt aid us to take the
+fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us that we may make a covenant of
+marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no hard exacters of gifts of
+wooing."
+
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce
+mellay. But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the
+charioteer guided so that still their breath touched the shoulders of
+Asios. And the desire of his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was
+beforehand with him, and smote him with the spear in the throat, below
+the chin, and drove the point straight through. And he fell as an oak
+falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that craftsmen have felled on the
+hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship's timber; even so he lay
+stretched out before the horses and the chariot, groaning, and clutching
+the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and kept not his wits,
+as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of the hands of
+foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced the
+middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze
+he was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his
+belly. Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and
+Antilochos, the son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from
+the Trojans, among the well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow
+for Asios, drew very nigh Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining
+spear. But Idomeneus steadily watching him, avoided the spear of bronze,
+being hidden beneath the circle of his shield, the shield covered about
+with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he allows bore, fitted with two
+arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the spear of bronze flew
+over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed thereon. Yet it
+flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote Hypsenor,
+son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over
+him terribly, crying aloud: "Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay,
+methinks, that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he
+will rejoice at heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!"
+
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and
+stirred above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet,
+despite his sorrow, he was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and
+stood over him, and covered him with his buckler. Then two trusty
+companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and goodly Alastor, stooped down
+and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him to the hollow ships.
+
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving,
+either to cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to
+fall in warding off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of
+Aisyetes, fosterling of Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who
+was son-in-law of Anchises, and had married the eldest of his daughters,
+Hippodameia, whom her father and her lady mother dearly loved in the
+halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her age in beauty, and skill,
+and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy took her to wife.
+This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a spell over
+his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a
+pillar, or a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus
+smote him in the midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat
+of bronze about him, that aforetime warded death from his body, but now
+rang harsh as it was rent by the spear. And he fell with a crash, and
+the lance fixed in his heart, that, still beating, shook the butt-end of
+the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its fury there; but
+Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: "Deiphobos, are we to deem
+it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since thou
+boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that
+thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither!
+For Zeus first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a
+son, the noble Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men
+in wide Crete, and now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee
+and thy father, and all the Trojans."
+
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether
+he should retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted
+Trojans, or should try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind
+it seemed the better, to go after Aineias, whom he found standing the
+last in the press, for Aineias was ever wroth against goodly Priam, for
+that Priam gave him no honour, despite his valour among men. So
+Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him: "Aineias, thou
+counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need that thou
+shouldst succour thy sister's husband, if any care for kin doth touch
+thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister's husband, who of
+old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and
+now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!"
+
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to
+seek Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon
+Idomeneus, as though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay,
+like a boar on the hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the
+great assailing throng of men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his
+back, and his eyes shine with fire, while he whets his tusks, and is
+right eager to keep at bay both men and hounds. Even so stood
+spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came to the rescue,
+and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos,
+all masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake
+winged words: "Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and
+terribly I dread the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is
+assailing me; for he is right strong to destroy men in battle, and he
+hath the flower of youth, the greatest avail that may be. Yea, if he and
+I were of like age, and in this spirit whereof now we are, speedily
+should he or I achieve high victory."
+
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood
+hard by each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the
+other side, cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and
+noble Agenor, that with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the
+hosts followed them, as sheep follow their leader to the water from the
+pasture, and the shepherd is glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias
+was glad in his breast, when he saw the hosts of the people following to
+aid him.
+
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears,
+and round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each
+other in the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and
+Idomeneus, the peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the
+other with the pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who
+steadily watching him avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of
+Aineias went quivering in the earth, since vainly it had flown from his
+stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote Oinomaos in the midst of the belly,
+and brake the plate of his corslet, and the bronze let forth the bowels
+through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and clutched the earth in
+his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing spear from the
+dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour from his
+shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own
+spear, nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the
+pitiless day of destiny, but in retreat: his feet no longer bore him
+swiftly from the battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed
+at him with his shining spear, for verily he ever cherished a steadfast
+hatred against Idomeneus. But this time, too, he missed him, and smote
+Askalapbos, the son of Enyalios, with his dart, and the strong spear
+passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the dust, and clutched the
+earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful Ares was not yet
+aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he was
+reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos
+tore from Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift
+Ares, leaped forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and
+from his hand the vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And
+Meriones sprang forth instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong
+spear from the shoulder of Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of
+his comrades. But the own brother of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his
+hands round his waist, and led him forth from the evil din of war, even
+till he came to the swift horses, that waited for him behind the battle
+and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight chariot. These bore
+him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and the blood ran
+down from his newly wounded arm.
+
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that
+chanced to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped
+down and his shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the
+spirit overwhelmed him. And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the
+other way, and leaped on him, and wounded him, severing all the vein
+that runs up the back till it reaches the neck; this he severed clean,
+and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching out both his hands to
+his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and stripped the armour
+from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans gathered from here
+and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not avail to
+graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard
+on every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And
+never did Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among
+them, nor ever was his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken,
+and the aim of his heart was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on
+him at close quarters. But as he was aiming through the crowd, he
+escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios, who smote the midst of his
+shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at hand; but Poseidon of
+the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him the life of
+Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake, in
+the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones
+following after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the
+privy parts and the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched
+mortals. Even there he fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed
+about the spear, even as a bull that herdsmen on the hills drag along
+perforce when they have bound him with withes, so he when he was smitten
+writhed for a moment, not for long, till the hero Meriones came near,
+and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness covered his eyes.
+
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great
+Thracian sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged,
+fell on the ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as
+it rolled between his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+and he went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince,
+shaking his sharp spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his
+bow. And both at once were making ready to let fly, one with his sharp
+spear, the other with the arrow from the string. Then the son of Priam
+smote Menelaos on the breast with his arrow, on the plate of the
+corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from a broad shovel in a
+great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and pulse, before the
+whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower's shovel, even so from
+the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far aside the bitter
+arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, smote the
+hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow,
+clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew
+to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down
+at his side, for the ashen spear dragged after him. And the
+great-hearted Agenor drew the spear from his hand, and himself bound up
+the hand with a band of twisted sheep's-wool, a sling that a squire
+carried for him, the shepherd of the host.
+
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate
+was leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome
+in the dread strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset
+upon each other, the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned
+aside, but Peisandros smote the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed
+not to drive the bronze clean through, for the wide shield caught it,
+and the spear brake in the socket, yet Peisandros rejoiced in his heart,
+and hoped for the victory. But the son of Atreus drew his silver-studded
+sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And Peisandros, under his shield,
+clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long and polished haft of
+olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then Peisandros smote the
+crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below the very plume,
+but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow, above
+the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set
+his foot on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed,
+saying: "Even thus then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans
+of the swift steeds, ye Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din
+of war. Yea, and ye shall not lack all other reproof and shame,
+wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds of evil, having no fear in your
+hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering Zeus, the god of guest and
+host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O ye that wantonly
+carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when ye were
+entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet
+refrain you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say
+that thou dost excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all
+these things are from thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of
+violence, even the Trojans, whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they
+have their fill of the din of equal war. Of all things there is satiety,
+yea, even of love and sleep, and of sweet song, and dance delectable,
+whereof a man would sooner have his fill than of war, but the Trojans
+are insatiable of battle."
+
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body,
+and gave them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again,
+and mingled in the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of
+king Pylaimenes, leaped out against him, Harpalion that followed his
+dear father to Troy, to the war, nor ever came again to his own country.
+He then smote the middle of the shield of Atreus' son with his spear, in
+close fight, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean through, but fell
+back into the host of his comrades, avoiding Fate, glancing round every
+way, lest one should wound his flesh with the bronze. But Meriones shot
+at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and smote him in the
+right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder and came out
+under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his dear
+comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a
+chariot, and drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his
+father, shedding tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had
+been his host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his
+sake, he let fly a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor,
+the son of Polyidos the seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was
+in Corinth. And well he knew his own ruinous fate, when he went on
+ship-board, for often would the old man, the good Polyidos, tell him,
+that he must either perish of a sore disease in his halls, or go with
+the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the Trojans. Wherefore he
+avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and the hateful
+disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris smite
+beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not
+heard nor knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being
+subdued by the Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so
+mighty was the Holder and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives;
+yea, and himself mightily defended them. But Hector kept where at first
+he had leaped within the walls and the gate, and broken the serried
+ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even where were the ships of Aias and
+Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the hoary sea, while above the
+wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the heroes and their horses
+were raging in battle.
+
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught
+on the ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like
+a flame of fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among
+them Menestheus son of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with
+him Pheidas and Stichios, and brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by
+Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion and Drakios, and in front of the
+Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in war. Now the one, Medon,
+was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of Aias, and he dwelt
+in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain a man, the
+brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their
+armour, in the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the
+ships, and fighting among the Boiotians.
+
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side
+of Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow
+land two wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough,
+and round the roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and
+nought sunders them but the polished yoke, as they labour through the
+furrow, till the end of the furrow brings them up, so stood the two
+Aiantes close by each other. Now verily did many and noble hosts of his
+comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and bore his shield when labour
+and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians followed not with the
+high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not steadfast in close
+brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze, shadowy with
+horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but trusting in
+bows and well-twisted slings of sheep's wool, they followed with him to
+Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake the
+ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front contended with the
+Trojans, and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind
+kept shooting from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the
+joy of battle, for the arrows confounded them.
+
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans
+have withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant
+Hector and said: "Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that
+would counsel thee; for that god has given thee excellence in the works
+of war, therefore in council also thou art fain to excel other men in
+knowledge. But in nowise wilt thou be able to take everything on
+thyself. For to one man has god given for his portion the works of war,
+[to another the dance, to another the lute and song,] but in the heart
+of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent understanding,
+whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and himself best
+knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me. Behold
+all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being
+scattered among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the
+best of the warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully,
+whether we should fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god
+willeth to give us victory, or after counsel held, should return
+unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear lest the Achaians repay their
+debt of yesterday, since by the ships there tarrieth a man insatiate of
+war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand aloof from battle."
+
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake
+to him winged words and said: "Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best
+of the host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly will
+return again, when I have straitly laid on them my commands."
+
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and
+shouting aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped
+to Polydamas, the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of
+Hector. But he went seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos,
+and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors
+in the foremost line, if anywhere he might find them. But them he found
+not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but, lo, some among the sterns of
+the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by the hands of the
+Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or cast. But
+one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with
+words of shame: "Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for
+women, thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong
+prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and
+where is Othryoneus? Now hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too,
+thou seest, is sheer destruction sure."
+
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: "Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather
+withdraw me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a
+coward. For from the time that thou didst gather the battle of thy
+comrades about the ships, from that hour do we abide here, and war with
+the Danaans ceaselessly; and our comrades concerning whom thou inquirest
+are slain. Only Deiphobos and the strong prince Helenos have both
+withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the hand with long spears, for
+Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on, wheresoever thy
+heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee eagerly, nor
+methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but beyond
+his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he be."
+
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother's heart, and they went
+forth where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble
+Polydamas, and Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and
+Palmys, and Askanios, and Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their
+turn, out of deep-soiled Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus
+urged them to fight. And these set forth like the blast of violent
+winds, that rushes earthward beneath the thunder of Zeus, and with
+marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and therein are many
+swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white with foam,
+some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in van and
+rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of
+men. In front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and
+plates of beaten bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And
+everywhere he went in advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance
+they would yield to him as he charged under cover of his shield. But he
+could not confound the heart within the breast of the Achaians. And
+Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged him first: "Sir, draw nigh,
+wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the Argives? We are in no wise
+ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus are we Achaians
+vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the ships, but
+we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled city
+will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight
+to Zeus, and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be
+fleeter than falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as
+they storm in dust across the plain."
+
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of
+lofty flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged
+by the omen, but renowned Hector answered: "Aias, thou blundering
+boaster, what sayest thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely
+the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and
+that I were held in such honour as Apollo and Athene, as verily this day
+is to bring utter evil on all the Argives! And thou among them shalt be
+slain, if thou hast the heart to await my long spear, which shall rend
+thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat and flesh the birds and
+dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the Achaians."
+
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and
+the whole host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side
+answered with a shout, and forgot not their valiance, but abode the
+onslaught of the bravest of the Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts
+went up through the higher air, to the splendour of Zeus.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIV.
+
+    How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights
+    of Ida, and Poseidon spurred on the Achaians to resist
+    Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he
+spake winged words to the son of Asklepios: "Bethink thee, noble
+Machaon, what had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong
+warriors by the ships. Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright
+wine, till Hekamede of the fair tresses shall heat warm water for the
+bath, and wash away the clotted blood, but I will speedily go forth and
+come to a place of outlook."
+
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming
+Thrasymedes, which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for
+the son had the shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with
+a point of keen bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway
+beheld a deed of shame, the Achaians fleeing in rout, and the
+high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the wall of the Achaians was
+overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with a dumb wave, and
+dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still unmoved
+nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,--his mind divided this
+way and that,--whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of
+the swift steeds, or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the
+host. And thus as he pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go
+to the son of Atreus. Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each
+other, and the stout bronze rang about their bodies as they were thrust
+with swords and double-pointed spears.
+
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went
+up from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus'
+son, and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the
+battle were their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for
+these were the first they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the
+wall in front of the hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, wide as
+it was, hold all the ships, and the host was straitened. Wherefore they
+drew up the ships row within row, and filled up the wide mouth of all
+the shore that the headlands held between them. Therefore the kings were
+going together, leaning on their spears, to look on the war and fray,
+and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the old man met
+them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the breasts of
+the Achaians.
+
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: "O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast
+deserted the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the
+word that dread Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us,
+speaking in the assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he
+return to Ilios from the ships, till he had burned the ships with fire,
+and slain the men. Even so he spake, and, lo, now all these things are
+being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the other well-greaved Achaians store
+wrath against me in their hearts, like Achilles, and have no desire to
+fight by the rearmost ships."
+
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying "Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus
+himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is
+overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of
+the ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel, how these
+things may best be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel
+not that we should go down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle."
+
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: "Nestor, for that they
+are warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath
+availed not, nor the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much
+labour, hoping in their hearts that it should be the unbroken bulwark of
+the ships, and of their own bodies--such it seemeth must be the will
+of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians should perish here nameless far from
+Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward to aid the Danaans, and now I
+know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like that of the blessed
+gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come, as I declare,
+let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in the
+first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes,
+if even at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we
+drag down all the ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin,
+yea, even in the night. Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than
+he that is overtaken."
+
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels: "Atreus'
+son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of mischief, sure
+thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among us, to
+whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager
+to leave the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we
+endure with sorrow so many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the
+Achaians hear this word, that no man should so much as suffer to pass
+through his mouth, none that understandeth in his heart how to speak
+fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath hosts obeying him so
+many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I wholly scorn thy
+thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the midst of
+war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire,
+albeit they win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon
+us. For the Achaians will not make good the war, when the ships are
+drawn down to the salt sea, but will look round about to flee, and
+withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel work a mischief, O marshal
+of the host!"
+
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: "Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the
+sons of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered
+ships to the salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a
+wiser counsel than this of mine,--a young man or an old,--welcome
+would it be to me."
+
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: "The man is
+near,--not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of
+me, and each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the
+youngest among you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a
+noble sire, Tydeus, whom in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For
+Portheus had three well-born children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and
+steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas, and the third was Oineus the
+knight, the father of my father, and in valour he excelled the others.
+And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither he had
+wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of
+trees apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he
+excelled all the Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak
+sooth. Therefore ye could not say that I am weak and a coward by
+lineage, and so dishonour my spoken counsel, that well I may speak. Let
+us go down to the battle, wounded as we are, since we needs must; and
+then might we hold ourselves aloof from the battle, beyond the range of
+darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the others will we spur on,
+even them that aforetime gave place to their passion, and stand apart,
+and fight not."
+
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they
+set forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in
+the guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus' son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+"Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he
+hath no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and
+god mar him. But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth, nay,
+even yet methinks the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover the
+wide plain with dust, and thyself shalt see them fleeing to the city
+from the ships and the huts."
+
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud
+as nine thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the
+strife of war, so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth
+sent forth from his breast, and great strength he put into the heart of
+each of the Achaians, to strive and war unceasingly.
+
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with
+her eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord's going to
+and fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And
+she beheld Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and
+to her heart he was hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady
+Hera, how she might beguile the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this
+seemed to her in her heart to be the best counsel, namely to fare to
+Ida, when she had well adorned herself, if perchance a sweet sleep and a
+kindly she could pour on his eye lids and his crafty wits. And she set
+forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had fashioned, and
+therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret bolt,
+that no other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the
+shining doors. With ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her
+winsome body, and anointed her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a
+sweet savour; if it were but shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of
+Zeus, the savour thereof went right forth to earth and heaven. Therewith
+she anointed her fair body, and combed her hair, and with her hands
+plaited her shining tresses, fair and ambrosial, flowing from her
+immortal head. Then she clad her in her fragrant robe that Athene
+wrought delicately for her, and therein set many things beautifully
+made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold. And she
+girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set
+earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering,
+therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless
+goddess veiled herself, a fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath
+her shining feet she bound goodly sandals. But when she had adorned her
+body with all her array, she went forth from her bower, and called
+Aphrodite apart from the other gods, and spake to her, saying: "Wilt
+thou obey me, dear child, in that which I shall tell thee? or wilt thou
+refuse, with a grudge in thy heart, because I succour the Danaans, and
+thou the Trojans?"
+
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: "Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart
+bids me fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished."
+
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: "Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal
+men. For I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and
+Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and
+nourished me in their halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing
+Zeus imprisoned Kronos beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am
+I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled
+in their hearts. If with words I might persuade their hearts, and bring
+them back to love, ever should I be called dear to them and worshipful."
+
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: "It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms
+of Zeus, the chief of gods."
+
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and
+loving converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she
+laid in her hands, and spake, and said: "Lo now, take this girdle and
+lay it up in thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are
+fashioned; methinks thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which
+in thy heart thou desirest."
+
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the
+zone within her breast.
+
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera,
+rushing down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped' over the snowy hills
+of the Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the
+ground with her feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea,
+and came to Lemnos, the city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the
+brother of Death, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called him
+by name: "Sleep, lord of all gods and of all men, if ever thou didst
+hear my word, obey me again even now, and I will be grateful to thee
+always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes of Zeus beneath his
+brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne, imperishable
+for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own child,
+shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a
+festival. Nay come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the
+Graces, to wed and to be called thy wife."
+
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:--"Come now,
+swear to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands
+grasp the bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all
+may be witnesses to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos,
+that verily thou wilt give me one of the younger of the Graces, even
+Pasithea, that myself do long for all my days."
+
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she
+sware as he bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below
+Tartaros that are called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that
+oath, the twain left the citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in
+mist, and swiftly they accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they
+came, the mother of wild beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the
+sea, and they twain fared above the dry land, and the topmost forest
+waved beneath their feet. There Sleep halted, ere the eyes of Zeus
+beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the loftiest pine that
+then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air. But Hera
+swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came over
+his deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said: "Hera,
+with what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses
+and chariot are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?"
+
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: "I am going to visit
+the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and
+mother Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them
+am I going to visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already
+this long time they hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled
+in their hearts. But my horses are standing at the foot of
+many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall bear me over wet and dry. And
+now it is because of thee that I am thus come hither, down from Olympus,
+lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me hereafter, if silently I
+were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing Okeanos."
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: "Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the
+love of goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart
+within my breast."
+
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and
+love overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the
+Achaians, to tell his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the
+earth. And he stood near him, and spake winged words: "Eagerly now,
+Poseidon, do thou aid the Danaans, and give them glory for a little
+space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for over him have I shed soft slumber,
+and Hera hath beguiled him."
+
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the
+more did he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang
+far afront of the foremost, and called to them: "Argives, are we again
+to yield the victory to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships
+and win renown? Nay, even so he saith and declareth that he will do, for
+that Achilles by the hollow ships abides angered at heart. But for him
+there will be no such extreme regret, if we spur us on to aid each the
+other. Nay come, as I command, let us all obey. Let us harness us in the
+best shields that are in the host, and the greatest, and cover our heads
+with shining helms, and take the longest spears in our hands, and so go
+forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that Hector, son of
+Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And whatsoever man
+is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his shoulder, let
+him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger shield."
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the
+kings themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus' son, and
+Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host,
+and made exchange of weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior
+harness him in, the worse he gave to the worse. But when they had done
+on the shining bronze about their bodies, they started on the march, and
+Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the earth, with a dread sword of fine
+edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning; wherewith it is not
+permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear holds men afar
+therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even
+dark-haired Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans,
+the other with the Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships
+of the Argives, and they gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so
+loudly bellows the wave of the sea against the land, stirred up from the
+deep by the harsh breath of the north wind, nor so loud is the roar of
+burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when it springs to burn up the
+forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high leafy tresses of the
+trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was the cry of the
+Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon each
+other.
+
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him
+full, and did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched
+across his breast, the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded
+sword; these guarded his tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because
+his swift spear had flown vainly from his hand, and he retreated into
+the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge
+stone; for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the
+feet of the fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the
+breast, over the shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top
+with the blow, that he reeled round and round. And even as when an oak
+falls uprooted beneath the stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of
+brimstone arises therefrom, and whoso stands near and beholds it has no
+more courage, for dread is the bolt of great Zeus, even so fell mighty
+Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear fell from his hand, but
+his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round him rang his arms
+adorned with bronze.
+
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to
+drag him away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to
+wound or smite the shepherd of the host, before that might be the
+bravest gathered about him, Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor,
+and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians, and noble Glaukos, and of the rest
+not one was heedless of him, but they held their round shields in front
+of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms, and bare him out of
+the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were standing waiting
+for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the rear of
+the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying
+Xanthos, that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the
+chariot to the ground, and poured water over him, and he gat back his
+breath, and looked up with his eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling,
+he vomited black blood. Then again he sank back on the ground, and black
+night covered his eyes, the stroke still conquering his spirit.
+
+
+
+BOOK XV.
+
+    Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore
+    the fortunes of the Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of
+    Protesilaos.
+
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and
+many were overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed,
+and abode beside the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and
+Zeus awoke, on the peaks of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then
+he leaped up, and stood, and beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in
+flight, and these driving them on from the rear, even the Argives, and
+among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector he saw lying on the plain,
+and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping with difficult
+breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it was not
+the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera,
+with fierce look: "O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy
+crafty wile that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has
+terrified the host. Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be
+the first to reap the fruits of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with
+stripes. Dost thou not remember, when thou wert hung from on high, and
+from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and round thy hands fastened a
+golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst hang in the clear
+air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus, but they
+could not come round and unloose thee."
+
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him
+winged words, saying: "Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven
+above, and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most
+terrible to the blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own
+bridal bed, whereby never would I forswear myself, that not by my will
+does earth-shaking Poseidon trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour
+them of the other part. Nay, it is his own soul that urgeth and
+commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians, when he beheld them
+hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him also to go even
+where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him."
+
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her
+he spake winged words: "If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera,
+wouldst hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods,
+thereon would Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly
+turn his mind otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou
+speakest the truth and soothly, go thou now among the tribes of the
+gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, the renowned archer,
+that Iris may go among the host of mail-clad Achaians and tell Poseidon
+the prince to cease from the war, and get him unto his own house. But
+let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and breathe strength into
+him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now wears down his
+heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred in them
+craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of
+Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos;
+and him shall renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios,
+after that he has slain many other youths, and among them my son, noble
+Sarpedon. In wrath therefor shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that
+hour verily will I cause a new pursuit from the ships, that shall endure
+continually, even until the Achaians take steep Ilios, through the
+counsels of Athene. But before that hour neither do I cease in my wrath,
+nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to help the Danaans there,
+before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus, as I promised him
+at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head, on that day
+when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities."
+
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she
+sped down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the
+gathering of the immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall
+and Iris, that is the messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake
+winged words, and addressed them, saying: "Zeus bids you go to Ida as
+swiftly as may be, and when ye have gone, and looked on the face of
+Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and command."
+
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and
+stood there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them,
+for that speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to
+Iris first he spake winged words: "Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the
+prince Poseidon, and tell him all these things, nor be a false
+messenger. Command him to cease from war and battle, and to go among the
+tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But if he will not obey my
+words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him consider in his heart
+and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide me when I come
+against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and elder
+born."
+
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went
+down the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail
+fleets from the clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the
+clear air, so fleetly she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew
+near the renowned Earth-shaker and spake to him the message of Zeus. And
+he left the host of the Achaians, and passed to the sea, and sank, and
+sorely they missed him, the heroes of the Achaians.
+
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: "Go now,
+dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector be
+thy care, and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in
+their flight to the ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will
+I devise word and deed wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again
+from their toil."
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went
+down the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is
+the swiftest of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted
+Priam, noble Hector, sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late
+got back his life, and knew the comrades around him, and his gasping and
+his sweat had ceased, from the moment when the will of aegis-bearing
+Zeus began to revive him. Then far-darting Apollo stood near him, and
+spake to him: "Hector, son of Priam, why dost thou sit fainting apart
+from the others? Is it perchance that some trouble cometh upon thee?"
+
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: "Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face?
+Dost thou not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the
+Achaians, Aias of the loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone,
+as I was slaying his comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous
+might? And verily I deemed that this very day I should pass to the dead,
+and the house of Hades, when I had gasped my life away."
+
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: "Take courage now,
+so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand
+by thee and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who
+of old defend thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now, bid thy
+many charioteers drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and
+I will go before and make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will
+put to flight the Achaian heroes."
+
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and
+even as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether
+and speedeth at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to
+bathe in the fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the
+mane floweth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and
+nimbly his knees bear him to the haunts and pasture of the mares, even
+so Hector lightly moved his feet and knees, urging on his horsemen, when
+he heard the voice of the god. But as when hounds and country folk
+pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock and shady wood
+save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their clamour a
+bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them all
+despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on
+always in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed
+spears, but when they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men,
+then were they afraid, and the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the
+Aitolians, skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in
+council did few of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were
+striving in debate; he made harangue and spake among them: "Alas, and
+verily a great marvel is this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again
+arisen, and hath avoided the Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped
+in his heart, that he had died beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon.
+But some one of the gods again hath delivered and saved Hector, who
+verily hath loosened the knees of many of the Danaans, as methinks will
+befall even now, for not without the will of loud-thundering Zeus doth
+he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle. But come, as I
+declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the ships,
+but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with
+outstretched spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear
+at heart to enter into the press of the Danaans."
+
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were
+with Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and Meges
+the peer of Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained
+the fight with Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude
+returned to the ships of the Achaians.
+
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides
+Hector led them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his
+shoulders wrapped in cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread,
+circled with a shaggy fringe, and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith
+gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of men; with this in his hands did
+he lead the host.
+
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on
+both sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears
+from stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men
+swift in fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh,
+stuck in the ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long
+as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts
+smote either side amain, and the folk fell. But when he looked face to
+face on the Danaans of the swift steeds, and shook the aegis, and
+himself shouted mightily, he quelled their heart in their breast, and
+they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two wild beasts drive in
+confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in the dark hour of
+black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not by, even so
+were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent a
+panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called
+aloud on the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level
+with his held the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous
+din, and in front of them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his
+feet the banks of the deep ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof,
+making a bridgeway long and wide as is a spear-cast, when a man throws
+to make trial of his strength. Thereby the Trojans poured forward in
+their battalions, while in their van Apollo held the splendid aegis. And
+most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians, as when a boy
+scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for sport
+in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long
+toil and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other;
+and lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently,
+and chiefly prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his
+hand towards the starry heaven: "O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in
+wheat-bearing Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and
+prayed that he might return, and thou didst promise and assent thereto,
+of these things be thou mindful, and avert, Olympian, the pitiless day,
+nor suffer the Trojans thus to overcome the Achaians."
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered
+loudly, hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus,
+rushed yet the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the
+joy of battle. And as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the
+bulwarks of a ship, the might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly
+swells the waves, even so did the Trojans with a great cry bound over
+the wall, and drave their horses on, and at the hindmost row of the
+ships were fighting hand to hand with double-pointed spears, the Trojans
+from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing up aloft, from the black
+ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships for battle at
+sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling
+the behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but
+softened the temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he
+spurred on the others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to
+Hector, the son of Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire,
+unwearied, upon the beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous
+prayer of Thetis; wherefore wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes
+should see the glare of a burning ship. For even from that hour was he
+to ordain the backward chase of the Trojans from the ships, and to give
+glory to the Danaans. With this design was he rousing Hector, Priam's
+son, that himself was right eager, against the hollow ships. For short
+of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene was urging against
+him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus. And fain he
+was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he
+break them for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled
+like a steep rock and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides
+the swift paths of the shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar
+against it. Even so the Danaans steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled
+not away. But Hector shining with fire on all sides leaped on the
+throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the storm-clouds a fleet
+wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is all hidden
+with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail, and
+the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way
+are they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the
+breasts of the Achaians.
+
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that
+unwearied and unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought.
+And in their striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed
+that never would they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the
+heart of each Trojan hoped in his breast, that they should fire the
+ships, and slay the heroes of the Achaians. With these imaginations they
+stood to each other, and Hector seized the stern of a seafaring ship, a
+fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne Protesilaos to Troia, but
+brought him not back again to his own country. Now round his ship the
+Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor far apart
+did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing hard
+each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands,
+some from off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with
+blood. But Hector, after that once he had seized the ship's stern, left
+not his hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the
+Trojans: "Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry;
+now hath Zeus given us the dearest day of all,--to take the ships that
+came hither against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us,
+by the cowardice of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to
+fight at the sterns of the ships, and kept back the host. But if even
+then far-seeing Zeus did harm our wits, now he himself doth urge and
+command us onwards." So spake he, and they set yet the fiercer on the
+Argives. And Aias no longer abode their onset, for he was driven back by
+the darts, but he withdrew a little,--thinking that now he should
+die,--on to the oarsman's bench of seven feet long, and he left the
+decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his
+spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought
+unwearied fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: "O
+friends, Danaan heroes, men of Ares' company, play the man, my friends,
+and be mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at
+our backs, or some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men?
+Verily there is not hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we
+might defend ourselves, having a host that could turn the balance of
+battle. Nay, but we are set down in the plain of the mailed men of Troy,
+with our backs against the sea, and far off from our own land. Therefore
+is safety in battle, and not in slackening from the fight." So spake he,
+and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen spear. And whosoever of
+the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing fire, to pleasure
+Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with his long
+spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he
+wound.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVI.
+
+    How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove
+    the Trojans from the ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew
+near Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a
+fountain of dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream.
+And noble swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his
+sake, and accosted him, and spake winged words, saying: "Wherefore
+weepest thou, Patroklos, like a fond little maid, that runs by her
+mother's side, and bids her mother take her up, snatching at her gown,
+and hinders her in her going, and tearfully looks at her, till the
+mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost thou let fall soft tears.
+Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me myself, or is it some
+tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost thou lament
+for the sake of the Argives,--how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy
+spirit, that we may both know all."
+
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: "O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth,
+seeing that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of
+them that aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and
+wounded. Smitten is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is
+Odysseus, spearman renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on
+the thigh with an arrow. And about them the leeches skilled in medicines
+are busy, healing their wounds, but thou art hard to reconcile,
+Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold of me as that thou
+nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men later born
+shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from the
+Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy
+father, nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer
+cliffs, so untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning
+some oracle, and thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet
+me do thou send forth quickly, and make the rest of the host of the
+Myrmidons follow me, if yet any light may arise from me to the Danaans.
+And give me thy harness to buckle about my shoulders, if perchance the
+Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain from battle, and the
+warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as they be, for
+brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh drive
+men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts."
+
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to
+be his own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great
+heaviness spake swift-footed Achilles: "Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of
+Zeus, what word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that
+I wot of, nor yet has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but
+this dread sorrow comes upon my heart and spirit, from the hour that a
+man wishes to rob me who am his equal, and to take away my prize, for
+that he excels me in power. A dread sorrow to me is this, after all the
+toils that my heart hath endured. The maiden that the sons of the
+Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I won with my spear when
+I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon the son of Atreus
+taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some sojourner
+dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be angry
+of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease from my
+wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the war-cry
+and the battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness, and lead
+the war-loving Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction from the
+ships, lest they even burn the ships with blazing fire, and take away
+our desired return. But when thou hast driven them from the ships,
+return, and even if the loud-thundering lord of Hera grant thee to win
+glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight with the war-loving
+Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do thou, exulting
+in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward Ilios, lest
+one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against thee; right dearly
+doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return back when thou halt
+brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to fight along the
+plain. For would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that not
+one of all the Trojans might escape death, nor one of the Argives, but
+that we twain might avoid destruction, that alone we might undo the
+sacred coronal of Troy."
+
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he
+was overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the
+shafts of the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept
+ringing terribly about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the
+fair-wrought cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as
+steadfastly he held up his glittering shield, nor yet could they make
+him give ground, as they pressed on with their darts around him. And
+ever he was worn out with difficult breath, and much sweat kept running
+from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw breath, so on all sides
+was evil heaped on evil.
+
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell
+on the ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of
+Aias he smote with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the
+point, and shore it clean away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his
+hand no more than a pointless spear, and far from him the head of bronze
+fell ringing on the ground.
+
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the
+gods, even how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him
+avail in war, and desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back
+out of the darts. But the Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying
+fire, and instantly the inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the
+fire begirt the stern, whereon Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to
+Patroklos: "Arise, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, commander of the
+horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the rush of the consuming fire.
+Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no more retreat; do on
+thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host."
+
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His
+goodly greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs,
+and next did on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the
+swift-footed son of Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of
+bronze, with studs of silver, and next took the great and mighty shield,
+and on his proud head set a well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest,
+and terribly nodded the crest from above. Then seized he two strong
+lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not the spear of the noble
+son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none other of the
+Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the horses
+speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to
+abide his call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift
+horses, Xanthos and Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses
+that the harpy Podarge bare to the West Wind, as she grazed on the
+meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in the side-traces he put the
+goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he took the city of
+Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the immortal
+horses.
+
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their
+hearts unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on
+the horses and the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of
+each of them, and the ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard
+the prince. And as when a man builds the wall of a high house with
+close-set stones, to avoid the might of the winds, even so close were
+arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield pressed on shield,
+helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on the bright
+helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they stood
+by each other.
+
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by
+the wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them
+in their nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they
+make for many. With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured
+out now from the ships, and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos
+called on his comrades, shouting aloud: "Myrmidons, ye comrades of
+Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your
+impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for the son of Peleus, that
+is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and whose close-fighting
+squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the son of Atreus
+learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the best
+of the Achaians."
+
+So spake he, and aroused each man's heart and courage, and all in a mass
+they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the
+cry of the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of
+Menoitios, himself and his squire, shining in their armour, the heart
+was stirred in all of them, and the companies wavered, for they deemed
+that by the ships the swift-footed son of Peleus had cast away his
+wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man glanced round, to see
+where he might flee sheer destruction.
+
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press,
+where most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of
+great-hearted Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian
+horsemen out of Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on
+the right shoulder, and he fell on his back in the dust with a groan,
+and his comrades around him, the Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos
+sent fear among them all, when he slew their leader that was ever the
+best in fight. Then he drove them out from the ships, and quenched the
+burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there, and the Trojans
+fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among the hollow
+ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high crest
+of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a
+dense cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and
+glades, and from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the
+Danaans, having driven the blazing fire from the ships, for a little
+while took breath, but there was no pause in the battle. For not yet
+were the Trojans driven in utter rout by the Achaians, dear to Ares,
+from the black ships, but they still stood up against them, and only
+perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber wolves fall on
+the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves
+behold it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of
+courage,--even so the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful
+of ill-sounding flight, and forgot their impetuous valour.
+
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the
+helm of bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad
+shoulders with his shield of bulls' hide, and watched the hurtling of
+the arrows, and the noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change
+in the mastery of war, but even so he abode, and was striving to rescue
+his trusty comrades.
+
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air,
+when Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the
+war-cry and the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again.
+But his swift-footed horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left
+the host of Troy, whom the delved trench restrained against their will.
+And in the trench did many swift steeds that draw the car break the
+fore-part of the pole, and leave the chariots of their masters.
+
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full
+of evil will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight
+filled all the ways, for they were scattered, and on high the storm of
+dust was scattered below the clouds, and the whole-hooved horses
+strained back towards the city, away from the ships and the huts.
+
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did
+he guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone
+from their chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of
+shattering. But straight over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the
+swift horses. And the heart of Patroklos urged him against Hector, for
+he was eager to smite him, but his swift steeds bore Hector forth and
+away. And even as beneath a tempest the whole black earth is oppressed,
+on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain most vehemently, and all
+the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents tear away, and down
+to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring mightily, and
+minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the Trojan
+horses as they ran.
+
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them
+backward again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city,
+despite their desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the
+lofty wall, he rushed on them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade
+slain. There first he smote Pronoos with a shining spear, where the
+shield left bare the breast, and loosened his limbs, and he fell with a
+crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he next assailed, as he sat
+crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck distraught, and the
+reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with the lance on
+the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos caught
+hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with
+line and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he
+Thestor gaping from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life
+left him as he fell. Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the
+midst of the head with a stone, and all his head was shattered within
+the strong helmet, and prone on the earth he fell, and death that
+slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and Amphoteros, and
+Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris, and Ipheus
+and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he brought
+low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of
+Menoitios, he cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: "Shame, ye
+Lykians, whither do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this
+man that I may know who he is that conquers here, and verily many evils
+hath he wrought the Trojans, in that he hath loosened the knees of many
+men and noble."
+
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground.
+But Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his
+chariot. And they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks,
+that war with loud yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with
+cries against each other. And beholding then the son of Kronos of the
+crooked counsels took pity on them, and he spake to Hera, his sister and
+wife: "Ah woe is me for that it is fated that Sarpedon, the best-beloved
+of men to me, shall be subdued under Patroklos son of Menoitios. And in
+two ways my heart within my breast is divided, as I ponder whether I
+should catch him up alive out of the tearful war, and set him down in
+the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue him beneath the
+hands of the son of Menoitios."
+
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: "Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to
+fate dost thou desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy
+will, but all we other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another
+thing I will tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost
+send Sarpedon living to his own house, consider lest thereon some other
+god likewise desire to send his own dear son away out of the strong
+battle. For round the great citadel of Priam war many sons of the
+Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible wrath. But if
+he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then suffer him
+to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos son of
+Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia,
+there will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar,
+for this is the due of the dead."
+
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he
+shed bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that
+Patroklos was about to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off
+from his own country. Now when they were come near each other in onset,
+there verily did Patroklos smite the renowned Thrasymelos, the good
+squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower part of the belly, and
+loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his shining javelin, as
+he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the right
+shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other
+twain reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were
+confused on them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof
+did Automedon, the spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his
+long-edged sword from his stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift
+the horse, with no delay, and the pair righted themselves, and strained
+in the reins, and they met again in life-devouring war.
+
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the
+spear flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he
+in turn arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his
+hand, but struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating
+heart. And he fell as falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine
+tree, that on the hills the shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be
+timber for ship-building; even so before the horses and chariot he lay
+at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at the bloody dust. And as when
+a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull, tawny and high of heart,
+among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes groaning beneath the
+claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader of the Lykian
+shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade: "Dear
+Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to be a
+spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if
+indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the
+heroes that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and
+thereafter thyself do battle for me with the sword. For to thee even in
+time to come shall I be shame and disgrace for ever, all thy days, if
+the Achaians strip me of mine armour, fallen in the gathering of the
+ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur on all the host."
+
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his
+nostrils, but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out
+of his flesh, and the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew
+forth together the spear point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the
+Myrmidons held there his panting steeds, eager to fly afar, since the
+chariot was reft of its lords.
+
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon,
+and his heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with
+his hand he caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound
+of the arrow wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros
+had smitten him, warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in
+prayer spake Glaukos to far-darting Apollo: "Hear, O Prince that art
+somewhere in the rich land of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen
+everywhere to the man that is in need, as even now need cometh upon me.
+For I have this stark wound, and mine arm is thoroughly pierced with
+sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and by the wound is my
+shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go and fight
+against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the son
+of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that
+I may call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself
+may fight about the dead man fallen."
+
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him.  Straightway he
+made his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black
+blood, and put courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him,
+and was glad, for that the great god speedily heard his prayer. First
+went he all about and urged on them that were leaders of the Lykians to
+fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter he went with long strides among
+the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and noble Agenor, and he went
+after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and standing by them
+spake winged words: "Hector, now surely art thou utterly forgetful of
+the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their own
+country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended
+Lykia by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued
+beneath the spear of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry
+in your hearts lest the Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and
+dishonour the dead, in wrath for the sake of the Danaans, even them that
+perished, whom we slew with spears by the swift ships."
+
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not
+to be borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a
+stranger as he was, for many people followed with him, and himself the
+best warrior of them all. Then they made straight for the Danaans
+eagerly, and Hector led them, being wroth for Sarpedon's sake. But the
+fierce heart of Patrokloa son of Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And he
+spake first to the twain Aiantes that themselves were right eager:
+"Aiantes, now let defence be your desire, and be such as afore ye were
+among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low who first leaped on to
+the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us strive to take him,
+and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his shoulders, and
+many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue with the
+pitiless bronze."
+
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence.  So on both
+sides they strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons
+and Achaians, and they joined battle to fight around the dead man
+fallen; terribly they shouted, and loud rang the harness of men. And as
+the din ariseth of woodcutters in the glades of a mountain, and the
+sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din of them from the
+wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned bulls' hides
+smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not even a
+clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And
+ever men thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the
+full milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the
+bowls, even so thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from
+the strong fight his shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and
+much in his heart he debated of the slaying of Patroklos, whether there
+and then above divine Sarpedon glorious Hector should slay him likewise
+in strong battle with the sword, and strip his harness from his
+shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer labour of
+war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that the
+gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus' son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should
+rob many of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and
+leaping into his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of
+the Trojans to flee, for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of
+Zeus. Thereon neither did the strong Lykians abide, but fled all in
+fear, when they beheld their king stricken to the heart, lying in the
+company of the dead, for many had fallen above him, when Kronion made
+fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from the shoulders of
+Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son of
+Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus
+that gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: "Prithee, dear Phoebus, go
+take Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from
+him, and thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of
+the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that
+wax not old, and send him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin
+brethren Sleep and Death, that quickly will set him in the rich land of
+wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and clansmen give him burial, with
+barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the dead."
+
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the
+hills of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly
+Sarpedon out of the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in
+the streams of the river, and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him
+in garments that wax not old, and sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy,
+the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that swiftly set him down in the rich
+land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his horses and Automedon, and
+after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was blindly forgetful, in
+his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son of Peleus,
+verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever is
+the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the
+spirit of Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst
+thou slay, Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos
+first, and Autonoos, and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and
+Epistor, and Melanippos, and thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and
+Pylartes; these he slew, but the others were each man of them fain of
+flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy,
+by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he raged with the
+spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall, with
+baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo
+force him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But
+when for the fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting
+Apollo terribly, and spake winged words: "Give back, Patroklos of the
+seed of Zeus! Not beneath thy spear is it fated that the city of the
+valiant Trojans shall fall, nay nor beneath Achilles, a man far better
+than thou."
+
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining
+his whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into
+the din and fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall.
+While thus he was thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of
+a young man and a strong, Asios, who was the mother's brother of
+horse-taming Hector, being own brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who
+dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of Sangarios. In his guise spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: "Hector, wherefore dost thou cease from
+fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I were as much stronger than
+thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou stand aloof from war
+to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy strong-hooved horses,
+if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee glory."
+
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned
+Hector bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then
+Apollo went and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the
+Argives, but to the Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let
+the other Argives be, and slew none of them, but against Patroklos he
+turned his strong-hooved horses, and Patroklos on the other side leaped
+from his chariot to the ground, with a spear in his left hand, and in
+his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone, that his hand covered.
+Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he shrink from his
+foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the charioteer of
+Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the sharp
+stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone
+drave together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground
+in the dust, there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell
+from the well-wrought car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting
+him didst thou address him, knightly Patroklos: "Out on it, how nimble a
+man, how lightly he diveth! Yea, if perchance he were on the teeming
+deep, this man would satisfy many by seeking for oysters, leaping from
+the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so lightly now he diveth from
+the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans too there be diving
+men."
+
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that
+while wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own
+valour is his bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou
+leap furiously. But Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot
+to the ground. And these twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on
+the mountain peaks fight, both hungering, both high of heart, for a
+slain hind. Even so for Kebriones' sake these two masters of the
+war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned Hector, were eager
+each to hew the other's flesh with the ruthless bronze.
+
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while
+Patroklos on the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the
+others, Trojans and Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind
+and the South contend with one another in shaking a deep wood in the
+dells of a mountain, shaking beech, and ash, and smooth-barked cornel
+tree, that clash against each other their long boughs with marvellous
+din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans and Achaians were
+leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any thought of
+ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones, and
+winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote
+the shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust
+lay mighty and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote
+either side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of
+the loosing of oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the
+better. The hero Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the
+tumult of the Trojans, and stripped the harness from his shoulders, and
+with ill design against the Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three
+times then rushed he on, peer of swift Ares, shouting terribly, and
+thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth time he sped on like a god,
+thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life appear, for Phoebus met
+thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And Patroklos was not ware
+of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick mist did he meet
+him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad shoulders with a
+down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his head
+Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the
+crests were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear
+was shattered in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and
+strong, and sharp, while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with
+the baldric fell to the ground.
+
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness
+seized his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in
+amaze, and at close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the
+back, between the shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of
+Panthoos, who excelled them of his age in casting the spear, and in
+horsemanship, and in speed of foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down
+twenty men from their chariots, though then first had he come with his
+car to learn the lesson of war. He it was that first smote a dart into
+thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee, but ran back again and
+mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the flesh his ashen
+spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he was, in
+the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades,
+avoiding Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give
+ground, being smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through
+the ranks, and wounded him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the
+belly, and drave the bronze clean through. And he fell with a crash, and
+sorely grieved the host of Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in
+battle an untiring boar, they twain fighting with high heart on the
+crests of a hill, about a little well, and both are desirous to drink,
+and the lion hath by force overcome the boar that draweth difficult
+breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son of Priam take the
+life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at close
+quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+"Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from
+Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to
+thine own dear country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift
+horses of Hector straining their speed for the fight; and myself in
+wielding the spear excel among the war-loving Trojans, even I who ward
+from them the day of destiny: but thee shall vultures here devour. Ah,
+wretch, surely Achilles for all his valour, availed thee not, who
+straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding there, saying, 'Come
+not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow ships, till thou hast
+torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his breast;' so,
+surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in thy
+witlessness."
+
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: "Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given
+the victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my
+harness from my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered
+me, here had they all perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have
+ruinous Fate and the son of Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou
+art the third in my slaying. But another thing will I tell thee, and do
+thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou thyself art not long to live,
+but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and strong Fate, that thou
+art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the seed of
+Aiakos."
+
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul,
+fleeting from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its
+own doom, leaving manhood and youth.
+
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: "Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that
+Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my
+spear, and lose his life?"
+
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his
+foot on the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And
+straightway with the spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire
+of the swift-footed Aiakides, for he was eager to smite him; but his
+swift-footed immortal horses bare him out of the battle, horses that the
+gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVII.
+
+    Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+
+But Atreus' son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying
+of Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of
+the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as
+above a first-born calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos
+strode fair-haired Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the
+circle of his shield, eager to slay whoever should encounter him. Then
+was Panthoos' son of the stout ashen spear not heedless of noble
+Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the circle of the shield of
+Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the point was bent back
+in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus' son in his turn made at him
+with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and as he gave
+back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight into
+the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck
+went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour
+rang upon him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto the
+hair of the Graces, and his tresses closely knit with bands of silver
+and gold.
+
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos' son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a
+man, of Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged
+words: "Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even the
+horses of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by
+mortal man, save only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile
+hath warlike Menelaos Atreus' son stridden over Patroklos and slain the
+best of the Trojans there, even Panthoos' son Euphorbos, and hath stayed
+him in his impetuous might."
+
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief
+darkened Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the
+lines, and straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble
+arms, and the other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the
+gaping wound. Then he went through the front of the fight harnessed in
+flashing bronze, crying a shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos' flame
+unquenchable. Not deaf to his shrill cry was Atreus' son, and sore
+troubled he spake to his great heart: "Ay me, if I shall leave behind me
+these goodly arms, and Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance' sake,
+I fear lest some Danaan beholding it be wroth against me. But if for
+honour's sake I do battle alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest
+they come about me many against one; for all the Trojans is
+bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might somewhere find Aias
+of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be mindful of
+battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might save
+his dead for Achilles Peleus' son: that were best among these ills."
+
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan
+ranks came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave
+backward, and left the dead man, turning himself ever about like a
+deep-waned lion which men and dogs chase from a fold with spears and
+cries; and his strong heart within him groweth chill, and loth goeth he
+from the steading; so from Patroklos went fair-haired Menelaos, and
+turned and stood, when he came to the host of his comrades, searching
+for mighty Aias Telamon's son. Him very speedily he espied on the left
+of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them to fight,
+for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him to
+run, and straightway stood by him and said: "This way, beloved Aias; let
+us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least
+we may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the
+glancing helm."
+
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up
+through the front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now
+Hector, when he had stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was
+dragging him thence that he might cut off the head from the shoulders
+with the keen bronze and carry his body to give to the dogs of Troy. But
+Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was as a tower; then Hector
+gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang into his chariot;
+and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the city, to be
+great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son of
+Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in
+a forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood
+Atreus' son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; "Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and
+bethink you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of
+noble Achilles that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him."
+
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the
+strife of war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook
+his comrades, not yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides'
+glorious arms. And standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed
+his armour; his own he gave the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred
+Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of Achilles, Peleus' son.
+
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector
+arming him in the armour of Peleus' godlike son, he shook his head and
+spake thus unto his soul: "Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart
+of death that yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine
+armour of a peerless man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade,
+gentle and brave, thou hast slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the armour
+from his head and shoulders; yet now for a while at least I will give
+into thy hands great might, in recompense for this, even that nowise
+shalt thou come home out of the battle, for Andromache to receive from
+thee Peleides' glorious arms."
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread
+war-god entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour
+and strength. Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and
+in the flashing of his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus'
+great-hearted son. And he came to each and encouraged him with his
+words--Mesthles and Glaukos and Medon and Thersilochos and Asteropaios
+and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys and Chromios and the augur
+Ennomos--these encouraged he and spake to them winged words: "Listen, ye
+countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It was not for mere
+numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you from your
+cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans' wives and infant
+little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying my
+people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the
+courage of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the
+foe and live or die, for such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall
+drag Patroklos, dead though he be, among the horse-taming men of Troy,
+and make Aias yield, to him will I award half the spoils and keep half
+myself; so shall his glory be great as mine."
+
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their
+weight, levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to
+drag the corpse from under Aias, Telamon's son. Fond men! from full many
+reft he life over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the
+loud war-cry: "Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that
+we two of ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I so much
+dread for the corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the dogs and
+birds of the men of Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some evil fall
+thereon, for all is shrouded by a storm-cloud of war, even by Hector,
+and sheer doom stareth in our face. But come, call thou to the best men
+of the Danaans, if haply any hear."
+
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: "O friends, ye leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus,
+Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders
+of the host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me
+to distinguish each chief amid the press--such blaze is there of the
+strife of war. But let each go forward of himself and be wroth at heart
+that Patroklos should become a sport among the dogs of Troy."
+
+Thus spake he, and Oileus' son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus' brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all
+that after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And
+as when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth
+against the stream, and arouseth the high cliffs' echo as the salt sea
+belloweth on the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came.
+But the Achaians stood firm around Menoitios' son with one soul all,
+walled in with shields of bronze. And over their bright helmets the son
+of Kronos shed thick darkness, for in the former time was Menoitios' son
+not unloved of him, while he was yet alive and squire of Aiakides. So
+was Zeus loth that he should become a prey of the dogs of his enemies at
+Troy, and stirred his comrades to do battle for him.
+
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank
+before them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of
+them with spears, though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But
+little while would the Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly
+Aias rallied them, Aias the first in presence and in deeds of all the
+Danaans after the noble son of Peleus. Right through the fighters in the
+forefront rushed he like a wild boar in his might that in the mountains
+when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly dogs and lusty young men
+through the glades. Thus did proud Telamon's son the glorious Aias press
+on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as they had bestrode
+Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and win renown.
+
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have
+been driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the
+Argives would have won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by
+their power and might. But Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on
+the semblance of Periphas the herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old
+with his old father in his heraldship, of friendly thought toward
+Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of Zeus: "Aineias, how
+could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the will of God? Other
+men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and valour, and
+in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet
+ye are dismayed exceedingly and fight not."
+
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon
+his face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud "Hector and ye other
+leaders of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our
+weakness overcome we were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to
+Ares. Nay, thus saith a god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest
+Orderer, is our helper in this fight. Therefore let us go right onward
+against the Danaans. Not easily at least let them take the dead
+Patroklos to the ships."
+
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And
+the Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they
+as it had been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun
+or moon, for over all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain
+son of Menoitios they were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans
+and well-greaved Achaians fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing
+sunlight was spread over them, and on all the earth and hills there was
+no cloud seen; and they ceased fighting now sad again, avoiding each
+other's dolorous darts and standing far apart. But they who were in the
+midst endured affliction of the darkness and the battle, and all the
+best men of them were wearied by the pitiless weight of their bronze
+arms.
+
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and
+unabatingly ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet
+of each man and arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle
+around the brave squire of fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the
+hide of a great bull to his folk to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they
+take and stretch it standing in a circle, and straightway the moisture
+thereof departeth and the fat entereth in under the haling of many
+hands, and it is all stretched throughout,--thus they on both sides
+haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their hearts
+were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild,
+nor might Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof,
+albeit their anger were exceeding great.
+
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus
+on that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of
+Patroklos' death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting
+beneath the wall of the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his
+heart that he was dead, but that he should come back alive, after that
+he had touched the gates; for neither that other thought had he anywise,
+that Patroklos should sack the stronghold without his aid.
+
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made
+onset relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak
+among the mail-clad Achaians: "Friends, it were verily not glorious for
+us to go back to the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for
+us all beneath our feet. Far better were that straightway for us if we
+suffer the horse-taming Trojans to hale this man to their city and win
+renown."
+
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+"Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray."
+
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on,
+and the iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen
+heaven. But the horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were
+weeping, since first they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in
+the dust beneath the hand of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon,
+Diores' valiant son, plied them oft with blows of the swift lash, and
+oft with gentle words he spake to them and oft with chiding, yet would
+they neither go back to the ships at the broad Hellespont nor yet to the
+battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth firm that standeth on
+the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably with the
+beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from
+beneath the yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son
+of Kronos beheld them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his
+head and spake to his own heart: "Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to
+king Peleus, a mortal man, while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it
+that ye should suffer sorrows among ill-fated men? For methinketh there
+is nothing more piteous than a man among all things that breathe and
+creep upon the earth. But verily Hector Priam's son shall not drive you
+and your deftly-wrought car; that will I not suffer. Is it a small thing
+that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself vainly thereupon? Nay, I
+will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may bring Automedon
+also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further will I
+increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come
+down."
+
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to
+earth the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid
+Trojans and Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief
+for his comrade, swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese;
+for lightly he would flee out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly
+charge, pursuing them through the thick mellay. Yet could he not slay
+any man as he halted to pursue them, for it was impossible that being
+alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them with the spear and
+hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade, even Alkimedon
+son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and spake
+unto Automedon: "Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou
+art fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy
+comrade even now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own
+shoulders the armour of Aiakides."
+
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: "Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save
+only Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now
+have death and fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining
+reins, and I will get me down from my horses, that I may fight."
+
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly
+took the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And
+noble Hector espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood
+near: "Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two
+horses of fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble charioteers.
+Therefore might I hope to take them if thou in thy heart art willing,
+since they would not abide our onset and stand to do battle against us."
+
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And
+they twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried
+and tough, and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios
+and godlike Aretos, and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men
+and drive off the strong-necked horses--fond hope, for not without blood
+lost were they to get them back from Automedon. He praying to father
+Zeus was filled in his inmost heart with valour and strength. And
+straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his faithful comrade: "Alkimedon,
+hold the horses not far from me, but with their very breath upon my
+back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will not refrain him from
+his fury until he mount behind Achilles' horses of goodly manes after
+slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or else himself
+fall among the foremost."
+
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: "Aiantes,
+leaders of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto
+whoso may best avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and
+come ye to ward the day of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in
+the dolorous war are Hector and Aineias, the best men of the Trojans,
+pressing hard. Yet verily these issues lie in the lap of the gods: I too
+will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus decide."
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on
+the circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the
+spear, but right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his
+belly low down through his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp
+axe smiting behind the horns of an ox of the homestead cleaveth the
+sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward and falleth, so leapt Aretos
+forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his entrails very
+piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at Automedon
+with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze javelin
+as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered,
+and there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at
+each other with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted
+them in their fury, when they were come through the mellay at their
+comrades' call. Before them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios
+shrank backward and gave ground and left Aretos wounded to the death as
+he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift Ares, stripped off the armour of
+the dead, and spake exultingly: "Verily, I have a little eased my heart
+of grief for the death of Menoitios' son, albeit a worse man than him
+have I slain."
+
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat
+him thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath
+devoured a bull.
+
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the
+Trojans their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias
+son of Telamon: "Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool,
+know that father Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us
+ourselves devise some excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse
+away and ourselves return home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as
+they look hitherward and deem that no longer shall the fury of
+man-slaying Hector's unapproachable hand refrain itself, but fall upon
+the black ships. And would there were some comrade to carry tidings with
+all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem that he hath not even
+heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is slain. But nowhere
+can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves and their
+horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou the
+sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe
+sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us, since it
+is thy good pleasure that we die."
+
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle
+which men say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though
+he be far aloft the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching
+beneath a leafy bush, but the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth
+her and taketh her life. Thus in that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus,
+ranged thy shining eyes everywhither through the multitude of the host
+of thy comrades, if haply they might behold Nestor's son yet alive. Him
+quickly he perceived at the left of the whole battle, heartening his
+comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired Menelaos came and
+stood nigh and said unto him: "Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come
+hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings--would it had never been.
+Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth
+mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is
+the best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for
+the Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell
+this to Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue to his ship the
+naked corpse: but his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helmet."
+
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long
+time speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears,
+and his full voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the
+bidding of Menelaos, but set him to run, when he had given his armour to
+a noble comrade, Laodokos, who close anigh him was wheeling his
+whole-hooved horses.
+
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of
+Peleus carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of
+Zeus, chose not to stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos
+departed, and great sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos
+sent noble Thrasymedes, and himself went again to bestride the hero
+Patroklos. And he hasted and stood beside the Aiantes and straightway
+spake to them: "So have I sent that man to the swift ships to go to
+fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he will now come, for all his
+wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight unarmed against the
+men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent means, both how
+we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape death and
+fate amid the Trojans' battle-cry."
+
+Then answered him great Aias Telamon's son, saying: "All this hast thou
+said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the
+fray, while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and
+noble Hector, one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we
+are wont to await fierce battle side by side."
+
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted
+him mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they
+saw the Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring
+in front of hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run
+in haste to rend him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in
+his might, then they give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus
+for a while the Trojans pressed on with all their power, striking with
+swords and double-headed spears, but when the Aiantes turned about and
+halted over against them, then they changed colour, and none dared
+farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+
+
+
+BOOK XVIII.
+
+    How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for
+    him new armour of Hephaistos; and of the making of the
+    armour.
+
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles
+came Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his
+ships of upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now
+were accomplished. And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: "Ay
+me, wherefore again are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the
+ships and flying in rout over the plain? May the gods not have wrought
+against me the grievous fears at my heart, even as my mother revealed
+and told me that while I am yet alive the best man of the Myrmidons must
+by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of the sun. Surely now must
+Menoitios' valiant son be dead--foolhardy! surely I bade him when he
+should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to the ships nor
+with Hector fight amain."
+
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto
+him noble Nestor's son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous
+tidings: "Ay me, wise Peleus' son, very bitter tidings must thou hear,
+such as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are
+fighting around his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of the
+glancing helm."
+
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with
+both hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his
+comely face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself
+in the dust lay mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore
+and marred his hair. And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos
+took captive, cried aloud in the grief of their hearts, and ran forth
+around valiant Achilles, and all beat on their breasts with their hands,
+and the knees of each of them were unstrung. And Antilochos on the other
+side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles' hands while he groaned in
+his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave his throat with the
+sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother heard him as
+she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And thereon
+she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the
+daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the
+bright cave was filled, and they all beat together on their breasts, and
+Thetis led the lament: "Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and
+know well what sorrows are in my heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare
+to my sorrow the first of men! For after I had borne a son noble and
+strong, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a young branch, then
+when I had reared him as a plant in a very fruitful field I sent him in
+beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy; but never again
+shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of Peleus. And while
+he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun, he
+sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I
+will go, that I may look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath
+come to him though he abide aloof from the war."
+
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping,
+and around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the
+ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And
+as he groaned heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a
+shrill cry clasped the bead of her child, and spake unto him winged
+words of lamentation: "My child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come
+to thy heart? Tell it forth, hide it not. One thing at least hath been
+accomplished of Zeus according to the prayer thou madest, holding up to
+him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians should all be pent in at
+the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer hateful things."
+
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: "My mother,
+that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what
+delight have I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I
+honoured above all my comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost,
+and Hector that slew him hath stripped from him the armour great and
+fair, a wonder to behold, that the gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift,
+on the day when they laid thee in the bed of a mortal man. Would thou
+hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the sea, and Peleus had
+wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have sorrow a thousand
+fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome him back
+home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among men,
+if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay
+for his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios' son."
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: "Short-lived, I ween, must
+thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after
+Hector is death appointed unto thee."
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: "Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath
+fallen afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now
+therefore, since I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at
+all been succour to Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have
+been slain by noble Hector, but I sit beside my ships a profitless
+burden of the earth, I that in war am such an one as is none else of the
+mail-clad Achaians, though in council are others better--may strife
+perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that stirreth even a wise
+man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling honey waxeth like
+smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now against
+Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I
+may light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept
+my death whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal
+gods. For not even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear
+to Kronian Zeus the king, but Fate overcame him and Hera's cruel wrath.
+So also shall I, if my fate hath been fashioned likewise, lie low when I
+am dead. But now let me win high renown, let me set some Trojan woman,
+some deep-bosomed daughter of Dardanos, staunching with both hands the
+tears upon her tender cheeks and wailing bitterly; yea, let them know
+that I am come back, though I tarried long from the war. Hold not me
+then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not prevail with me."
+
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: "Yea verily,
+my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy
+comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is
+held among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his
+shoulders in triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein,
+for death is hard anigh him. But thou, go not yet down into the mellay
+of war until thou see me with thine eyes come hither. In the morning
+will I return, at the coming up of the sun, bearing fair armour from the
+king Hephaistos."
+
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she
+spake among her sisters of the sea: "Ye now go down within the wide
+bosom of the deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father's
+house, and tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of
+noble skill, if haply he will give unto my son noble armour shining
+gloriously."
+
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the
+sea. And the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she
+might bring noble armour to her son.
+
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries
+were fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and
+to the Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse
+of Patroklos Achilles' squire out of the darts, for now again overtook
+him the host and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might
+as it were a flame of fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from
+behind by the feet, resolved to drag him away, and mightily called upon
+the men of Troy. Thrice did the two Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous
+might, beat him off from the dead man, but he nathless, trusting in his
+might, anon would charge into the press, anon would stand and cry aloud,
+but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds in the field avail
+nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a carcase, so
+availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam from
+the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown
+unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus
+with a message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and
+the other gods, for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and spake to him
+winged words: "Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most redoubtable!
+Succour Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot before the
+ships. There slay they one another, these guarding the dead corpse,
+while the men of Troy are fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and
+chiefliest noble Hector is fain to drag him, and his heart biddeth him
+fix the head on the stakes of the wall when he hath sundered it from the
+tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let awe enter thy heart to
+forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy. Thine were the
+shame if he go down mangled amid the dead."
+
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: "Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?"
+
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: "It was Hera that sent
+me, the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos
+nor any other of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their
+dwelling-place."
+
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: "And how may I
+go into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me
+forbear to array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she
+promised to bring fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none
+whose noble armour I might put on, save it were the shield of Aias
+Telamon's son. But himself, I ween, is in the forefront of the press,
+dealing death with his spear around Patroklos dead."
+
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: "Well are we also
+aware that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the
+trench as thou art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they
+will shrink back and refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of
+the Achaians take breath."
+
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus
+arose, and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis,
+and around his head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud,
+and kindled therefrom a blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from
+a city and riseth up into the upper air, from an island afar off that
+foes beleaguer, while the others from their city fight all day in
+hateful war,--but with the going down of the sun blaze out the
+beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for dwellers
+round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need--thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the
+heavens. And he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet
+mingled not among the Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his
+mother. There stood he and shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene
+uttered her voice, and spread terror unspeakable among the men of Troy.
+Clear as the voice of a clarion when it soundeth by reason of
+slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang forth the voice
+of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides, the souls
+of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were fain
+to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts,
+And the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze
+fierce on the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench
+shouted mightily noble Achilles, and thrice were the men of Troy
+confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and then perished twelve
+men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears. But the
+Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade
+he saw lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth
+with chariot and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never
+more.
+
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone
+unwillingly unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble
+Achaians made pause from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And
+first of them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon
+the breast of his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore,
+even as a deep-bearded lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched
+away out of a deep wood; and the lion coming afterward grieveth and
+through many glens he rangeth on the track of the footsteps of the man,
+if anywhere he might find him, for most bitter anger seizeth him;--thus
+Achilles moaning heavily spake among the Myrmidons: "Ay me, vain verily
+was the word I uttered on that day when I cheered the hero Menoitios in
+his halls and said that I would bring back to Opoeis his son in glory
+from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that should fall unto
+him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for them. It is
+appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here in
+Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep
+hold on me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I
+will not hold thy funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the
+head of Hector, thy high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut
+the throats of twelve noble sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou
+art slain. Till then beside the beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art,
+and around thee deep-bosomed women, Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn
+thee weeping night and day, even they whom we toiled to win by our
+strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities of mortal men."
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on
+the fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody
+gore. So they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured
+therein water and took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped
+the belly of the tripod, and the water grew hot. And when the water
+boiled in the bright bronze, then washed they him and anointed with
+olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh ointment, and laid him on a
+bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to foot, and thereover a
+white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot the Myrmidons
+made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: "Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles
+fleet of foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired
+Achaians be."
+
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: "Most dread son of
+Kronos, what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is
+to accomplish what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath
+not wisdom as we. How then was I who avow me the first of goddesses both
+by birth and for that I am called thy wife, and thou art king among all
+Immortals--how was I not in mine anger to devise evil against the men of
+Troy?"
+
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver
+feet came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen
+among the dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the
+crook-footed god himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about
+his bellows, for he was forging tripods twenty in all to stand around
+the wall of his stablished hall, and beneath the base of each he had set
+golden wheels, that of their own motion they might enter the assembly of
+the gods and again return unto his house, a marvel to look upon. Thus
+much were they finished that not yet were away from the fire, and
+gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest; and with
+a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy breast,
+and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in
+them are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods.
+These moved beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where
+Thetis was, and set him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his
+and spake and called her by her name: "Wherefore, long-robed Thetis,
+comest thou to our house, honoured that thou art and dear? No frequent
+comer art thou hitherto. Speak what thou hast at heart; my soul is fain
+to accomplish it; if accomplish it I can, and if it be appointed for
+accomplishment."
+
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: "Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many
+grievous sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid
+upon me above all others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea
+to enthrall me to a man, even Peleus Aiakos' son, and with a man I
+endured wedlock sore against my will. Now lieth he in his halls forspent
+with grievous age, but other griefs are mine. A son he gave me to bear
+and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he shot up like a young branch.
+Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him and sent him forth on
+beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy, but never again
+shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of Peleus. And
+while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun, he
+sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The
+maiden whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath
+the lord Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted
+he his heart, while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their
+ships, nor suffered them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives
+entreated him, and told over many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he
+refused to ward destruction from them, he put his armour on Patroklos
+and sent him to the war, and much people with him. All day they fought
+around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked the town, but that
+when now Menoitios' valiant son had wrought much harm, Apollo slew him
+in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector. Therefore
+now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to give
+my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty
+comrade lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on
+the earth with anguish in his soul."
+
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: "Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I
+avail to hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon
+him, as surely shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men
+afterward shall marvel at, whatsoever may behold."
+
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them
+upon the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew
+on the crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his
+labour and now anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on.
+And he threw bronze that weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious
+gold and silver, and next he set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and
+took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and in the other he took the tongs.
+
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and
+set thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a
+silver baldric. Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein
+fashioned he much cunning work from his wise heart.
+
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the
+unwearying sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one
+wherewith the heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Orion's might,
+and the Bear that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place
+and watcheth Orion, and alone hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they
+were leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud
+arose the bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and
+among them flutes and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her
+door were marvelling. But the folk were gathered in the assembly place;
+for there a strife was arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of
+a man slain; the one claimed to pay full atonement, expounding to the
+people, but the other denied him and would take naught. And the folk
+were cheering both, as they took part on either side. And heralds kept
+order among the folk, while the elders on polished stones were sitting
+in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves from the
+loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be
+given unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms.
+And two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to
+share all with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city
+held within. But the besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an
+ambushment. On the wall there stood to guard it their dear wives and
+infant children, and with these the old men; but the rest went forth,
+and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene, both wrought in gold, and
+golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great were they in their
+armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their feet were
+smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay ambush,
+in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by
+them afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked
+horns. And presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing
+on pipes, that took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they
+beheld these ran upon them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and
+fair flocks of white sheep, and slew the shepherds withal. But the
+besiegers, as they sat before the speech-places [from which the orators
+spoke] and heard much din among the oxen, mounted forthwith behind their
+high-stepping horses, and came up with speed. Then they arrayed their
+battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one another with
+bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and fell
+Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on
+her shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they
+hurled together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other's
+slain.
+
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth
+and wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave
+their yokes to and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to
+the boundary of the field and turned, then would a man come to each and
+give into his hands a goblet of sweet wine, while others would be
+turning back along the furrows, fain to reach the boundary of the deep
+tilth. And the field grew black behind and seemed as it were
+a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great marvel of the work.
+
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were
+reaping with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe
+were falling in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were
+binding in twisted bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them,
+while behind boys gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it
+constantly to the binders; and among them the king in silence was
+standing at the swathe with his staff, rejoicing in his heart. And
+henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a feast, and preparing a
+great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were strewing much white
+barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters,
+wrought fair in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung
+throughout on silver poles. And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and
+round that a fence of tin; and one single pathway led to it, whereby the
+vintagers might go when they should gather the vintage. And maidens and
+striplings in childish glee bare the sweet fruit in plaited baskets. And
+in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on a clear-toned viol,
+and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for departing
+summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling together
+kept time with the music and song.
+
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine
+were fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the
+byre to pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And
+herdsmen of gold were following with the kine, four of them, and nine
+dogs fleet of foot came after them. But two terrible lions among the
+foremost kine had seized a loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as
+they haled him, and the dogs and the young men sped after him. The lions
+rending the great bull's hide were devouring his vitals and his black
+blood; while the herdsmen in vain tarred on their fleet dogs to set on,
+for they shrank from biting the lions but stood hard by and barked and
+swerved away.
+
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a
+great pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and
+folds.
+
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that
+which once in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely
+tresses. There were youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their
+hands upon one another's wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the
+youths well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had
+the maidens, and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver
+baldrics. And now would they run round with deft feet exceeding lightly,
+as when a potter sitting by his wheel that fitteth between his hands
+maketh trial of it whether it run: and now anon they would run in lines
+to meet each other. And a great company stood round the lovely dance in
+joy; and through the midst of them, leading the measure, two tumblers
+whirled.
+
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the
+uttermost rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him
+a corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive
+helmet to fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of
+gold, and he wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and
+laid it before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang
+down from snowy Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+
+
+
+BOOK XIX.
+
+    How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the
+    assembly of the Achaians, and Achilles went forth with them
+    to battle.
+
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light
+to gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the
+god. Her dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud
+lament; and round him many of his company made moan. And the bright
+goddess stood beside him in their midst, and clasped her hand in his and
+spake and called upon his name: "My child, him who lieth here we must
+let be, for all our pain, for by the will of gods from the beginning was
+he brought low. But thou take from Hephaistos arms of pride, arms
+passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders yet hath borne."
+
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they
+rang all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor
+dared any to gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles
+looked thereon, then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed
+terribly forth as it were a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he
+held in his hands that splendid gift of a god. But when he had satisfied
+his soul in gazing on the glory of the arms, straightway to his mother
+spake he winged words: "My mother, the arms the god has given are such
+as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals should be, and that no mortal
+man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm me in them, but I have
+grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of Menoitios' valiant
+son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile his corpse--for the
+life is slain out of him--and so all his flesh shall rot."
+
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: "Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel
+tribes of flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie
+till a whole year's course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound
+continually, or better even than now. But call thou the Achaian warriors
+to the place of assembly, and unsay thy wrath against Agamemnon shepherd
+of the host, and then arm swiftly for battle, and clothe thee with thy
+strength."
+
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos
+she shed ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh
+might abide the same continually.
+
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible
+cry, and roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to
+abide in the circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept
+the steerage of the ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food,
+even these came then to the place of assembly, because Achilles was come
+forth, after long ceasing from grievous war. Limping came two of Ares'
+company, Tydeus' son staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each leaning
+on his spear, for their wounds were grievous still; and they went and
+sate them down in the forefront of the assembly. And last came Agamemnon
+king of men, with his wound upon him, for him too in the stress of
+battle Kooen Antenor's son had wounded with his bronze-tipped spear. But
+when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose fleet-footed Achilles
+and spake in their midst: "Son of Atreus, was this in any wise the
+better way for both thee and me, what time with grief at our hearts we
+waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would that
+Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I
+took her to me, when I had spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many
+Achaians have bitten the wide earth beneath their enemies' hands, by
+reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath been well for Hector and the
+Trojans, but the Achaians I think shall long remember the strife that
+was betwixt thee and me. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+and curb under necessity the spirit within our breasts. I now will stay
+my anger: it beseems me not implacably for ever to be wroth; but come
+rouse speedily to the fight the flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go
+forth against the men of Troy and put them yet again to the proof, if
+they be fain to couch hard by the ships. Methinks that some among them
+shall be glad to rest their knees when they are fled out of the
+fierceness of the battle, and from before our spear."
+
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted
+son of Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake
+Agamemnon king of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen
+to stand forth in their midst: "O Danaan friends and heroes, men of
+Ares' company, seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak,
+nor behoveth it to break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man
+that were hard. For amid the uproar of many men how should one listen,
+or yet speak? even the clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of
+Peleus I will declare myself, but ye other Argives give heed, and each
+mark well my word. Oft have the Achaians spoken thus to me, and
+upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause, but Zeus and Destiny and
+Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my soul fierce madness
+on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles of his meed.
+What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter of
+Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet,
+for not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads of men,
+making men fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus was
+blinded upon a time, he who they say is greatest among gods and men; yet
+even him Hera with a female wile deceived, on the day when Alkmene in
+fair-crowned Thebes was to bring forth the strength of Herakles. For
+then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods: 'Here me ye all, both gods
+and goddesses, while I utter the council of my soul within my heart.
+This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing women, bring to the
+light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell round about, among the
+raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.' And to him in subtlety
+queen Hera spake: 'Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish thy
+word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that verily and indeed
+shall that man be lord over all that dwell round about, who this day
+shall fall between a woman's feet, even he among all men who are of the
+lineage of thy blood.' So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her
+subtlety but sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For
+Hera darted from Olympus' peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were
+she knew was the stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also
+great with child, and her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought
+to the light, though his tale of months was untold, but she stayed
+Alkmene's bearing and kept the Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she
+brought the tidings herself and to Kronos' son Zeus she spake: 'Father
+Zeus of the bright lightning, a word will I speak to thee for my heed.
+Today is born a man of valor who shall rule among the Archives,
+Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of thy lineage; not
+unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.' She said, but sharp pain
+smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized Ate by
+her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath
+that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who
+blindeth all alike. He said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from
+the starry heaven, and quickly came she down among the works of men. Yet
+ever he groaned against her when he beheld his beloved son in cruel
+travail at Eurystheus' hest. Thus also I, what time great Hector of the
+glancing helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our ships, could not
+be unmindful of Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since thus blinded
+was I, and Zeus bereft me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and
+recompense manifold for the wrong. Only arise thou to the battle and
+rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I ready to offer, even all that
+noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise in thy hut. So, if thou wilt,
+stay awhile, though eager, from battle, and squires shall take the gifts
+from my ship and carry them to thee, that thou mayest see that what I
+give sufficeth thee."
+
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: "Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if
+so thou wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink
+us of battle with all speed; this is no time to dally here with
+subtleties, for a great work is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be
+seen in the forefront of the battle, laying waste with his brazen spear
+the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof let each of you think as he
+fighteth with his man."
+
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: "Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of
+Achaians fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell
+shall the battle be, when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall
+breathe valour into both. But bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships
+food and wine; for thence is vigour and might. For no man fasting from
+food shall be able to fight with the foe all day till the going down of
+the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle yet his limbs unaware
+grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his knees in his
+going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine fighteth
+thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come,
+disperse the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let
+Agamemnon king of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that
+all Achaians may behold them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart.
+And let him swear to thee an oath, standing in the midst of the Argives,
+that he hath never gone up into the damsel's bed or lain with her, [O
+prince, as is the wont of man with woman]; and let thine own spirit be
+placable within thy breast. Then let him make thee a rich feast of
+reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing lacking of thy right.
+And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more righteous
+hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make
+amends if he have been the first to deal violently."
+
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: "Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the
+oath I am willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear
+myself before God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle
+though he be, and all ye others abide together, until the gifts come
+forth from my hut, and we make faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee
+thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose thee young men, princes of the
+Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship, even all that we promised
+yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women. And let Talthybios
+speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide Achaian
+host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun."
+
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: "Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye
+should be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and
+the spirit within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie
+mangled on the field--even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus
+gave him glory--and ye call men to their food. Verily for my part I
+would bid the sons of the Achaians to fight now unfed and fasting, and
+with the setting sun make ready a mighty meal, when we shall have
+avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least nor food nor drink
+shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying mangled by
+the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters,
+but of slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men."
+
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: "O Achilles, Peleus' son,
+mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou
+than I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since
+I was born first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to
+listen to my speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein
+the sword streweth most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a
+pitched battle there is little plunder, the hope of which might help to
+sustain men's efforts in storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his
+balance, who is disposer of the wars of men. But it cannot be that the
+Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for exceeding many and thick fall such
+on every day; when then should there be rest from toil? Nay, it behoveth
+to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when once we have wept him
+for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war must take thought
+of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may fight
+relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it
+be for whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one
+we will rouse against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war."
+
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of
+Phyleus, and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and
+Melanippos. And they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus'
+son. Forthwith as the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven
+tripods they bare from the hut, as he promised him, and twenty bright
+caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon they led forth women skilled in
+goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was fair-faced Briseis. Then
+Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all, led the way, and
+with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they set in the
+midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside that
+shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god's, and
+held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his
+hands his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his
+sword, cut off the first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands
+he prayed to Zeus, and all the Argives sat silent in their places, duly
+hearkening to the king. And he prayed aloud, looking up to the wide
+heaven: "Be Zeus before all witness, highest and best of the gods, and
+Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth take vengeance upon men,
+whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid hand on the
+damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she has
+abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may
+the gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth
+against them in his oath."
+
+He said, and cut the boar's throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be
+the food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the
+warrior Argives: "Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men.
+Never could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast,
+nor led off the damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed
+that on many of the Achaians death should come. But now go forth to your
+meal, that we may join battle thereupon."
+
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up
+the gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid
+them in the huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the
+horses among their troop.
+
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld
+Patroklos mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill
+lament, and tore with her hands her breast and tender neck, and
+beautiful face. And she spake amid her weeping, that woman like unto
+goddesses: "Patroklos, dearest to my hapless heart, alive I left thee
+when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the people, I am come back to
+find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my lot. My husband,
+unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before our city
+mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when
+swift Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes' city, wouldest
+ever that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me
+godlike Achilles' wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships
+to Phthia and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore
+with all my soul I mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind."
+
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the
+elders of the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied
+them with a groan: "I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me,
+bid me not sate my heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is
+come upon me. Till the sun go down I will abide, and endure continually
+until then."
+
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons
+of Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and
+Phoinox, ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he
+could no whit be soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war.
+And bethinking him he sighed very heavily and spake aloud: "Thou too, O
+hapless, dearest of my friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth
+in out hut with ready speed a savoury meal, what time the Achaians
+hasted to wage against the horse-taming Trojans dolorous war. But now
+thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of meat and drink, that stand
+within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this could I endure, not
+though I should hear of my father's death, who now I ween in Phthia is
+shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in an alien
+land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor
+though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still
+at least is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within
+me trusted that I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos,
+here in the Trojan land, but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so
+that thou mightest take me the child in thy swift black ship from Skyros
+and show him everything--my substance and servants, and high-roofed
+mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be dead and gone, or else in
+feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting ever for bitter news
+of me, till he hear that I am dead."
+
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them
+what each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them
+sorrowing he pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words:
+"My child, thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath
+Achilles then no longer a place within thy thought? He before the
+steep-prowed ships sits mourning his dear comrade; the rest are gone to
+their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But go, distil into his breast
+nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of hunger come on him."
+
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a
+falcon wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven
+through the upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently
+throughout the camp, she in Achilles' breast distilled nectar and
+pleasant ambrosia, that grievous hunger might not assail his knees, and
+then herself was gone to the firm house of her mighty father. Then the
+Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As when thick snowflakes
+flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas born in the
+upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And
+the sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in
+the flash of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men,
+and in the midst of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed
+together, and his eyes blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into
+his heart was intolerable anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men
+of Troy he put on the gift of the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by
+his art. First on his legs he set the fair greaves fitted with silver
+ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass about his breast. Then
+round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword silver-studded; then
+lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its brightness shone
+afar off as the moon's. Or as when over the sea there appeareth to
+sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high among
+the mountains in some lonely steading--sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:--
+so from Achilles' goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot
+up toward heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head,
+and like a star it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it
+waved plumes of gold that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then
+noble Achilles proved him in his armour to know whether it fitted unto
+him, and whether his glorious limbs ran free; and it became to him as it
+were wings, and buoyed up the shepherd of hosts.
+
+And forth from its stand he drew his father's spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles
+alone awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to
+his father dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And
+Automedon and Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them
+fair breast-straps, and bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins
+behind to the firm-built chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash,
+fitted to his hand, and sprang up behind the horses, and after him
+mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his armour like bright Hyperion.
+And terribly he called upon the horses of his sire: "Xanthos and Balios,
+famed children of Podarge, in other sort take heed to bring your
+charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done with battle,
+and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead."
+
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from
+beneath the yoke;--and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell
+from the yoke-cushion beside the yoke and touched the ground;--for the
+white-armed goddess Hera gave him speech: "Yea verily for this hour,
+dread Achilles, we will still bear thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh
+at hand, neither shall we be cause thereof, but a mighty god, and
+forceful Fate. For not through sloth or heedlessness of ours did the men
+of Troy from Patrokios' shoulders strip his arms, but the best of the
+gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in the forefront of the
+battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind of Zephyr,
+swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man."
+
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore
+troubled did fleet-footed Achilles answer him: "Xanthos, why prophesiest
+thou my death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it
+is appointed me to perish here, far from my father dear and mother;
+howbeit anywise I will not refrain till I give the Trojans surfeit of
+war."
+
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved
+steeds.
+
+
+
+BOOK XX.
+
+    How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the
+Achaians armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high
+ground of the plain.
+
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus'
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There
+was no River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that
+haunt fair thickets and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And
+they came to the house of Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them
+down in the polished colonnades which Hephaistos in the cunning of his
+heart had wrought for father Zeus.
+
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker
+heedless of the goddess' call, but from the salt sea came up after the
+rest, and set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of
+Zeus: "Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the
+gods again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the
+Trojans and Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are
+kindled very nigh."
+
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: "Thou knowest,
+O Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you
+hither; even in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I
+will abide here, sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden
+my heart with gazing; but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans
+and Achaians and succour these or those, howsoever each of you hath a
+mind. For if Achilles alone shall fight against the Trojans, not even a
+little while shall they hold back the son of Peleus, the fleet of foot.
+Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they looked upon him; now
+therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible I fear me lest
+he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall."
+
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side
+and on that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went
+Hera, and Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper
+Hermes, pro-eminent in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos
+in the greatness of his strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved
+nimbly under him: but to the Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and
+with him Phoebus of the unshorn hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and
+Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the
+Achaians glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his
+long ceasing from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were
+smitten with sore trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror
+when they beheld the son of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms,
+peer of man-slaying Ares. But when among the mellay of men the Olympians
+were come down, then leapt up in her might Strife, rouser of hosts, then
+sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by the hollowed trench without the
+wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted aloud. And a shout
+uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the storm, now
+from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again along
+Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst
+into fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from
+heaven above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and
+the steep mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained
+Ida, and all her crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of
+the Achaians. And the Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in
+hell, and leapt from his throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the
+world be cloven above him by Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his
+dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and immortals--grim halls, and
+vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose of that battle of
+gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged
+arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer
+Artemis, sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper
+Hermes, and against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods
+call Xanthos and men Skamandros.
+
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all
+to meet Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood
+chiefliest his spirit bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But
+straightway Apollo, rouser of hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son
+of Peleus, and filled him with brave spirit: and he made his own voice
+like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in his semblance spake
+Apollo, son of Zeus: "Aineias, counsellor of Trojans, where now are thy
+threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over thy wine,
+saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles, Peleus' son?"
+
+And to him Aineias answered and said: "Son of Priam, why biddest thou me
+thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain
+thereto? Not for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles,
+fleet of foot; once before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he
+harried our kine and wasted Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me
+out of his hand and put strength into my knees that they were swift.
+Else had I fallen beneath the hands of Achilles, and of Athene who went
+before and gave him light, and urged him to slay Leleges and Trojans
+with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible for man to face
+Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to ward off
+death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair
+field of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast
+him made of bronze throughout."
+
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: "Yea, hero, pray thou too
+to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus, and Achilles' mother is of less degree among the gods.
+For thy mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea.
+Come, bear up thy unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn
+thee back with revilings and bitter words."
+
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he
+went onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing
+bronze. But white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises' son as he
+went through the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering
+the gods about her she spake among them thus: "Consider ye twain,
+Poseidon and Athene, within your hearts, what shall come of these things
+that are done. Here is Aineias gone forth harnessed in flashing bronze,
+to meet the son of Peleus, and it is Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him.
+Come then, be it ours to turn him back straightway; or else let some one
+of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give him mighty power, so that
+he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who love him are the best
+of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war and fighting
+from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come down to
+mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day--afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with
+her thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles
+learn not this from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god
+shall come against him in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look
+upon."
+
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: "Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to
+match gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart
+and seat us there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if
+Ares or Phoebus Apollo fall to fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles
+and hinder him from fight, then straightway among us too shall go up the
+battle-cry of strife; right soon, methinks, shall they hie them from the
+issue of the fray back to Olympus to the company of the gods, overcome
+by the force of our hands."
+
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and
+Pallas Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him,
+what time he should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There
+sate them down Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders
+with impenetrable cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the
+brows of Kallikolon around thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of
+cities. Thus they on either side sat devising counsels, but shrank all
+from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from his high seat commanded
+them.
+
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together
+in the fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst
+between the hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises' son, and noble
+Achilles. First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm;
+his rapid shield he held before his breast, and brandished his bronze
+spear. And on the other side the son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a
+lion, a ravaging lion whom men desire to slay, a whole tribe assembled:
+and first he goeth his way unheeding, but when some warrior youth hath
+smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth himself open-mouthed, and
+foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout spirit groaneth in his
+heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his ribs and flanks
+and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight on them
+by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or
+whether himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was
+Achilles driven of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet
+Aineias great of heart. And when they were come near against each other,
+then first to Aineias spake fleet-footed noble Achilles: "Aineias,
+wherefore hast thou so far come forward from the crowd to stand against
+me: doth thy heart bid thee fight with me in hope of holding Priam's
+honour and lordship among the horse-taming Trojans? Nay, though thou
+slay me, not for that will Priam lay his kingdom in thy hands, for he
+hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or have the Trojans
+allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the rest, fair
+land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou slay
+me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I
+ween, have I made thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day
+when thou wert alone with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed
+down Ida's steeps in haste?--then didst thou not look behind thee in thy
+flight. Thence fleddest thou to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having
+fought against it with the help of Athene and of father Zeus, and
+carried away women captive, bereaving them of their day of freedom: only
+thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not this time, methinks, shall
+they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart: therefore I bid thee
+go back into the throng and come not forth against me, while as yet thou
+art unhurt--after the event even a fool is wise."
+
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: "Son of Peleus, think not
+with words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how
+to speak taunts and unjust speech. We know each other's race and lineage
+in that we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast
+thou set eyes on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say, art son of
+nobie Peleus, and of Thetis of the fair tresses, the daughter of the
+sea: the sire I boast is Anchises great of heart, and my mother is
+Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or the other mourn their dear son
+today; for verily not with idle words shall we two satisfy our strife
+and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn also this, that
+thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men: First Zeus
+the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for not
+yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but
+still they dwelt on slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a
+son, king Erichthonios, who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand
+mares had he that pastured along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their
+tender foals. Of them was Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in
+semblance of a dark-maned horse he covered them: then they having
+conceived bare twelve fillies. These when they bounded over Earth the
+grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened ears of corn and break
+them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of the sea they
+would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then
+Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three
+noble sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who
+became the most beautiful of mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be
+cupbearer to Zeus, for sake of his beauty, that he might dwell among
+immortals. Then Ilos again begat a son, noble Laomedon, and Laomedon
+begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and Klytios and Hiketaon, of the
+stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and Kapys Anchises, and
+Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+
+"Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will,
+for he is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer
+like children, standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in
+plenty for both of us to utter--a hundred-thwarted ship would not
+suffice for the load of them. Glib is the tongue of man, and many words
+are therein of every kind, and wide is the range of his speech hither
+and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt thou hear in answer.
+But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling each against
+each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I desire,
+until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears."
+
+He said, and against that other's dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the
+son of Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in
+fear, for he thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of
+heart would lightly pierce it through--fond man, and knew not in his
+mind and heart that not lightly do the glorious gifts of gods yield to
+force of mortal men. So did not the great spear of wise Aineias pierce
+that shield, for the gold resisted it, even the gift of the god. Yet
+through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for five folds had
+the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one of gold;
+therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+the circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where
+the bronze ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon;
+and right through sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked
+under it. And Aineias crouched and held up the shield away from him in
+dread; and the spear flew over his back and fixed itself in the earth,
+having divided asunder the two circles of the sheltering shield. And
+having escaped the long spear he stood still, and a vast anguish drowned
+his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him so nigh. But
+Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying his
+terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed)
+such as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with
+ease wielded it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the
+stone as he charged, either on helm or shield, which had warded from him
+bitter death, and then would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him
+with his sword, had not Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed,
+and straightway spoken among the immortal gods: "Alas, woe is me for
+Aineias great of heart, who quickly will go down to Hades slain by the
+son of Peleus, for that he will obey the words of Apollo the far-darter,
+fond man, but nowise shall the god help him from grievous death. But
+wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence, causelessly for
+others' wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to the gods who
+inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of death's way,
+lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for it is
+appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without
+seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the
+children born to him from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam
+hath Zeus already hated. But thus shall the might of Aineias reign among
+the Trojans, and his children's children, who shall be born in the
+aftertime."
+
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: "Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or
+leave him [to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus' son].
+For by many oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas
+Athene and I, never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not even
+when all Troy shall burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they that
+burn her shall be the warlike sons of the Achaians."
+
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle
+and the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles
+were. Then presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus'
+son, and drew the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias
+great of heart, and set it before Achilles' feet, and lifted Aineias
+and swung him high from off the earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of
+horses many, sprang Aineias soaring in the hand of the god, and lighted
+at the farthest verge of the battle of many onsets, where the Kaukones
+were arraying them for the fight. Then hard beside him came Poseidon,
+Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words: "Aineias, what god
+is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against Peleus' vehement son,
+who is both a better man than thou and dearer to Immortals? Rather
+withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even contrary to
+thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall have met
+his death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the
+foremost, for there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee."
+
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things.
+Then quickly from Achilles' eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared
+with wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: "Ha! verily a
+great marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the
+ground, nor can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to
+slay him. Truly then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods,
+howbeit I deemed that his boosting thereof was altogether vanity. Away
+with him! not again will he find heart to make trial of me, now that
+once more he has escaped death to his joy. But come, I will call on the
+warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some other Trojan face to
+face."
+
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: "No longer
+stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match
+man and throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be
+strong, to assail so vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares,
+though an immortal god, nor Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a
+fray and toil therein. But to my utmost power with hands and feet and
+strength no whit, I say, will I be slack, nay, never so little, but
+right through their line will I go forward, nor deem I that any Trojan
+shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear."
+
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called
+aloud, and proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles:
+"High-hearted Trojans, fear not Peleus' son. I too in words could fight
+even Immortals, but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger
+far. Neither shall Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof he
+is to accomplish, and part to break asunder in the midst. And against
+him will I go forth, though the hands of him be even as fire, yea though
+his hands be as fire and his fierceness as the flaming steel."
+
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for
+battle; and their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry
+arose. Then Phoebus Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: "Hector, no
+longer challenge Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng
+await him and from amid the roar of the battle, lest haply he spear thee
+or come near and smite thee with his sword."
+
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he
+was amazed when he heard the sound of a god's voice.
+
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with
+strength, crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition,
+Otrynteus' valiant son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph
+to Otrynteus waster of cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde's rich
+domain. Him as he came right on did goodly Achilles smite with his
+hurled spear, down through the midst of his head, and it was rent
+asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly Achilles exulted
+over him; "here is thy death, thy birth was on the Gygaian lake, where is
+thy sire's demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and eddying Hermos."
+
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him
+the chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the
+forefront of the battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples,
+through his bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle,
+Antenor's son. No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the
+spear-head and clave the bone, and the brain within was all scattered:
+that stroke made ending of his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from
+his chariot and fled before him, Achilles wounded in the back with his
+spear: and he breathed forth his spirit with a roar, as when a dragged
+bull roareth that the young men drag to the altar of the Lord of Helike;
+for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus roared Hippodamas as
+from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles with his
+spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam's son. Him would his sire
+continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was youngest
+born and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just then
+in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing
+through the forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did
+fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he
+darted by, where his belt's golden buckles clasped, and the breast and
+back plates overlapped: and right through beside the navel went the
+spear-head, and he fell on his knee with a cry, and dark cloud covered
+him round about, and he clasped his bowels to him with his hands as he
+sank.
+
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his
+hands, and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer
+might he endure to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles
+brandishing his sharp spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when
+he saw him, sprang up, and spake exultingly: "Behold the man who hath
+deepest stricken into my soul, who slew my dear-prized friend; not long
+shall we now shrink from each other along the highways of the war."
+
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: "Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death."
+
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: "Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know
+myself how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a
+man of might, and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in
+the lap of the gods, whether I though weaker shall take thy life with my
+hurled spear, for mine too hath been found keen ere now."
+
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath
+turned it back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it
+came back to goodly Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then
+Achilles set fiercely upon him, eager to slay him, crying his terrible
+cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very easily, as a god may, and hid him
+in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed noble Achilles make onset
+with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick mist. [But when the
+fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout he spake to
+him winged words: "Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet came
+ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom thou
+must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears. Verily
+I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize."
+
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear,
+and he fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and
+hurled at Demuchos Philetor's son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him
+with a stroke upon his knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and
+reft him of life. Then springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias,
+he thrust both from their chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast
+smiting and the other in close battle with his sword. Then Tros,
+Alastor's son--he came and clasped his knees to pray him to spare him,
+and let him live, and slay him not, having compassion on his like
+age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his prayers; for
+nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce mood--with
+his hands he touched Achilles' knees, eager to entreat him, but he smote
+him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and black
+blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered
+his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and
+right through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he smote
+Agenor's son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted sword,
+and all the sword grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death seized his
+eyes, and forceful fate. Then next Deukalion, just where the sinews of
+the elbow join, there pierced he him through the forearm with his bronze
+spear-head; so abode he with his arm weighed down, beholding death
+before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with his sword swept far both
+head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the backbone, and the corpse
+lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward after Peires' noble
+son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace: him in the midst he
+smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in his lung, and he
+fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire, as he turned the
+horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust
+him from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side,
+and the deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way
+the flame, so raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god,
+pressing hard on the men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood.
+For even as when one yoketh wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a
+stablished threshing-floor, and quickly is it trodden out beneath the
+feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus beneath great-hearted Achilles his
+whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and shields together; and with
+blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the rims that ran around
+the car, for blood-drops from the horses' hooves splashed them, and
+blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of Peleus pressed
+on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXI.
+
+    How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of
+    Troy within their gates.
+
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even
+eddying Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he
+chased the one part to the plain toward the city, even where the
+Achaians were flying in affright the day before, when glorious Hector
+was in his fury--thither poured some in flight, and Hera spread before
+them thick mist to hinder them:--but half were pent into the
+deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty noise,
+and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the
+eddies. And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a
+river, and the unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset,
+and they huddle in the water; so before Achilles was the stream of
+deep-eddying Xanthos filled with the roar and the throng of horses and
+men.
+
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant
+against tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his
+sword alone, and devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him
+every way about: and their groaning went up ghastly as they were
+stricken by the sword, and the water reddened with blood. As before a
+dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and fill the nooks of some
+fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain whichsoever of them
+he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream the Trojans
+crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were weary of
+slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an atonement
+for Patroklos, Menoitios' son that was dead. These brought he forth
+amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut
+thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave
+them to his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he
+made his onset, athirst for slaying.
+
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river,
+Lykaon, whom once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his
+father's orchard, in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze
+young shoots of a wild fig tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to
+him an unlooked-for bane came goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold
+him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending him on ship board, and the son of
+Jason gave a price for him; and thence a guest friend freed him with a
+great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to goodly Arisbe; whence
+flying secretly he came to his father's house. Eleven days he rejoiced
+among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on the twelfth once
+more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to send him to
+the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed noble
+Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had
+thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee
+out of the river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in
+wrath spake Achilles to his great heart: "Ha! verily great marvel is
+this that I behold with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom
+I have slain rise up again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath
+this man come back escaped from his pitiless fate, though sold into
+goodly Lemnos, neither hath the deep of the hoary sea stayed him, that
+holdeth many against their will. But come then, of our spear's point
+shall he taste, that I may see and learn in my mind whether likewise he
+shall come back even from beneath, or whether the life-giving Earth
+shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the strong."
+
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to
+touch his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death
+and black destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with
+intent to smite him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his
+knees; and the spear went over his back and stood in the ground,
+hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon besought him, with one hand
+holding his knees, while with the other he held the sharp spear and
+loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: "I cry thee mercy,
+Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I
+tasted meal of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the
+well-ordered orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my
+friends unto goodly Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred
+oxen. And now have I been ransomed for thrice that, and this is my
+twelfth morn since I came to Ilios after much pain. Now once again hath
+ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands; surely I must be hated of
+father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto thee; and to short
+life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes' daughter--Altes who ruleth
+among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos on the Satnioeis.
+His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her were we two
+born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou
+smotest him with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here,
+for no hope have I to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me
+thereunto. Yet one thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart:
+slay me not, since I am not of the same mother as Hector, who slew thy
+comrade the gentle and brave."
+
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but
+he heard a voice implacable: "Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these
+words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my
+soul to spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the
+sea: but now there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios
+God shall deliver into my hands--yes, even among all Trojans, but
+chiefest among Priam's sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why
+lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who was better far than thou. Seest
+thou not also what manner of man am I for might and goodliness? and a
+good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet over me too
+hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some noonday
+when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string."
+
+Thus spake he, and the other's knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles' spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew
+his sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all
+the two-edged sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the
+earth, and blood flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized
+Achilles by the foot and sent him down the stream, and over him exulting
+spake winged words: "There lie thou among the fishes, which shall lick
+off thy wound's blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay thee on a bed
+and mourn for thee, but Skamandros shall bear thee on his eddies into
+the broad bosom of the sea. Leaping along the wave shall many a fish
+dart up to the dark ripple to eat of the white flesh of Lykaon. So
+perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred Ilios, ye flying and I
+behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing, silver-eddied,
+shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many bulls, and
+among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this yet
+shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for Patroklos' slaying and the
+slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift ships ye slew while I tarried
+afar."
+
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and
+sought in his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and
+ward destruction from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his
+far-shadowing spear leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of
+Pelegon, whom wide-flowing Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the
+daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set Achilles, and Asteropaios stood
+against him from the river, holding two spears; for Xanthos put courage
+into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered youths whom Achilles
+was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them. Then when the
+twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: "Who and whence art thou of men, that
+darest to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them
+with my might."
+
+And to him, made answer Pelegon's noble son: "High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a
+land far off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now
+is the eleventh morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of
+wide-flowing Axios, who begat Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men
+say, was my father. Now fight we, noble Achilles!"
+
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash:
+but the warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he
+could use both hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but
+pierced it not right through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god;
+and with the other he grazed the elbow of Achilles' right arm, and there
+leapt forth dark blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in the
+earth, eager to batten on flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled on
+Asteropaios his straight-flying ash, fain to have slain him, but missed
+the man and struck the high bank, and quivering half its length in the
+bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of Peleus drew his sharp
+sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he availed not to
+draw with his stout hand Achilles' ashen shaft from the steep bank.
+Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up the
+strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen
+spear of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft
+him of life with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the
+navel, and all his bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered
+his eyes as he lay gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast
+stripped off his armour and spake exultingly: "Lie there! It is hard to
+strive against children of Kronos' mighty son, even though one be sprung
+from a River-god. Thou truly declarest thyself the seed of a
+wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the linkage of great Zeus. My sire
+is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son of Aiakos, and Aiakos was
+begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than seaward-murmuring rivers, so
+is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of a river. Nay, there
+is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail; but against
+Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him not even
+king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of deep-flowing
+Ocean, from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all springs and deep
+wells: yea, even he hath fear of the lightning of great Zeus and his
+dread thunder, when it pealeth out of heaven."
+
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water
+flooded him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the
+fat about his kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones
+who still along the eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their
+best man in the stress of battle slain violently by the hands and the
+sword of the son of Peleus. There slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and
+Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios and Ophelestes; and more
+yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain, had not the
+deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man, and
+from an eddy's depth sent forth a voice: "O Achilles, thy might and thy
+evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever
+helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the
+Trojans to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim
+deeds on the plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor
+can I pour my stream to the great sea, being choked with dead, and thou
+slayest ruthlessly. Come then, let be; I am astonished, O captain of
+hosts."
+
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: "So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease
+from slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made
+trial with Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him."
+
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake
+the deep-eddying River: "Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of
+Zeus, thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos' son, who charged thee
+straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with
+light late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth."
+
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into
+his midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all
+his streams in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in
+him, slain by Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a
+bull, and saved the living under his fair streams, hiding them within
+eddies deep and wide. But terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous
+wave, and the stream smote violently against his shield, nor availed he
+to stand firm upon his feet. Then he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and
+it fell uprooted and tore away all the bank, and reached over the fair
+river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed the River himself, falling
+all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the eddy, made haste to
+fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid. But the great
+god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest, that he
+might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear's throw, with the
+swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and
+swiftest of winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze
+rang terribly as he fled from beneath the onset, and behind him the
+River rushed on with a mighty roar. As when a field-waterer from a dark
+spring leadeth water along a bed through crops and garden grounds, a
+mattock in his hands, casting forth hindrances from the ditch, and as it
+floweth all pebbles are swept down, and swiftly gliding it murmureth
+down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is its guide:--thus ever
+the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for gods are
+mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles struggled
+to stand against it, and know whether all immortals be upon him who
+inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great wave of the heaven-sprung
+River beat upon his shoulders from above, and he sprang upward with his
+feet, sore vexed at heart; and the River was wearying his knees with
+violent rush beneath, devouring the earth from under his feet. Then the
+son of Peleus cried aloud, looking up to the broad heaven: "Zeus,
+Father, how doth none of the gods take it on him in pity to save me from
+the River! after that let come to me what may. None other of the
+inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but only my dear mother,
+who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the wall of the
+mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo. Would
+that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been
+the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I
+doomed to die, pent in this mighty river, like a swineherd boy whom a
+torrent sweepeth down as he essayeth to cross it in a storm."
+
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood
+beside him, in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs
+pledged him in words. And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of
+the earth: "Son of Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers
+of thee are we from the gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and
+I, for to be vanquished of a river is not appointed thee, but he will
+soon give back, and thou wilt thyself perceive it: but we will give thee
+wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not thy hand from hazardous
+battle until within Ilios' famous walls thou have pent the Trojan host,
+even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou hast taken the
+life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto thee to
+win."
+
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the
+plain--for the bidding of gods was strong upon him--went onward; and all
+the plain was filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and
+corpses of slain youths were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees
+as he rushed against the stream right on, nor stayed him the
+wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength in him. Neither did
+Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged against the son of
+Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream, lifting
+himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: "Dear brother,
+the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he will
+lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the
+battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy
+springs, and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and
+stir huge roaring of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce
+man who now is lording it, and deeming himself match for gods. For
+neither, I ween, will strength avail him nor comeliness anywise, nor
+that armour beautiful, which deep beneath the flood shall be o'erlaid
+with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my sands and pour round him
+countless shingle without stint, nor shall the Achaians know where to
+gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap over them. Where
+he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need of any
+barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral."
+
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high,
+thundering with foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark
+wave of the heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son
+of Peleus. But Hera cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great
+deep-eddying River sweep him away, and straightway she called to
+Hephaistos, her dear son: "Rise, lame god, O my son; it was against thee
+we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched in fight. Help with all
+speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go to raise a strong
+storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south which shall
+utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the angry
+flame. Thou along Xanthos' banks burn up his trees and wrap himself in
+fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor
+stay thy rage--only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the
+unwearying fire."
+
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on
+the plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick,
+slain by Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water
+stayed. And as when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new
+watered orchard, and he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole
+plain parched, and Hephaistos consumed the dead; then against the river
+he turned his gleaming flame. Elms burnt and willow trees and tamarisks,
+and lotos burnt and rush and galingale which round the fair streams of
+the river grew in multitude. And the eels and fishes beneath the eddies
+were afflicted, which through the fair streams tumbled this way and
+that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And the strong River
+burned, and spake and called to him by name: "Hephaistos, there is no
+god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee thus ablaze with fire.
+Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans forthwith out of
+their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?"
+
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And
+as a cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of
+some fatted hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie
+thereunder,--so burned his fair streams in the fire, and the water
+boiled. He had no mind to flow, but refrained him, for the breath of
+cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him. Then unto Hera, earnestly
+beseeching her,' he spake winged words: "Hera, wherefore hath thy son
+assailed my stream to vex it above others? I am less chargeable than all
+the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo, I will give over, if
+thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further will swear even
+this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans, not even
+when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike
+sons of Achaians are the burners thereof."
+
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she
+spake unto Hephaistos her dear son: "Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it
+befitteth not thus for mortals' sake to do violence to an immortal god."
+
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the
+wave once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed
+them, though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter
+strife, and their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they
+clashed together with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the
+clarion of great Heaven rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus,
+and his heart within him laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife
+of gods. Then no longer stood they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields
+began the battle and first made for Athene with his bronze spear, and
+spake a taunting word: "Wherefore, O dogfly, dost thou match gods with
+gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy great spirit moveth thee?
+Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes Tydeus' son to wound me,
+and thyself didst take a visible spear and thrust it straight at me and
+pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now that thou shalt pay me
+for all that thou hast done."
+
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the
+lightning of Zeus can overcome--thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his
+long spear. But she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that
+lay upon the plain, black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be
+the landmark of a field; this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on
+the neck, and unstrung his limbs. Seven roods he covered in his fall,
+and soiled his hair with dust, and his armour rang upon him. And Pallas
+Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words exultingly: "Fool, not
+even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou I claim to be, that
+thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou satisfy thy
+mother's curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her wrath, for
+that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojan's aid."
+
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually,
+for scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed
+goddess Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged
+words: "Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo
+there the dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of
+battle down the throng--nay then, pursue her."
+
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her
+and smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees
+and heart were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and
+she spake winged words exultingly: "Such let all be who give the Trojans
+aid when they fight against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and
+brave as Aphrodite when she came to succour Ares and defied my might.
+Then should we long ago have ceased from war, having laid waste the
+stablished citadel of Ilios."
+
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo
+spake the earth-shaking lord: "Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth
+not after the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without
+fighting we should go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of
+Zeus. Begin, for thou art younger; it were not meet for me, since I was
+born first and know more. Fond god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou
+rememberest not all the ills we twain alone of gods endured at Ilios,
+when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon and served him
+through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his commands.
+I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the
+joyous seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable
+Laomedon robbed us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He
+threatened that he would bind together our feet and hands and sell us
+into far-off isles, and the ears of both of us he vowed to shear off
+with the sword. So we went home with angry hearts, wroth for the hire he
+promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou showest favour, nor
+essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low and perish
+miserably with their children and noble wives."
+
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: "Shaker of the earth,
+of no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee
+for the sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in
+glowing life, consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into
+death. Let us with all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle
+by themselves."
+
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father's brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: "So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and
+given him glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual
+bow in vain? Let me not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast
+as before among the immortal gods thou wouldst stand up to fight against
+Poseidon."
+
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the
+noble spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:]
+"How now art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were
+it for thee to match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against
+women Zeus made thee a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou
+wilt. Truly it is better on the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer
+than to fight amain with mightier than thou. But if thou wilt, try war,
+that thou mayest know well how far stronger am I, since thou matchest
+thy might with mine."
+
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other's hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and
+therewith, smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and
+that; and the swift arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from
+before her the goddess fled like a dove that from before a falcon flieth
+to a hollow rock, a cleft--for she was not fated to be caught;--thus
+Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and arrows where they lay. Then
+to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus: "Leto, with thee will I no
+wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to blows with wives of
+cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart's content among the
+immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and main."
+
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen
+hither and thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter's bow
+she went back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded
+house of Zeus, and weeping set herself on her father's knee, while round
+her her divine vesture quivered: and her father, Kronos' son, took her
+to him and asked of her, laughing gently: "Who of the inhabitants of
+heaven, dear child, hath dealt with thee thus [hastily, as though thou
+hadst been doing some wrong thing openly]?"
+
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+"It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals."
+
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into
+sacred Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city,
+lest the Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other
+ever-living gods went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly
+triumphing, and sat down beside Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven,
+when a city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to
+all, and griefs to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the
+Trojans. And the old man Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware
+of dread Achilles, how before him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was
+any succour found of them. Then with a cry he went down from the tower,
+to rouse the gallant warders along the walls: "Hold open the gates in
+your hands until the folk come to the city in their rout, for closely is
+Achilles chasing them--now trow I there will be deadly deeds. And when
+they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath, then again shut
+back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that murderous man
+spring in within the wall."
+
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and
+the gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front
+that he might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the
+city and the high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed
+from the plain, and Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for
+strong frenzy possessed his heart continually, and he thirsted to win
+him renown. Then would the sons of the Achaians have taken high-gated
+Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly Agenor, Antenor's son, a
+princely man and strong. In his heart he put good courage, and himself
+stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous visitations of
+death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick mist. So
+when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great
+heart: "Ay me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest
+are driven terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me
+as a coward. Or what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the
+son of Peleus, and flee upon my feet from the wall by another way to the
+Ileian plain, until I come to the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the
+underwood? So then at evening, having bathed in the river and refreshed
+me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay, why doth my heart debate thus
+within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get me from the city for
+the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet; then will it
+no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I
+go forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp
+bronze, and there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal,
+howbeit Zeus the son of Kronos giveth him renown."
+
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his
+stout heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth
+from a deep thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor
+fleeth when she heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first
+smite her with thrust or throw, yet even pierced through with the spear
+she ceaseth not from her courage until she either grapple or be slain,
+so noble Antenor's son, goodly Agenor, refused to flee till he should
+put Achilles to the proof, but held before him the circle of his shield,
+and aimed at him with his spear, and cried aloud: "Doubtless thou hopest
+in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day to sack the city of the proud
+men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful things yet be wrought
+before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who in front of
+our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt here
+meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war."
+
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on
+the leg beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of
+new-wrought tin rang terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from
+him it smote, nor pierced him, for the god's gift drave it back. Then
+the son of Peleus in his turn made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo
+suffered him not to win renown, but caught away Agenor, and shrouded him
+in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone out of the war. Then by
+wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in complete
+semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river
+Skamandros, as he ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo
+beguiled him that he kept ever hoping to overtake him in the race),
+meantime the other Trojans in common rout came gladly unto their
+fastness, and the city was filled with the throng of them. Neither had
+they heart to await one another outside the city and wall, and to know
+who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and
+knees might save.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXII.
+
+    How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought
+    his body to the ships.
+
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their
+sweat and drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair
+battlements, while the Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to
+shoulders. But Hector deadly fate bound to abide in his place, in front
+of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus
+Apollo: "Wherefore, son of Peleus, pursuest thou me with swift feet,
+thyself being mortal and I a deathless god? Thou hast not even yet known
+me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently. Truly thou regardest not
+thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou affrightedst, who
+now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered hither. Me thou
+wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death."
+
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: "Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou
+hast turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have
+bitten the dust or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed
+me of great renown, and lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no
+vengeance to fear thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I
+but the power."
+
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like
+some victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed
+over the plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the
+old man Priam first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the
+star that cometh forth at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine
+forth amid the host of stars in the darkness of night, the star whose
+name men call Orion's Dog. Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign
+is he set, and bringeth much fever upon hapless men. Even so on
+Achilles' breast the bronze gleamed as he ran. And the old man cried
+aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising them on high, and
+with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he before the gates
+was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old man spake
+piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: "Hector, beloved son, I
+pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest thou
+quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier
+far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I! then
+quickly would dogs and vultures devour him on the field--thereby would
+cruel pain go from my heart--the man who hath bereft me of many valiant
+sons, slaying them and selling them captive into far-off isles. Ay even
+now twain of my children, Lykaon and Polydoros, I cannot see among the
+Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons whom Laothoe bare me, a
+princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the enemy's host, then
+will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is store within, for
+much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If they be dead,
+then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul and to
+their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the
+folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles' hand. Nay, come
+within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men and women of Troy,
+neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and be thyself bereft
+of sweet life. Have compassion also on me, the helpless one, who still
+can feel, ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos' son, will bring to naught
+by a grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full many ills,
+his sons perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his
+chambers laid waste and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible
+war, and his sons' wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the
+Achaians. Myself then last of all at the street door will ravening dogs
+tear, when some one by stroke or throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft
+my limbs of life--even the dogs I reared in my halls about my table and
+to guard my door, which then having drunk my blood, maddened at heart
+shall lie in the gateway. A young man all beseemeth, even to be slain in
+war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on the field; though he be
+dead yet is all honourable to him, whate'er be seen: but when dogs
+defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this is the
+most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men."
+
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from
+his head, but he persuaded not Hector's soul. Then his mother in her turn
+wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other
+hand she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged
+words: "Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if
+ever I gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and
+from this side the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in front to meet
+him. He is merciless; if he slay thee it will not be on a bed that I or
+thy wife shall bewail thee, my own dear child, but far away from us by
+the ships of the Argives will swift dogs devour thee."
+
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet
+they persuaded not Hector's soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he
+drew nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den
+awaiteth a man, having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered
+into him, and terribly he glared as he coileth himself about his den, so
+Hector with courage unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining
+shield against a jutting tower. Then sore troubled he spake to his great
+heart: "Ay me, if I go within the gates and walls, Polydamas will be
+first to bring reproach against me, since he bade me lead the Trojans to
+the city during this ruinous night, when noble Achilles arose. But I
+regarded him not, yet surely it had been better far. And now that I have
+undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before the men of Troy
+and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man than I
+shall say: 'Hector by trusting his own might undid the host.' So will
+they speak; then to me would it be better far to face Achilles and
+either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously before the city.
+Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout helm, and lean my
+spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet noble Achilles and
+promise him that Helen, and with her all possessions that Alexandros
+brought in hollow ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will give
+to the Sons of Atreus to take away, and therewithal to divide in half
+with the Achaians all else that this city holdeth: and if thereafter I
+obtain from the Trojans an oath of the Elders that they will hide
+nothing but divide all in twain [whatever wealth the pleasant city hold
+within]? But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? I might come unto him
+and he would not pity or regard me at all, but presently slay me unarmed
+as it were but a woman, if I put off my armour. No time is it now to
+dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like youth with maiden, as
+youth and maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better is it to join
+battle with all speed: let us know upon which of us twain the Olympian
+shall bestow renown."
+
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of
+Enyalios warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder
+the Pelian ash, his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him
+flashed like the gleam of blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And
+trembling seized Hector as he was aware of him, nor endured he to abide
+in his place, but left the gates behind him and fled in fear. And the
+son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his swift feet. As a falcon
+upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth fleetly after a
+trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill screams
+hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled
+beneath the Trojans' wall, and plied swift knees. They past the
+watch-place and wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the
+wall, along the waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs,
+where two fountains rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one
+floweth with warm water, and smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were
+from a blazing fire, while the other even in summer floweth forth like
+cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth. And there beside the
+springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of stone, where
+wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash bright
+raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or
+for an oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for men's speed of
+foot, but for the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as
+when victorious whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the
+turning-points, and some great prize lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a
+woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so thrice around Priam's city
+circled those twain with flying feet, and all the gods were gazing on
+them. Then among them spake first the father of gods and men: "Ay me, a
+man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is woe for Hector,
+who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of many-folded
+Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam's town. Come, give your
+counsel, gods, and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at
+last slay him, valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus'
+son."
+
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: "O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A
+man that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back
+from ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve."
+
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: "Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be
+kind to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back."
+
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the
+crests of Olympus she darted down.
+
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when
+on the mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it
+from its covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle
+him under a bush, yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until
+he find it; so Hector baffled not Peleus' fleet-footed son. Oft as he
+set himself to dart under the well-built walls over against the
+Dardanian gates, if haply from above they might succour him with darts,
+so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him toward the plain, while
+himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a dream one faileth in
+chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and the other in
+his chase--so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and Hector to
+escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death, had
+not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble
+Achilles sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts
+against Hector, lest any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself
+come second. But when the fourth time they had reached the springs, then
+the Father hung his golden balances, and set therein two lots of dreary
+death, one of Achilles, one of horse-taming Hector, and held them by the
+midst and poised. Then Hector's fated day sank down, and fell to the
+house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left him. But to Peleus' son came the
+bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing near spake to him winged words:
+"Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to Zeus, I have hope that we twain
+shall carry off great glory to the ships for the Achaians, having slain
+Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is it possible for him
+to escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should travail sore,
+grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now stand
+and take breath, and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in
+fight."
+
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood
+leaning on his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to
+noble Hector, like unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and
+standing near spake to him winged words: "Dear brother, verily fleet
+Achilles doth thee violence, chasing thee round Priam's town with swift
+feet: but come let us make a stand and await him on our defence."
+
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: "Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall
+honour thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou
+sawest me, to come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within."
+
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: "Dear brother,
+of a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me
+much, entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all
+tremble before him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And
+now fight we with straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of
+spears, that we may know whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our
+bloody spoils to the hollow ships, or whether he might be vanquished by
+thy spear."
+
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come
+nigh in onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of
+the glancing helm: "No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before
+I thrice ran round the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy
+onset. Now my heart biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay
+or be slain. But come hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they
+shall be best witnesses and beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee
+in no outrageous sort, if Zeus grant me to outstay thee, and if I take
+thy life, but when I have despoiled thee of thy glorious armour, O
+Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the Achaians, and do thou
+the same."
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: "Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is
+no pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine
+evil continually against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me
+to be friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until one or other
+shall have fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war.
+Bethink thee of all thy soldiership: now behoveth it thee to quit thee
+as a good spearman and valiant man of war. No longer is there way of
+escape for thee, but Pallas Athene will straightway subdue thee to my
+spear; and now in one hour shalt thou pay back for all my sorrows for my
+friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of thy spear."
+
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he
+crouched, and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the
+earth; but Pallas Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles,
+unknown of Hector shepherd of hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble
+son of Peleus: "Thou hast missed, so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has
+thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom, though thou thoughtest it.
+Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech, that fearing thee I
+might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt thou plant thy
+spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I set on
+thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the
+war be lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their
+greatest bane."
+
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the
+midst of the shield of Peleus' son, and missed him not: but far from the
+shield the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon
+had left his hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second
+ashen spear. And he called with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white
+shield, and asked of him a long spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then
+Hector knew he truth in his heart, and spake and said: "Ay me, now
+verily the gods have summoned me to death. I deemed the warrior
+Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the wall, and it was Athene
+who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come very nigh me, not
+far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of old the
+pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before were
+fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not
+die without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms
+whereof men yet to be born shall hear."
+
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and
+strong, and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that
+darteth to the plain through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or
+crouching hare. So Hector swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And
+Achilles made at him, for his heart was filled with wild fierceness, and
+before his breast he made a covering with his fair graven shield, and
+tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it waved fair golden
+plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a star goeth
+among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars set
+in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing
+his fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his
+flesh was covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong
+Patroklos when he slew him, but there was an opening where the collar
+bones coming from the shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet,
+where destruction of life cometh quickliest; there, as he came on, noble
+Achilles drave at him with his spear, and right through the tender neck
+went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen spear clave not the
+windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his foe. And he
+fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly: "Hector,
+thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou wouldst
+be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left
+behind, who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear
+foully, but his funeral shall the Achaians make."
+
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: "I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the
+Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold,
+gifts that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them
+home my body back again, that the Trojans and Trojans' wives give me my
+due of fire after my death."
+
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: "Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart's desire could so bid
+me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought
+me, as surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even
+should they bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and
+promise even more, not even were Priam Dardanos' son to bid pay thy
+weight in gold, not even so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a bed to
+mourn her son, but dogs and birds shall devour thee utterly."
+
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: "Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee;
+truly thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon
+thee wrath of gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee,
+for all thy valour, at the Skaian gate."
+
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew
+forth of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate,
+leaving her vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles:
+"Die: for my death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other
+immortal gods are minded to accomplish it."
+
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it
+aside, and stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons
+of Achaians ran up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous
+goodliness of Hector. Nor did any stand by but wounded him, and thus
+would many a man say looking toward his neighbour: "Go to, of a truth
+far easier to handle is Hector now than when he burnt the ships with
+blazing fire." Thus would many a man say, and wound him as he stood hard
+by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled him, he stood up among
+the Achaians and spake winged words: "Friends, chiefs and counsellors of
+the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to vanquish this man who
+hath done us more evil than all the rest together, come let us make
+trial in arms round about the city, that we may know somewhat of the
+Trojans' purpose, whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the
+citadel, or whether they are minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more.
+But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? There lieth by the ships a dead
+man unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him will I not forget, while I
+abide among the living and my knees can stir. Nay if even in the house
+of Hades the dead forget their dead, yet will I even there be mindful of
+my dear comrade. But come, ye sons of the Achaians, let us now, singing
+our song of victory, go back to the hollow ships and take with us our
+foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain the noble Hector, unto whom
+the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had been a god."
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of
+both feet behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust
+therethrough thongs of ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving
+his head to trail. And when he had mounted the chariot and lifted
+therein the famous armour, he lashed his horses to speed, and they
+nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that was dragged, and his
+dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay all his once
+fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat foully
+in his own native land.
+
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld
+her son, tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried
+aloud with an exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and
+around them the folk fell to crying and moaning throughout the town.
+Most like it seemed as though all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in
+fire. Scarcely could the folk keep back the old man in his hot desire to
+get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For he besought them all, casting
+himself down in the mire, and calling on each man by his name: "Hold,
+friends, and though you love me leave me to get me forth of the city
+alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this accursed
+horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows
+and pity an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who
+begat and reared him to be a bane of Trojans--and most of all to me hath
+he brought woe. So many sons of mine hath he slain in their flower--yet
+for all my sorrow for the rest I mourn them all less than this one
+alone, for whom my sharp grief will bring me down to the house of
+Hades--even Hector. Would that he had died in my arms; then would we
+have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him to her ill hap,
+and I myself."
+
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him.
+And among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: "My child, ah,
+woe is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who
+night and day wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both
+men and women of Troy throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for
+verily an exceeding glory to them wert thou in thy life:--now death and
+fate have overtaken thee."
+
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector's wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates,
+but in an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double
+purple web, and broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to
+her goodly-haired handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on
+the fire, that Hector might have warm washing when he came home out of
+the battle fond heart, and was unaware how, far from all washings,
+bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the hand of Achilles. But she heard
+shrieks and groans from the battlements, and her limbs reeled, and the
+shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again among her goodly-haired
+maids she spake: "Come two of ye this way with me that I may see what
+deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband's noble mother that I
+heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth and my knees
+are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against the
+children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet
+terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the
+city by himself and chased him to the plain and ere this ended his
+perilous pride that possessed him, for never would he tarry among the
+throng of men but ran out before them far, yielding place to no man in
+his hardihood."
+
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating
+heart, and with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the
+battlements and the throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and
+gazed, and beheld him dragged before the city:--swift horses dragged him
+recklessly toward the hollow ships of the Achaians. Then dark night came
+on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell backward and gasped forth her
+spirit. From off her head she shook the bright attiring thereof,
+frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that golden
+Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And
+around her thronged her husband's sisters and his brothers' wives, who
+held her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last she
+came to herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing with
+deep sobs she spake among the women of Troy: "O Hector, woe is me! to
+one fate then were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam, and
+I in Thebe under woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared me
+from a little one--ill-fated sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he
+have begotten me not. Now thou to the house of Hades beneath the secret
+places of the earth departest, and me in bitter mourning thou leavest a
+widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant child--son of unhappy
+parents, thee and me--nor shalt thou profit him, Hector, since thou art
+dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians' woful war,
+yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his
+fellows, and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with
+tears. And in his need the child seeketh his father's friends, plucking
+this one by cloak and that by coat, and one of them that pity him
+holdeth his cup a little to his mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his
+palate he moisteneth not. And some child unorphaned thrusteth him from
+the feast with blows and taunting words, 'Out with thee! no father of
+thine is at our board.' Then weeping to his widowed mother shall he
+return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his father's knee ate only marrow
+and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell on him and he ceased from
+childish play, then in bed in his nurse's arms he would slumber softly
+nested, having satisfied his heart with good things; but now that he
+hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax--that name the
+Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents,
+shall coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as
+thou liest naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate
+and fair, wrought by the hands of women. But verily all these will I
+consume with burning fire--to thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie
+therein, yet that his be honour to thee from the men and the women of
+Troy."
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIII.
+
+    Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were
+come to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own
+ship: only the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but
+spake among his comrades whose delight was in war: "Fleet-horsed
+Myrmidons, my trusty comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved
+steeds from their cars, but with horses and chariots let us go near and
+mourn Patroklos, for such is the honour of the dead. Then when we have
+our fill of grievous wailing, we will unyoke the horses and all sup
+here."
+
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led
+their mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned
+steeds, moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing.
+Bedewed were the sands with tears, bedewed the warriors' arms; so great
+a lord of fear they sorrowed for. And Peleus' son led their loud wail,
+laying his man-slaying hands on his comrade's breast: "All hail,
+Patroklos, even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee
+before am I accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give
+raw unto dogs to devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to
+slaughter before thy pyre, because of mine anger at thy slaying."
+
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him
+prone in the dust beside the bier of Menoitios' son. And the rest put
+off each his glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing
+horses, and sate them down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed
+Aiakides, and he gave them ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were
+stretched out, their throats cut with steel, and many sheep and bleating
+goats, and many white-tusked boars well grown in fat were spitted to
+singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides round the corpse in
+cupfuls blood was flowing.
+
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble
+Agamemnon by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his
+heart was wroth for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnon's
+hut, forthwith they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the
+fire, if haply they might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him
+the bloody gore. But he denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an
+oath: "Nay, verily by Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful
+is it that water should come nigh my head or ever I shall have laid
+Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a barrow, and shaved my hair, since
+never again shall second grief thus reach my heart, while I remain among
+the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us to our mournful
+meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the folk to
+bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he
+goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn
+him quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their work."
+
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly
+making ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of
+equal feast. But when they had put off from them the desire of meat and
+drink, the rest went down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the
+son of Peleus upon the beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily,
+amid the host of Myrmidons, in an open place, where waves were breaking
+on the shore. Now when sleep took hold on him, easing the cares of his
+heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for sore tired were his glorious
+knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios), then came there unto
+him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like his living self,
+in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his body was
+the same; and he stood above Achilles' head and spake to him: "Thou
+sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast thou
+ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I
+pass the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of
+men outworn, nor suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but
+vainly I wander along the wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I
+pray pitifully of thee, thy hand, for never more again shall I come back
+from Hades, when ye have given me my due of fire. Never among the living
+shall we sit apart from our dear comrades and take counsel together, but
+me hath the harsh fate swallowed up which was appointed me even from my
+birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles peer of gods, beneath the wall
+of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one thing will I say, and
+charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay not my bones
+apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured in
+your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to
+your country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew
+Amphidamas' son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then
+took me the knight Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named
+me thy squire: so therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden
+coffer, two handled, thy lady mother's gift]."
+
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: "Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should
+do? Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But
+stand more nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms around each
+other, and take our fill of dolorous lament."
+
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for
+like a vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek.
+And Achilles sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and
+spake a word of woe: "Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of
+Hades a spirit and phantom of the dead, albeit the life be not anywise
+therein: for all night long hath the spirit of hapless Patroklos stood
+over me, wailing and making moan, and charged me everything that I
+should do, and wondrous like his living self it seemed."
+
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around
+the piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the
+huts to fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even
+Meriones, squire of kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with
+wood-cutting axes in their hands and well-woven ropes, and before them
+went the mules, and uphill and downhill and sideways and across they
+went. But when they came to the spurs of many-fountained Ida,
+straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged oaks with the
+long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then splitting
+them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore up
+the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones,
+squire of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in
+line, where Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for
+himself.
+
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate
+them down all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the
+warlike Myrmidons gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his
+chariot; and they arose and put their armour on, and mounted their
+chariots, both fighting men and charioteers. In front were the men in
+chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed after, numberless; and in the
+midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they heaped all the corpse with
+their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and behind did goodly
+Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he speeding
+forth unto the realm of Hades.
+
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set
+down the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble
+Achilles bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre
+he shore off a golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer
+unto the River Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth
+over the wine-dark sea: "Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father
+Peleus unto thee that I returning thither to my native land should shear
+my hair for thee and offer a holy hecatomb, and fifty rams should
+sacrifice there above thy springs, where is the sacred close and altar
+burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou hast not accomplished him
+his desire. And now since I return not to my dear native land, unto the
+hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away."
+
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and
+stirred in all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light
+of the sun have gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said
+quickly to Agamemnon as he stood beside him: "Son of Atreus--for to thy
+words most will the host of the Achaians have regard--of lamentation
+they may sate them to the full. But now disperse them from the burning
+and bid them make ready their meal, and we to whom the dead is dearest
+will take pains for these things; yet let the chiefs tarry nigh unto
+us."
+
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the
+host among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and
+piled the wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on
+the pyre's top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many
+lusty sheep and shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready
+before the pyre; and taking from all of them the fat, great hearted
+Achilles wrapped the corpse therein from head to foot, and heaped the
+flayed bodies round. And he set therein two-handled jars of honey and
+oil, leaning them against the bier; and four strong-necked horses he
+threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine house-dogs had the
+dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them on the pyre.
+And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword--for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless
+might of the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on
+his dear comrade by his name: "All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in
+the house of Hades, for all that I promised thee before am I now
+accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans, behold
+these all in company with thee the fire devoureth: but Hector son of
+Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon, but to dogs."
+
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day
+and night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him
+with rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he
+dragged him. And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from
+heaven to earth and covered all that place whereon the dead man lay,
+lest meanwhile the sun's strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his
+sinews and limbs.
+
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble
+Achilles had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed
+to the two Winds of North and West, and promised them fair offerings,
+and pouring large libations from a golden cup besought them to come,
+that the corpses might blaze up speedily in the fire, and the wood make
+haste to be enkindled. Then Iris, when she heard his prayer, went
+swiftly with the message to the Winds. They within the house of the
+gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat, when Iris sped
+thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw her
+with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by
+him. But she refused to sit, and spake her word: "No seat for me; I must
+go back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians' land where they
+sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their
+rites. But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West to come,
+and promising them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre be kindled
+whereon lieth Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are making moan."
+
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound,
+rolling the clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the
+sea, and the wave rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to
+deep-soiled Troy, and fell upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty
+fire. So all night drave they the flame of the pyre together, blowing
+shrill; and all night fleet Achilles, holding a two-handled cup, drew
+wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth and drenched the earth,
+calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a father waileth when
+he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death is woe to his
+hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon
+the earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and
+spreadeth over the salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame
+died down. And the Winds went back again to betake them home over the
+Thracian main, and it roared with a violent swell. Then the son of
+Peleus turned away from the burning and lay down wearied, and sweet
+sleep leapt on him. But they who were with Atreus' son gathered all
+together, and the noise and clash of their approach aroused him; and he
+sate upright and spake a word to them: "Son of Atreus and ye other
+chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine all the burning
+so far as the fire's strength hath reached, and then let us gather up
+the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios' son, singling them well, and easy are
+they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the rest
+apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us
+put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I myself be
+hidden in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise--a seemly
+one, no more: then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and high,
+whosoever of you after I am gone may be left in the benched ships."
+
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus.
+First quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame
+went, and the ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered
+up the white bones of their gentle comrade into a golden urn and
+double-folded fat, and placed the urn in the hut and covered it with a
+linen veil. And they marked the circle of the barrow, and set the
+foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway heaped thereon a
+heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they were for
+going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes,
+caldrons and tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and
+fair-girdled women, and grey iron.
+
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman
+skilled in fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared
+tripod that held two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and
+for the second he ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal
+in her womb; and for the third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by
+fire, holding four measures, bright as when first made; and for the
+fourth he ordained two talents of gold; and for the fifth a two-handled
+urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: "Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for the
+chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists. If in some
+other's honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it would be I who
+should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know how far my
+pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and
+Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I
+will abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have
+they lost, and one so kind, who on their manes full often poured smooth
+oil, when he had washed them in clear water. For him they stand and
+mourn, and their manes are trailing on the ground, and there stand they
+with sorrow at their hearts. But ye others throughout the host get ye to
+your places, whosoever of the Achalans hath trust in his horses and
+firm-jointed car."
+
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were
+gathered. First of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos' son, a
+skilful charioteer; and next to him arose Tydeus' son, valiant Diomedes,
+and yoked his horses of the breed of Tros, which on a time he seized
+from Aineias, when Apollo saved their lord. And after him arose Atreus'
+son, fair-haired heaven-sprung Menelaos, and yoked him a swift pair
+Aithe, Agamemnon's mare, and his own horse Podargos. Her unto Agamemnon
+did Anchises' son Echepolos give in fee, that he might escape from
+following him to windy Ilios and take his pleasure at home; for great
+wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon of spacious lawns:--
+so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the race. And
+fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble son
+of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet
+horses bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side
+spake counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+"Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is
+no great need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet
+are thy horses very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be
+sad work for thee. For the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the men
+know not more cunning than thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind
+with all manner of cunning, that the prize escape thee not. By cunning
+is a woodman far better than by force; by cunning doth a helmsman on the
+wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by winds; by cunning hath
+charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting in his horses
+and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end, his horses
+swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of
+crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping his eye upon
+the post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far at first to
+force his horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them safe in hand and
+watcheth the leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a certain sign,
+and it shall not escape thee. A fathom's height above the ground
+standeth a withered stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in
+the rain, and two white stones on either side thereof are fixed at the
+joining of the track, and all round it is smooth driving ground. Whether
+it be a monument of some man dead long ago, or have been made their goal
+in the race by ancient men, this now is the mark fixed by fleet-footed
+Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and bear thy horses and chariot
+hard thereon, and lean thy body on the well-knit car slightly to their
+left, and call upon the off-horse with voice and lash, and give him rein
+from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the post so that the nave of
+the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it--yet beware of touching the
+stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would that
+be triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise
+and on thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest,
+there is none shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not
+though he drave the goodly Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of
+Adrastos, of divine descent, or the horses of Laomedon, best of all bred
+in this land."
+
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he
+had told his son the sum of every matter.
+
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then
+went they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles
+shook them, and forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor's son, and the
+next lot had lord Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus,
+spear-famed Menelaos, and next to him drew Meriones his place; then
+lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew his lot for his chariot's
+place. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles showed to them the
+turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and beside it he placed an
+umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father's follower, that he might note the
+running and tell the truth thereof.
+
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them
+with the reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they
+forthwith sped swiftly over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and
+beneath their breasts stood the rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind,
+and their manes waved on the blowing wind. And the chariots ran
+sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles would bound into the
+air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of every man beat
+in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses, that flew
+amid their dust across the plain.
+
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course,
+back toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the
+horses strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet
+mares of Pheres' grandson, and next to them Diomedes' stallions of the
+breed of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as
+they would mount Eumelos' car, and with their breath his back was warm
+and his broad shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as they flew
+along. Thus would Tydeus' son have either outstripped the other or made
+it a dead heat, had not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with him and smitten
+from his hand the shining lash. Then from his eyes ran tears of anger,
+for that he saw the mares still at speed, even swiftlier than before,
+while his own horses were thrown out, as running without spur. But
+Athene was not unaware of Apollo's guile against Tydeides, and presently
+sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him back the lash, and put
+spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of Admetos was the
+goddess gone, and brake his steeds' yoke, and the mares ran sideways off
+the course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And Eumelos was
+hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth and
+nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his
+eyes filled with tears and his lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides
+held his whole-hooved horses on one side, darting far out before the
+rest, for Athene put spirit into his steeds and shed glory on himself.
+Now next after him came golden-haired Menelaos Atreus' son. But
+Antilochos called to his father's horses: "Go ye too in, strain to your
+fleetest pace. Truly I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of
+wise Tydeides, unto which Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on
+their charioteer. But overtake Atreides' horses with all haste, and be
+not outstripped by them, lest Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on
+you. Why are ye outstripped, brave steeds? Thus will I tell you, and
+verily it shall be brought to pass--ye will find no tendance with Nestor
+shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will slay you with the edge of the
+sword if through heedlessness we win but the worse prize. Have after
+them at your utmost speed, and I for my part will devise a plan to pass
+them in the strait part of the course, and this shall fail me not."
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier
+some little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a
+strait place in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth,
+where torrent water gathered and brake part of the track away, and
+hollowed all the place; there drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of
+the wheels. But Antilochos turned his whole-hooved horses out of the
+track, and followed him a little at one side. And the son of Atreus took
+alarm and shouted to Antilochos: "Antilochos, thou art driving
+recklessly--hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon thou mayest
+pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us both."
+
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying
+his lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk
+swung from the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his
+force, even so far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus' son gave back,
+for he ceased of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds
+should encounter on the track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the
+drivers fall in the dust in their zeal for victory. So upbraiding
+Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos: "Antilochos, no mortal man is
+more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way, since falsely have we Achaians
+called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not bear off the prize
+unchallenged to an oath."
+
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: "Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before
+yours, for they both lack youth."
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on,
+and were quickly close upon the others.
+
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they
+came flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them
+was Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the
+concourse in the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of
+one that shouted, though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a
+horse showing plainly in the front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but
+in the forehead marked with a white star round like the moon. And he
+stood upright and spoke among the Argives: "Friends, chiefs, and
+counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see the horses, or do ye
+also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new charioteer
+appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither
+post, but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere
+along the Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he
+could not drive aright round the post and failed in the turn? There,
+methinks, must he have been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and
+the mares must have left the course, in the wildness of their heart. But
+stand up ye too and look, for myself I discern not certainly, but the
+first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian race, and he ruleth among
+Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart Diomedes."
+
+Then fleet Aias Oileus' son rebuked him in unseemly sort: "Idomeneus,
+why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the high-stepping mares
+are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far the youngest
+among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from thy
+head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they
+that led before, Eumelos' mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins
+within the car."
+
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: "Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for
+thy mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and
+make Agamemnon Atreus' son our umpire, which mares are leading, that
+thou mayest pay and learn."
+
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus' son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone
+further, had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: "No longer
+answer each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for
+it beseemeth not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do
+thus. Sit ye in the concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon
+they in zeal for victory will come hither, and then shall ye know each
+of you the Argives' horses, which follow, and which lead."
+
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote
+now and again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as
+they sped swiftly on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the
+charioteer, and his chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his
+fleet-footed steeds, and small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind
+in the fine dust, as they flew speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid
+concourse, and much sweat poured from the horses' heads and chests to
+the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth from the shining car, and leant
+his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart Sthenelos tarried not, but
+promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud comrades the woman to
+lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the horses from
+the yoke.
+
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his
+swift steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which
+draweth his master, straining with the car over the plain--his hindmost
+tail-hairs touch the tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much
+space between, as he speedeth far over the plain--by so much was
+Menelaos behind high-born Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole
+disk-cast behind, but quickly he was catching Antilochos up, for the
+high mettle of Agamemnon's mare, sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her.
+And if yet further both had had to run he would have passed his rival
+nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones, stout squire of Idomeneus,
+came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for tardiest of all were
+his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a chariot in
+the race. Last of them all came Admetos' son, dragging his goodly car
+driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles beheld
+he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives:
+"Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come
+let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but
+the first let the son of Tydeus take."
+
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given
+him the mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of
+great-hearted Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf
+of his right: "O Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou
+accomplish this word, for thou art minded to take away my prize, because
+thou thinkest of how his chariot and fleet steeds miscarried, and
+himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it behoved him to pray to
+the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of all in the race.
+But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is much gold
+in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even
+a richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee.
+But the mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the
+battle at my hands."
+
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with
+Antilochos, for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him
+winged words: "Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some
+other thing beside from out my house, that also will I do. I will give
+unto him a breast-plate that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon
+a casting of bright tin is overlaid, and of great worth will it be to
+him." He said, and bade his dear comrade Automedon bring it from the
+hut, and he went and brought it. [Then he placed it in Eumelos' hands,
+and he received it gladly.]
+
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly
+against Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called
+for silence among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man:
+"Antilochos, who once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou
+hast shamed my skill and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in
+front that are far worse. Come now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the
+Argives, give judgment between us both, and favour neither: lest some
+one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any time: 'By constraining
+Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone off with the mare, for
+his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in rank and power.'
+Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem that none other of
+the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just. Antilochos,
+fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up
+before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash
+wherewith thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses swear by the
+Enfolder and Shaker of the earth that not wilfully didst thou hinder
+my chariot by guile."
+
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: "Bear with me now, for far younger am
+I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou
+knowest how a young man's transgressions come about, for his mind is
+hastier and his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will
+of myself give to thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask
+some other greater thing from my house, I were fain to give it thee
+straightway, rather than fall for ever from my place in thy heart, O
+fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner against the gods."
+
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor's son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew
+cometh upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are
+bristling. So gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he
+spake unto Antilochos and uttered winged words: "Antilochos, now will I
+of myself put away mine anger against thee, since no wise formerly wert
+thou flighty or light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was overcome of
+youthfulness. Another time be loth to outwit better men. Not easily
+should another of the Achaians have persuaded me, but thou hast suffered
+and toiled greatly, and thy brave father and brother, for my sake:
+therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even give unto thee the
+mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my heart was
+never overweening or implacable."
+
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos' comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents
+of gold in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was
+left unclaimed, a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this,
+bearing it to him through the concourse of Argives, and stood by him and
+said: "Lo now for thee too, old man, be this a treasure, a memorial of
+Patroklos' burying; for no more shalt thou behold him among the Argives.
+Now give I thee this prize unwon, for not in boxing shalt thou strive,
+neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin match, nor race with thy feet;
+for grim old age already weigheth on thee."
+
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and
+spake unto him winged words: "Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast
+meetly said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor
+do my arms at all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would
+that my youth were such and my force so firm as when the Epeians were
+burying lord Amarynkes at Buprasion, and his sons held the king's
+funeral games. Then was no man found like me, neither of the Epeians nor
+of the Pylians themselves or the great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing I
+overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in wrestling Ankaios of Pleuron,
+who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I outran Iphiklos, a right
+good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and Polydoros; only in the
+chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding their horses in
+front of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were left at
+home.] Now they were twins--one ever held the reins, the reins he ever
+held, the other called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but
+now let younger men join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but
+then was I of mark among heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade
+too with with games. This gift do I accept with gladness, and my heart
+rejoiceth that thou rememberest ever my friendship to thee--(nor forget
+I thee)--and the honour wherewith it is meet that I be honoured among
+the Achaians. And may the gods for this grant thee due grace."
+
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of
+Achaians, when he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus' son. Then
+he ordained prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led
+forth and tethered amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest
+of all to break; and for the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood
+up and spake a word among the Argives: "Son of Atreus and ye other
+well-greaved Achaians, for these rewards we summon two men of the best
+to lift up their hands to box amain. He to whom Apollo shall grant
+endurance to the end, and all the Achaians acknowledge it, let him take
+the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut; and the loser shall take
+with him the two-handled-cup."
+
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled
+in boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule
+and said aloud: "Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the
+mule I say none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his
+fists, for I claim to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall
+short of you in battle? Not possible is it that in all arts a man be
+skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it shall be accomplished: I will utterly
+bruise mine adversary's flesh and break his bones, so let his friends
+abide together here to bear him forth when vanquished by my hands."
+
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against
+him Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos,
+Mekisteus, who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his
+burial, and there he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides
+famous with the spear made ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him
+with speech, and greatly desired for him victory. And first he cast
+about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut thongs of the hide of an
+ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went into the midst of
+the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to, and their
+hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on,
+and as the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could
+he much more stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as
+when beneath the North Wind's ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered
+beach, and then the black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that
+blow. But great-hearted Epeios took him in his hands and set him
+upright, and his dear comrades stood around him, and led him through the
+ring with trailing feet, spitting out clotted blood, drooping his head
+awry, and they set him down in his swoon among them and themselves went
+forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+
+Then Peleus' son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the
+winner a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians
+among them at twelve oxens' worth; and for the loser he brought a woman
+into the midst, skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four
+oxen. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives: "Rise, ye who
+will essay this match."
+
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of
+many wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with
+stalwart hands, like gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed
+craftsman joineth, that he may baffle the wind's force. And their backs
+creaked, gripped firmly under the vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in
+streams, and frequent weals along their ribs and shoulders sprang up,
+red with blood, while ever they strove amain for victory, to win the
+wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias and bear him to the
+ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus' strength withheld him. But when they
+began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to Odysseus great
+Aias, Telamon's son: "Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many
+wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be with
+Zeus."
+
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his
+craft. He smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias' knee, and loosed
+his limbs, and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his
+chest, and the folk gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring
+noble Odysseus tried to lift, and moved him a little from the ground,
+but lifted him not, so he crooked his knee within the other's, and both
+fell on the ground nigh to each other, and were soiled with dust, And
+now starting up again a third time would they have wrestled, had not
+Achilles himself arisen and held them back: "No longer press each the
+other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is with both; take equal
+prizes and depart, that other Achaians may contend."
+
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the
+dust from them and put their doublets on.
+
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness
+of foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in
+beauty it was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon
+wrought it cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the
+misty sea, and landed it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and
+Euneos son of Jason gave it to the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon
+Priam's son. Now this cup did Achilles set forth as a prize in honour of
+his friend, for whoso should be fleetest in speed of foot. For the
+second he set an ox great and very fat, and for the last prize half a
+talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word among the Argives:
+"Rise, ye who will essay this match."
+
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus' son, and
+Odysseus of many wiles, and after them Nestor's son Antilochos, for he
+was best of all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by
+side, and Achilles showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running
+from the start, but Oileus' son forthwith shot to the front, and close
+behind him came noble Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a
+fair-girdled woman's breast when she pulleth it deftly with her hands,
+drawing the spool along the warp, and holdeth the rod nigh her breast--
+so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod in his footsteps or ever the
+dust had settled there, and on his head fell the breath of noble
+Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians applauded his
+struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard. But when
+they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus prayed
+in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: "Hearken, goddess, come thou a good
+helper of my feet."
+
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs
+feel light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on
+the prize, then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race,
+where filth was strewn from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that
+fleet Achilles slew in honour of Patroklos: and Aias' mouth and nostrils
+were filled with that filth of oxen. So much-enduring noble Odysseus, as
+he came in first, took up the mixing-bowl, and famous Aias took the ox.
+And he stood holding in his hand the horn of the ox of the field,
+sputtering away the filth, and spake among the Argives: "Out on it, it
+was the goddess who marred my running, she who from of old like a mother
+standeth by Odysseus' side and helpeth him."
+
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then
+Antilochos smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the
+Argives: "Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even
+herein also the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older
+than I, but Odysseus of an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A
+green old age is his, they say, and hard were it for any Achaian to
+rival him in speed, save only Achilles."
+
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: "Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above." He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+
+Then Peleus' son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox's worth, embossed with flowers;
+and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus'
+son wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus' brave squire. And
+swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: "Son of Atreus, for that
+we know how far thou excellest all, and how far the first thou art in
+the might of thy throw, take thou this prize with thee to the hollow
+ships, and to the hero Meriones let us give the spear, if thou art
+willing in thy heart: thus I at least advise."
+
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones
+he gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave
+the goodliest prize.
+
+
+
+BOOK XXIV.
+
+    How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake
+them each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper
+and sweet sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his
+dear comrade, nor did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he
+kept turning him to this side and to that, yearning for Patroklos'
+manhood and excellent valour, and all the toils he achieved with him and
+the woes he bare, cleaving the battles of men and the grievous waves. As
+he thought thereon be shed big tears, now lying on his side, now on his
+back, now on his face; and then anon he would arise upon his feet and
+roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would he be unaware of
+the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he had yoked
+the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot to
+drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the
+dead son of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying
+stretched on his face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement
+from his flesh, for he had pity on him even in death, and covered him
+all with his golden aegis, that Achilles might not tear him when he
+dragged him.
+
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the
+blessed gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the
+clear-sighted slayer of Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the
+others seemed it good, yet not to Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed
+Maiden, but they continued as when at the beginning sacred Ilios became
+hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by reason of the sin of
+Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they came to his
+steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But when
+the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: "Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector
+never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have
+ye not taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon
+and his mother and his child and his father Priam and his people, who
+speedily would burn him in the fire and make his funeral. But fell
+Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to abet, whose mind is nowise just nor the
+purpose in his breast to be turned away, but he is cruelly minded as a
+lion that in great strength and at the bidding of his proud heart goeth
+forth against men's flocks to make his meal; even thus Achilles hath
+cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth both harm and profit men
+greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some dearer one than was
+this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son; yet bringeth
+he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul have the
+Fates given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his
+life bindeth him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of
+his dear comrade: not, verily, is that more honourable or better for
+him. Let him take heed lest we wax wroth with him, good man though he
+be, for in his fury he is entreating shamefully the senseless clay."
+
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: "Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to
+Achilles and to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a
+woman's breast, but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up
+and reared and gave to a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was
+dearest of all men to the Immortals' heart. And all ye gods came to her
+bridal, and thou among them wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill
+company, faithless ever."
+
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: "Hera, be not
+wroth utterly with the gods: for these men's honour is not to be the
+same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in
+Ilios. So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I
+loved. Never did my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and the
+steam of sacrifice, even the honour that falleth to our due. But verily
+we will say no more of stealing away brave Hector, for it cannot be
+hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth ever nigh to him night and
+day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would call Thetis to come
+near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that Achilles may
+take gifts from Priam and give Hector back." Thus spake he, and
+airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and
+rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her
+with a noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that
+mounted on horn of a field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous
+fishes. And she found Thetis in a hollow cave; about her sat gathered
+other goddesses of the seas and she in their midst was wailing for the
+fate of her noble son who must perish in deep-soiled Troy, far from his
+native land. And standing near, fleet-footed Iris spake to her: "Rise,
+Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth thee."
+
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: "Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals,
+for I have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in
+vain, whatsoever he saith."
+
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no
+blacker raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and
+wind-footed swift Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge
+of the sea was sundered. And when they had come forth upon the shore
+they sped up to heaven, and found the far-seeing son of Kronos, and
+round him sat gathered all the other blessed gods that are for ever.
+Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave her place. And
+Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with words, and
+Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: "Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself.
+Nevertheless will I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days
+hath dispute arisen among the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector
+and Achilles waster of cities. Fain are they to send clear-sighted
+Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear what glory I accord herein
+to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come thy honour and good
+will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my bidding. Say
+to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the
+beaked ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and
+give Hector back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him
+go to the ships of the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts
+to Achilles that may gladden his heart."
+
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient
+to his word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of
+Olympus. And she came to her son's hut; there found she him making
+grievous moan, and his dear comrades round were swiftly making ready and
+furnishing their early meal, and a sheep great and fleecy was being
+sacrificed in the hut. Then his lady-mother sate her down close beside
+him, and stroked him with her hand and spake to him by his name: "My
+child, how long with lamentation and woe wilt thou devour thine heart,
+taking thought of neither food nor rest? good were even a woman's
+embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me; already death and
+forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith unto me, for
+I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth,
+because with furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and
+hast not given him back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the
+dead."
+
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: "So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart's
+intent the Olympian biddeth it himself."
+
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each
+other many winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy
+Ilios: "Go forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my
+message within Ilios to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of
+the Achaians and ransom his dear son and carry gifts to Achilles that
+may gladden his heart; let him go alone, and no other man of the Trojans
+go with him. Only let some elder herald attend on him to guide the mules
+and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to the city the dead man whom
+noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought nor any fear; such
+guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who shall lead him
+until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have led him
+within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any
+other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but
+with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man."
+
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she
+came to the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His
+children sitting around their father within the court were bedewing
+their raiment with their tears, and the old man in their midst was close
+wrapped all over in his cloak; and on his head and neck was much mire
+that he had gathered in his hands as he grovelled upon the earth. And
+his daughters and his sons' wives were wailing throughout the house,
+bethinking them of all those valiant men who had lost their lives at the
+hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the messenger of Zeus stood
+beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling came upon his
+limbs: "Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of Dardanos, and be
+not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to forebode to
+thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who,
+though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee. The Olympian
+biddeth thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart: go thou alone, let none other of the Trojans go with
+thee. Only let some elder herald attend on thee to guide the mules and
+the smooth-wheeled waggon to carry back to the city the dead man whom
+noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in thy thought, nor any fear; such
+guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of Argus, who shall lead thee
+until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when he shall have led
+thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee, nor suffer
+any other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but
+with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man."
+
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons
+make ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage
+thereon. And himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar
+wood, high-roofed, that held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he
+called and spake: "Lady, from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to
+me, that I go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom my dear son, and
+carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart. Come tell me how
+seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my desire and heart bid
+me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide camp of the
+Achaians."
+
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: "Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among
+stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone
+to the ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain
+full many of thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he
+light on thee and behold thee with his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted
+man is this, and he will not pity thee, neither reverence thee at all.
+Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make lament afar off. Even thus did
+forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her thread at his beginning when
+I bare him, even I, that he should glut fleet-footed dogs, far from his
+parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose inmost vitals I were
+fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against my son be
+paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him, but
+championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he
+him of shelter or of flight."
+
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: "Stay me not, for
+I am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls,
+for thou wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of
+earth that bade me this, whether some seer or of the priests that divine
+from sacrifice, then would we declare it false and have no part
+therein; but now, since I have heard the voice of the goddess myself and
+looked upon her face, I will go forth, and her word shall not be void.
+And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the mail-clad Achaians, so
+would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed, when once I have
+taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with moan."
+
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very
+goodly women's robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a
+like number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he
+weighed and brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining
+tripods and four caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of
+Thrace had given him when he went thither on an embassy, a chattel of
+great price, yet not that even did the old man grudge from his halls,
+for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his dear son. Then he drave
+out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them with words of
+rebuke: "Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye no mourning
+of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a small
+thing that Zeus Kronos' son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him that
+was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier
+far shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere
+I behold with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me go down into
+the house of Hades."
+
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth
+before the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding
+Helenos and Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and
+Polites of the loud war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud
+Dios; nine were they whom the old man called and bade unto him: "Haste
+ye, ill sons, my shame; would that ye all in Hector's stead had been
+slain at the swift ships! Woe is me all unblest, since I begat sons the
+best men in wide Troy-land, but none of them is left for me to claim,
+neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his chariot of war, nor Hector
+who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the son of a mortal man
+but of a god:--all these hath Ares slain, and here are my shames all
+left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance, plunderers
+of your own people's sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready a wain
+with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our
+way?"
+
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father's voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on
+the frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke
+with knob well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the
+yoke-band of nine cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the
+polished pole on the rest at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over
+the upright pin, which with three turns of the band they lashed to the
+knob, and then belayed it close round the pole and turned the tongue
+thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and heaped on the
+polished wain the countless ransom of Hector's head, and yoked
+strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam,
+a splendid gift. But to Priam's car they yoked the horses that the old
+man kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their
+cars, with wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at
+heart, with honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they
+might make libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and
+spake a word to Priam by name: "Lo now make libation to father Zeus and
+pray that thou mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy
+heart speedeth thee forth to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest
+not. And next pray to Kronion of the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that
+beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask of him a bird of omen, even the
+swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to him and of mightiest
+strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign with thine own
+eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the fleet-horsed
+Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his messenger,
+I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the Achaians
+how fain soever thou mayest be."
+
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: "Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus,
+if haply he will have pity."
+
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure
+water on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer
+to wash withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from
+his wife: then he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured
+forth wine as he looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: "Father
+Zeus that bearest sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant
+that I find welcome and pity under Achilles' roof, and send a bird of
+omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to thee and
+of mightiest strength, to appear upon the right, that seeing this sign
+with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans."
+
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky
+hunter called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking,
+fitted close, of some rich man's high-roofed hall, so wide were his
+wings either way; and he appeared to them speeding on the right hand
+above the city. And when they saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their
+hearts were glad within their breasts.
+
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from
+the doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the
+four-wheeled wain, and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses
+which the old man urged with the lash at speed along the city: and his
+friends all followed lamenting loud as though he were faring to his
+death. And when they were come down from the city and were now on the
+plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and marriage kin. But the
+two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of far-seeing Zeus.
+But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: "Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou
+wilt, go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians
+that no man behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans' host,
+until he come to the son of Peleus."
+
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not
+disobedient unto his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his
+fair sandals, golden, divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the
+boundless land with the breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand
+wherewith he entranceth the eyes of such men as he will, and others he
+likewise waketh out of sleep: this did the strong slayer of Argus take
+in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he to Troy-land and the
+Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young man that is
+a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men is
+the comeliest.
+
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios,
+halted the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come
+down over the earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and
+marked him, and spake and said to Priam: "Consider, son of Dardanos;
+this is matter of prudent thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full
+soon be rent in pieces. Come, let us flee in our chariot, or else at
+least touch his knees and entreat him that he have mercy on us."
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed
+exceedingly, and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood
+still amazed. But the Helper came nigh of himself and took the old man's
+hand, and spake and questioned him: "Whither, father, dost thou thus
+guide these horses and mules through the divine night, when other
+mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no fear of the fierce-breathing Achaians,
+thy bitter foes that are hard anigh thee? If one of them should espy
+thee carrying such treasures through the swift black night, what then
+would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself, and thy companion
+here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that should
+assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any
+other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in
+thee."
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: "Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god
+stretched forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer
+such as thou to meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy
+form and semblance; and thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents
+art thou sprung."
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: "All this,
+old sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me
+truly whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto
+alien men, where it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye
+are all forsaking holy Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you hath
+perished, even thy son; for of battle with the Achaians abated he never
+a jot."
+
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, "Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate
+of my hapless son."
+
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: "Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft
+seen with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was
+slaying the Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen
+bronze, and we stood still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered
+us not to fight, being wroth against Atreus' son. His squire am I, and
+came in the same well-wrought ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my
+father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and an old man even as thou, and six
+other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With the others I cast lots,
+and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now am I come from
+the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed Achaians will
+set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to be
+sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray."
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: "If verily thou
+art a squire of Achilles Peleus' son, come tell me all the truth,
+whether still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath
+riven him limb from limb and cast him to the dogs."
+
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: "Old sire,
+not yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles' ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn
+now hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither
+worms consume it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles
+draggeth him recklessly around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as
+divine day dawneth, yet marreth he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou
+couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh he lieth, and is washed clean of
+blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his wounds wherewith he was
+stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he be but a dead
+corpse, for they held him dear at heart."
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: "My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the
+Immortals, for never did my child--if that child indeed I had--forget
+in our halls the gods who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they
+remembered this for him, albeit his portion is death. But come now take
+from me this goodly goblet, and guard me myself and guide me, under
+Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of Peleus' son."
+
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: "Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not
+prevail upon me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without
+Achilles' privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him,
+lest some evil come to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would go
+even unto famous Argos, accompanying thee courteously in swift ship or
+on foot. Not from scorn of thy guide would any assail thee then."
+
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he
+swiftly took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit
+into horses and mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench
+of the ships, there were the sentinels just busying them about their
+supper. Then the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them
+all, and straightway opened the gates and thrust back the bars, and
+brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon his wain. And they came
+to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the Myrmidons made for
+their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and thatched it with
+downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and around it made
+for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and the door
+was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar--three of the rest, but
+Achilles by himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes
+the door for the old man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus'
+fleet-footed son, and descended from the chariot to the earth and spake
+aloud: "Old sire, I that have come to thee am an immortal god, even
+Hermes, for my father sent me to companion thee on thy way. But now
+will I depart from thee nor come within Achilles' sight; it were cause
+of wrath that an immortal god should thus show favour openly unto
+mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of Peleus' son and entreat
+him for his father's sake and his mother's of the lovely hair and for
+his child's sake that thou mayest move his soul."
+
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from
+the car to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind
+the horses and mules; but the old man made straight for the house where
+Achilles dear to Zeus was wont to sit. And therein he found the man
+himself, and his comrades sate apart: two only, the hero Automedon and
+Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were busy in attendance; and he was
+lately ceased from meat, even from eating and drinking: and still the
+table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great Priam as he came
+in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees of
+Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam's sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his
+own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to
+the house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on
+him--so Achilles wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest
+wondered likewise, and looked upon one another. Then Priam spake and
+entreated him, saying: "Bethink thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy
+father that is of like years with me, on the grievous pathway of old
+age. Him haply are the dwellers round about entreating evilly, nor is
+there any to ward from him ruin and bane. Nevertheless while he heareth
+of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart, and hopeth withal day
+after day that he shall see his dear son returning from Troy-land. But
+I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had,
+when the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of one
+mother, and concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the more
+part had impetuous Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet left and
+guarded city and men, him slewest thou but now as he fought for his
+country, even Hector. For his sake come I unto the ships of the Achaians
+that I may win him back from thee, and I bring with me untold ransom.
+Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have compassion on me, even me,
+bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more piteous than he, and
+have braved what none other man on earth hath braved before, to stretch
+forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my sons."
+
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old man's hand and gently moved him back. And
+as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying
+Hector wept sore as he was fallen before Achilles' feet, and Achilles
+wept for his own father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan
+went up throughout the house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him
+with lament, and the desire thereof departed from his heart and limbs,
+straightway he sprang from his seat and raised the old man by his hand,
+pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and spake unto him winged words
+and said: "Ah hapless! many ill things verily thou hast endured in thy
+heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the Achaians and to
+meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave sons? of
+iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we will
+let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable
+men, that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For
+two urns stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and
+one with blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning
+dealeth a mingled lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on
+good, but to whom he giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to
+scorn, and evil famine chaseth him over the goodly earth, and he is a
+wanderer honoured of neither gods nor men. Even thus to Peleus gave the
+gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he excelled all men in good
+fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and mortal though he
+was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on him God
+brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death.
+Neither may I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country
+I am dwelling in Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee,
+old sire, we have heard how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all
+that Lesbos, seat of Makar, boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia
+farther up and the vast Hellespont--of all these folk, men say, thou
+wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after that the Powers of
+Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and man-slayings
+around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy heart.
+For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee."
+
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: "Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the
+huts, but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine
+eyes; and accept thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou
+have pleasure thereof, and come unto thy native land, since thou hast
+spared me from the first."
+
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: "No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee,
+for there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me,
+daughter of the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind,
+nor am unaware that some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift
+ships of the Achaians. For no mortal man, even though in prime of youth,
+would dare to come among the host, for neither could he escape the
+watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of our doors. Therefore now stir
+my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave not even thee in peace,
+old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant, and lest I
+transgress the commandment of Zeus."
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son
+of Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone,
+for with him went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom
+above all his comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was
+dead. They then loosed from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led
+in the old man's crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from the wain
+of goodly felloes they took the countless ransom set on Hector's head.
+But they left two robes and a well-spun doublet, that Achilles might
+wrap the dead therein when he gave him to be carried home. And he called
+forth handmaids and bade them wash and anoint him when they had borne
+him apart, so that Priam should not look upon his son, lest he should
+not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he should look upon
+his son, and lest Achilles' heart be vexed thereat and he slay him and
+transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had washed the
+body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe and a
+doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his
+comrades with him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned
+aloud and called on his dear comrade by his name: "Patroklos, be not
+vexed with me if thou hear even in the house of Hades that I have given
+back noble Hector unto his dear father, for not unworthy is the ransom
+he hath given me, whereof I will deal to thee again thy rightful share."
+
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down
+on the cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite
+wall, and spake a word to Priam: "Thy son, old sire, is given back as
+thou wouldest and lieth on a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt
+see him thyself as thou carriest him. But now bethink we us of supper.
+For even fair-haired Niobe bethought her of meat, she whose twelve
+children perished in her halls, six daughters and six lusty sons. The
+sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew with arrows from his
+silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that Niobe matched
+herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare but
+twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was
+there any to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on
+the tenth day the gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought her
+of meat, when she was wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere now
+among the cliffs, on the lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where they
+say are the couching-places of nymphs that dance around Acheloos, there
+she, albeit a stone, broodeth still over her troubles from the gods. But
+come let us too, noble father, take thought of meat, and afterward thou
+shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou carriest him to Ilios; and many
+tears shall be his due."
+
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep,
+and his comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and
+divided it cunningly and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully
+and drew all off. And Automedon took bread and served it on a table in
+fair baskets, while Achilles dealt out the flesh. And they stretched
+forth their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them. But when
+they had put off the desire of meat and drink, then Priam son of
+Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was and how goodly,
+for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at Priam son
+of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words. But
+when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the
+old man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: "Now presently give me whereon to
+lie, fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our
+fill at rest: for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids
+since at thy hands my son lost his life, but I continually mourn and
+brood over countless griefs, grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the
+mire. Now at last have I tasted bread and poured bright wine down my
+throat, but till now I had tasted naught."
+
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead
+beneath the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread
+coverlets above and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over
+all. And the maids went forth from the inner hail with torches in their
+hands, and quickly spread two beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning
+[in his reference to Agamemnon] said fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam:
+"Lie thou without, dear sire, lest there come hither one of the
+counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take counsel with me by my
+side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee through the swift
+black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon shepherd of
+the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead. But
+come say this to me and tell it true, how many days' space thou art fain
+to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide
+and may keep back the host."
+
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: "If thou art
+verily willing that I accomplish noble Hector's funeral, by doing as
+thou sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we
+are pent within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch,
+and the Trojans are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in
+our halls, and on the tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall
+feast, and on the eleventh we will make, a barrow over him, and on the
+twelfth we will do battle if need be."
+
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: "All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle
+even so long a time as thou tellest me."
+
+Thus speaking he clasped the old man's right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house
+laid them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their
+hearts, but Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and
+beside him lay fair-cheeked Briseis.
+
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night,
+by soft sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold
+as he sought within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from
+the ships unespied of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head
+and spake a word to him: "Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any
+evil, seeing thou yet sleepest among men that are thine enemies, for
+that Achilles spared thee. Truly now hast thou won back thy dear son,
+and at great price. But for thy life will thy sons thou hast left behind
+be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon Atreus' son be aware of
+thee, and aware be all the Achaians."
+
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes
+yoked the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly
+through the camp, and none was aware of them.
+
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high
+Olympus, and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And
+they with wail and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew
+the dead. Nor marked them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra,
+peer of golden Aphrodite, having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her
+dear father as he stood in the car, and the herald that was crier to the
+town. Then beheld she him that lay upon the bier behind the mules, and
+thereat she wailed and cried aloud throughout all the town: "O men and
+women of Troy, come ye hither and look upon Hector, if ever while he was
+alive ye rejoiced when he came back from battle, since great joy was he
+to the city and all the folk."
+
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all
+came unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home
+the dead. First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast
+them on the fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them
+stood the throng and wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun
+they had lamented Hector in tears without the gate, had not the old man
+spoken from the car among the folk: "Give me place for the mules to pass
+through; hereafter ye shall have your fill of wailing, when I have
+brought him unto his home."
+
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And
+the others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a
+fretted bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who
+wailed a mournful lay, while the women made moan with them. And among
+the women white-armed Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands
+she held the head of Hector slayer of men: "Husband, thou art gone young
+from life, and leavest me a widow in thy halls. And the child is yet but
+a little one, child of ill-fated parents, thee and me; nor methinks
+shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then shall this city be utterly
+destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst watch over it, who
+guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant little ones.
+These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too with
+them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where
+thou shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some
+harsh lord, or else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee
+from the battlement, a grievous death, for that he is wroth because
+Hector slew his brother or father or son, since full many of the
+Achaians in Hector's hands have bitten the firm earth. For no light hand
+had thy father in the grievous fray. Therefore the folk lament him
+throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and mourning hast thou left to
+thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall grievous pain abide.
+For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed in thy death,
+neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have thought
+on evermore as my tears fall night and day."
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them
+Hekabe again led the loud lament: "Hector, of all my children far
+dearest to my heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the
+gods, and even in thy doom of death have they had care for thee. For
+other sons of mine whom he took captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond
+the unvintaged sea unto Samos and Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when
+with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee of thy life he was fain to
+drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even Patroklos whom thou
+slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all dewy and
+fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts."
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen
+led their sore lament: "Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest
+to my heart! Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to
+Troy-land--would I had died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year
+since I went thence and am gone from my own native land, but never yet
+heard I evil or despiteful word from thee; nay, if any other haply
+upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether brother or sister of thine or
+brother's fair-robed wife, or thy mother--but thy father is ever kind to
+me as he were my own--then wouldst thou soothe such with words and
+refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by thy gentle words.
+Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless self with
+thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and kind
+to me, but all men shudder at me."
+
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: "Bring wood,
+men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a
+crafty ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he
+sent me from the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until the
+twelfth morn arise."
+
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then
+they flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of
+wood. But when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they
+forth brave Hector, weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the
+dead man, and thereon cast fire.
+
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector's pyre. First quenched they
+with bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire's strength went,
+and then his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting,
+and big tears flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid
+in a golden urn, shrouding them in soft purple robes, and straightway
+laid the urn in a hollow grave and piled thereon great close-set stones,
+and heaped with speed a barrow, while watchers were set everywhere
+around, lest the well-greaved Achaians should make onset before the
+time. And when they had heaped the barrow they went back, and gathered
+them together and feasted right well in noble feast at the palace of
+Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Homer's Iliad translated by
+Lang, Leaf, and Myers.
+
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