MASTER 
 Ν EGA Τ IV Ε 
 
 NO. 
 
 
MICROFILMED 1991 
 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES/NEW YORK 
 
 ii 
 
 as part of the 
 Foundations of Western Civilization Preservation Project" 
 
 Funded by the 
 NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES 
 
 Reproductions may not be made without permission from 
 
 Columbia University Library 
 
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
 
 The copyright law of the United States - Title 17, United 
 States Code - concerns the making of photocopies or other 
 reproductions of copyrighted material... 
 
 Columbia University Library reserves the right to refuse to 
 accept a copy order if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order 
 would involve violation of the copyright law. 
 
AUTHOR: 
 
 HOMERUS 
 
 TITLE: 
 
 THE ILIAD OF HOMER 
 
 PLACE: 
 
 LONDON 
 
 DA Τ Ε : 
 
Restrictions on Use: 
 
 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES 
 PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT 
 
 BIBLIOGRAPHIC ΜΤΓΠΓίροΚΜ TARHFt 
 
 Master Negative # 
 
 "-i 
 
 Original Material as Filmed - Existing Bibliographic Record 
 
 |. ii i i i i .. i H (i . w i,H^. i i ii _ i i nm i i> . , * Wiimiim \ mm i^u m m mpm-mFwrn^if^ 
 
 Iliae Eng• M o rrx ,^ 
 Homorufl• ^S^, 
 
 The Iliad of Homer, translated into EngUsh ^ 
 blank verse, by the Bev. James Morrioe•.. London, 1 
 ^/liite, 1809• '^ 
 
 2 V. 21^ cm• 
 
 ^1 1 I '.: r 
 
 ^ 
 
 ν 
 
 
 TECHNICAL MICROFORM DATA 
 
 FILM SlZE:_2Ssr<}~^r(\ 
 
 IMAGE PLACEMENT: lA <^^ m im 
 
 DATE FILMED:__ Wa ySVA 7 TWITTatc ^Γ 
 
 REDUCTION RATIO: // V 
 
d 
 
 Association for information and Image IManagement 
 
 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1100 
 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 
 
 301/587-82Ό2 
 
 Centimeter 
 
 12 3 4 
 
 lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 
 
 Mil 
 
 I I 
 
 Inches 
 
 TTT 
 
 1 
 
 llllllllllll 
 
 7 8 
 
 imiliiiiL 
 
 9 
 
 iiiiliin 
 
 lllllllilllll|llli| llll|lllilllllllllllllllllljll 
 
 10 
 
 null 
 
 TTT 
 
 11 12 
 
 llllllllllllll 
 
 13 14 
 
 llllllllllllllllll 
 
 15 mm 
 
 TTT 
 
 .0 
 
 l.i 
 
 1.25 
 
 m 
 m 
 
 tii 
 
 I&3 
 
 ■ 71 
 
 1.4 
 
 2.8 
 
 2.5 
 
 3.2 
 
 2.2 
 
 3.6 
 
 
 4.0 
 
 2.0 
 
 
 1.8 
 
 
 1.6 
 
 
 
 MflNUFflCTURED TO RUM STfiNDfiRDS 
 BY nPPLIED IMfiGE, INC. 
 

> ^» ^'•r 
 
 4 
 
 Coiumtiia Winibtviitp ^ 
 
 in tfte Clip of i^eto |iorfe 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 J 
 
 \"*-v 
 
 I 
 
 'J 
 
 Λ 
 
 
 
 / 
 
 P\ 
 
THE 
 
 ILIAD OF HOMER, 
 
 TRANSLATED 
 
 INTO 
 
 ENGLISH BLAKK VERSE 
 
 By the Rev. JAMES MORRICE, A. M, 
 
 LATE STUDENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD, 
 
 RECTOR OF BETSHANGER, IN THE COUNTY OF KENT, 
 
 AND VICAR OF FLOWER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. L 
 
 iLonliou : 
 
 PRINTED FOR JOHN WHITE, FLEET STREET, 
 EV RICHARD TAYLOR AND CO., SHOE LANE. 
 
 1809. 
 

 TO 
 
 HER ROYAL HIGHNESS 
 
 THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE OF WALES 
 
 >^- ^ 34 oy 
 
 V 'V-irda 
 
 THIS TRANSLATION 
 
 OF 
 
 TX17 
 
 THE ILIAD OF HOMER 
 
 IS BY PERMISSION 
 
 I 
 
 MOST RESPECTFULLY 
 
 AND MOST HUMBLY INSCRIBED. 
 
TO THE READER. 
 
 ΊΙ 
 
 I 
 
 IN offering a Translation of Homer's Iliad to 
 the notice of the public, the author feels it in- 
 cumbent upon him abundantly to apologize; 
 premising that it was begun many years since, 
 and continued occasionally during a life of re- 
 tirement as an amusement rather than with any 
 view to publication. By what motives he may 
 have been induced to add one to the versions 
 which have been given in the English language 
 it is not material to relate; nor, if related, could 
 it be presumed that others should see in them 
 sufficient reason for obtruding it on the world, 
 what influence soever they might have on his 
 own mind. It may be necessary, however, to 
 make mention of the several translations of 
 Homer which have already appeared. They 
 are in number five, by the following authors, — 
 Chapman, Hobbes, Ogilby, Pope, and Cowper. 
 It is by no means the intention, nor indeed 
 could it well be expected, that the author of 
 the present should give his opinion, or endea- 
 vour to point out their respective merits, — still 
 
 a2 
 
[ viii ] 
 
 less to animadvert on their errors: they are 
 before a discerning public, most of them, in- 
 deed, long since, and have assuredly been duly 
 appreciated by those better qualified to deliver 
 a more impartial judgement. It has been said 
 that the business of a translator is to enter so 
 fully by attention and study into the mind of 
 his original, that he may, as it were, look on 
 every thing Λvith the same eyes, and feel with 
 the same soul. The author of the following 
 attempt to render into English blank verse the 
 sublime work of the father of poetry, is indeed 
 far, very far from presuming to think that he 
 has seen with the same eyes, or felt with the 
 same soul as his original. But he certainly has 
 made it his endeavour to enter in some degree 
 into the spirit of his author, to give his mean- 
 ing, though he may have deviated in wor^s ; 
 careful to the best of his ability to preserve that 
 venerable cast of antiquity, that simplicity and 
 dignity of character and manner peculiar to 
 Homer. At the same time the translator can- 
 not but be well aware that in the more difficult 
 and obscure passages of an antient Greek poet, 
 he may in various instances have either miscon- 
 ceived or misunderstood his author ; and if he 
 has inadvertently omitted any material part, 
 
 HiiHlJtlliii ιΓ'η1ιιι«Ι[*ιι 
 
 [ ix ] 
 
 or indiscreetly added to the sentiments or ex- 
 pressions so as to do him discredit, he has to 
 claim from the liberality and candour of the 
 learned that indulgence which so laborious an 
 undertaking and so difficult a work might natu- 
 rally lead him to expect. If from this attempt 
 others should be incited to look into and study 
 the original with more minute attention, he shall 
 not think his pains altogether thrown away, or 
 his labour misappUed : and if any one more 
 competent should from hence be induced to 
 employ his superior acquirenients in giving a 
 more faithful and correct, and at the same time 
 a truly poetical version of the Ihad, no incon- 
 siderable advantage will thence accrue to Eng- 
 lish literature in general, and to poetry in parti- 
 cular ; since from this immortal work of Homer, 
 poetry, both the art and the spirit of it, is, by 
 the concurring opinion and acknowledgement of 
 mankind, almost wholly and solely to be de- 
 rived. 
 
 The translator cannot close this address 
 without noticing an omission of some lines in 
 the description of the sacrifice in the Second 
 Book, which from oversi^^ht were not inserted 
 in the copy transcribed for the press ; it should 
 have been the same as that in the first book, 
 
[ ^ ] 
 
 to which the reader is referred : in the original 
 they are both the same. Indeed, in many in- 
 stances speeches, descriptions, simihes, &c. are 
 repeated in Homer, for which repetition we 
 may presume he had good reason, though it 
 has not escaped censure. But in a translation 
 such omission ought assuredly not to have been 
 made ; at the same time, if it \vere permitted 
 him to form a wish, it would be, that, in the 
 mode and manner of killing, preparing, and 
 dressing victims for sacrifice, no such minute 
 repetition had occurred; and that one detail 
 of circumstances, neither very pleasing nor 
 poetical, had been deemed by Homer himself 
 fully sufficient for the information of future 
 times in this religious ceremony, supposed to 
 have been in use at the siege of Troy. 
 
 i 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 OP 
 
 THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 BOOK 1. 
 
 Invocation.— Petition of Chrises.— Dissension of the 
 Kings. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 The Vision. — Council of the Grecians. — Catalogue of the 
 Ships. 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 Paris and Menelaus engage in single Combat. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 Council of the Gods. — Truce dissolved. — War renewed. 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 Diomed signalized — Wounds Venus and Mars. 
 
 BOOK VI. 
 
 Trojans invoke Pallas.— interview of Hector and Andro- 
 mache. 
 
 BOOK VII. 
 
 Single 'Combat between Ajax and Hector. 
 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 Council of the Gods.— Jupiter forbids their Interference. 
 
Xll 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 BOOK IX. 
 
 Phoenix, Ajax, and Ulysses, sent to Achilles• 
 
 BOOK X. 
 
 Diomed and Ulysses enter the Trojan Camp. 
 
 BOOK XI. 
 
 Agamemnon and other Chiefs wounded. — Patroclus sent 
 to Nestor's Tent. 
 
 BOOK XII. 
 
 The Trojans successful. — Hector bursts open the Gates. 
 
 Ψ 
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD, 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 biNG, Muse, the fatal wrath of Peleus' son, 
 Which to the Greeks unnumbVed evils brought. 
 And many heroes to the realms of night 
 Sent premature ; and gave their limbs a prey 
 To dogs and birds : for such the will of Jove, -5 
 When fierce contention rose between the chiefs, 
 Achilles, and Atrides king of men. _ 
 
 Say first who caus'd this most pernicious feud. — 
 Latona's son ; who, with the king enrag'd, 
 Sent pestilential sickness through the host, 10 
 
 Avenging the dishonour of his priest 
 Chryses, a suppliant at the Grecian fleet. 
 With ransom large his daughter to release : 
 The sceptre of Apollo in his hand 
 He bore; and to the Greeks address'd his pray'r; 15 
 To Atreus' sons, chief captains of the host. ^' 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 CC 
 
 (C 
 
 ^^ Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Grecian chiefs. 
 May the gods favour your victorious arms, 
 And grant you safe return! Yet hear my pray'r: 
 " Restore my daughter, and her ransom take ; 20 
 '' And reverence Apollo, sprung from Jove." 
 The Greeks w^ith one consent their wish de- 
 clared 
 The priest to honour and accept the gifts : 
 Not such the mind of Atreus' warlike son. 
 Who with reproach dismiss'd, and threat severe. 25 
 
 " Let me not find thee loitering at our ships ; 
 " Nor shall thy age, shouldst thou return again, 
 " Nor sceptre of thy god, protect thee here ; 
 ^' I will not let her go, till worn with age. 
 
 In Argos, in our house, she ply the loom, 30 
 The partner of my bed : hence then, begone, 
 *^ Nor wake my anger, wouldst thou safe depart." 
 
 He spake ; when Chryses trembled, and obeyed : 
 Silent, he hastened to the boisterous shore. 
 And thus to Phoebus, from Latona sprung 35 
 
 Bright-hair'd, preferr d his pray'r : " Thy servant 
 
 " hear, 
 " God of the silver bow ; whom Cylla fair 
 " And Tenedos obey : if, with pure hands, 
 ^^ To thee I Ve paid the grateful sacrifice ; 
 
 cc 
 
 6C 
 
 CC 
 
 i 
 
 And with just rites thy sacred altars crown'd, 
 ^^ Hear me, Ο hear ! soon may the Grecian host 
 " Deeply regret my unavailing tears Γ' 
 
 Thus Chryses ; and Apollo heard his plaint. 
 And swift descended from Olympus' height ; 
 His bow and arrows rattled at his side : 45 
 
 Downward he bent his way ; as night he mov'd 
 Baneful, and sent his fatal arrows forth : 
 Dire was the clangor of the silver bow. 
 
 First the contagion, to inferior beasts 
 Confin d, the dogs and mules alone destroyed ; 50 
 Then men a prey to his relentless ire 
 Fell; and incessant burnt the funeral pile. 
 Nine days the fatal shafts with force increased 
 Were scattered through the host: when, on the 
 
 tenth, 
 Achilles summon'd all the Grecian chiefs, 55 
 
 Warn'd by the watchful care of heav n's high Queen ; 
 Who saw and deeply sorrowed at their fate: 
 To whom, assembled, thus Achilles spake: 
 
 " Must we, then, measure back our wandVing 
 " course, 
 " Atrides, if we thus may death escape ; Co 
 
 Since pestilence and war united rage, 
 " And thin our ranks ? Let us forthwith consult 
 
 Β 2 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 ii 
 
 tc 
 
 <( 
 
 Some prophet well instructed ; some wise seer. 
 Interpreter of dreams, oft sent from Jove; 
 Who may declare, why dread Apollo thus 65 
 Pours his displeasure on us; whether vows 
 Neglected, or imperfect sacrifice. 
 Give just offence: how we may best remove. 
 By service due, this dire calamity." 
 Thus spake Achilles. Calchas then uprose, 70 
 Skiird in mysterious knov^ledge of events 
 Past, present, and to come : whose potent art, 
 I'he gift of Phoebus, to the Trojan shores 
 Conducted safe the numerous fleet of Greece : 
 Who thus his speech address'd : "Favoured of heav'n, 
 " Achilles, you command me to declare 76 
 
 " Why Phoebus, angry, thus afflicts our host. 
 " Under the sanction, then, of such command, 
 " I will the cause unfold ; yet, note it well, 
 
 I must thy aid, thy strong protection claim, 80 
 And that confirmed by oath : for well I know 
 " Displeasure waits me, and the wrath of him 
 " Who bears with us supreme and sovereign sway; 
 " Who may dissemble for a while, and wait 
 " Fit opportunity of time and place 85 
 
 " To satiate his revenge : wilt thou protect me ?" 
 To whom Achilles : " Speak, and boldly too. 
 
 <( 
 
 <( 
 
 rilf I'iin'iiiiWtaiikiiiiiiiliriiiiltgiaiiiiiiiitliiiiailMIWa lnig 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 " What thou dost know : for by thy god I swear, 
 
 " By Phoebus, none of all the Grecian host, 
 
 " Whilst I am living to assert thy cause, 90 
 
 *^ Shall do thee wrong. No ; not Atrides' self, 
 
 " Who boasts with us supreme and sovereign powV." 
 
 Encourag'd thus, the blameless prophet spake : 
 
 " Not for neglected vows, nor sacrifice, 
 " But that Atrides hath disgrac'd his priest, 95 
 
 *^ Still holds his daughter in captivity, 
 " Rejecting pray'rs and gifts, doth Phoebus pour 
 ^^ His wrath upon our host, and yet will pour. 
 ^^ Nor may the raging pestilence abate, 
 " Till, to her father's longing arms restor'd, 100 
 " Unransom'd, unredeemed, the beauteous maid 
 *^ Have conduct safe ; and sacrifices due 
 *^ In Chrysa's isle appease the offended god." 
 Thus Calchas, and retir'd : when from his seat 
 Atrides rose: stern anger knit his brow, 105 
 
 And from his eye-balls flash'd indignant fire ; 
 Calchas he thus address'd : " Ο prophet vile, 
 " Studious to utter what I disijpprove ; 
 " Words inauspicious ever to my views. 
 " As if Apollo's wrath for this were rous'd, 1 10 
 
 " Because I captive hold the beauteous maid 
 *' Chryseis, and the proffer'd gifts refuse. 
 
i 
 
 mm 
 
 ίζ 
 iC 
 
 C( 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 «re 
 
 6C 
 
 cc 
 
 u 
 
 <i 
 
 THE ILIAD. 1. 
 
 Not Clytemnestra, partner of my bed^ 
 With her may be compared, beyond her sex 
 Gifted with excellencies manifold, 115 
 
 In mind, as in her form, superior still : 
 Yet even her, if best, I will restore. 
 To save my people from calamity : 
 Shall I then unrewarded be, alone 
 Of all the Grecian chiefs ? That may not be; 120 
 Nor is it right : prepare me then a gift, 
 And instantly, for this, you see, is gone.'* 
 To whom Achilles : " Ο illustrious chief, 
 Of wealth insatiate ; from what latent store 
 May we provide an adequate reward ? 125 
 
 The spoils of captur'd cities are dispersed : 
 Restore but this, and with unbounded gifts 
 We will reward thee, when great Jove ijhall give 
 The Trojan city to our conquering arms." 
 Atrides answer d : " Think not to deceive, 130 
 Great as thou art, Achilles, with vain words, 
 And empty promises of gifts to come ; 
 Shalt thou retain the spoil, whilst I alone. 
 At thy command too, yield my valued prize ? 
 If then another be prepar d, in worth 135 
 
 Equal, 't is well ; if not, I shall demand 
 Or Ajax' prize, or thine, or the rich gift 
 
 1 
 
 I. 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 cc 
 f( 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 f 
 
 ζ( 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Ulysses owns ; nor shall I heed his rage. 
 
 But this we will consider more at large : 
 
 At present, let a vessel be prepared, 1 40 
 
 Well furnish'd, well appointed ; and therein 
 
 Place we a hecatomb for sacrifice. 
 
 And give safe conduct to the captive maid : 
 
 And further, we appoint to this command 
 
 Ajax, Ulysses, or Idomeneus, 145 
 
 Or thee, Achilles, most renown d of men ; 
 
 That with due rites and sacrifices meet 
 
 You may appease the anger of the god." 
 
 Achilles, sternly looking, thus replied : 
 
 Ο fraught with insolence and crafty wiles! 150 
 
 How can we, cheerfully, thy will obey. 
 
 Whether to form the secret ambuscade. 
 
 Or combat danger in the doubtful war ? 
 
 I came not here for any just oflTence, 
 
 Or cause of war ; nor do I Trojans blame; 155 
 
 For never did they plunder and despoil 
 
 The Phthian cities and their fertile fields ; 
 
 Since tracts immense, and oceans dangerous. 
 
 Sever my kingdom from the realms of Troy. 
 
 For thee, and for thy fame, Ο shameless man, 160 
 
 We did embark in this unthankful cause : 
 
 Yet now thou wouldst deprive me of my gift. 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 h 
 
 t{ 
 
 c< 
 
 My well-earn'd gift, the Grecians have hestow'd i 
 I never share an equal part with thee, 
 /^ From battle gain d, or city overthrown ; l65 
 
 ^* The shock of arms> the danger of the field, 
 " These hands sustain ; but, when partition comes, 
 ^^ You reap the vantage ; whilst, dear bought, and 
 
 " small^ 
 ^^ I to the ships convey my humbler prize : 
 '^ Know then, to Phthia I again return, 170 
 
 " For so IS best ; nor can it be that thou 
 ^* Or wealth or profit reap from my disgrace.'* 
 
 Atrides quick retum'd : '' Fly hence, begone * 
 " I neither court thy aid, nor ask thy stay ; 
 " Others will pay me honours requisite, 175 
 
 ". Princes and mighty chiefs ; but, above all, 
 ^' Great Jove himself, in counsel excellent. 
 '' Know then, I hate thee ; for thou dost delight 
 ^' In fierce contention and destructive war : 
 
 Though brave, thy courage is the gift of Heav'n. 
 Home with thy forces and thy ships return; 181 
 " In Phthia rule supreme ; I heed thee not ; 
 " Thy anger I despise, and tell thee more, — 
 '^ Smce Phoebus fair Chryseis thus reclaims, 
 " My ships, my friends, shall safe conduct her 
 " hence; 185 
 
 i( 
 
 cc 
 
 % 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 9 
 
 " And from thy tent I will Briseis take, 
 
 " Thy gift ; that thou mayst know how much I 
 
 *^ boast 
 *^ Superior sway ; and others hence may fear 
 *^ To equal, to compare themselves with me." 
 
 He spake : when doubtful thoughts the mind en- 
 gaged 190 
 Of stern Achilles, overwhelm'd with grief. 
 Or from his side to draw his fatal sword. 
 And, rushing forward, pierce the monarch's breast. 
 Or check his anger, and his rage subdue. 
 But, whilst he thus deliberating stood, 195 
 And grasp'd his tnighty sword, Minerva swift 
 Descended, sent by Juno's watchful care. 
 To all unseen, invisible, but him ; 
 Behind she stood, and seiz'd his yellow hair." 
 Achilles turn'd, astonish'd ; straight he knew 200 
 The dazzling splendour of her radiant eye ; 
 And thus in haste address'd the heav'nly power : 
 " And art thou come, daughter of Jove supreme, 
 " To view this insult ? Soon shall Atreus' son, 
 ^' For such my fixed purpose, with his life 203 
 " Pay the just forfeit of his haughty pride." 
 
 To whom Minerva thus : " From heav'n I come, 
 " To check, if it may be, thy rage ; sent down 
 
 *i^- 
 
.;■■* 
 
 10 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 11 
 
 " By Juno, who to both extends her care : 
 
 " Cease then from wrath, nor draw thy fatal sword: 
 
 ^^ With words alone contend, and keen reproach : 
 
 " The time will come, nor is it distant far, 
 
 ^' When thou shalt amply be repaid for this : 
 
 " Only attend my voice, and curb thy rage." 
 
 Achilles answer d : " To thy will I bend, 215 
 " Goddess, though much incens'd: the heav'nly 
 
 " powVs 
 *^ Attend his prayV, who willingly obeys." 
 
 He spake ; and on the scabbard fixM his hand. 
 And sheath'd his mighty sword ; nor disobey'd 
 Minerva's high behest ; who wing'd to heav'n 220 
 Her rapid flight, the seat of Jove supreme. 
 Nor ceas'd Achilles ; but with keen reproach 
 And bitter taunts Atrides thus pursued : 
 
 " Intemperate, insolent, yet coward base ; 
 '' Who never dar st to arm thyself for war, 225 
 
 " Or doubtful ambuscade ; who dost prefer 
 " To plunder of his just reward that man 
 " Who shall presume to contravert thy will ; 
 Oppressive monarch, of an abject race ; 
 To this thy insult thou canst nothing add. 230 
 *' I tell thee, then, and with an oath confirm, 
 *' By this my sceptre, which nor leaves shall bear, 
 
 (C 
 
 (( 
 
 i6 
 
 i( 
 
 ζ( 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 ^^ Nor branches, on the lofty mountain top 
 " Cut from the parent stock ;— emblem of powV 
 Now made, and royalty, and chief command, 235 
 Amongst the Greeks,— oath of no mean import, — 
 If, as it surely must, necessity 
 Shall urge the Grecians to implore my aid. 
 When many fall by Hector's slaught'ring hand ; 
 Severe remorse shall wring thy inmost soul, 240 
 Who hast disgrac'd the bravest of thy host " 
 He spake, and on the ground his sceptre cast. 
 Studded with gold ; and to his seat returned. 
 Enrag'd Atrides rose ; when with mild words 
 Sage Nestor interpos'd ; through Pylos fam'd 245 
 For soft, persuasive eloquence of speech ; 
 Sweeter than honey flow'd his liquid voice ; 
 Two generations now had pass'd away 
 Of men endued with speech articulate. 
 Since he the sceptre sway'd ; and o'er a third 250 
 In Pyios fam'd he reign'd : who thus address'd 
 The fierce contending chiefs : " Ο gracious Heav'n ! 
 " What dire calamity o'er Greece impends ! 
 " How Priam will exult, and Priam's sons, 
 " When they shall hear of this unhappy feud ! 255 
 " You who in council, who in war excel, 
 " Listen the voice of reason, the result 
 
 
12 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 " Of long experience, and maturer age ; 
 " For I with men of still superior might 
 ^^ Have converse held, and they have heard my 
 
 ζ( 
 
 voice : 
 
 260 
 
 
 iC 
 
 u 
 u 
 
 i( 
 cc 
 
 9C 
 
 €C 
 €C 
 
 U 
 iC 
 
 Nor shall these eyes behold such men again ; 
 Pyrithous, Euneus, Polyphemus huge, 
 Exadius, Druas, Theseus, mighty chiefs, 
 Theseus -^gides, like a god in arms. 
 These were the bravest men of mortal race ; 26*5 
 The mightiest these, who fought with fiercest 
 
 " beasts, 
 With rapid Centaurs from the mountain height 
 Rushing amain, and fearfully destroy'd. ^ 
 With such I fought, far from my native land. 
 From Apia, call'd to aid the dang'rous war : 270 
 None might with such contend, of mortal race. 
 In these degenerate days : great as they w^ere. 
 They heard my counsel, and obey'd my voice : 
 By their example led, hear, and attend ; 
 Neither do thou, great as thou art, deprive 2^5 
 Achilles of the prize the Grecians gave : 
 Nor thou, Achilles, with the king contend 
 Adverse ; for never king before obtained 
 From Jove supreme such honour and renown : 
 However brave, and from a goddess sprung, 280 
 
 I, 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 ic 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 13 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 Yet Agamemnon bears the chief command. 
 
 And you, Atrides, cease your wrath, Ο cease : 
 
 Let my entreaties cause you to forget 
 
 Your anger with Achilles, and forgive ; 
 
 By fate decreed the bulwark of the war." 285 
 
 To whom Atrides : " Venerable chief. 
 
 Just are thy words, and what thou sayst is true : 
 
 But that this man would lord it over all ; — 
 
 All govern, all command, most absolute. 
 
 And uncontroFd, — he shall not find it so : 290 
 
 Because endued with more than mortal strength. 
 
 Shall he reproachful and calumnious prove ?" 
 
 Achilles interrupted hastily : 
 
 Indeed I might be deem'd of abject mind. 
 
 Should I to thee in every thing submit. 295 
 
 Issue thy mandates then, but not to me ; — 
 
 No longer I acknowledge thy command : 
 
 And further I declare, and note it well, 
 
 I will not, to retain this prize, contend 
 
 In arms with thee, opposing force by force : 300 
 
 But of my other gifts, deposited 
 
 Within my ships, shouldst thou touch one of them; 
 
 Make but the attempt, all present here shall know, 
 
 This spear, and instantly, shall end thy life." 
 
 B7 
 
 

 14 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 
 Thus they contended ; when the council rose ; 
 Achilles, with Patroclus, to his tent 306 
 
 And ships retired : meantime Atrides bade 
 Prepare a vessel, mann'd, and well equipped. 
 And, for due sacrifice, a hecatomb 
 To Phoebus ; and with conduct safe embarked 310 
 The fair Chryseis, to the prudent care 
 Consigned of wise Ulysses, who forthwith 
 Through ocean's pathless waters steer d his course. 
 
 To Phoebus now (lustration duly made 
 Throughout the host) they sacrifice prepared, 315 
 From herds and num'rous flocks ; whole hecatombs 
 In order meet : from the deep-sounding shore. 
 The fragrance, wrapt in smoke, ascends the sky. 
 
 Thus they were occupied. Nathless the king 
 Ceas'd not, determined still to execute 320 
 
 The fatal purpose of his angry mind : 
 But caird Talthibius and Euribates, 
 His faithful heralds, whom he thus address'd : 
 
 " Heralds, proceed you to Achilles' tent 
 " Without delay ; and take Briseis thence : 325 
 " If he should dare refuse, we will ourselves, 
 " Duly attended, come ; inform him so." 
 
 Sternly he spake. They by the winding shore 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 15 
 
 ίί 
 
 <c 
 
 Went, with no willing minds ; and at his tent 
 Found him reclining, griev'd at their approach. 330 
 With reverential awe and fear thev stood 
 
 ml 
 
 Silent: not uninform'd, Achilles spake: 
 
 " Hail, blameless messengers of gods and men, 
 " Approach ; I Agamemnon blame, not you, 
 " Who for my prize Briseis sent you here : 335 
 " Lead her then forth, Patroclus, I entreat, 
 " And to their care commend : I call you both 
 To witness, before heav'nly pow'rs, and men, 
 And this relentless king; if to my aid, 340 
 
 " In this dread war, you needs must have i-ecourse, 
 " Yet sure with blind pernicious rage he bums, 
 " Improvident ; nor at his ships foresees 
 *^ Impending ruin and disastrous war." 
 
 He said : Patroclus from the inmost tent 
 Led forth, and to their prudent care consign'd 345 
 The fair Briseis : to the Grecian fleet. 
 Her, much unwilling, they conduct along. 
 And sorrowing much. But, from his friends retir'd, 
 Achilles sought the shore ; and o'er the main 
 Bending his view, thus with uplifted hands 360 
 Address'd his parent, goddess of the sea : 
 '' Parent immortal, hear thy short-liv'd son ! 
 " Ο had the Fates and mighty Jove ordain d 
 
; 'Γ 
 
 m 
 
 16 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 17 
 
 m 
 
 '^ A greater share of honour ! now disgrac'd 
 
 *' By Agatnemnon, who my prize hath torn 355 
 
 " Forcibly from me ; I implore thy aid." 
 
 He spake deep-sighing. Him his mother heard. 
 Sitting with Nereus, in the depths profound : 
 Quick rising like a cloud, she touch'd his hand 
 Caressing, and with kindest words address'd : SGo 
 ^^ My son, why weepest thou ? what newer grief 
 " Afflicts thy mind, and that unknown to me? 
 " Conceal it not 5 speak, that we both may know." 
 Sighing he answered : '^ Parent much belov'd, 
 ^^ Thou knowest all things ; why need I relate ? 365 
 ^\ We took Eetion s sacred city Thebes, 
 " And hither brought the spoil j the assembled 
 
 " Greeks 
 ^' To each respective chief his prize assigned : 
 " To Agamemnon first, Chryseis fair ; 
 ^^ Her father, priest of dread Apollo, came 3^0 
 
 " A humble suppliant to the Grecian fleet, 
 <^ With ransom large, his daughter to release. 
 " The sceptre of Apollo in his hand 
 " He bore, and to the Greeks addressed his pray'r; 
 " To Atreus' sons, chief captains of the host. 3/5 
 " The Greeks approved, in honour of the god; 
 '' Not so their haughty chief: with threat severe, 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 a 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 fC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 C( 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Ci 
 
 And keen reproach, the suppliant he dismiss'd : 
 Retir'd, displeas'd, he pray'd : Apollo heard ; 
 And, for he lov'd him, granted his request : 380 
 Then from his fatal bow the arrows flew 
 Nightly, and through the camp the people died : 
 Calchas, for divination fam'd and skill 
 In mysteries divine, the cause reveaFd : 
 I first commanded to appease the god ; 385 
 
 This mov'd Atrides' wrath, who quickly rose. 
 Denouncing menaces now put in force : 
 Chryseis to her father he restor'd. 
 With conduct safe ; and added various gifts : 
 And from my tent the heralds now are gone, 390 
 With fair Briseis, my much- valued prize. 
 Assist me, Ο assist ! to heav η ascend. 
 And prostrate at the throne of mighty Jove, 
 With supplication strong, his aid invoke ; 
 If ever thou hast rendered service due, 395 
 
 By word or deed, such as may claim return. 
 For oft, exulting, have I heard you say. 
 That you alone, of all th' immortal gods. 
 Did aid Saturn ian cloud-compelling Jove, 
 When Juno, Neptune, Pallas, all combin'd 400 
 To hold in chains the potent King oWieav'n. 
 You then released him, aided by the strength 
 
18 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 ce 
 
 iC 
 
 C( 
 
 <c 
 
 (ζ 
 
 ^^ Of Briareus^ whom men iEgean call, 
 
 With all his hundred hands ; he fast by Jove 
 In might exulting sat : with fear oppress'd, 405 
 The gods desisted, and Jove reign'd supreme. 
 ^^ Embrace his knees with supplication due ; 
 " Recall your former service to his mind ; 
 Implore his aid ; that Troy he now assist. 
 And at their ships o'erwhelm the Grecian host ; 
 " That these may feel a vain reliance plac'd 411 
 " In Agamemnon ; he his error know, 
 " Who hath disgraced the bravest of the Greeks." 
 Thetis replied, shedding the frequent tear : 
 Alas, mv son, ill-fated as thou art! 415 
 
 Why at the ships thus overwhelm'd with grief, 
 " Since short and fleeting are thy destined years? 
 "^ Yet art thou most unhappv. Ο my son, 
 " With omen inauspicious I thee bare 
 " And adverse fate : now to the snow-clad top 420 
 '^ Of high Olympus, to relate this tale 
 " Of woe, and move the mighty Thunderer, 
 *^ I hasten: you meantime, howe'er incens'd, 
 " Here at the ships remain, and shun the war. 
 " For Jupiter, beyond old Ocean's reign, 425 
 
 '^ Where Avelleth. ^Ethiopia's blameless race, 
 '^ Is gone, with all the attendant deities : 
 
 (( 
 
 u 
 
 Mnilfflr'i^niirffifWiJaiMrtltii'Blrtl 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 19 
 
 " On the twelfth morn he will to heav'n return ; 
 
 " Then to the eternal palace I will go, 
 
 " Embrace his knees, and urge my just request." 
 
 Thus having said, she left him on the shore, 431 
 Still breathing vengeance for the beauteous maid^ 
 His gift, unjustly by Atrides seizd. 
 Meanwhile to Chrysa's isle Ulysses came. 
 Bringing due sacrifice ; the spacious port 435 
 
 EntVing, they strike the mast, and furl the sail ; 
 And, plying hard the cumbrous oar, arrive 
 The station to, and moor with anchor fast : 
 Then, disembarking, to the sacred fane 
 Chryseis and the victirns safe conduct : 440 
 
 Ulysses to the father's hand restor'd 
 The captive maid, and by the altar plac'd ; 
 And said, " Hail, Chryses ^ by Atrides sent, 
 " I bring your daughter, with due sacrifice 
 " To Phoebus ; that we may his wrath appease : 445 
 " And from our host avert his just revenge." 
 
 Chryses with joy receiv'd his much-lov'd child. 
 Now on the altar, rang'd in order meet, 
 The victims they prepar'd and sacred cates : ' 
 Then wash'd they : when, with pure uplifted hands. 
 To Phoebus, Chryses thus his pray'r address'd : 451 
 " God of the silver bow, thy servant hear ! 
 
 C 2 
 
ί20 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 21 
 
 ^' Thou^ who protectest with thy powerful arm 
 " Chrysa, and Tenedos^ and Cylla fair : 
 '^ Whilom thou heard'st me when I sought thy 
 " aid ; 456 
 
 '^ And^ punishing the Greeks^ didst honour me : 
 '^ Once more^ Ο hear ! and from the Grecian host 
 ^^ Thy heavy wrath and sore displeasure turn." 
 
 Apollo heard, and granted his request. 
 Due supplication made, the cates they throw; 46o 
 Now some the victims slain with care divide ; 
 Others in pieces cut each several joint; 
 These, wrapt in fat, for sacrifice prepared, 
 Chryses receiving on the altar plac'd. 
 And pour'd the rich libation : then with fire 465 
 Roasting, th' attendant youths their task perform'd: 
 This labour finish'd, all partook the feast. 
 Hunger and thirst remov'd, with generous wine 
 They crown the goblets ; festive mirth prevails ; 
 And song, and grateful hymn to Phoebus' praise, 4 JO 
 Protract the day ; with shouts the air resounds : 
 He, pleas'd, attentive Hstens to their song. 
 The sun now set, and darkness spread around, 
 StretdVd at their ships, in sleep they pass'd the 
 
 night: 
 And, when the rosy-fingerVl morn appear d, 4/5 
 
 Back to the Grecian camp they steer'd their course^ 
 With favourable gales by Phoebus sent. 
 The swelling sail now fiU'd, the brazen prow. 
 Resounding, white upturn'd the purple wave. 
 Foaming, as swiftly through the sea they pass'd. 480 
 Now at the wide-extended camp of Greece 
 Arriv'd, they haul the vessel on the strond 
 Secure ; and to their tents and ships return. 
 Achilles, unrelenting, at his ships 
 Remain'd, nor to the war nor council came : 485 
 Although in war, in arms, 'bove mortal man. 
 His soul delighted, and in battle liv'd. 
 
 Now the twelfth morn arose, and all the gods 
 To high Olympus mov'd ; Jove led the way : 
 When Thetis, mindful of her son*s request, 49O 
 Emerging from the sea, at early dawn 
 Ascended up to heav n. Saturnian Jove 
 Apart, above the rest, in awful state 
 Enthrond, she found on high Olympus' top: 
 Him she approach'd ; her left embrac'd his knees. 
 Her right his chin ; and suppliant thus she spake: 
 
 " Paternal Jove ! if, or by word or deed, 
 " I have due service rend'red, grant my pray'r : 
 ^' Honour my son, whose days, so Fates decree, 
 " Are fewest amongst men ; now much disgrac d. 
 
t II 
 
 22 
 
 cc 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 23 
 
 (C 
 
 Ci 
 
 And by Atrides of his gift deprived : 
 ^^ Do thou^ Olympian Jove, in wisdom great, 
 ^^ Heap deathless honour on my short-liv'd son : 
 " Still crown with victory the Trojan arms, 
 " Till, with due rev'rence and respect, the Greeks 
 " Shall on him pour accumulated gifts." 506 
 
 She spake: but silent cloud-compelling Jove 
 Long sat in thought profound. Embracing still 
 His knees, still supphant, Thetis urg'd her pray'r: 
 
 Grant my request, and nod unfeign'd assent; 510 
 
 Or, for thou fearest none, refuse my boon : 
 " That I may know how lightly I *m esteem'd, 
 " Of all the gods, most wretched, most despis'd." 
 
 When thus, in anger, mighty Jove replied : 
 *^ Disgraceful works ! that you impel me thus 5 1 5 
 " With Juno to contend ; whose keen reproach, 
 " And bitter taunts, I frequently endure, 
 " For that I aid the Trojan host in fight. 
 " Retire in haste, lest Juno see you here : 
 ^^ What you request, I surely will perform, 520 
 
 And solemnly confirm with awful nod ; 
 
 Amongst immortal gods, undoubted sign 
 " And confirmation of my will supreme : 
 " To change not subject, not fallacious, 
 " Not ineffectual, where I nod assent." 525 
 
 (6 
 
 ζζ 
 
 He spake, and nodded with his awful brow ; 
 From his immortal head th' ambrosial hair 
 Deep flowing wav'd ; and from its lofty top 
 Olympus trembled to its utmost base. 
 
 The consult ended, from Olympus' height 530 
 Thetis descended to the wat'ry main : 
 To heav'n, his lofty habitation. 
 Great Jove proceeded : all the gods uprose. 
 With awe respectful, and due reverence. 
 Before their gen'ral father, from their thrones 535 
 To greet his glad return to highest heav'n : 
 Enthron'd in majesty supreme he sat. 
 
 Not unobserv'd by Juno's watchful eye 
 The silver-footed Thetis counsel held 
 With Jove; whom thus reproaching she address'd; 
 *^ Who of the gods, deceitful as thou art, .541 
 
 " Hath counsel held in secret, and alone ? 
 '^ When I am absent thou delightest most 
 " Some sudden resolution to adopt ; 
 
 With me unwilling to communicate, 545 
 
 Or tell the fix'd intention of thy mind." 
 Her answ'red thus the sire of gods and men: 
 " Think not to know whatever I design, 
 " Dear as thou art, and wife to mighty Jove : 
 " What is expedient^ none of all the gods, 550 
 
 i( 
 
 (C 
 
ll 
 
 24 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I. 
 
 I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 25 
 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 
 ^^ Or men, shall know ere thou art well inform'd ; 
 
 ^^ But what in secret I have prae-ordain'd, 
 
 ^^ Seek not henceforth to know, or to inquire." 
 
 Juno, of aspect venerable, thus 
 Replied : ^^ Ο too severe, Saturnian Jove ! 555 
 
 ^^ What hast thou said ? Henceforth I nor inquire, 
 ^^ Nor search, what thou in wisdom shalt conceal ; 
 '^ Yet much I fear the silver-footed dame, 
 '^ Daughter of Nereus, hath with art prevailed : 
 
 Early she came, and, suppliant at thy throne, 56o 
 
 Urg'd her request ; which you by nod confirm'd. 
 " I dread lest you, in honour of her son, 
 '^ Should heap destruction on the Grecian host." 
 
 Jove answ'red : ^^ You my purposes divine, 
 ^^ And penetrate my views ; yet what avail ? 565 
 " Rather, you urge me thoughts to entertain 
 ^' Severe and harsh, thoughts hostile to thy peace : 
 " Submissive then obey my just decrees : 
 " If my displeasure you but once awake, 
 ^' Not all the host of heav η shall protect thee." 570 
 
 He spake : but Juno, greatly fearing, sat 
 Silent, though ang'red, and repressed her grief; 
 Whilst indignation seiz d the host of heav η ; 
 When Vulcan, architect divine, address'd 
 Th' offended gods, and sooth'd his mother's mind : 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 ^^ ο dire disgrace ! nor well to be endurM, 
 
 *^ That you for man such fierce contention move, 
 
 *^ And in immortal breasts such tumult raise ! 
 
 ^^ Where then the pleasure of our festive board, 
 
 ^^ If evil thus prevail ? Let me persuade 680 
 
 " My mother, of herself intelligent, 
 
 ^^ That she due rev'rence to our father yield, 
 
 ^^ As meet ; nor thus disturb our genial feast. 
 
 Contentious ; lest the potent Thunderer 
 
 Heap undistinguished ruin on our heads : 585 
 " With accents mild, with soft and soothing words 
 ^^ Disarm his wrath, and deprecate his ire." 
 He spake, and rising, to his mother brought 
 The goblet crown d with wine, and thus began : 
 
 " Ο bear with patience, good my mother, bear, 
 " Howe'er reluctant; lest I see you pain'd; 591 
 " Unable to assist whom most I love : 
 " For none can with almighty Jove contend. 
 ^^ Once hath he hurl'd me from the starry sky, 
 ^^ Madly contending, to the lowest earth : 595 
 
 ^^ From morn to eve I fell ; the setting sun 
 ^^ Beheld me breathless on the Lemnian coast : 
 " The Scynthians, by their care, my life restored." 
 
 He spake ; when Juno deign'd a gracious smile. 
 And from her son, well pleas'd, the cup receiv d; 600 
 
 ^^^^g^^MuSistftadi^A 
 
1%, 
 
 26 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 27 
 
 J 
 
 To all the gods^ in order as they sat. 
 
 The goblet, fill'd with rich nectarian juice. 
 
 He gave : loud laughter shook the vaulted roof 
 
 Of heav'n, as Vulcan lamely limp'd along. 
 
 Thus they in feast convivial pass'd the day, 605 
 
 Till setting sun ; meantime Apollo tun'd 
 
 His harp celestial to the Muses' song, — 
 
 Alternate song : — and now the radiant sun 
 
 Was set,' and to his mansion each retir'd ; 
 
 Blest mansion, fram'd by Vulcan s wondrous art. 610 
 
 The mighty ThundVer to his glitt'ring throne 
 Repair'd, if sleep, perchance, his eyes might close ; * 
 And Juno slumb'red on her golden couch. 
 
 BOOK 11. 
 
 JNow sleep both mortal and immortal minds 
 
 In slumbers held ; all but the watchful care 
 
 Of Jove, intent to honour Peleus' son. 
 
 And on the Grecian host destruction pour. 
 
 Thus in his wisdom he at length resolved ; 5 
 
 To Agamemnon a pernicious dream 
 
 He sent ; and thus the airy form bespoke : 
 
 ^^ Go, fatal vision, to the Grecian ships, 
 " And, where Atrides in his royal tent 
 " Slumbers reclin'd, bear these my strict commands : 
 " That he to battle summon all the Greeks ; 11 
 '^ For now proud Troy to his superior force 
 " Shall yield ; divided counsels now no more 
 "In heav'n have place ; for Juno hath prevailed ; 
 " And certain fate the Trojan host impends." 15 
 
 He spake : the vision downward bent his course 
 Obedient, hastening to the Grecian ships. 
 To Agamemnon : lock'd in the arms of sleep, 
 Within his royal tent, the king he found ; 
 
 ■l1l1iirihliiaiff***-°''^-'"ii»iiai» 
 
28 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΙΓ* 
 
 ic 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 a 
 
 In form and feature like the Pylian sage ' 
 He near approach'd, and thus his speech address'd : 
 " Son of the warlike Atreus, dost thou sleep ? 
 Sleep ill becomes, indeed, that man whose mind 
 Alone sustains a mighty kingdom's weic^ht : 
 Attend my words ; from Jove supreme I come. 
 Who, though in heav'n, to thee extends his care: 
 " He bids thee arm forthwith the Grecian host, 
 " And Troy to thy superior force shall yield : 
 " Divided counsels with the gods no more 
 « Have place in heav'n; for Juno hath prevail'd, 30 
 " And sure destruction waits the Trojan host 
 " From Jove : attend my words ; nor, when soft 
 
 " sleep 
 " Shall leave thee, let oblivion seize thy mind." 
 Thus having said, the vision disappear d, 
 And left him meditating fruitless deeds, 35 
 
 The capture and the fall of lofty Troy. 
 Vam man! unknowing the intent of Jove, 
 Who bitter griefs and agonizing woes 
 For Grecians and for Trojans then prepared. 
 From the dread shock of arms. The monarch starts 
 From sleep, still hears the voice divine, or seems 41 
 To hear ; and, quickly rising from his couch. 
 
 rf. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 29 
 
 Around his limbs the purple mantle cast ; 
 His sandals on his feet he bound ; his sword. 
 Richly inlaid, he o'er his shoulders threw: 45 
 
 The regal sceptre in his hand he bore. 
 As to the Grecian ships he bent his way. 
 Now bright Aurora shed her genial ray . 
 O'er high Olympus, and to Jove himself. 
 And all the heav'nly powers, her light dispensed. 50 
 Atrides to the heralds gave command 
 To call a general council of the Greeks : 
 Thus summon'd, first the chiefs in haste repair'd. 
 And at the vessel of the Pylian sage, 
 Time-honour'd Nestor, in deep council sat; 55 
 
 To them Atrides thus his mind unfolds : 
 " Friends, hear my words : a heav'nly vision came 
 ^^ By night, most like, in feature and in form 
 ^^ And voice, to Nestor, and these words convey 'd : 
 " ^ Son of the warlike Atreus, dost thou sleep ? 60 
 " Sleep ill indeed becomes that man, whose mind 
 ^^ Alone sustains a mighty kingdom's weight : 
 ^^ Attend my voice ; from Jove supreme I come, 
 ^^ Who, though in heav'n, to thee extends his care; 
 ^' He bids thee arm forthwith the Grecian host, 65 
 ^^ And Troy to thy superior force shall yield : 
 *^^ Divided counsels with the gods no more 
 
 k 
 
30 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 η. 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 31 
 
 " In heav η have place, for Juno hath prevailed, 
 " And certain fate awaits the host of Troy 
 " From Jove : remember, and attend.' He spake, 
 " And vanish'd into air: straight I awoke. γ I 
 
 " Let us then arm the sons of Greece to fight : 
 " I first with words, if you approve, will try 
 '' Their mind, and bid prepare for instant flight; 
 " You then detain them with persuasive words." 75 
 
 Thus having said, the king resum'd his seat : 
 When Nestor rose, of sandy Pylos king. 
 And thus the chiefs address'd : " Ο warlike friends 
 " And counsellors, but that Atrides' self 
 '' Had seen this vision, I had deem'd it false, 80 
 ^' Not worthy our attention and regard : 
 " But arm we now the sons of Greece to war." 
 He spake, and from the council led the way : 
 The sceptred chiefs, obedient to their king. 
 Uprose ; the people numberless mov'd on. 85 
 
 As the thick swarm from forth the hollow rock 
 Incessant pours, to taste each opening flower 
 Of balmy spring ; in clusters numberless 
 On every side they rush, and fill the plain : 
 So from the ships and tents the people throng'd 90 
 Tumultuous, and fill'd the sounding shore. 
 Fame, sent from heav'n, urging disgraceful flight, 
 
 Burnt in the midst ; earth groan'd beneath the 
 
 weight : 
 The vast assembly seated on the plain. 
 Nine loud proclaiming heralds scarce w ithheld, ga 
 Commanding silence, and attention due. 
 The wild uproar with difficulty quell'd, 
 Atrides first, majestic, from his seat 
 Uprose : the sceptre in his hand he bore ; 
 Paternal sceptre, form'd, by. Vulcan's art, 100 
 
 For Jove Saturnian. Jove on Maia's son. 
 His winged messenger, the gift bestow'd ; 
 Hermes to Pelops ; who the valued gift 
 To Atreus, chief of men, in order next 
 Convey'd: he, dying, to Thyestes gave 105 
 
 The royal emblem : Agamemnon, then, 
 Received from rich Thyestes by descent, 
 And sway'd, the sceptre of his ancestors, 
 O'er numerous isles, and Argos, king supreme. 
 Leaning on this, his speech he thus addressed : 110 
 
 ^^ Friends, warlike sons of Greece, illustrious 
 " chiefs, 
 •' With heavy loss, and undeserved disgrace, 
 " Jove hath afflicted me, who safe return 
 
 Promis'd from captur'd Troy : but now I fear 
 
 u 
 
r*. 
 
 32 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 lU 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^^ Some dread calamity our host awaits, 
 
 ^^ Since he commands, after much treasure spent, 
 
 " And many heroes slain, inglorious jBight. 
 
 ^^ Thus Jove decrees, and who shall dare resist ? 
 
 " Jove, who hath humbled cities to the dust, 
 
 " And yet will humble ; such his sovereign power ! 
 
 " Posterity with wonder will inquire 121 
 
 ^^ The cause of our disgrace, that such a host, 
 
 ^^ So well appointed, fruitless war should wage 
 
 " With foes less numVous, and repulse sustain. 
 
 " Were we, in league and amity combin d, 12* 
 
 " To number each our force ; in companies 
 
 " Of ten the Greeks, the Trojans singly plac'd, 
 
 ^^ To crown the golden cup with generous wine, 
 
 *^ Whole companies would want a cup-bearer ; 
 
 " So much more numerous our host than they, 130 
 
 " Inhabitants of Troy : but their allies, 
 
 " From various cities, aid the doubtful war, 
 
 *^ Impede our arms, and lofty Troy protect. 
 
 " Nine years, nine tedious years already gone, 
 
 " Our ships decayed, our cordage perished ; 135 
 
 ^' Our wives, our children, waiting our return 
 
 " In anxious expectation ; whilst the work 
 
 " For which we came unfinished remains : 
 
 33 
 
 " With one consent prepare we then our ships, 
 ^^ And to our native land urge speedy flight ; 140 
 " Since Jove forbids the capture of proud Troy." 
 He spake: when at their king's desponding 
 voice. 
 Strong agitation seiz'd each hearer's mind 
 Throughout the vast assembly. As the wave, 
 Uprais'd by adverse winds, impetuous rolls 145 
 
 In swelling surges to the Icarian shore ; 
 And as the rip'ned corn now yields beneath 
 The incumbent zephyr, waving with the blast 
 From side to side the yellow harvest bends : 
 Thus was the assembly mov'd, and with loud 
 shouts 150 
 
 Encouraging each other, to the ships 
 They rush'd along : in clouds the dust uprose 
 From footsteps numberless. Now part prepare 
 The launch, part haul the vessels to the deep ; 
 The jovial clamours rend the distant sky. 155 
 
 ' Now had the Greeks (though Fates forbad) re- 
 
 turn'd. 
 But to Minerva thus the Queen of heav'n 
 In haste exclaim'd : " Daughter of mighty Jove^ 
 " Shall then the Grecians to their country fly, 
 " Their much-lov d country, o'er the wat'ry main ; 
 
 D 
 
I ft 
 
 34 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II' 
 
 itp! 
 
 " And leave to Priam, and the Trojan foe, 
 
 " Helen the glorious prize, for whom alone 
 
 " Such numbers far from Greece have perished ? 
 
 " Go then, and with thy soft persuasive voice 
 
 ^^ Detain each man ; nor suffer them to launch l65 
 
 " Their well-constructed vessels to the deep." 
 
 She spake : Minerva from Olympus' height 
 Descended rapid to the Grecian fleet : 
 Laertes' son, deep skill'd in wisdom's lore. 
 Apart she found, with grief and shame oppress'd : 
 Whom thus the potent deity bespoke : 171 
 
 " Ο fam'd for wisdom, great Laertes' son, 
 " Ulysses, dost thou to thy native land 
 " Urge speedy flight, and thy tall ships prepare ; 
 " Leaving to Priam, and the Trojan foe, 1/5 
 
 *^ Helen the glorious prize, for whom alone 
 " Such numbers far from Greece have perished ? 
 " Haste then, and with thy soft persuasive voice 
 " Detain each man ; nor suffer them to launch 
 " Thus eagerly their vessels to the deep." 180 
 
 She spake : her voice divine he quickly knew. 
 And to Atrides, in obedience, urg'd 
 His speedy step : (Euribates attends. 
 The faithful herald,) from the royal hand 
 The sceptre, incorruptible, unstain'd, 185 
 
 β 
 I 
 
 11. 
 
 ΊΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 35 
 
 Receiving, midst the flying host he rush'd ; 
 And first each chief in accents mild address'd : 
 
 " Ο stay thyself, and stop the giddy throng ; 
 " Fear ill becomes us at a time like this ! 
 
 '' Scarce do we know what great Atrides means; 190 
 " To try perhaps, and then to punish us : 
 " For in the council few could hear his words. 
 " Dire is the anger of a king incens'd, 
 " Who honour boasts, and high descent from Jove." 
 But if among the meaner sort he found 195 
 
 A noisy mover of sedition, soon 
 He check'd his clamours with severe rebuke. 
 
 " Wretch that thou art, sit quiet, and attend 
 " The voice of those who boast superior might 
 " To thee, unknown in council as in war. 200 
 
 " We cannot all assume the reins of state, 
 " Nor sway the sceptre of authority : 
 " The government of many is not good ; 
 " One governor, one king with chief command, 
 " One ruler let us have, who may dispense 205 
 " Justice and laws ; his pow'r deriv'd from Jove." 
 Thus he with due authority restrain'd 
 Their eager flight : to council from the ships 
 Again they rush'd with noise, as when the wave 
 High swelling breaks upon the sounding shore. 210 
 
 D 2 
 
 htejrstoaaatawaiatehito^^aMiriSietaM^iaitii 
 
Μ 
 
 36 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 π. 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 37 
 
 Assembled, due attention held them mute. 
 
 All but Thersites, clamorous and loud : 
 
 SkilFd to perplex debate, and, right or wrong. 
 
 To throw all blame and censure upon kings. 
 
 And hold their failings up to ridicule: 215 
 
 A man the basest in the Grecian host, 
 
 With eye distorted and contracted limb. 
 
 His back upheaved, his shoulders forward bent. 
 
 On his sharp head forlorn and thin the hair ; 
 
 Or to Achilles, or Laertes' son 220 
 
 Determined foe : on Agamemnon now 
 
 Bitter reproach he heap'd : him all the Greeks 
 
 Enrag'd beheld, their minds with anger fir'd ; 
 
 Who, loudly bellowing, thus the king reproach'd : 
 
 " Why these complaints? What means Atrides 
 
 " now? 
 " Thy tents with treasures and with captives stor'd, 
 " Which with no sparing hand we have bestow'd : 
 " What then ? The ransom dost thou still expect 
 " Of some rich captive, whom these hands per- 
 
 " chance 
 
 " Have taken, or some other Grecian chief; 230 
 
 " Some captive female to adorn thy bed, 
 
 " To thee appropriate ? Sure it ill becomes 
 
 " A king to plunge his subjects in disgrace! 
 
 " Ο shame! Ο cowards! Women, and not men. 
 *^ Return we with our ships, and let him here 235 
 ^^ Treasurie up gifts in Troy : he then may learn 
 " Whether or not we have assisted him : 
 " He hath disgrac'd Achilles, and even now 
 " Withholds the prize of his superior far. 
 " Achilles wanteth bile, is indolent, 240 
 
 ^^ Neglectful, or thou ne'er hadst injur'd more." 
 
 Thus spake Thersites, with opprobrious words 
 Galling Atrides ; whom with hasty step. 
 And angry looks, Ulysses near approach'd : 
 
 " Thersites, rash of speech though eloquent, 245 
 " Desist, nor singly thus with kings contend ; 
 " For a more hateful mortal than thyselt; 
 " More odious, came not to the Trojan shore : 
 
 Talk then no more of kings, nor in debate 
 
 Heap undeserv'd reproach, nor urge return. 250 
 " How this may be, or to return or not, 
 " We know not, nor can safely ascertain. 
 " Why dost thou censure Agamemnon thus ? 
 " Because the Grecian chiefs with various gifts 
 " Have honour'd him, therefore dost thou reproach ? 
 " I tell thee then, and I will surely do 256 
 
 " What now I say, should I hereafter find 
 " Thee madly raging, as thou now hast done. 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 MifiiiirfiMiiiinMiiilii 
 
 }gisumimtitm 
 
38 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II. 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^9 
 
 
 ^^ May I not live to bear the endearing name 
 
 *^ Of father to much-lov'd Telemachus, 260 
 
 " If I do not, with scourges and disgrace, 
 
 " Striptof thy garments in unseemly guise, 
 
 ^^ Drive thee hence bellowing to the ships again.'* 
 
 He spake, and with the sceptre, on his back 
 Smote him : he writh'd himself, and the big tear 
 Fell frequent, and a painful scar uprose 266 
 
 On his swoln back : trembling with fear he sat. 
 And from his haggard visage wip'd the tear. 
 
 The Greeks, though griev'd, yet laugh'd at his 
 distress. 
 And thus were heard to say : " What mighty good 
 ^^ Hath not Ulysses wrought ; whether in fight 2^0 
 " He lead the embattled host, or in debate 
 " Suggest wise measures for the public weal ! 
 ^^ Nor this the least, that he this slaudVer's tongue 
 " Hath silenc'd ; that his rage, thus check'd, may 
 " cease; 275 
 
 " Nor with opprobrious language censure kings." 
 
 Thus they were heard to say; when from his seat, 
 The sceptre in his hand, Ulysses rose : 
 Pallas commanded silence, herald-like. 
 That all might hear and understand his words, 280 
 Who prudent thus the assembled Greeks addressed: 
 
 (( 
 
 <i 
 
 (ζ 
 
 <6 
 
 (6 
 
 tc 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 C6 
 
 (C 
 
 u 
 
 ic 
 
 iQ 
 
 u 
 
 tc 
 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 Μ 
 
 a 
 
 (C 
 
 6i 
 
 6C 
 
 a 
 
 " Ο king Atrides ! thee the Greeks disgrace 
 Beyond all others ; by strict promise bound, 
 When first from Argos they embark'd their force, 
 Not to return till Troy should be no more ! 285 
 Like children now, or widows, they lament 
 Their tedious absence, longing eagerly 
 For home. Yet to return after whole years 
 Of fruitless toil, were deep reproach indeed ! 
 To be detained from all we hold most dear, 29O 
 By adverse winds and seas tempestuous, 
 Though but one month, is subject of regret: 
 But we nine years, nine long and tedious years. 
 Have here remained : can I then justly blame 
 The Greeks, who bear indignant such delay ? 295 
 Yet to remain so long, and to return 
 BaflSed at last, that were disgrace indeed ! 
 Bear then, my friends, a little longer bear. 
 And prove those truths which Calchas hath de- 
 
 " clar'd : 
 For well we know, and all are witnesses 300 
 
 Whom fate hath spared, that when at Aulis first 
 We joined our forces, meditating war 
 On Priam and the Trojans ; at that time 
 When on our hallow'd altars we did place 
 Whole hecatombs ; then by the sacred spring, 305 
 
 -tl 
 
 
 
 ' -1 
 
40 
 
 <c 
 se 
 <c 
 
 €C 
 
 i( 
 cc 
 ζζ 
 
 (C 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 π. 
 
 Which pour'd its limpid water from beneath 
 A spreading plane, this dread portent appeared : 
 A serpent huge^ of aspect terrible, 
 With spotted mail of gold» and purple hue. 
 Sent by great Jove himself, from underneath 310 
 The altar rush'd, swift gliding to the plane ; 
 On whose high top^ and sheltered by its leaves. 
 Within her nest a sparrow had conceal'd 
 Her callow young : eight, with remorseless tooth, 
 Utt'ring shrill cries, the monster quick devour d : 
 The afFrighf ned mother hovVing round her youqg. 
 With piteous moans expressive of her fears, 
 He seiz'd quick turning, and devour d the ninth; 
 When Jove Saturnian, wondrous to behold. 
 Into a stone the scaly monster turn'd. 320 
 
 Amaz'd we stood what this portent might mean. 
 Why this dread sign our sacrifice disturbed ; 
 When Calchas thus the sacred truth reveal'd: 
 ' Ο Grecian chiefs, why stand ye thus amaz'd ? 
 To us this portent comes from mighty Jove, 325 
 To be fulfiird hereafter ; whose renown. 
 Though late performed, through ages shall endure. 
 For as this serpent hath devour d the young 
 In number eight, and then the parent bird 
 The ninth ; so long this warfare will endure: 330 
 
 It. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 41 
 
 " On the tenth year we shall o'erthrow proud Troy.' 
 " Thus counseird he ; which things now come to 
 
 ζζ 
 
 pass : 
 
 ^^ Bear then, my friends, and let us here remain 
 ^' Till yon proud tow'rs are levell'd to the ground." 
 He spake ; and through the wide extended camp, 
 And hollow ships, bursts of applause were heard ; 
 When thus the venerable Nestor spoke : 
 " Heavens! more like children than like men we 
 
 " talk; 
 " Children, who nothing know of warlike deeds : 
 " Where all our promises, our sacred oaths, 340 
 " Our solemn compact, and our plighted hands, 
 " That thus we vainly do contend with words ? 
 " Fix d then and firm in resolution, lead 
 " Thy host, Atrides, to the field of Mars. 
 
 Perish those few who separate counsels hold! 345 
 Their views shall prove abortive who propose 
 '^ Return to Greece : then shall they learn indeed, 
 ' " Whether those promises are false, or not, 
 " Which Jove himself hath frequently declafd : 
 '^ I here affirm, that high Saturnian Jove 350 
 
 Himself, the very day we did embark 
 Bearing destruction to the Trojan foe, 
 " Thund'red propitious, and our hopes confirmed. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
42 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II« 
 
 11. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 43 
 
 Therefore no more of flight, till we have sack'd 
 And plundered spacious Troy, in just revenge 
 For Helen s wrongs, and deep-felt injuries. 356 
 But if there be who still desires return. 
 Let him with speed prepare his ship and fly. 
 And in his passage meet an early fate. 
 Then well advise, Ο king, nor with disdain 36o 
 Reject the counsel of experienc'd years ; 
 Divide thy troops, nation and tribe apart. 
 Let each with their own leader take the field : 
 Then shalt thou know throughout thy num'rous 
 
 " host. 
 To mark the coward and reward the brave ; 365 
 Whether stem fate retard the fall of Troy, 
 Or want of skill, and cowardice in us." 
 To whom Atrides : " Venerable chief. 
 In counsel first amongst the sons of Greece, 
 Ο might the gods but grant me this request, 3^0 
 Ten counsellors in wisdom like to thee; 
 Soon should proud Troy stoop to her lowest base. 
 An easy prey to our victorious arms. 
 Yet weighty griefs hath Jove impos'd on me, 
 In quarrels and contentions harsh engag'd : 3T^^ 
 I and Achilles, for Briseis fair. 
 Each other have offended ; I began : 
 
 " Should we again in amity unite, 
 
 ^^ Rapid destruction shall overwhelm our foes. 
 
 ^^ Refresh we first our men, and then to arms ; 380 
 
 " Each seize his spear, each grasp his orbid shield, 
 
 ^' Each for the rapid car his steeds prepare, 
 
 " That through the day we may in arms engage, 
 
 ^^ Nor for a moment cease the bloody fight. 
 
 Till darkness sever our contending hosts. 385 
 Each hero then beneath his pondVous shield 
 ^^ Shall labour, and each arm that hurls the spear 
 Grow languid, whilst the coursers, o'er the plain 
 Dragging the chariots, ^weat beneath the weight; 
 ^^ And whom I sculking at our ships shall find 390 
 ^' This day, unwilling to engage the foe, 
 " From dogs and rav'nous birds no pow'r shall 
 
 i( 
 
 ίί 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ce 
 
 " save." 
 
 He spake: the Greeks with deafning shouts ap- 
 
 prov'd. 
 Loud as the boist'rous wave with ceaseless roar 
 Dashing the base of some projecting rock, 395 
 
 The sport of ev'ry blast. From council now 
 They rose, and at their tents refreshment took. 
 And to the gods due sacrifice prepar d ; 
 Seeking protection of the powVs above. 
 From dangers of the doubtful war, and death. 400 
 
 SI 
 
44 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 It; 
 
 lU 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 45 
 
 
 Atrides, king of men, to mighty Jove 
 For sacrifice prepar d the unblemish'd steer, 
 Full grown, and fat : the venerable chiefs 
 Attend upon Atrides. Nestor first, 
 Idomeneus, and Ajax Telamon, 405 
 
 Ajax, Oileus' son, and Diomed, 
 And fam'd for counsel, great Laertes' son ; 
 With them came Menelaus, though unhid. 
 Knowing the labours of his brother's mind : 
 Approaching near, and form'd in circle round 410 
 The victim, they take up the salted cates. 
 When Agamemnon thus address'd his prayer : 
 
 " Great Jove, supreme in glory as in pow'r, 
 ^^ Dwelling in heav'n, from whence thy thunders 
 
 " roll, 
 " Grant me to bum and level with the dust 415 
 
 Yon lofty tow'rs, and, with this spear transfix'd. 
 
 To rend the corselet from proud Hector's breast; 
 
 Whilst all around, and welt'ring in their gore, 
 " The friends and partners of his fate expire." 
 The king thus urg'd his pray'r ; but Jove averse. 
 In empty air dispers'd the vain request, 420 
 
 The rites accepted, but increas'd their woes. 
 
 Due supplication made, the cates they threw ; 
 Then, on the sacred fire the victim plac'd, 
 
 ζί 
 
 iC 
 
 ii 
 
 425 
 
 430 
 
 435 
 
 Each separate part in order meet dispos'd. 
 This labour finish'd, they prepar'd the feast. 
 And joyful of the festive board partook. 
 Hunger suppress'd, and ended the repast, 
 Nestor the assembled chieftains thus bespoke : 
 
 " Illustrious Atrides, king of men, 
 « Delay we here no longer, nor defer 
 « The glorious task which Jove hath pointed out ; 
 " But let the heralds at the ships convene 
 " Our warlike troops, and, marshall'd in array 
 « Of battle, let us all our host review ; 
 ** Then to the field of honour lead them on.** 
 
 He spake : nor did Atrides disapprove ; 
 But to the heralds issued his commands 
 To summon all the Grecians on the plain. 
 Obedient they assembled, and the chiefs 
 Form'd the deep file, or closed the level rank : 
 Pallas aloft th' immortal aegis bore, 
 Resplendent, studded, and emboss'd with gold ; 
 And, traversing the ranks from file to file, 
 Darts her experienc'd eye, in every heart 
 Inspiring courage not to be subdued. 
 And ardent spirit for the shock of arms, 
 Preferring battle to their native land. 
 As on the mountain top the rapid fire 
 
 440 
 
 445 
 
46 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IK 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Devours the forest, far the vivid light 450 
 
 Resplendent shines ; so glittVed through the air 
 The dazzUng splendour of their burnish'd arms. 
 In number as the wondrous flight of cranes 
 On Asia's marsh extensive ; or as swans 
 Milk-white, disporting from Cayister's stream, 455 
 In airy circles wheel their rapid flight ; 
 Far oflfthe clangour of their numVous wings 
 Is heard, and with the noise the marsh resounds. 
 As on the wafry margin they alight. 
 
 So from the ships and tents the numVous host 
 Pour'd on Scamander's plain : the hollow earth 461 
 Re-echoed from the frequent foot of men. 
 From rattling cars, and hoofs of prancing steeds. 
 Rang'd on Scamander's level plain they stood 
 In numbers infinite, as the thick leaves. 
 Or various flowVs which decorate the spring. 
 
 And as the flies which in the shepherd's fold 
 Numberless swarm in-spring, what time the milk 
 Fresh drawn, bedews the homely vesseVs side : 
 So thick the Grecians on the hostile plain 470 
 
 Assembled, eager to engage the foe. 
 
 As when the shepherd separates his flocks 
 Mix'd in extensive pastures ; so with ease 
 Each several chief his scatt'red force collects, 
 
 47 
 
 And, rang'd in order, marshals to the fight. 
 With them Atrides stood, pre-eminent 
 In stature, and in countenance like Jove 
 Grasping his thunder, in his port like Mars 
 Determin'd, and like Neptune great in strength. 
 
 As the vast bull, which o'er the num'rous herd 
 Tow'ring, in beauty and in strength excels ; 481 
 So mighty Jove, with dignity and grace 
 Superior, on that day Atrides crown'd. 
 
 Say, heav'nly Muses, you alone can tell 
 (Immortal as ye are, and all things know, 485 
 
 We from report uncertain knowledge gain), 
 The valiant leaders of the Grecian host. 
 Their various countries and their names relate ; 
 Had I ten tongues, ten mouths, an iron voice. 
 The mixed multitude I could not name. 490 
 
 Say then, ye sacred daughters of high Jove, 
 The chiefs, their forces, and the ships of Greece. 
 
 Peneleus the Boeotians led to war. 
 With Prothoenor and Archesilaus, 
 Clonius and Leitus, renown'd in arms : 495 
 
 From Hyrie, and from Aulis' rocky shore ; 
 From Schoenos, Scolos, and from Eteon's hills ; 
 Thespia, Graia, and th' extensive plains 
 Of Mycalessos, Harma, Elesios, 
 
 >f1 
 
 •r 
 
 f • 4 
 
 I- s 
 
 1' i ; 
 
 5•' ii* 
 
i 
 
 rJ 
 
 48 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II. 
 
 i. ^ 
 
 Erythr^, Eleon, Hyle, Peteon, 
 CEcalia, Medion, city of renown ; 
 Copae, Eutrisis, Thisbe fam'd for doves ; 
 Coroneus, Haliartus, verdant meads, 
 Plataea, Glissae, and the well-built Thebes ; 
 Orchestus, fam'd for Neptune's sacred grove, 505 
 Arne s rich vines, Mydia, Nyssa fair, 
 Anthedon's utmost bounds. In fifty ships 
 They came : six thousand valiant men in arms. 
 
 Next from Aspledon and Orchomene, 
 Ascalaphus, lalmon, sons of Mars, 510 
 
 Their forces led: them fair Astioche, 
 In Actor's palace, to the god of war 
 Submitting, bore. These came in thirty ships. 
 
 Tlie Phocians, Schedius and Epistrophus 
 Sons of Iphitus, led ; inhabiting 5 j 5 
 
 Python's high crags, and Cyparissus' woods, 
 Chrysa divine, Daulis, and Panope, 
 Anemoria and Hyompolis ; 
 And those who by Cephissus' sacred stream 
 Dwell, and Lilfea near Cephissus' source. 520 
 
 These forty ships convey'd ; Bceotia's troops 
 They fiank'd, all arm'd, and eager for the fight. 
 
 Ajax Oileus arm'd the Locrians, 
 Surnam'd the Less, in size inferior far 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 4». 
 
 525 
 
 To Ajax Telamon : to hurl the spear 
 
 Unerring, he all other Greeks excell'd. 
 From Cynos, Opoens, and Calliaros ; 
 
 From Bessa, Scarphe, and Augeia fam'd ; 
 
 Tarphe and Thronios, near Boagrius' stream; 
 
 And from beyond Euboea, sacred isle. 530 
 
 These Ajax Oileus brought in forty ships. 
 
 The Abantes next, a brave and hardy race, 
 
 Eubcea, Chalcis, and Eretria sent ; 
 
 Histaea rich in vines, and near the sea 
 
 Cerinthus, Dios, Styra, Caristus ; 533 
 
 Them brave Elphenor to the combat arm'd, 
 Eubcea's warlike sons, well skill'd to tear 
 The riven corselet from the foeman's breast. 
 To Trojan shores in forty ships convey'd. 
 
 Next Attica her polish'd legions sent 540 
 
 From far-fam'd Athens, where Erechtheus reign'd, 
 Nurtur'd of Pallas, daughter of high Jove ; 
 (Him parent Earth produc'd,) and in her fane. 
 In Athens, by her sacred altar plac'd : 
 To her the Athenian youth their annual vows 545 
 Perform'd, and oflTer'd sacrifices meet. 
 These Mnestheus arm'd, Peteus' warlike son, 
 Skill'd above men to form the embattled line, 
 Wheel the thick squadron, or extend the wings: 
 
 
 'ή 
 
 "'ί 1 
 
 
5d 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 II. 
 
 Nestor's experieiic'd age with him alone 
 
 Might vie. In fifty ships these plough'd the main. 
 
 Near the Athenians, in due order rang'd, 
 Great Ajax led the Salaminian bands. 
 
 From Argos and Tiryntha's lofty walls, 
 Hermione and Asinen embay 'd ; 555 
 
 And from Troezene, and from Eionae, 
 From Epidaurus fertile in rich wines, 
 Maseta and ^gina; valiant men. 
 Whom Diomed's undaunted courage arm'd ; 
 And Sthenelus the son of Capaneus, 
 And brave Euryalus, Mechisteus' son. 
 These eighty ships convey 'd ; the chief command. 
 As first in arms, Tydides justly bore. 
 
 Next from Mycenae, city of renovm, 
 From wealthy Corinth^ from Cleonae strong, 565 
 Ornia, Araethyrea, Sicyon, 
 Where erst Adrastus held supreme command ; 
 From Hyperesia, Gonoessa high, 
 Pellene, ^geon, and the sea-girt shores 
 Of that extensive coast, and Helice. 570 
 
 These Agamemnon, in a hundred ships. 
 Led to the war, in numbers and in strength 
 Excelling all : in armour bright array'd 
 He march'd exulting, o'er the chiefs and kings 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 51 
 
 Vested with sov'reign power, of Greece supreme. 
 From Lacedaemon circled round with hills. 
 Pharos and Sparta, Messe fam'd for doves ; 
 Brysia, and Augia favour'd town ; 
 Amyclae, Elos seated on the coast; 
 Laas and CEtylus. In sixty ships 580 
 
 These Menelaus led, all arm'd for war : 
 Foremost himself, and eager to revenge 
 Helen's great wrongs, and deep-felt injuries, 
 The hero march'd, and for the combat burn'd. 
 
 From sandy Pylos and Arene fair, 585 
 
 Thryon by Alpheus' ford, Aipu well built ; 
 Amphigenia, Cyparisseens, 
 From Pteleos, Helos, Dorion, where the nine 
 Celestial Muses seiz'd the Thracian bard, 
 Silenc'd the tuneful song of Thamyris 590 
 
 Returning from CEchalia by the banks 
 Of Eurytus, who boasted to excel 
 The sacred Nine in harmony and song. 
 And to the contest challeng'd : they, incens'd, 
 Depriv'd him of his sight, and from his hand, 595 
 Unstrung and broken, dash'd the harmonious lyre. 
 These aged Nestor to the battle arm'd. 
 Passing in ninety ships the boist'rous main. 
 Next from Arcadia, and the lofty walls 
 
 £ 2 
 
 'til 
 
 €i 
 
 5 f*| 
 
 ^41 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 I'-liiniinillMiHiMtoiiiataufciii 
 
ϊί 
 
 52 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Of high Cyllene, by the sacred tomb 
 Of jiEpytus, for closer combat fam'd ; 
 From Pheneon, and the Orchomenian plains, 
 Cov'red with herds ; from Ripe, Stratie, 
 Enispe high, to every blast expos'd ; 
 And Tegea, and belov'd Mantinea, 
 Stymphelon, and Parrhasia. To the war 
 These Agapenor led, Ancaeus' son. 
 In sixty ships fill'd with Arcadian troops 
 Well skiird in fight. Atrides furnish'd ships 
 To bear the Arcadians to the Trojan shore. 
 Themselves unus'd to maritime affairs. 
 
 Next from Buprasium, Elis, and thy bounds 
 Hyrmine, Myrsinus, the Olenian rocks. 
 And thy fair spring, Alisium : these four chiefs 
 To battle led, and each ten ships prepar'd 
 The Epeians to convey : Amphimachus, 
 The son of Cteatus, and Thalpius, son 
 Of Eurytus, from mighty Actor sprung ; 
 And brave Diores, son of Amarynx ; 
 And Polyxenus, like a god in arms. 
 Son of Agasthenes, Augeia's king. 
 
 From fam'd Dulichium, and the sacred isles 
 Echinades sea-girt, and opposite 
 Elis divine ; these Meges, like to Mars 
 
 II. 
 
 600 
 
 605 
 
 610 
 
 61 5 
 
 620 
 
 It* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 53 
 
 630 
 
 635 
 
 In battle, son of warlike Phyleus, led ; 
 (Who to Dulichium, with his sire incens'd. 
 Fled,) and to Troy in forty ships convey'd. 
 The Cephallenians next Ulysses arm'd. 
 From Ithaca, well-wooded Nerytus ; 
 From Croculus, Aigilipa's high rocks. 
 Verdant Zacynthus, Samos, and thy coast 
 Far-fam'd Epirus, and the adjacent isles : 
 Twelve ships with purple prows Ulysses own'd. 
 
 Thoas the iEtolians led, Andraemon's son. 
 From Pleuron, from Pylene, Olenos, 
 From sea-girt Chalcis, rocky Calydon : 
 For now the race of CEneus was no more. 
 Himself, his sons, and Meleager dead. 
 The chief command on Thoas then devolved. 
 Who brought in forty ships his valiant troops. 64O 
 
 Idomeneus, well skilled to hurl the spear, 
 The Cretans from Gortina Cnossus led ; 
 Lyctus, Miletus, and Leiicastos white ; 
 Phaestus and Rhytios, cities worthy note ; 
 And those who from her hundred cities Crete 64$ 
 To battle sent : Idomeneus, in arms 
 Renown'd, commanded ; with Meriones, 
 Like Mars in fight : whom eighty ships convey'd. 
 Tlepolemus the son of Hercules, 
 
 I, 
 
 m 
 
 1 m 
 
 Hi 
 
 S Ί 
 
 '■V 
 
 3 J 4 
 J* β 
 
II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 55 
 
 54 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 tu 
 
 In stature vast, and size, the Rhodians led : 
 In nine tall ships, from Rhodes, and Lindos town ; 
 From lalyssos, and Camiron white : 
 These brave Tlepolemus commanded : him 
 Astyochia bare to Hercules, 
 
 Whom he from Ephyra, and Selle's stream, 655 
 Destroying many cities, captive brought. 
 Tlepolemus, to years mature advanc'd, 
 Sfew old Licymnius, uncle to his sire ; 
 And ships prepar'd for flight, and o'er the sea 
 The brave companions of his fate convey'd, 66o 
 To shun the rage of dread Alcides' sons. 
 Breathing revenge for old Licymnius' death : 
 After great dangers he at Rhodes arriv'd. 
 And, disembarking there his faithful bands, 
 His peaceful reign establish'd ; by the arm 665 
 Of mighty Jove protected ; who o'er all 
 In earth and heav'n with pow'r supreme commands. 
 Who with unnumb'red riches blest their toils. 
 Nireus three ships from Sumse led to Troy, 
 Whom fair Aglaia to Charopus bore ; 670 
 
 Nireus, in beauty first of all the host 
 After Achilles : few indeed his troops, 
 Small his experience and his strength in war. 
 Next from Nisuros, Casus, Crapathus, 
 
 From Cos the city of Eurypylos, 
 And from Calydnae's isles, Phidippus arm'd ; 
 And Antiphus, from great Alcides sprung 
 By Thessalus ; their bands in thirty ships. 
 Say now Pelasgic Argos' martial bands. 
 Whom Alos, Alope, Trechnia, sent ; 680 
 
 Phthia and Hellas, much for beauty fam'd ; 
 By various names, Hellenians, Myrmidons, 
 Achaians known ; these swift Achilles brought 
 From Thessaly, in fifty ships, to Troy. 
 But they no more prepar'd them to the war ; 685 
 
 No leader marshall'd them to deeds of arms : 
 
 > 
 
 Inglorious at his ships Achilles lay, 
 Much griev'd for fair Briseis, captive maid. 
 His valued prize from cities overthrown, 
 Lyrnessus and the spacious walls of Thebes, 690 
 Where fell Muneta and Epistrophus, 
 Euenus' sons, of high renown in arms : 
 For her he shunn'd the war, full soon to rise again. 
 From Phylace and verdant Pyrrhasus, 
 Sacred to Ceres ; from Itona fam'd 695 
 
 For num'rous flocks ; Antrona, by the sea ; 
 And Pteleon for its verdure far renown'd. 
 His troops Protesilaus led to Troy ; 
 Soon by the cruel Fates of life depriv'd ; 
 
 £4 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 5.; 
 
56 
 
 ;ΓΗΕ ILIAD. 
 
 π. 
 
 Whilst his much-grieved wife in Phylace, 
 And scarce-establish'd house^ lament his death. 
 Slain by some Trojan chief as from his ship 
 Foremost he leap'd upon the Trojan shore. 
 Yet were they not without a chief to lead 
 Their martial bands, though him they greatly 
 mourn'd : jro5 
 
 Podarces, of Iphiclus warlike son, 
 Protesilaus' brother, to the war 
 Albeit inferior far in deeds of arms, 
 His forces marshalFd on Scamander's plains : 
 To Trojan shores in forty ships convey 'd. 710 
 
 Eumelus next, from Pherae by the lake 
 Of Boebe, laolcus, Glaphyrae, 
 His forces arm'd ; (Admetus' warlike son. 
 By fair Alceste, pride of Pelia s race ;) 
 And in eleven vessels pass'd the main. 715 
 
 Next from Methone and Thaumacia, 
 From Meliboea, from Olizon s rocks, 
 Skiird to direct th' unerring shaft ario^ht 
 With matchless art, brave Philoctetes led 
 In seven ships his troops, expert to ply 720 
 
 The cumbrous oar, or aim the fatal shaft. 
 Yet he in Lemnos' isle, with grief and pain 
 Tormented, from a pois nous hydra's bite. 
 
 lln 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 57 
 
 Afflicted lay ; whom there the Grecians left. 
 Incapable of war though great in arms. 725 
 
 Him soon the Greeks, howe'er forgetful now, 
 Will anxious seek to aid the fall of Troy : 
 Nor wanted they a leader ; them the son 
 Of Ajax Oileus to the battle led, 
 Medon the brave, whom beauteous Rhena bore. 730 
 
 From Tricca, from Ithome's lofty crag, 
 CEchalia, city erst of Eurytus, 
 The warlike sons of JEsculapius, 
 Machaon, Podalirius, brave in arms. 
 And in the art of healing deeply skill'd ; 735 
 
 In thirty ships their valiant forces brought. 
 
 From Ormenos, and Hyperia's stream, 
 Asterion, and the cliffs of Titanus, 
 His troops Eurypylus, Euaemon's son. 
 Brought to the Trojan shores in forty ships. 740 
 Argissa and Gyrtona next supplied 
 Their martial bands from Oloossa white ; 
 Orthe, Helone ; them Pirithous' son. 
 Brave Polypcetes, marshalPd to the fight ; 
 Pirithous boasting high descent from Jove^ 745 
 Hippodamia to Pirithous bore - 
 Great Polypcetes on the day he slew 
 The shaggy Centaurs, driving them amain 
 
 
 
 'I 
 
Γ 
 
 58 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 η. 
 
 From Pelion to the bounds of Thessaly. 
 
 An equal sliare of pow'r Leonteus elaim'd, 750 
 
 Coroneus' warlike son* In forty ships 
 
 They led their forces to the Trojan shores. 
 
 Goneus, from Cyphus, two-and-twenty ships 
 Led through the foaming main : in these embark'd 
 The Eneans, and Peraebi brave in fight, γs5 
 
 Who by Dodona dwelt, in ruthless storms 
 Where winter reigns severe ; and they who till 
 Their lands by pleasant Titaresion, 
 To Peneus sending his transparent stream. 
 Nor deigns to mix his clear pellucid wave, 760 
 
 But light as oil upon the surface floats, 
 Deriv'd from Styx, the sacred oath of gods. 
 
 Prothous the brave Magnetes arm'd to war, 
 Tenthredon's son, from Peneus, and the groves 
 Of Pelion ; in forty ships convey 'd. 765 
 
 The leaders these, and mighty chiefs of Greece, 
 Now, Muse, relate who most in arms excelled 
 Of all the host ; who rein'd the noblest steeds. 
 
 First in the race, and of Pheretian breed, 
 Eumelus' coursers whirl'd the rapid car, 770 
 
 Swift as the eagle's wing, in colour match'd. 
 And size : Apollo in Pieria's plains 
 Nourish'd them, matchless in the rapid course. 
 
 ■«^>.^-,^.„«,» 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 59 
 
 Or to spread terror through the ranks of war. 
 
 Of men the bravest, Ajax Telamon, 775 
 
 Whilst swift Achilles, at his tent retir'd, 
 
 Cherish'd dire rage ; for he excell'd in might. 
 
 And his of generous steeds the fleetest far. 
 
 Incens'd with him who bore supreme command. 
 
 With Agamemnon, at his ships he lay 78O 
 
 Inactive ; whilst his forces on the strond. 
 
 In sports contending, to the distant goal 
 
 Speed the swift arrow, throw the pond'rous quoit. 
 
 Or hurl the spear : their horses at the car 
 
 The chieftains rein'd, still eager for the fight : 785 
 
 Albeit, obedient to their leader's will 
 
 Unarm'd, inactive, through the camp they stray'd. 
 
 Thus mov'd the Greeks, as when devouring flames 
 O'erspread the plain ; as erst, when angry Jove, 
 Indignant, hurl'd terrific thunder down, '790 
 
 And whelm'd Typhoeus huge in Arime, 
 Beneath incumbent mountains : so beneath 
 Their numerous feet earth groan'd as on they mov'd 
 Eager to fight, and rapid march'd along. 
 
 Now Iris, sent from aegis-bearing Jove, 795 
 
 The unwelcome tidings to the Trojans brought: 
 They at their monarch's palace council held, 
 Old men and young; whom Iris, in the form 
 
 
 a*. 
 it 
 
 4* 
 
 V * 
 
 I !1 
 
 i «: 
 
 i-l 
 
 Ik : 
 
 -ST. ' - 
 
 I Z-. is I 
 
 *4 
 
 
f -'f 
 
 6d 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 H. 
 
 II. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 61 
 
 (t 
 
 (C 
 
 ■ * 
 
 -i 
 
 Of Priam's son, Polites, near approach'^. 
 
 (Polites swift of foot, who at the tomb 800 
 
 Of old ^setes watch'd the Grecian host. 
 
 To note when from their ships they bent their 
 
 march,) 
 In form hke him. Iris the king address'd : 
 " Ο venerable sire, as though in time 
 
 Of peace, vain useless converse here you hold ; 
 Yet war, portentous war, the state impends : 801^ 
 " Though present often in the conflict dire, 
 
 A host in numbers and in pow'r so great 
 " As now approacheth, I have ne'er beheld ; 
 " Like leaves, or as the sea sand, numberless 810 
 They pour along the plain, and this way tend. 
 Hector, to thee, chief captain of our host, 
 " I counsel thus : Since men of various tongues 
 " Have join'd their forces to our Trojan arms, 
 " Let then each several leader bear command, 815 
 " And marshal to the fight his native troops." 
 
 She spake : when Hector knew the voice divine. 
 And straight dismissed the council ; and to arms. 
 Through the wide-opening gates, both horse and foot, 
 Rush'd forth impetuous : dreadful was the noise. 
 
 A lofty mount, retir'd, yet near to Troy, 821 
 Rises above the plain, by mortals call'd 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 Bateia, by the gods Myrynne's tomb : 
 There Trojans and allies their numerous troops 
 Assembled. Hector, by his varied crest 
 Distinguished, led the warlike Trojans on, 
 In numbers and in might superior far. 
 
 iEneas to the war the Dardans arm'd. 
 Of Venus and Anchises' mighty son 
 In Ida born, of more than mortal race ; 
 With him Antenor's warlike sons advanc'd, 
 Archilochus and valiant Acamas. 
 They who inhabit Ida's utmost bounds. 
 And fair Zelia by ^sepus' stream ; 
 Them Pandarus, Lycaon's son, well taught 
 By Phoebus to direct th' unerring shaft. 
 To battle arm'd. Adrastus' city next, 
 Apaesus, Pityia, and the crag 
 Of high Teria, sent their martial bands: 
 Adrastus these, and Amphius, led on. 
 Sons of Percosian Merops, deeply skill'd 
 In prophecy, nor would permit his sons 
 To join the doubtful war: they list'ned not 
 His voice, by Fate s resistless hand impell'd. 
 
 Percote next, and Practius' martial bands ; 
 Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe fair. 
 The warlike son of.Hirtacus led on 
 
 825 
 
 830 
 
 835 
 
 840 
 
 845 
 
 i\ 
 
 m 
 
 F 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 •J 
 
 •n 
 
 >*1 
 
 I 
 
 ;"ί : 
 
 ■*! 
 
 ί tea to d ig ju ifag Ja iBk j ifadwaii 
 
62 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 π. 
 
 In order due : Aresbian coursers, bred 
 By Selle's stream^ the valiant Asius bore. 
 
 Hippothous arm'd the brave Pelasgians, 850 
 
 From rich Larissa, with Pylaeus join'd. 
 His brother, of Pelasgian Lethus* sons. 
 
 Pirus and Acamas their Thracian troops 
 Brought from the stormy coast of Hellespont. 
 
 Euphemus led the brave Ciconians, 855 
 
 Son of Troezenus, Cea s royal race. 
 
 Arm'd with the bow and shaft, Pyraechmes led 
 The stout Paeonians, far from Amudon ; 
 From Axius' stream, of rivers purest far. 
 
 Pylaemenes the Paphlagonians brought 86o 
 
 From Enetae, and from Parthenius' stream ; 
 And from Cytorus, and from Sesamus, 
 Cromna, -^gialus, and Erythini. 
 The Halizonians, Epistrophus 
 And Hodius led, from distant Alybe ; 865 
 
 From Alybe, for purest silver fam'd. 
 
 Chromis the Mysians, and Ennomus 
 Well skiird in augury, to battle arm'd : 
 Yet vain that skill, when stern Achilles' rage 
 With slaughter'd heaps impeded Xanthus' course. 
 
 Phorcys the Phrygians, and Ascanius, 871 
 
 Far from Ascania led, eager for war. 
 
 zi. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 63 
 
 Pylaemen's sons, Mesthles and Antiphus, 
 From Tmolus led the brave Maeonians. 
 
 Nastes the Carians led, of barbarous tongue, 875 
 Who by Miletus dwell, and Phthiron's woods, 
 Maeander's stream, and Mycale's high crag : 
 These Nastes and Amphimachus led on : 
 Amphimachus and Nastes, Nomion's sons. 
 In gold attir'd, who rashly dar'd the war, 880 
 
 At Xanthus' stream by great Achilles slain. 
 
 Sarpedon last, and Glaucus, led their troops 
 From Lycia's realm and rapid Xanthus' source. 
 
 ■m 
 
 *M 
 
 t\ 
 
 
 iii 
 
 ί f 
 
 1 
 
 ,-u 
 
 
I 
 
 64 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 III. 
 
 XiACH host in order by their chiefs array d. 
 With shouts the Trojans mov d along the plain 
 Tumultuous ; as when unnumbVed cranes. 
 From wintry storms and more inclement skies, 
 Ο er wide extended seas their flight pursue, 5 
 
 And through the air to the pygmaean race 
 Destruction bring, and death, llie Greeks mean- 
 time ' 
 
 With silent rage mov d onward, firmly bent 
 By mutual aid each other to assist. 
 
 As the south wind upon the mountain top lo 
 Spreads the thick mist, for deeds of darkness meet, 
 Unfriendly to the shepherd, who in vain 
 With bounded view overlooks his scattered flocks ; 
 So from unnumbVed feet the dust in clouds 
 Uprose, as on they urg d their rapid march. i $ 
 
 Now front to front arrayed each army stood. 
 When Paris forth advanc'd in glittVing arms. 
 His shoulders covered ^-ith a panther s hide ; 
 
 iir. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 65 
 
 Two spears he brandished, and to single fight 
 Challeng'd the bravest of the Grecian host. 20 
 
 Him Menelaus, eager for the war. 
 With haughty strides advancing, soon perceiv'd. 
 As when the lion on some larger beast. 
 Or stag with branching horns, of shaggy c^oat. 
 By hunger press'd, alights: though dogs and men 25 
 Fearless attack, unmov'd he still devours. 
 So Menelaus at the sight rejoic'd ; 
 And eager to revenge his mighty griefs, 
 All-arm'd, from forth his lofty chariot spruni'. 
 
 Him thus advancing Paris first beheld, 30 
 
 And quick retreated, stung with conscious shame 
 And guilt, and to the ranks in haste retir'd. 
 As from the brake retreats with hasty step 
 The fright ned traveller, when unawares 
 He sees the crested snake ; fear shakes his limbs. 
 And ο er his face a sudden paleness casts : 36 
 
 So Paris started, trembled, and retir'd 
 Within the ranks, and shunn'd his mighty foe. 
 
 Him Hector thus with sharp rebuke address'd: 
 " Unhappy Paris, of thy beauty vain ; 40 
 
 " Deceiver false ! Ο hadst thou ne'er been bom, 
 " Or perish'd ere jieiform'd the nuptial tie ; 
 " Rather than thus thy country to disgrace. 
 
 V i 
 
 'i \i 
 
 , 4 
 
 IaI 
 
 1 
 
66 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 m. 
 
 
 <c 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 (ζ 
 
 (( 
 
 6i 
 
 (6 
 66 
 
 it 
 
 Tlie scorn and just conteqipt of all the Greel^s, 
 Who, judging from thy form, might deen^ the$ 
 
 " brave! 45 
 
 But thou art weak of mind, and cowardly 5 
 And being such, how couldst thou dare, in ships 
 Passing the seas, from Apia basely steal 
 The wife of a far braveir map th^n thou ? 
 Grief inexpressible to all thy race, 6• 
 
 Thy father, and thy country, and thyself; 
 But to our fo^s ii)fitter of greatest joy. 
 What ! fear'st thou Menelays to engage ? 
 Soon shouldst thou know from whom thou dost 
 
 " withhold 
 The partner of his bed ; wr may thy harp, 55 
 Nor Cytherea's gifts, nor form, nor grace. 
 Avail, when vanquished thou shalt bite the dust. 
 Trojans want courage, or with stones ο erwhelm'4 
 Long since thou'dst paid the forfeit of thy 
 
 *' crimes." 
 
 (( 
 
 6( 
 
 66 
 
 66 
 
 i6 
 
 Paris replied : " True, Hector, are thy words ; 60 
 And I have justly merited reproach. 
 Thy mind unwearied,— as the sharp ned axe 
 Strength addeth to the cunning workman's hand, 
 Who shapes the timber for some lofty bark,— 
 Thy mighty mind^ with fear no converse holds. 
 
 in. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Pr 
 
 €C 
 
 €ζ 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 Reproach me not witli Cytherea's gifts ; 
 The gifts of heav η are not to be contemn'd 
 Wlien freely given, yet above control 
 « Of human powV. If, Hector, such thy wish, 
 ^' That I, and singly too, this contest try; 70 
 
 ''' Cause each contending host to rest their arms, 
 " Whilst I and Menelaus, in the midst, 
 " For beauteous Helen and the spoils engage : 
 " Let him whom heaven with success shall crown, 
 The spoils and glorious prize in triumph bear; 75 
 Whilst Greeks and Trojans, in firm league com• 
 '' bin'd 
 
 ^' And amity, these dwell in fertile Troy, 
 '' To Argos those return, for beauty fam'd." 
 
 He spake : with joy Hector his words received. 
 And hast ning in the midst, with levelled spear 80 
 Restrained his troops obedient : him the Greeks 
 With missive arms on every side assail'd. 
 When Agamemnon thus the Greeks address'd : 
 Forbear, ye Greel^s, forbear: great Hector comes 
 With proposition of no mean import." 85 
 
 In silence they obey'd ; when Hector thus : 
 '' Trojans and Greeks, the words of Paris hear ; 
 Paris, the cause of this disastrous war: 
 He orders all to ground their hostile arms, 
 
 ρ 2 
 
 cc 
 
 C6 
 
 CC 
 
 cc 
 
 ''0Ί 
 
 K•' 
 
 
 «1 
 
 .«{l 
 
68 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ιΐί.^ 
 
 ^' That he and Menelaus, singly^ may 
 " For beauteous Helen and the spoils engage ; 
 " That he whom heaven with success shall crown, 
 " The spoils and glorious prize in triumph bear, 
 " And we in league and amity combine." 
 
 He spake; still silence reign d throughout the 
 
 camp ; 95 
 
 When Menelaus thus the chiefs addressed: 
 
 " Hear also me, whose mighty griefs exceed 
 " All common bounds ; yet I with joy perceive 
 " Some termination to the toils of war, 
 " Since Greeks and Trojans both have much en- 
 
 " durd 100 
 
 '' For me, and Paris cause of all our woes : 
 " Then let him perish whom the Fates decree, 
 " And you in peace and lasting friendship live. 
 " Bring then two lambs, ye Trojans, to the Earth 
 " And Phoebus sacred, as your rites demand. 105 
 " A third we Grecians consecrate to Jove. 
 " Let Priam's self this solemn truce attend : 
 " His sons, unsteady, no dependence claim, 
 " Though by an oath confirmed ; such heedless 
 
 " youth, 
 " To changes ever prone ; more prudent age 110 
 " Examines, and approves what still is best." 
 
 III. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 69 
 
 He spake : with joy each host anticipates 
 A speedy end to desolating war. 
 Alighting from their cars, in order due 
 They rein d the prancing steeds, and on the ground. 
 Small space between, their glitt'ring arms reclin'd. 
 
 But Hector to the Trojan city sent 
 Two heralds to invite the revVend king. 
 Of age experienced, to attend the rites : 
 The Grecians from their ship^, to mighty Jove 120 
 Sacred, th' unblemish'd lamb, as orderd, sent. 
 
 Meantime the varied Iris, messenger 
 Of gods, from heav'n to beauteous Helen came ; 
 The form of fair Laodice she took ; 
 Laodice, of Priam's royal race, 125 
 
 Fairest in form and feature : her she found 
 Plying the loom, whose magic art pourtray'd 
 The various conflicts of contending hosts. 
 Herself the pri?.e; whom Iris thus address'd :. 
 " Fair bride, approach, and w4th thy wondVing 
 " eyes ' . 130 
 
 ** The assembled hosts of Trojans and of Greeks 
 " Behold, who erst, on yon blood-stained field 
 " Contending, fought with more than mortal rage. 
 *' No more the din of battle and the shock 
 ^^ Of arms is heard ; still silence reigns throughout ; 
 
 
 m 
 
 I I** 1 
 
 r -'' 
 
 t !■* ' 
 
 . -'■ ft ί 
 
 ' t i 
 
 ' 11 
 
 :■ Μ 
 
yo 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 in. 
 
 Iff. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 η 
 
 " Whilst on his pond'rous shield, or fixed spear, 
 
 ^' Each chieftain stands recHn'd ; and in th'e midst 
 
 *^ Paris and Menelaus now prepare 
 
 '' Fierce combat, thou thyself the conquVor s meed." 
 Thus spake the goddess; and her mind itispir'd 
 
 With all her former love and anxious care, l4l 
 
 For parents, country, husband, left behind. 
 
 Her radiant face she veil'd, and from the loom 
 
 In haste arose, shedding the frequent tear 
 
 Of fond affection, as her steps she bent, 145 
 
 Not unattended, to the Scsean g-ate. 
 
 There the chief counsellors around their king 
 
 Debating sat ; Thymoetes, Panthous, 
 
 And Hicetaon, Lampus, Clytius, 
 
 Antenor, and Ucalegon, far fam'd i5o 
 
 For wisdom, at the Scaean gate conven*(i : 
 
 Chiefs whose declining years might well excuse 
 
 The toils of war, but on whose rev'rend brows 
 
 Deliberation sat ; like grasshoppers. 
 
 Whose shrill voice echoes through the sacred grove. 
 
 Thus on th' embattled tower assembled sat 156 
 
 These venerable chiefs : when Helen came. 
 
 Much they admir d, and thus were heard to say : 
 
 " We cannot Trojans blame, or Grecian chiefs, 
 ^^ That such transcendent beauty should engage 160 
 
 *^ Contending nations in a tedious war ; 
 
 " Some goddess, scarce disguis'd in mortal frame : 
 
 ^^ Yet her return we most devoutly wish, 
 
 ^ AU-heav'nly as she is ; her presence brings 
 
 " Inevitable fate to all our race." 165 
 
 Thus spake the chiefs ; when Priam's friendly voice 
 
 In mildest accents Helen thus bespoke : 
 
 " Approach, my child, and take thy seat by me, 
 *' And view thy former husband, and thy friends : 
 " Nay, child, 1 blame not you; the heav'nly 
 " pow'rs, 170 
 
 To Troy unfriendly, have uprais'd this war. 
 
 Tell me what name he bears, whose portly mien, 
 ^^ And form hiajestic, chief respect commands ; 
 *^ Others in stature and in size excel, 
 " But one more venerably beautiful 175 
 
 " These eyes have ne'er beheld : some king, I 
 " deem." 
 
 Helen replied : " Ο much-esteemed sire, 
 " Most fear d, yet most belov'd ! Ο had I died 
 " Ere with thy son I rashly did forsake 
 *^ My husband, child, and friends! Yet these things 
 
 <c 
 
 (C 
 
 c< 
 
 are: 
 
 180 
 
 " And that they are, I do lament me much. 
 
 m 
 
 ' I ■ 
 
 .1: Λ\ 
 
 ii 
 
 i 
 
 
72 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 iti. 
 
 
 " What you inquire, I will with truth relate. 
 
 " Atrides, king of all the Grecian host, 
 
 " You there behold ; in council and in war 
 
 " Pre-eminent: my brother once so dear, 185 
 
 " My husband's brother: would he were so now!" 
 
 Him Priam long with wondVing eyes surveyed, 
 And said : " Ο king, with happy omens born ; 
 " In empire and in arms, in people blest; 
 " For all the Grecians own thy sov'reign sway, igo 
 " In Phrygia once great Otreus' host I view'd, 
 " With Mygdon's, on the banks of Sangar's stream, 
 " Array d against the warlike Amazons : 
 " I join d their forces ; yet inferior those 
 " To the brave warriors of the Grecian host." 195 
 A second question Priam then addressed. 
 When he Ulysses saw : '' Tell me, mv child, 
 '' Who's that, in stature less, but broader far 
 " His ample chest ; his armour on the ground 
 " Disposed, himself the ranks with care surveys 200 
 
 Attentive ; as the ram with shaggy fleece 
 " On every side the num'rous flock regards." 
 
 Him Helen, sprung from Jove, thus answVe^ 
 mild: 
 
 " Laertes' son, Ulysses, brave and wise, 
 
 n^^iigiftiiUUlM 
 
 in. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 73 
 
 if 
 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 <c 
 
 (( 
 
 i 
 
 €C 
 
 CC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Thine eyes behold : yet he to Ithaca, 
 
 A barren island, owes his birth ; but far 
 
 His fame extends, deep-read in wisdom's lore." 
 
 When thus Antenor prudent: "True, indeed, 
 
 Thy words, Ο Helen ! I remember well, 
 
 Ulysses once in embassy to Troy, 210 
 
 With Menelaus came, on thy account : 
 
 Those noble guests I then beneath my roof 
 
 Did entertain with hospitality. 
 
 Their persons and their different powVs I know. 
 
 When with the Trojans they assembled stood, 
 
 Atrides' form our first attention drew : 2l6 
 
 Ulysses, seated, claim'd superior awe 
 
 And rev'rence ; but when debate arose, 
 
 And each his sentiments in words declar'd ; 
 
 In language plain, in strong and nervous terms 
 
 Concise, Atrides to the purpose spoke : 
 
 But when, in thought profound, Ulysses rose, 
 
 With steadfast look his eyes upon the ground 
 
 He fix'd, nor wav'd his sceptre-bearing hand ; 
 
 Unmov'd he stood, and motionless, as one 225 
 
 Unskill'd and inexperienc'd in debate : 
 
 But when he spoke, with firm and manly tone. 
 
 In copious language, like the winter's snow 
 
 
 i 
 
 'f "f J 
 
 '^i 
 
u 
 
 tW, iLiAD. 
 
 tit. 
 
 tc 
 
 (C 
 
 ρ -3 
 
 (C 
 
 a 
 
 " Descending thick, #i(t& ivoha^ Μ Wiftir^ 
 
 *^ His easy flow of miatchfess eloquence." δ3ό 
 
 Again, when Aj^x to his view appeiir'd. 
 Thus qoestibn'd Prrarh : '''^ Who, oF statiiue Vast, 
 '' And bulk immense, is that, abovfe th^ i^st ?" 
 When Helen, ikirest of her sek, k-epli^ : 
 The mighty Ajax, bulwark of the war : 235 
 
 Near him, encircled by the Cretan bands, 
 '^ Idomeneus, with other mighty chiefs 
 " Assembled, stands : for often, as a guest, 
 To Menelaus' hospitable i-oof 
 The brave Idoineneus to Bprtk cithfe. ^40 
 
 " Each Grecian chief I see, and can i-elate 
 " Their names and rank : for two I look in vain ; 
 " Castor, well skill'd to rein the foamihg ^t^eds, 
 '' And Pollux, victor in the Pythian ganies, 
 " My brothers : Sparta yet perhaps detains 245 
 " Them distant far; or, if to Troy they came, 
 " they shun the conflict, thd the glorious toife 
 " Of war, overwhelmed with grief and shame for me/' 
 
 Thus Helen spake : but long the silent tomb 
 In Sparta, in theiV• hativfe fend, ^mbrac'd 250 
 
 Their sad iiemains, though sprung from mighty 
 Jove. 
 
 m. 
 
 TliE ILIAD. 
 
 ri 
 
 Ahd liow the hieralds through the city brought. 
 For sacrifices mfeet, two faultless lambs^ 
 And gen'rouis wine. Idseu^ first advanc'd> 
 Bearing the glitt'ring bowl, and golden cups, 25* 
 And thus the venerable king address'd : 
 
 ^^ Arise, Ο son of great Laohiedbh ! 
 *^ The Trojans and the Greeks thy presence wait 
 *^ On yonder plain to consectrite the rites, 
 " When Paris and the warlike Atreus' soii j60 
 " In fiercest conflict shall the prize dispute ; 
 " Helen, and all the spoils, the victor's meed : 
 
 And we, in league and amity combin'd> 
 
 Inhabit fertile Troy, and in their ships 
 " The Grecians to their native land return." 265 
 
 The herald spake : with sorrow Priam heard 
 The unwelcome news ; yet bade the chiefs prej^are 
 His royal chariot : to the destin'd plain 
 Antenor, wise, conducts the aged king. 
 
 When now amidst the Grecian chiefs arrived, 2^6 
 And Trojan, they alighted from their car. 
 First Agamemnon and Ulysses rose 
 To greet the Trojan king. Heralds meantime 
 The sacred rites prepar'd, and mix'd the wine, 
 And pour'd libations on each monarch's hand. 275 
 Atrides from his side uhsheath'd the knife. 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ^ ] 
 il 
 
it't 
 
 % 
 
 76 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 III. 
 
 Which ready hung, and from the victim's head 
 Sever'd the destin'd hair, which to each chief. 
 In order due, the faithful heralds gave ; 
 When Agamemnon thus preferr d his prayV : 280 
 
 " Great Jove, of Ida sov'reign, first and best ; 
 " And thou, Ο Sun! whose searching eye per- 
 *^ vades 
 
 " Earth's utmost bounds; Rivers and Earth, attend ; 
 " And all ye pow'rs beneath, whose vengeful ire 
 " Doth punish those who dare to violate 285 
 
 " Their sacred oaths, be witness to our rites ! 
 " If Menelaus fall, let Paris take 
 
 Helen the glorious prize, and the rich spoils ; 
 We in our ships will back to Greece return : 
 But if by Menelaus' warlike hand 390 
 
 " Paris o'ercome shall fall, the Trojan chiefs 
 Shall duly Helen and the spoils restore, 
 And strictly pay the stipulated fine ; 
 A fine which shall this solemn act record 
 " To future times : should Troy refuse to pay, 295 
 " I will continue this disastrous war, 
 " Nor home return till just revenge I find." 
 
 Thus spake the monarch, and the victims slew. 
 Which on the ground he plac'd, of life depriv'd, 
 Yet quiv'ring in the dust : then from the cup 300 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <( 
 
 i( 
 
 fC 
 
 III. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 η 
 
 if 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 Pouring rich wine, they to th' immortal gods. 
 Both Greeks and Trojans, thus address'd the pray'r : 
 
 " Ο mighty Jove, and all ye pow'rs above ! 
 " May they who first this solemn league dissolve, 
 *^ Pour forth, as we this wine, their vital stream, 305 
 " Their wives led captive to some foreign land Γ 
 
 Jove list'ned not the vengeful pray'r of man. 
 Priam now rose, and thus the chiefs address'd : 
 ** Ye Greeks and Trojans, spare a father's tears, 
 
 Nor let my aged eyes the combat see, 310 
 
 Which may deprive me of a much-lov'd son ; 
 
 Permit that I again to Troy return.: 
 " The dread event is known to heav'n alone.** 
 
 Thu^ Priam spake, and then within the car 
 The victims plac'd : Antenor, by his side 315 
 
 Seated, conducts him to the walls of Troy. 
 
 Now Hector and Ulysses mark'd the ground. 
 And in the brazen helmet cast the lots. 
 Who first the spear should hurl against the foe. 
 Each host their secret wishes thus express'd : 320 
 
 *^ Great Jove, of Ida sov'reign, first and best ; 
 " Let him the dreary shades of Pluto's realm 
 ^^ First enter, who this hateful war began : 
 " Whilst we in peace and amity unite." 
 
 
 'Is*?* 
 
 . Vl 
 
 IJ Γ 
 
 HI 
 
 1 . 
 
 ί 
 
 

 ?s 
 
 THE mm. 
 
 IK. 
 
 III. 
 
 T«E ILIABfc 
 
 «I 
 
 
 Thus spake they. Hector shook the brazen 
 
 With eyes averted ; when his brother's lot. 
 The lot of Pari.s, first to hurl the spear, 
 Leaped forth : in order round leach aro^y sat. 
 Their glitt'ring armour and their chariots near. 
 
 Fir^t Paris arm'd him for the deadly fight: 330 
 The silver-studded greaves his legs enibrac'd ; 
 Lycaon's breastplate arm'd his ipanly chest ; 
 Pis glitt'ring faulchion o'er his shoulders hung: 
 Then high he rais'd his pondVous massy shield. 
 And o'er his brow the nodding helmet plac'd, 335 
 And grasp'd his mighty spear. Atrides now 
 
 In armour clad appear'd; and in the midst 
 
 » 
 
 Qf .either host, with lofty strides advanc'd. 
 And aspect stern, all eagier tp engage : . 
 Astonishment and fear each breast a^sail'd. 340 
 
 And now within the measur'd spaqe they stood. 
 Shaking their hostile spears in anger fierce. 
 
 Paris first hurl'd his lance, and snjpte the shield 
 Of Menelaus ; but the treach'rous point 
 Fell blunted, nor might pierce the sev'n-fold orh. 
 Then rose the might of Atreus' warhke son, 346 
 Who thus to mighty Jove address'd his pray'r : 
 
 ^^ Ο Jove supreme, now graijit me jus| revenge 
 " On faithless Paris; let this arJ?i subdue 
 " The man who dare<J to violate the ritp^ ^^50 
 
 ^ Of sacred friendship; that mankind may learn 
 '^ To shun, from his example, base deceit." 
 
 He spake ; and brandishing i^lqft his spear, 
 Hurl'd it with force impetuous : through the shield 
 And corselet quick it p.ierc'd : bending, he shunn'^ 
 The fatal point, and Stcarce escap'd from death. 35ξ? 
 
 Atrides drew his sword, and rushing on 
 With rapid step, his helmet struck amain: 
 The faithless s\yord fell, shiv'red, to the ground. 
 Atrides, grieving from his inmost soul, sGo 
 
 With eyes to heay'n uprais'd, thus loud exclaim'd : 
 " Ο mighty Jove! unjust at least in this. 
 Above the gods ! vainly I thought indeed 
 To have reveng'd my wrongs : my broken sword, 
 And erring spear, bespeak neglected right." 365 
 He spake; and rushing forward, seiz'd the plume 
 Which nodded o'er his helmet, and with force 
 The vanquish'd IVojan to the Grecian host 
 Dragg'd headlong, struggling: him th' embroid'red 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 thong 
 
 Beneath his tender chin, with pain severe 
 EncMmb'red. Then the victor had obtain'd 
 
 370 
 
 uuu^iwu^^^ 
 
80 
 
 THE ILIAD- 
 
 
 in. 
 
 Immortal honour. But the watchful powV 
 Of Venus interposed : she broke the thong, 
 And in his hand an empty helmet left; 
 Which towards the Greeks the indignant victof 
 hurFd 375 
 
 With vehemence : his friends the spoil receiv'd. 
 Again he rush'd with vengeance on his foe ; 
 But Venus in a cloud convey'd him thence 
 Unseen, and in the bridal chamber plac'd ; 
 There sweet perfumes his dying sense reviv'd. 380 
 
 The goddess then sought Helen : her she found 
 By her attendants, at the lofty tow'r. 
 Encircled ; when her robe, with gentle touch 
 Attractive, pulling, like the feeble age 
 Of old Eurocomus, of Spartan race, 385 
 
 The friend and partner of fair Helen's woes ; 
 Jn form like her, thus Venus smiling said : 
 " Hither away ; thy Paris calls thee home, 
 " On lofty couch reclin d in sweet repose, 389 
 
 " With odours dropping; thither bend thy steps : 
 " Not like some warrior from the ensanguined plain. 
 
 But from the festive dance, in jocund trim, 
 '' Returned, or thither going." Thus she spake. 
 And her attention raised : but when perceiv'd 
 Her beauteous neck with form superior turned, 395 
 
 Ν 
 
 ΠΙ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 81 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζ( 
 
 And eyes with heav'nly lustre sparkling bright, 
 Astonish'd, thus the goddess she address'd : 
 
 " Why dost thou spread again the fatal snare ? 
 '' To what far distant city wouldst thou lead 
 " Thy wretched captive, to some favoured man ? 400 
 " Paris thus conqu'red, Atreus' wariike son 
 '' Would take me back to my dear native land ; 
 '' Therefore thou com'st with deepest mischief 
 ^^ fraught. 
 
 " Return again to Paris ; quit the paths 
 
 Of heav'n, nor to Olympus bend thy steps ; 405 
 But dwell with him, and be his constant guard, 
 '' Till he shall make thee or his wife or slave. 
 *' I will not go, nor do so base an act, 
 '' To wait his pleasure ; scorn'd by Trojan dames, 
 " Oppress'd already with unnumbVed woes." 410 
 
 When her displeasure Venus thus express'd : 
 " Awaken not, all wretched as thou art, 
 '' My anger ; lest, enragM, I do forsake, 
 " And hate thee as I once did love thee much ; 
 " And sow between the two contending hosts 415 
 " Such bitter enmity, such dire reveno-e 
 " That nothing but thy death can satisfy." 
 She spake, and Helen fear'd to disobey ; 
 But silent, unobserved, in veil obscur'd, 
 
 G 
 
 4] 
 
 ί 
 
 
 I - 
 
 ^.¥ 
 
 ^t-ffi-.-.. ^^^...,.^^^.. 
 
82 
 
 THE ILUD. 
 
 III. 
 
 III. 
 
 Reluctant, folio w'd where the goddess led, 
 
 To the fair palace : there their several works 
 
 Her maids obedient plied. Venus meantime 
 
 Conducted Helen to the lofty room 
 
 Where Paris sat reclin d, and by his side 
 
 Plac'd her, unwilling : with averted eyes, 425 
 
 Indignant, thus her husband she reproach'd : 
 
 " And art thou from the combat safe returned ? 
 " Would thou hadst perish'd by a braver hand, 
 " The hand of my dread lord ! Where now thy 
 
 " boast 
 " Of strength, and might superior? Dar'st thou 
 " then 430 
 
 " A second combat try, and face thy foe ? 
 " Ah ! venture not again the warlike son 
 " Of Atreus to engage ; nor rashly prove 
 " An easy conquest to the victor's arms." 
 
 To her the vanquished Paris thus replied : 435 
 " Cease thy reproach, Ο fairest of thy sex ! 
 " Aided by Pallas, Menelaus boasts 
 " The palm of vict'ry now ; I, in my turn, 
 " With heav n's assistance, may reclaim the prize 
 " Hereafter : but far other thoughts demand 440 
 " Our care ; for never did thy charms so touch 
 " My ravished sense ; not when I first conveyed 
 
 ΊΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 83 
 
 (6 
 
 CC 
 
 Thee, not unwilling, in my hollow ships 
 To Cranae's isle, from Sparta much belov'd. 
 As now I love thee, Helen." Thus he spaki, 445 
 And led the way ; she followed, nothing loth. 
 
 Atrides now, like some fierce lioness 
 Robb'd of her whelps, enrag'd, with hasty step 
 Advancing through the ranks, his foe required. 
 With fruitless search : not one could point him out 
 Of all the numVous host : yet not for love. 
 Or for regard, would any have conceaFd 
 The author and the cause of all their woes ; 
 Just object of their most determin'd hate : 
 When Agamemnon thus address'd the chiefs : 45^ 
 " Ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies, attend : 
 To Menelaus victory belongs. 
 Bring then the spoils, and Helen safe restore. 
 And pay the fine I justly shall impose ; 
 '' A fine which may this solemn act record 
 '' To distant times, and ages yet unborn." 
 He spake ; and loud applauses rent the skies. 
 
 cc 
 
 Cf 
 
 (C 
 
 'Mi 
 
 "J* i 
 
 -i' 
 
 { *... 
 
 'i 
 
 
 •li 
 
 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IVi 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 fl 
 
 
 I 
 
 And now, on golden thrones, with Jove supreme. 
 Assembled, sat the high immortal powVs ; 
 Hebe with wine the golden goblet crown d, 
 Nectarean, whilst beneath them they survey 'd 
 The Trojan city, and suspended war; 5 
 
 When thus with feign d rebuke, and tacit blame. 
 Great Jove addressed the sov'reign Queen of heav'n: 
 " Two goddesses with aid divine assist 
 Atrides' son ; Minerva's warlike power, 
 And Argive Juno ; yet, all unconcerned, 10 
 
 Apart they sit : but with more constant care 
 *^ Venus her favour d warrior still protects, 
 ^^ And now hath sav'd him from impending fate : 
 " To Menelaus victory belongs. 
 " Consult we then to what these measures tend : 1 5 
 *^ Shall we again renew the dreadful war; 
 ^^ Or both unite in amity and peace ? 
 '* If all approve, Troy shall again uprear 
 " Her head triumphant; and the pride of Greece, 
 " Helen, return with Menelaus home." 20 
 
 C6 
 
 i( 
 
 <( 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 85 
 
 Pallas indignant, and Saturnia heard. 
 And disapprov'd ; the goddess of the war 
 Suppressed, though deeply griev'd, her mighty mind; 
 But her displeasure thus Saturnia spoke : 
 
 '' Ο powV supreme, what hast thou now decreed ? 
 " And wilt thou render all my labours vain ? 26 
 " Labours immense, and troubles infinite, 
 '' Which in this conflict I have undergone, 
 " Wearying immortal coursers to destroy 
 " The Trojan name. What you decree, must stand 
 '' Fix'd ; yet we cannot, do not all approve." 
 
 In anger Jove replied : " Unfortunate » 
 " What can or Priam or his sons have done, 
 '' That thou shouldst hate them so, and ceaseless 
 
 *^ strive 
 " To overthrow the well-built city Troy ? 35 
 
 " What! thou wouldst enter through her loRy 
 " gates, 
 
 " And Priam and his sons, within the walls, 
 
 " Alive devour, to satiate thy revenge ! 
 Be it so then ; nor Troy, as heretofore. 
 In highest heav'n be cause of fierce debate. 40 
 
 " But this I tell thee, and remark it well, — 
 
 " When I decree some lofty city's fall, 
 
 " Though patroniz'd by thee, think not to stay 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 
 ■'1 
 
 
 ■i\ 
 
 1 
 
 t. if- 
 
 
86 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 
 My anger, or arrest my lifted arm : 
 
 I gave thee Troy, but with no wilHng mind ; 45 
 
 For of all cities which the sun surveys 
 
 Beneath the starried canopy of heav'n. 
 
 By mortal men inhabited, I lov'd 
 
 That city, Priam, and his warlike race; 
 
 For never did his altars cease to burn ' 50 
 
 With sacrifices due to heav'n's high King." 
 
 When Juno, venerable, thus replied : 
 
 I have, indeed, three cities much belov'd, 
 
 Argos and Sparta, and the spacious walls 
 
 Of large Mycenae : these thou mayst destroy 55 
 
 When they incur thy hatred ; I nor care, 
 
 Nor will oppose ; and though I should oppose. 
 
 It would avail me nothing, for thy strength 
 
 And pow'r supreme can never know restraint. 
 
 Yet why should I, Goddess and Queen of 
 
 " heav'n. 
 Daughter of Saturn, and the wife of Jove, 
 In vain contend ? Let us by turns control 
 The wayward fate of man ; th' immortal powVs 
 Will gladly follow where we lead the way. 
 Let then Minerva, mov'd by your command, 65 
 Descend where Greeks and Trojans cease from 
 
 " fight. 
 
 tv. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 St 
 
 ^^ Dissolve the truce, and let the flames of war, 
 " Through Trojan perfidy rekindled, blaze/* 
 
 She spake ; the Sire of gods and men approved. 
 And Pallas thus bespoke : " Haste to the field, 70 
 ^^ Dissolve the truce, and let the flames of war 
 " Rekindled blaze." He spake ; when from above 
 Descending, from Olympus' lofty top, 
 The martial goddess urg'd her rapid flight : 
 Like to some meteor which Saturnian Jove 75 
 
 Portentous sends: amaz'd the sailor views 
 The dreadful omen, and th' embattled host 
 Shrinks panic-struck ; whilst, in long train behind. 
 The glitt'ring sparks shoot forth with vivid light : 
 So rush'd Minerva to the plains of Troy, 80 
 
 And mingled with the host: fear seiz'd each mind. 
 And Greeks and Trojans thus were heard to say: 
 " War, dreadful war, or peace doth Jove portend, 
 " From whom alone both peace and war derive." 
 Thus they : but Pallas, lilie Antenor's son, 85 
 
 Ent'red the Trojan host, if she might find 
 Lycaon's son, the godlike Pandarus. 
 Him, brave and blameless, in the thickest ranks 
 Of warriors from JEsepus' banks she found, 
 And near approaching, thus address'd the chief: 90 
 " Hast thou, then, courage to perform my wish. 
 
 ft' 
 
 if 
 i 1 
 
if ' 
 % - 
 
 
 &J 
 
 f 
 
 88 
 
 ζζ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 <ζ 
 
 u 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 (e 
 
 Ο son of brave Lycaon, and direct 
 " At Menelaus thy unerring shaft ? 
 " The Trojans will, with grateful thanks, repay 
 ^' The deed ; but chiefly Paris, who with gifts f)5 
 Splendid and rich thy merit will reward. 
 If, haply, by thy skill great Atreus' son, 
 ConquVed and slain, ascend the funVal pyle. 
 Haste, then, direct thy shaft ; but first by pray'r 
 Invoke Apollo's aid, of Lycia king, 100 
 
 " Far fam'd for matchless skill in archery : 
 *^ To him devote a hecatomb of lambs 
 " Unblemished, firstlings of thy numVous flocks^ 
 " When to Zelia's sacred walls return d." 
 
 Minerva spake : exulting he approved, 105 
 
 Improvident ; then took his polish'd bow, 
 Spoil of the mountain goat, slain by his hand 
 With well-directed shaft as from the rock 
 Forth rushing he surpris'd it ; and the wound 
 Deep in its heart infixed : headlong it fell l lo 
 
 Lifeless ; full sixteen palms extended then 
 The branching honours of its shaggy brow. 
 The cunning workman shap d the polish'd horn, 
 And tipp'd the points with gold. His bow, unseen. 
 He took, and bending to the ground inclin'd, ΐΐή 
 SheltVed by num'rous and surrounding friends. 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 89 
 
 Who with their orbid shields his purpose screen d. 
 
 Lest seen, the warlike Greeks should to the fight 
 
 Impetuous rush ere Menelaus fall. 
 
 The quiver then he took, and from within 120 
 
 Drew forth the winged shaft, yet unessay'd-^ 
 
 Sad cause of bitter woes — and to the string 
 
 Applied the fatal arrow, and address'd 
 
 His pray'r to dread Apollo, Lycia s king, 
 
 Far fam'd for matchless skill in archery ; 125 
 
 To him devoting hecatombs of lambs 
 
 When to Zelia's sacred walls return'd. 
 
 The string and arrow then with force he drew ; 
 
 That to his chest, and to the polish'd bow 
 
 The pointed steel : the circled bow resounds; 130 
 
 Shrill sounds the quiv'ring string, and to the mark 
 
 Leaps forth, and rapid flies the pointed shaft. 
 
 Nor were the gods unmindful of thy fate, 
 Atrides ; chiefly Pallas, who the wound 
 Check'd, interposing, and repress'd its force. 135 
 
 As the fond mother from her sleeping child 
 The biting insect drives; she in the belt, 
 Where double folds and clasps of gold protect, 
 Infix'd the shaft, directed by her hand : 
 Through the wrought belt and golden clasps it" 
 pierc'd j^q 
 
 tn 
 
 v.- 
 
 I f 
 
 i.i 
 
 ■i ■ 
 
 It 
 
 { 
 ί 
 
 

 90 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Impetuous, nor might the thickest folds 
 Its course impede, such aid Apollo lent, 
 Till in his body fix d it pierc'd the skin 
 Lightly, and drew the stream of purple gore. 
 
 As when pure ivory with Tyrian dye 145 
 
 Distain d by female skill of Maeonis 
 Or Caria shows, when for the warrior horse 
 Rich trappings she designs, the costly gift 
 With envy view'd, the pride of chivalry, 
 Adorns the lofty chamber, form'd to deck 150 
 
 The gorgeous frontlet of a monarch's steed : 
 
 So show'd thy limbs, Atrides, stain'd with gore, 
 As to the ground the purple current flowed. 
 
 With horror seiz'd, the Grecian king beheld 
 The blood still flowing from his brother's wound. 
 
 Then first did fear thy mighty mind appall, 156 
 Ο Menelaus ! but when seen the barb 
 Not ent'red, then the spirit back return'd. 
 
 Pressing his brother's hand, with falt'rino-yoice 
 Thus Agamemnon spake ; surrounding chiefs l6o 
 Meantime in silence wept: " Brother belov'd, 
 " This truce, this fatal truce, hath seal'd thy doom, 
 *' Whom I to single combat have exposed : 
 " By this thy wound the Trojans have dissolv'd 
 "" This solemn league : yet surely not in vain l65 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 91 
 
 
 €C 
 
 (ζ 
 ζζ 
 iC 
 
 (ζ 
 cc 
 ic 
 
 iC 
 
 iC 
 
 <i 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Our sacred oaths, our sacrifices meet. 
 Our plighted hands, and vows of amity : 
 Though Jove his vengeance stay, yet will his 
 
 " wrath 
 With tenfold fury burst upon their heads, 
 And on their wives and children, for this deed. 
 For well I know the time will surely come, 171 
 When Troy's proud city level with the dust 
 Shall lie, and Priam and his people fall 
 In undistinguish'd ruin : mighty Jove 
 Saturnian, dwelling in the highest heav'n, 175 
 Himself shall shake his aegis o'er their heads 
 Portentous, for this folly most enrag'd : 
 Nor cease till all things be accomplished. 
 But deep affliction for thy sake I feel. 
 Brother, and tremble lest this treach'rous wound 
 Prove mortal: how oppress'd with shame and grief 
 Shall I return to Argos, much-belov'd ! 
 The Greeks with baste will quit these hostile 
 
 " plains. 
 To Priam and the Trojans Helen leave. 
 Their boasted prize; whilst on th' ensanguin'd 
 
 '^ plain 1«5 
 
 Thy scatt'red bones lie bleaching to the winds. 
 Thy labours lost, thy works unfinished : 
 
 ■4 '! 
 
 
 
 mi 
 
92 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 i 
 
 
 " When o'er thy dust insulting, thus shall say 
 " The haughty Trojan,—^ So may Grecia's king 
 '^ With fruitless rage his enemies pursue, 190 
 
 '' And lead his baffled forces back to Greece, 
 '' His ships all scattVed, and his brother slain !' 
 " Ere this I hear, may death my being end !" 
 
 Him Menelaus thus encouraging 
 AnswVed : " Nor fear yourself, nor cause our men 
 *^ To fear ; the shaft is in no mortal place ; 196 
 " Stopped by the well-wrought belt, and golden 
 " clasps." 
 
 When Agamemnon thus : " Be it so, then ; 
 " Yet let the skilful hand medicinal 
 
 Its aid apply, and all thy pains remove. 200 
 
 Haste, then, Talthybius ; JEsculapius' son 
 *' Machaon hither speed ; that he may see 
 " My warlike brother, whom some Trojan chief, 
 " Or Lycian, hath with well-directed shaft 
 " Wounded; their boast, but our most bitter grief." 
 
 He spake ; when hastening through the Grecian 
 
 ^""'^^ 206 
 
 Talthybius ^sculapius' skilful son 
 
 Machaon sought ; him, circled by his friends. 
 
 From Tricca, and Ithome's tow'rs, he found. 
 
 And thus approaching spake : " Hither away, 21Q- 
 
 β( 
 
 f( 
 
 f lttiiliiillimiiii-iiiril»ti ίΙιΙΤΤ Hi mi I i 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 93 
 
 " Machaon, Agamemnon bids thee come 
 
 " And heal his brother, whom some Trojan chief, 
 
 " Or Lycian, hath with well-directed shaft 
 
 " Wounded; their boast, but our most bitter grief." 
 
 He spake; when quickly through the Grecian 
 host 215 
 
 Machaon to the wounded chief repair'd : 
 Around him stood, with anxious care oppress'd, 
 Atrides and the chiefs : first, from his belt 
 He drew the shaft ; the barbed point again 
 Resisting, bent: the well-wrought belt remov'd, 220 
 And girdle underneath, with gentle hand 
 The clotted gore he press'd, and wip'd away ; 
 Then cleans'd the wound with ointment, and applied 
 The potent juice of herbs medicinal. 
 Whose secret virtues and rare qualities 225 
 
 Sage Chiron to his father erst disclos'd. 
 Whilst thus employed the Trojans clos'd their ranks^ 
 Resum'd their arms, and for the fight prepared. * 
 
 Then, nor with fear assaiPd, confus'd, inert, 
 Mightst thou behold great Atreus' warlike son; 230 
 His noble mind for martial glory burn d, 
 Impatient for the fight. Quitting forthwith 
 His rapid car, (which Ptolemaeus' son, 
 Eurymedon, apart prepared, held. 
 
 i% 
 
 h 
 
 
r * 
 
 fit*• 
 J' * 
 
 94 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 tv. 
 
 i 
 
 Lest as th' extensive army he review'd 
 Fatigue his limbs invade,) on foot he mov'd 
 Through the thick ranks, and with persuasive words 
 Their courage rous'd, and all their valour arm'd. 
 
 Grecians, your wonted bravery renew; 
 " Know, Jove assists not those who violate 240 
 " Their sacred oaths ; them shall the rav'nous birds 
 " Of air devour who deal in perjury, 
 '' Whilst we (their city levelled to the dust) 
 '' Their wives and children bear triumphant home." 
 But whom averse or negligent to arm 245 
 
 The monarch saw, severe he thus reprov'd : 
 
 " Ο shame, Ο scandal to the name ye bear ! 
 " Why stand ye trembling, like the panting hinds 
 '' Which bounding o'er the plain, by sudden fear 
 Oppressed, stand motionless, an easy prey ? 250 
 So you stand trembling, nor prepare for fight. 
 What ! do you wait the Trojans' near approach. 
 Till on the strond your very ships they seize. 
 Unless to guard them Jove himself descend ?" 
 Thus Agamemnon through the numVous host 
 In order pass'd. The Cretans arm'd he found ; 256' 
 Idomeneus, their chief, like the fierce boar. 
 Lord of the spacious forest : in the rear 
 Meriones appear d. The king rejoic'd. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <( 
 
 a 
 
 iC 
 
 (( 
 
 IV• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 95 
 
 ie 
 
 iC 
 
 €ζ 
 
 And thus exulting spake : " Idomeneus, 
 '' I do esteem thee much, and honour thee 
 '' Above the Grecian chiefs; whether in war 
 Or council you assist, or festive board ; 
 When we the golden goblets crown with wine. 
 Thine, like thy sov reign's cup, is ever full, 265 
 " Unmeasur d uncontrolled : rouse then, to arms, 
 " And with thy wonted courage dare the fight." 
 Idomeneus replied : " Know, mighty king, 
 '' I bear a grateful mind, nor will disgrace 
 '' My promised friendship and firm amity : 270 
 
 *' Lead on thy forces to the glorious field, 
 '' All eager to engage the treach'rous foe ; 
 '' Whom vengeance shall o'ertake, and sudden fate. 
 " The just reward of perjury and wrong/* 
 
 He spake : Atrides pass'd, exulting, by, 275 
 
 To where the troops of either Ajax stood, 
 All arm'd, a mighty host. As from the top 
 Of some high rock, far oflTthe shepherd sees 
 The gathering storm uprise, by southern blast 
 Wafted, the bosom of the deep along, 280 
 
 Yet distant, black'ning all th' horizon round. 
 Portending danger ;— to some distant cave. 
 Fearful, in haste, he drives his fleecy care : 
 So the thick ranks embattled mov'd along 
 
 li 
 
 
 
 ti. ■ 
 
 si 
 

 t'C i 
 
 96 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 « 
 
 i( 
 
 ζ( 
 
 ζ< 
 
 Round either Ajax, eager for the war, 
 And darketfd all the plain. Atrides glad 
 Survey'd the martial bands, and thus exclaim'd : 
 *^ Brave warriors, leaders of the Argive bands, 
 " Whose daring souls no exhortation need 
 
 To deeds of high renown: Ο had we all 29O 
 
 That active courage, that intrepid mind. 
 Soon should proud Troy stoop to her lowest base. 
 An easy prey to our victorious arms V* 
 He spake, and onward bent his eager step. 
 Nestor he found, the venerable chief 295 
 
 Of Pylos, arming his well-ordVed troops, 
 And urging to the fight : him Pelagus, 
 Alastor, Chromius, and Haemon s strength. 
 And Bias, mighty chiefs, attentive wait. 
 In front the horse and chariots, duly rang'd, 300 
 He plac'd ; the num'rous infantry behind 
 Clos'd their firm ranks, the bulwark of the war ; 
 Troops of suspected valour in the midst 
 (All hopes of flight cut off, and forc'd to fight,) 
 The experience leader plac'd : then gave command 
 That each his fiery courser duly curb, 3^5 
 
 Nor break the ranks ; nor, eager to engage. 
 Advance before the rest, nor yet retreat ; 
 And, through the chance and fortune of the fight. 
 
 tY. 
 
 THEi ILIAD. 
 
 97 
 
 Should any chieftain quit his rapid car> 
 Let him with spear engage, nor dare aftempt 
 To guide another's fiery foaming steeds, 
 Unknowing of his voice : in days of yore 
 Victorious thus our great forefathers fought 
 
 Thus Nestor gave in charge, long time in war 315 
 Experienced : him with joy Atrides heard. 
 And thus address'd : « Ο did thy years but suit 
 " Thy energy of mind ! thou bear st a soul 
 '' Superior ; would thy age another had, 
 ^' And thou the vigour and the strength of youth !»' 
 
 Him Nestor answVed : " Such indeed my wish, 
 " Atrides, could a wish my strength renew 
 " As when I slew great Ereuthalion. 
 '' But heaven to man dispenses various gifts: 
 " Then inexperienced, young; now bow'd with age. 
 " Still in my chariot borne I tempt the field, 326 
 " And witk advice assist, and counsel wise. 
 The privilege of years ; the toils of war. 
 The dangerous shock of arms, let youth sustain.•* 
 He spake : Atrides pass'd exulting on 330 
 
 To Peteus' son, well skill'd the fiery steed 
 To rein, brave leader of the Athenian bands : 
 Him near, in counsel wise, Ulysses stood. 
 With Cephallenian forces, great in arms: 
 
 <t 
 
 iC 
 
 £ I 
 
 
 I 
 
 I -J 
 
 
 ■It- 
 
 fct 
 
 J 
 fl 
 
ίβ ■ 
 
 98 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IT. 
 
 • i 
 
 For yet they had not heard the din of war, 
 And preparation to the conflict dire 
 Of Trojans-and of Greeks ; but- waited firm 
 Their chiefs command, nor to the onset mov'd. 
 
 Them with reproachful words and taunt severe 
 Atrides thus address'd : " Ο Peteus' son ! 340 
 
 ^^ And thou with craft and wary counsel stor'd, 
 " Why do you thus aloof and trembling stand, 
 " You who should first advance, and dare the fight : 
 " When we some feast to celebrate prepare 
 " For honourable age, you then in haste 345 
 
 " Assemble, and partake the festive board ; 
 Now, you all unconcerned, inactive stand. 
 Though long prepar'd our host, and eager to en- 
 
 i( 
 
 c< 
 
 (( 
 
 gage. 
 
 *f 
 
 Ulysses stern replied : " What hast thou said, 
 " Atrides ? Why this censure, this rebuke ; 350 
 " As if we shunn d the dangers of the field, 
 " Nor dar'd, like Grecians, to contend in arms ? 
 " Lead on, and thou shalt see, if such thy will, 
 *^ And deeds of valour can dehght thy soul, 
 *^ The father of Telemachus advance 355 
 
 ^^ First in the war, and nobly dare the foe : 
 " Know then unjust thy censure, undeserved.*' 
 
 Atrides, when perceiv'd his anger rous'd. 
 
 JBaJMiiiiilii iliii ΙΙΜΙιιιΜιΊϋΐΐιΐιι 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILTAD. 
 
 99 
 
 i 
 
 And conscious worth ofl^ended, with a smile 
 And courteous words address'd him : '' Well I know 
 " Ulysses, all-experienc d as thou art 361 
 
 " In counsel, that thou needest not reproof, 
 " Kind and benignant ever ; for the same 
 " Thy sentiments with mine. If aught in haste 
 '' Offensive hath been said, which heav η avert, 3^5 
 " We shall hereafter your forgiveness claim.'' 
 He spake ; and left them, hast'ning through the 
 field 
 
 To Tydeus' son, the warlike Diomed : 
 
 His chariot and his foaming coursers near 
 
 The warrior stood ; and with him Sthenelus, 370 
 
 The son of Capaneus : again, in terms 
 
 Severe, the monarch rous'd them to the war : 
 
 " Ah ! why doth Tydeus' son thus fearful stand, 
 " With careless eye surveying the deep files 
 " As for the bloody contest they prepare ? 375 
 
 " Never did Tydeus^self thus trembling gaze 
 " Aloof, but foremost to the battle rush'd : 
 " Thus saith report, from those whose wond'ring 
 " eyes 
 
 '' Beheld his dread exploits. A peaceful guest 
 " Once to Mycenae's lofty tow'rs he came, 380 
 "* With Polynices, like a god in arms, 
 
 Η 2 
 
 
 i Pi 
 
 I•' 
 
 4. 
 
 iS'T 
 
 'f 
 
 1; 
 

 100 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV• 
 
 u 
 
 
 ζ( 
 
 u 
 
 a 
 
 To ask assistance in the Theban war. 
 Nor urg'd his plea in vain ; Mycenae's chiefs 
 With zeal his banners join'd : but fate forbade, 
 And Jove with dire portents their counsels 
 
 " chang'd. 383 
 
 When now returning, on Asopus' banks, 
 Asopus, who pursues his winding course. 
 With rushes crown'd, through wide-extended 
 
 *^ meads, 
 The Grecian chiefs in embassy to Thebes 
 Great Tydeus sent ; undaunted he approach'd 
 The hostile walls, a stranger, and alone : 39 1 
 The fierce Cadmeans with their warlike chiefs 
 In feast assembled at the royal board 
 Of Eteocles ; fearless he advanc'd. 
 His high commission urg'd, and to the fight 395 
 Challeng'd the bravest of his enemies. 
 And vanquish'd all ; such aid Minerva gave. 
 The enrag'd Cadmeans form'd the dang'rous plan. 
 In ambuscade conceaFd (full fifty youths, 
 Maeon and Lycophon their chiefs), to slay 400 
 Tydeus returning home : abortive prov'd 
 Their treacherous intent ; by Tydeus slain. 
 None might escape the fury of his arm. 
 Save Maeon, Haemon's son : so Jove decreed. 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 101 
 
 it 
 
 <c 
 
 ti 
 
 " Such Tydeus was ; but his degenerate son, 
 ^ In council only mighty, shuns the war." 
 
 Tydeus respectful heard, and silence kept ; 
 When thus the warlike Sthenelus replied : 
 
 " Ο speak not false, Atrides ; well thou know'st 
 " We claim superior honour: Thebes, proud 
 " Thebes, / ^jq 
 
 Stoop'd to our conquering arms ; though fewer far 
 Our host, yet trusted we in signs from heaven 
 Propitious, and the aid of mighty Jove: 
 " Not to our fathers, but to us the praise." 
 
 Him Diomed with firmness thus bespoke. 413 
 '' Such answer ill becomes us, Sthenelus ; 
 '' With silence bear ; I not Atrides blame, 
 '^ First in command, encouraging his host: 
 If victory shall crown the Grecian arms. 
 His be the glory, and the honour his ; 420 
 
 " But tenfold loss and ruin should we fail : 
 " Then arm we to the field and dare the foe " 
 
 He spake ; and from his chariot leap'd, all arm'd. 
 With fearful sound, the bravest to appal. 
 As on the lofty shore the swelling surge 425 
 
 In quick succession, rais'd by southern blast. 
 Impetuous from the main comes rolling on. 
 And breaks with deafning clamour on the «trond, 
 
 (( 
 
 u 
 
 ■f. 
 
 η 
 
 ■Λ 
 
 ■ f 
 
 4^ 
 
ιΛΛ' 
 
 '4J 
 
 1$ 
 
 
 103 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 O'er each projecting point, each jutted rock 
 Impeird, resistless pours the foaming tide, 430 
 
 Successive thus mov'd on the Grecian host 
 Unceasing to the fight : each chief commands, 
 Encourages his troops : in silence dread 
 They mov'd respectful ; from their burnisht arms 
 Shone light resplendent as they march'd along. 435 
 
 Far otherwise the host of Troy mov'd on ; 
 Like to the num'rous flocks at eventide 
 Pent in the fold; incessant bleating fills 
 The circuit wide : so from the Trojan host 
 Unceasing clamours rent the vaulted sky, 440 
 
 From various tongues and languages uncouth. 
 
 These Mars encourag'd, those Minerva rous'd 
 To valorous deeds. Terror and Flight were there, 
 And Discord fell, sister of bloody Mars ; 
 Discord, who, small at first, her monstrous head 445 
 Soon lifts to heaven as o'er the earth she stalks ; 
 Contention dire she scatt'red through each host 
 As on she mov'd, and doubled every groan. 
 
 And now each army to the battle rush'd 
 In dread array : dire was the clash of arms 450 
 
 Conflicting ; spear with spear, and man with man, 
 And shield with brazen shield ; the wild uproar 
 And din of battle echoed to the skies ; 
 
 ; 
 
 rv. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 103 
 
 And dying groans and exultation loud 
 
 Were heard around, and rivers roll'd in blood. 455 
 
 So wintry torrents from the mountain heights. 
 By storms increas'd, pursue their rapid course 
 Precipitous, the deep'ned gulph below 
 Receives the foaming tide with dashing roar. 
 And distant shepherds tremble at the noise. 460 
 Such was the tumult of contending hosts. 
 
 And first, Antilochus a Trojan chief 
 Advancing slew ; Thalysia's warlike son 
 Brave Echepolus ; on his crested helm 
 The spear descended, through his forehead passed 
 The brazen point, and darkness clos'd his eyes. 465 
 Like to some tow'r he fell ; Chalcodon's son, 
 Elphenor, dragg'd him from the battle's rao-e. 
 On spoil intent : yet momentary prov'd 
 The attempt; not unobserv'd, Agenor's lance 470 
 Pierc'd his unguarded side beneath his shield. 
 And stretch'd him breathless on the Trojan plain. 
 
 Again with increas'd rage the combat burns; 
 Man slaughters man, contending fierce as wolves. 
 
 Great Ajax slew Anthemion's blooming son, 4/5 
 The youthful Simoisius : on the banks 
 Of Simois, returning with the flocks 
 From Ida's mount, the mother first embrac'd 
 
 τ 
 
 ** 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 •i 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
104 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 ly. 
 
 I' 
 
 
 ΙΪ" -s 
 
 if 
 
 If 
 
 pi 
 
 Her lovely babe, and Simoisius calPi 
 But few his years, and short a mother's joy 48Q 
 For all her cares ; by mighty Ajax slain : 
 First in his breast he fix'd the well aim'd spear. 
 Right through his shoulder passed the brazen point, 
 And in the dust he fell. As, in the marsh 
 Extensive, the fair poplar straight and tall 485 
 
 Erects its head, soon by the sharpened axe. 
 Meet for the cunning workman's hand, it falls. 
 To form the circled wheel or rapid car. 
 When duly seasoned on the river's banks; 
 So fell the youthftil Simoisius, 490 
 
 By Ajax slain. Him Antiphus observ'd, 
 Brave son of Priam, and his vengeful spear 
 Hurl'd through the crowd, but miss'd the mighty 
 foe: 
 
 Yet not in vain it flew ; Leucus receiv'd 
 Its fatal point : breathless he fell, and dropp'd 495 
 The glittering spoils from his unnerved hands. 
 Ulysses fir'd with rage when slain his friend : 
 Forth with uplifted spear he quick advanced. 
 And, poising high in air, with care surveyed 
 Where best he might inflict some deadly wound. 
 Then hurl'd his rapid lance : in hast€ retir'd 501 
 The Trojans ; when with levell'd speed it flew, 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 10^ 
 
 And pierc'd the temples of Democoon, 
 From Priam sprung : Abydos gave him birth. 
 Base and uncertain on his mother's side : 505 
 
 He fell, and darkness clos'd his eyes in death : 
 His brazen armour rang. With fear assail'd. 
 The Trojan chiefs and Hector's self retir'd ί 
 The Greeks exulting shout, and spoil the slain. 
 When dread Apollo, from high Pergamos, 5 10 
 
 Indignant, thus rebuk'd the Trojan host: 
 
 ^^ Rouse, Trojans, and repel the exulting foe, 
 ^' Whose bodies, nor of stone nor iron fonn'd, 
 ^^ Are as yourselves to wounds obnoxious : 
 ^' No son of Thetis now directs the war; 
 ^ Retir'd in rage Achilles fights no mora" 5 15 
 
 Thus from the city spake the dreadful god• 
 But Pallas, daughter of all-powerful Jove, 
 Quick traversing the ranks, their courage arm'd. 
 And rous'd the Greeks to vrar. Resistless fate 
 Now press'd Diores,^on of Amarynx ; 620 
 
 His right leg shatt'red by a rugged stone. 
 By Py rus thrown, the son of Imbrasus : 
 The enormous mass both tendons and the bone 
 Broke short ; headlong he fell, and in the dust 
 Expiring, with uplifted hands in vain 525 
 
 Relief implor'd : when Pyrus quick advanc'd. 
 
 
106 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IV. 
 
 '■V. 
 
 . ■ s , 
 
 if'" 
 
 ■-4 . 
 
 ■4 . 
 
 tts'i 
 
 I ,-5i> 
 
 
 And with his sword transfix'd the prostrate foe. 
 And pour d his entrails on the moist'ned plain. 
 But short his boast : with well-directed aim 
 iEtolian Thoas piere'd the victor's breast, 530 
 
 And, near approaching, forth his pondVous lance 
 Pluck'd from the wound; then drew his fatal sword 
 And plung'd it in his side : death clos'd his eyes. 
 Surrounding Tbracians, with uplifted spears. 
 Protect the body from the spoiler s hands ; 535 
 
 However brave, and of gigantic size, 
 Yet to retreat compelled, retiring still 
 He fought, though by unequal numbers press'd. 
 
 Thus in the dust extended, side by side, 
 Two chiefs of Thracian and Epean race, 540 
 
 Lay breathless, and the field was heap'd with slain. 
 
 Had Pallas then some favoured hero led 
 In safety through the field, and, with her hand 
 Protecting, shielded from the battle's rage ; 
 No cause for censure had he found, no blame, 545 
 On that well-foughten day; for, side by side, 
 Trojans and Greeks unnumb'red strew'd the plain. 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 107 
 
 i{ 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 Now Pallas arm'd Tydides to the fight. 
 
 With more than mortal courage fir'd his mind. 
 
 And Valour undismay'd : his crested helm 
 
 And bumisht shield emitted vivid flame; 
 
 As star autumnal, bath'd in ocean's wave, 5 
 
 With bright'ned splendour rises to our view ; 
 
 So from Tydides flash'd immortal fires. 
 
 By Pallas urg'd to deeds of high renown. 
 
 Of blameless life yet rich, in Vulcan's fane. 
 His priest, liv'd Dares ; whose aspiring sons, 10 
 Phegeus, and brave Idaeus, ^dar'd the fight 
 With matchless Diomed : in chariot borne 
 They rush'd to battle : he, on foot, prepar'd 
 Their onset to sustain. When first his spear 
 Phegeus with force impell'd ; yet vain that force, 
 And lost in empty air; with erring speed 16 
 
 It flew. Not so his lance Tydides aim'd. 
 But piere'd the warrior's breast, and from his car 
 Thrust headlong to the ground. Then, seiz'd with 
 fear. 
 
 
 %i 
 
 Jff 
 
 if 
 
 If 
 
103 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V; 
 
 w? t 
 
 m- - 
 
 Ϊ- 
 
 25 
 
 Idaeus fled amain, his brother falPn ; 
 Not daring to await his mighty foe : 
 Nor had he then escap d the victor's arm, 
 But Vulcan in a cloud convey d him thence. 
 In pity to a much lov'd father s tears. 
 The generous horses, now the victor's spoil, 
 His friends in safety to the ships eonveyU 
 
 Fear seiz'd the Trojan host when Phegeus slain 
 Their eyes beheld ; and scarce escap'd by flight, 
 Idaeus, chief of Troy. But Pallas now 
 The miglity god of battles thus address'd : 30 
 
 '' Ο Mars, whom most the shock of arms, and 
 death, 
 
 " The blood-stain'd field, and cities overthrown 
 
 *" Delight, retire we for a while, and leave 
 
 " These hostile armies to their several fates, 
 
 '' And Jove's decrees ; nor further dare his ire." 35 
 
 Thus saying, by the hand apart she led 
 The god, and plac'd him on Scamander's bank. 
 Then fled the Trojans ; but eadi Grecian chief 
 Pursued and slew his foe. Atrides first 
 Thrust from his car the Halizonian chief 
 Hodius, and as he fled his shoulder pierc'd : 
 He feU; his armour sounded on the plain. 
 Then, by tby spear transfixt, Idomeneus, 
 
 40 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ni 
 
 109 
 
 45 
 
 50 
 
 55 
 
 Phaestus expired ; from Tame's fertile soil. 
 
 Son of Maeonian Borus : as in haste 
 
 His car he mounted, and prepared for flight. 
 
 The spear his shoulder smote ; headlong he fell 
 
 Breathless, and bitter darkness clos'd his eyes : 
 
 His arms the victor seiz'd. Now Strophius' son 
 
 To Menelaus' force his life resigned : 
 
 Scamandrius nam'd, delighting in the chace 
 
 The woods among, — instructed in each art. 
 
 By Dian's self, all savage beasts to slay 
 
 That haunt the forest or the mountain's height ; 
 
 Yet nor the goddess nor his skill might save ; 
 
 The rapid spear fixt in his back arrests 
 
 His hasty flight : he falls, his arms resound ! 
 
 And now Meriones Phereclus slew. 
 Son of Harmonides, by Pallas taught 
 In various works of art, w hose wond'rous skill 
 For Paris fram'd the fatal vessels, source 
 Of ills unnumber'd*to the Trojan name; 
 Himself the victim now: then unperceiv'd 
 What heav'n, in wrath, had veil'd from mortal sight 
 Him, in his flight arrested, with his spear 65 
 
 Meriones o'erthrew : beneath the flank, 
 Fixt in the bladder, stood the fatal point : 
 ' To earth he sank, and darkness clos'd his eyes. 
 
 60 
 
 
 Μ 
 
 -Μ 
 
 iS 
 
 
 »f 
 
ibl 
 
 no 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 r 
 
 But Meges slew Pedaeus, base born son 
 Of great Antenor ; him Theano fair 70 
 
 In fond aiFection nourished as her own ; 
 Such love she bore Antenor. The sharp spear 
 Ent'red his head, and onward pierc d his tongue : 
 He fell, and dying bit the chilling steel. 
 
 Eurypylus, from great Euaemon sprung, 75 
 
 Dolopion's son, the brave Hypsenor, slew. 
 Priest of Scamander, honoured as a god. 
 Eurypylus him flying, with his sword 
 Beneath the shoulder smote, and sheer cut ofF 
 The arm, which, bloody, quivVed in the dust: 80 
 Fate clos'd his eyes in darkness and in death. 
 Thus ο er the plain the various battle rag d. 
 Ceaseless ; nor might one well discern with which 
 Tydides mingled in the bloody fight, 
 Trojans or Greeks : like to the mountain stream 85 
 By winter's storm increased, he rush'd along ; 
 Nor bridges nor opposing moles withstand 
 Its wasteful course, when swoln by sudden rains ; 
 The fairest works of men before it fall 
 In desolation : so the Trojan host, 90 
 
 Routed, tumultuous fled ; nor dar d oppose. 
 All-numerous as they were, Tydides' force. 
 When him Lycaon s warlike son beheld 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Ill 
 
 The routed troops pursuing o'er the plain. 
 
 He seiz'd his bow and aim'd the winged shaft, 95 
 
 Nor miss'd Tydides ; in his shoulder fixt. 
 
 Piercing the plaited mail, with blood distain'd. 
 
 The bitter arrow staid its vengeful course. 
 
 Nor further pass'd: with shout exulting loud, 
 
 Lycaon's son, victorious, thus exclaim'd: 100 
 
 '^ Rouse, Trojan warriors, fam'd for chivalry; 
 " The mighty chief, this terror of our host, 
 " Is wounded, nor may long sustain the fight : 
 " Apollo hath not lent his aid in vain." 
 
 Thus he exulting: yet still unsubdued 105 
 
 By wound of slight import, retiring back. 
 The son of Tydeus Sthenelus address'd. 
 
 " Haste, Sthenelus ; descending from thy car, 
 " Forth from my shoulder pluck this bitter shaft." 
 He spake: obedient to his chiefs command, 110 
 With skilful hand the son of Capaneus 
 The arrow from within his plaited mail 
 Drew forth; the blood gush'd from the opened 
 
 wound 
 In copious• stream ; when, with uplifted hands. 
 To Pallas thus Tydides urg'd his pray'r: 115 
 
 " Unconquered daughter of immortal Jove, 
 " Ο Pallas, hear ! if in the doubtful fight 
 
 i! 
 
 ^i 
 
 igjisaia>Ma^-«i»^'--.M 
 
112 
 
 THE ILiAD- 
 
 V* 
 
 V. 
 
 
 :^ 
 
 fit. . >Λ. 
 
 
 " Thou hast assisted or myself or sire, 
 
 *^ Grant my request, and give me to subdue 
 
 " That Trojan chief from whom this wound I bear, 
 
 " Who now, exulting, boasts I shall not long IS I 
 
 " Behold the glorious splendour of the sun.•• 
 
 Him Pallas heard ; and all his soul inspir d 
 With courage unsubdued, with strength his limbs ; 
 And, near approaching, thus the chief address'd. 
 
 " Be bold, Tydides, and assail the foe ; 126 
 
 " Such courage in thy heart I have inspired 
 " As fired great Tydeus, thy renowned sire : 
 '' The cloud obscure which dimm'd thy mortal 
 sight 
 
 '' I have remov'd, that thou mayst well discern 
 '' Or mortals or immortals through the field. 131 
 '' Contend not thou against the pow'rs of heav'n : 
 " Venus alone should she the battle tempt, 
 " Fearless attack and wound, though sprung from 
 " Jove." 
 
 The goddess spake, and wing'd to heaven her way. 
 Again the hero mingled in the war, 136 
 
 And foremost rush'd, with added rage inflamed, 
 And might augmented : as the lion fierce. 
 Wounded but not subdued, o'erleaps the mound 
 And ravages the fold ; in slaughfred heaps 140 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 113 
 
 t 
 
 ■1 
 
 -K 
 
 The victims fall, the aflfi-ight'ned shepherd flees ; 
 Satiate at length, Ke unopposed retires : 
 So mingled in the battle Tydeus' son. 
 
 Astynous and Hypenor, vahant chiefs. 
 Incontinent he slew : that through the breast 145 
 With spear transfixed ; this with the pondVous 
 sword 
 
 His shoulder sever'd from the bleeding trunk. 
 
 Nor stopp'd : Abas and Poluides next. 
 
 Sons of Eurydamas, inspired seer. 
 
 Fell breathless : nor the father's potent skill 150 
 
 To them again mysterious dreams unfolds 1 
 
 Slain by the ruthless sword of Diomed. 
 Now Thoon he pursues and Xanthus, sons 
 
 Of aged Ph8enops ; comfort of his years. 
 
 Heirs of his vast possessions : both he slays 155 
 
 Remorseless, nor regards a father's tears ; 
 
 Who them returning ftOm the battle waits 
 
 With fruitless expectation : thus bereft 
 
 Of heirs, his wealth to strangers passes down. 
 
 Next Priam's sons, Echemon, Chromius, 160 
 In the same car borne through the ranks of war. 
 He slew. As when the lion's force subdues 
 Some larger beast, or ox of portly size. 
 Or steer, depasturing the forest side ; 
 
 
 '.¥i1 
 
 
 
 fJ 
 
 '•'il 
 
 it 
 ■■^■* 
 
 ■Si 
 
 I? 
 
 1 *• 
 
 'M-i 
 
 Ή 
 ;ί| 
 
 'ii 
 
114 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ν• 
 
 If 
 
 til ; c,. 
 '■X' 
 
 
 So them Tydides from their lofty car 
 
 Thrust headlong to the ground: the gHtt'ring spoils^ 
 
 Arms, horses, to the ships his friends convey'd. 
 
 iEneas saw, and mark'd his fatal course 
 DeaHng destruction through the ranks of war ; 
 And, purposing revenge, in haste requird 170 
 
 Lycaon's son, and thus the chief address'd : 
 
 " Where, Pandarus, thy bow and winged shafts ; 
 " Thy skill through Lycia fam'd ? Hither repair, 
 *^ And, with uplifted hands to Jove supreme 
 ^^ Thy vows preferring, aitn thy certain shaft I75 
 " At him ^hose rage destruction spreads and death 
 ^^ Through all our ranks ; if rather he be not 
 " Some god displeas'd for slighted sacrifice." 
 
 To whom Lycaon : " Brave iEneas, chief 
 " Of many counsellors ; that nodding plume, 180 
 
 That glitt'ring sTiield, those fiery coursers, mark 
 
 The path of Diomed's destructive rage. 
 '^ Some heav'nly powV, disguis'd, his steps attends 
 *^ Unseen, and urges him to valorous deeds 
 " Beyond the force of man ; or useless turns 185 
 " Those shafts aside, which else had fataV prov'd. 
 " Once at that chief my pointed shaft I aim'd, 
 *^ And through the plaited mail his shoulder pierc'd; 
 
 « 
 
 " And thought, indeed, that to the shades below 
 
 <ζ 
 
 iC 
 
 
 V. 
 
 ii 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 115 
 
 f( 
 
 (ζ 
 
 {«. 
 
 I had consign'd him ; yet, still unsubdued, 
 "Jle lives; some deity incens'd, I deem. 
 " Chariot of war, or horses, I have none ; 
 Yet are there many in my father's house. 
 New, splendid, beautiful ; and near them stand. 
 Appropriate to each, the gen rous steeds 195 
 
 1'' In order due. Much did my valued sire, 
 " When to the war I came, with prudent care 
 Advise, when mingling in the dreadful fight. 
 To wheel the rapid car: I disobey'd 
 His better counsel, fearing most the want 200 
 Of proper forage in a town besieg'd : 
 I therefore left them, and on foot to Troy 
 Led on my troops, confiding in my bow: 
 Yet vain that trust, and unsuccessful proved. 
 " Twice have I aim'd the shaft ; Atrides felt, 205 
 i" And Diomed, the wound : twice hath the blood 
 " Their armour stained ; yet serv'd but to increase 
 " And rouse they• courage more. In evil hour. 
 With unpropitious fate, I took them down ; 
 That day when I to Troy my forces led 210 
 
 To aid great Hector in the doubtful war. 
 " Should I return, and should these eyes behold 
 My father, wife, and all I hold most dear. 
 Let me or perish by some stranger's hand 
 
 I 2 
 
 (6 
 
 fC 
 
 €( 
 
 <C 
 
 i6 
 
 (i 
 
 (( 
 
 fC 
 
 tc 
 
 ii 
 
 iC 
 
 (( 
 
 ■M 
 
 51 
 
 Sj 
 
 I] 
 
 
m 
 
 U6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 T, 
 
 Cil' ' 
 
 ->f 
 
 ■p. 
 
 * 
 
 
 ? ί 
 
 " But I will break this treach'rous bow in twain, 
 '' And bum it in the fire, as useless stuff."— 216 
 
 When thus iEneas : " Be it otherwise, 
 " Ο Pandarus ; and let us first attack, 
 " AU-arm'd, and in our chariot, this same man :— 
 " Come, then, ascend my car, and you shall 
 
 iC 
 
 see 
 
 220 
 
 " Our Trojan horses with superior skill 
 
 " Train d or to flee or to pursue the foe ; 
 
 " These will secure retreat, if Jove, averse, 
 
 " To Diomed the victory decree. 
 
 " Take then the reins and guide the rapid car 225 
 
 " Whilst I sustain the combat ; or do thou 
 
 '' The foe engage whilst I the chariot guide." 
 
 Lycaon's son replied : " Ο mighty chief, 
 ** Take thou the reins and guide the rapid car ; 
 ^^ Thy horses, all-accustom'd to thy voice, 230 
 
 " Will best the rein obey, should fate decide 
 ^' That we must needs before the foe retire : 
 " Wanting thy well-known voice, with terror seiz'd, 
 '' They will not bear us from the dangVous fight; 
 " But Diomed, enrag d, will slay us both, 235 
 
 ** And take thy noble steeds, the victor's meed. 
 '^ Take thou the reins, thy rapid coursers guide, 
 '' Whilst I the shock of hostile arms sustain." 
 
 V. 
 
 THE aiAD. 
 
 117 
 
 cc 
 
 ti 
 
 ic 
 
 ic 
 
 Now, seated in the car, with furious speed 
 They sought the foe, all eager to engage. 
 
 Them Sthenelus perceiv'd, and thus in haste 
 Great Tydeus' son address'd : " Friend, much-be- 
 
 " lov'd, 
 " I see two warriors of no common force 
 '' Who hither bend their way direct on thee; 
 Lycaon's son, well skill'd to aim the shaft, 245 
 And brave .Eneas, of a goddess born, 
 " Of Venus, and Anchises boasts his sire. 
 Retire we then, nor through the ranks of war 
 Hazard thy life, thus foremost and alone." 
 To him Tydides sternly thus replied : 250 
 
 '' Talk not to me of flight, I will not hear ; 
 *^ And hold it base from danger back to shrink, 
 '' Or tremble at a foe : my strength is firm, 
 '' I will assail them as I am, on foot ; 
 '' Pallas forbids to fear : nor shall they both 255 
 " Escape, though aided by their coursers' speed. 
 '' Mark then my words : Should Pallas give success, 
 '' Should she, all-wise, but grant me to subdue 
 '' These Trojan chiefs, do thou in safety leave, 
 *' With reins secur'd, my horses and my car, 260 
 " And on the steeds of gieat iEneas rush 
 '' Mindful, and drive them to the Grecian camp : 
 
 ίί^ 
 
 1 
 
 \ ■ 
 
 \ < 
 
 4 
 
 7. 
 
 
 v&l 
 
 ΑΦί 
 
 ■11 
 
 
 4 
 
 i'i 
 
 .'*i 
 

 118 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 r. 
 
 V. 
 
 
 
 
 
 li». 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 ^^ They are of breed aetherial, which on Tros, 
 *^ To recompense the loss of Ganymed^ 
 " His son, Saturnian Jove himself bestow'd; 265 
 ^' The best and fleetest which the sun beholds. 
 " This breed Anchises from Laomedon 
 
 By stealth obtain'd : four grace his ample stalls; 
 Two bear ^Eneas through the ranks of war, 
 " Chief of renown: if we but capture these, 270 
 ^^ No trifling honour will our labours crown." 
 
 Whilst with his friend Tydides thus conferr'd. 
 Borne by the rapid steeds the mighty chiefs 
 Advanced ; when thus Lycaon's valiant son : 
 " Since, then, my shaft hath ineflfectual prov'd, 275 
 ^^ Nor checked thy daring courage, I will try 
 ^^ If this my spear can give a surer wound." 
 
 Thus spake the chief, and hurl'd it at his foe. 
 Full on his shield it smote, and pierc'd the folds. 
 The point stood fixed in his plaited mail ; 280 
 
 When thus, exulting, spake Lycaon's son : 
 " Now art thou wounded, and severely too, 
 " Nor mayst thou long endure ; the glory's mine." 
 
 When thus Tydides, fearless : '' Tis not so; 
 " Thy spear hath miss'd ; yet shall not both escape, 
 '' Nor cease, till, oflPred to the god of war, 286 
 '' One fell at least, and sate his thirst for blood.'* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 119 
 
 
 He spake, and hurPd his lance : Minerva's self 
 Its course directed, and with force impell'd ; 
 Beneath the eye it pass'd, within the teeth 290 
 His tongue cut sheer in twain, and through the chin 
 The deadly point appear'd : headlong he fell ; 
 His glitt'ring armour rang, and with the din 
 The fright'ned coursers started : in the dust 
 A breathless corpse he lay. Forth rush'd amain 295 
 iEneas, with his shield and lifted spear 
 Protecting ; as a lion, round he stalk'd, 
 Threat'ning aloud destruction to the foe 
 Who dar'd approach the dead, on spoil intent. 
 
 When now Tydides seiz'd a cumb'rous mass, 300 
 I'he fragment of a rock ; not twice the force 
 Of man, such as now live, might bear its weight ; 
 This, pois'd in air, alone with ease he threw ; 
 Full on his hip iEneas felt the wound. 
 The rugged stone both tendons cut in twain, 305 
 And crush'd the l^one : back on his knee he fell 
 Recumbent ; scarce his hand might well support 
 His weight ; and darkness on his eyelids press'd. 
 And now the mighty chief had sunk in death : 
 But Venus, ever watchful for her son, 3 10 
 
 Hast'ned to save ; and first around him threw 
 Her beauteous arms, and with her mantle veil'd 
 
 
 wi 
 
 
 m 
 
 - τ 
 
 - 5" 
 
 
120 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 In splendid folds, lest sword or hostile spear 
 Attacking might destroy ; and from the fight 
 Her much-lov'd son, upborne with ease, convey'd. 
 
 Meantime the warlike son of Capaneus, 3 1 6 
 
 Attentive to his charge, apart removed 
 The horses and the car of Diomed 
 In safety, and them well with reins secur'd ; 
 And on the coursers of iEneas rush'd 320 
 
 Mindful, and drove them to the Grecian camp ; 
 And to thy care, Deipylus, consign'd. 
 Whom most he valued, and whose skill he knew 
 Superior to conduct them to the ships : 
 And then himself attentive mark'd the steps 325 
 Of Tydeus' son, and near him reind his steeds. 
 
 And now Tydides with vindictive rage 
 Pursued the goddess with uplifted spear. 
 Whom war's alarms and slaughter ill became ; 
 Unskiird like Pallas to direct the war, 330 
 
 Or, like Bellona fierce, to overthrow 
 Besieged cities : eager he pursued. 
 And, rushing forward, urg'd the daring steel 
 Through her bright robe ambrosial, work divine. 
 Wrought by the Graces ; on her hand infix'd 335 
 The painful wound, and drew the purple stream 
 Ichor, which flows from pure immortal frames ; 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 121 
 
 Frames of celestial kind, which, nor by wine 
 
 Nor bread sustain'd, are pure and spiritual. 
 
 Not subject to decay. With piercing cries 340 
 
 Forth from her arms she cast her favoured son : 
 
 Him dread Apollo, mantled in a cloud. 
 
 Bore far away from force of hostile spear ; 
 
 When thus, exulting, Diomed exclaim'd : 
 
 " Cease, goddess, from the war, and leave the 
 
 " field 3,3 
 
 " To fierce contending hosts : be thine the task 
 ^^ To cheat and to deceive the softer sex: 
 '' Tempt not the war again; thou who shouldst 
 
 " fear 
 
 '' And tremble at the name, though distant far." 
 
 Smarting with pain, the goddess quick retir'd, 350 
 By Iris led apart, swift messenger 
 Of heaven : from the wound sharp pain ensued 
 Through all her tender frame : apart she found 
 Mars on his shield reclin'd, and in a cloud 
 Envelop'd thick his spear and winged steeds ; 355 
 With bended knee, and supplicating words. 
 Her brother thus the goddess fair addressed : 
 
 " Dear brother, aid me, and thy chariot lend 
 " And horses ; to Olympus' height I go, 
 " Seat of immortal gods : much I endure 360 
 
123 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 " From wound inflicted by a mortal hand, 
 *^ By Diomed, who would contend with Jove.'* 
 She spake ; nor was her humble suit denied. 
 Her, seated in the rapid car of Mai's, 
 And sorely grieving, Iris thence convey 'd : 365 
 She seiz'd the reins, and urg'd the willing steeds 
 To the blest seat of deities supreme, 
 Olympus' lofty summit : there she staid 
 The immortal coursers, with ambrosial food 
 Sustained. Meantime the suff'ring goddess sought 
 Her mother's tender care, and at her knees 37 1 
 Fell prostrate : her Dione thus bespoke. 
 And, sooth'd with kindness and maternal love : 
 ^^ Alas, my child! from what immortal hand 
 ^^ Hast thou this shameful injury receiv'd, 375 
 
 ^^ Unmerited by thee ?" When Venus thus : 
 " From Diomed this insult I sustain. 
 For that I bore in safety from the war 
 My much-lov'd son: Trojans and Greeks no more 
 " Engage, for these would e'en with Jove contend." 
 To whom Dione : " Patient bear, my child, 381 
 " Though griev'd : from men we suflTer ; yet our- 
 
 " selves, 
 " Although immortal, cause each other woe. 
 ^^ Mars suflf'red, whom Aloius' mighty sons, 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 v; 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 123 
 
 ' Otus and Ephialtes, bound with chains, 
 ' In brazen cave confin'd : nor had escap'd, 
 
 • But that the beauteous Eriboea soon 
 
 • To Mercury his prison-house disclos'd. 
 
 Who stole him thence, oppress'd with pain and 
 ^^ grief. 
 
 Much Juno suflf'red when Amphitryon's son SQO 
 
 With barbed arrow pierc'd her tender breast, 
 
 Inflicting pains severe. Pluto endur'd 
 
 Acutest torture at the gates of hell. 
 
 Surrounded by the manes of the dead. 
 
 From tiie same hand Herculean : to the seat 395 
 
 Of mighty Jove, on high Olympus' top. 
 
 He hast'ned : in his shoulder deep infixt. 
 
 The barbed shaft caus'd agonizing pains : 
 
 Him Paeon's skill, with herbs medicinal. 
 
 Not subject to mortality, restor'd. 400 
 
 Ill-fated ! insolent ! whose daring soul 
 
 To impious deeds aspir'd, to fight with gods : 
 
 Minerva urg'd him to this cruel deed. 
 
 Rash mortal ! nor doth Diomed perceive 
 
 How few his years who dares with gods contend: 
 
 No children greet him with their welcome joy. 
 
 Climbing his knees, when safe from war retum'd. 
 
 Then let him, brave and mighty as he is. 
 
124 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ν• 
 
 tf 
 
 ic 
 
 " Consider well, lest some more pow'rfdl foe 
 
 Revenge thy cause, and check his mad career: 410 
 Or lest Aglaia, starting from her sleep, 
 *' Shall seek in vain the husband of her youth ; 
 ^' With loud lament her faithful servants call, 
 *^ To join with hers their sympathizing tears ; 
 *' Aglaia fair, from great Adrastus sprung, 413 
 
 ** The much-lov'd partner of Tydides' bed." 
 
 She spake ; and, gently pressing with her hand, 
 Cleans'd the light wound, and all her pain remov'd. 
 
 But Juno and Minerva with harsh words 
 And taunts severe Saturnian Jove bespake : 420 
 " May we, great Jove, freely our thoughts de^ 
 ^^ clare. 
 
 Nor blame incur ? Some Grecian fair, impelFd 
 By Venus to her favour'd Trojan's arms 
 (For those alone she loves), in fond caress 
 '^ Hath, with the golden cincture of her vest, 425 
 " Wounded the softness of her lovely hand." 
 
 Thus spake they : Jove with approbation smil'd. 
 And thus addressed the gentle pow'r of love : 
 
 " The shock of arms, my child, and tented field, 
 " But ill become thy milder influence, 430 
 
 " Best suited to the softer ties of love : 
 " Mars, Pallas, guide the thunder of the war." 
 
 <c 
 
 C€ 
 
 iC 
 
 V• THE ILIAD. 125 
 
 Whilst thus the heav'nly pow'rs conversing sat. 
 Fierce on iEneas rush'd Tydides' might, 
 Although protected by the god of day. 435 
 
 Dauntless, he still pursued with eager haste 
 To slay the foe, and reap the glorious spoils. 
 Thrice with impetuous rage he onward rush'd. 
 And thrice Apollo, with his dazzling shield, 
 Check'd in midway the valorous emprise ; 440 
 
 But when again, with more than mortal force. 
 He dar'd the fight renew, in angry tone 
 Him thus the offended deity bespoke : 
 " Consider well, and cease the unequal fight, 
 " Tydides, nor contend with heav'nly pow'rs.•* 445 
 
 He spake : reluctant, Diomed retir'd. 
 Dreading his anger : when to Ilion's tow'r 
 Secure the god convey'd Anchises' son. 
 And in his temple plac'd ; by the fond care 
 Of Dian and Latona soon restored. 450 
 
 An airy form Apollo now design'd. 
 In semblance like .Eneas, and in arms, 
 Round which the fight rekindled : now the Greeks, 
 Now Trojans, shield with shield and spear with 
 spear 
 
 Clashing, with rage increas'd, contending fought. 
 But Phiebus thus the god of war address'd : 456 
 
126 
 
 THE ILIAD; 
 
 V• 
 
 ζζ 
 
 i 
 
 <c 
 
 ic 
 
 <e 
 
 iC 
 
 Ο Mars, whom slaughter and the ensanguin'd 
 " field, 
 *^ Whom cities overthrown do most delight. 
 Dost thou not check Tydides' daring course. 
 Who would with mighty Jove himself contend ? 
 Venus severely feels his vengeful spear ; 461 
 
 And even on me, like to some god he rush'd." 
 He spake, and to the lofty tow'rs of Troy .» 
 
 Pursued his way : Mars mingled with the host, ί 
 Assum'd the form of Thracian Achamas, 465 
 
 And thus the sons of Priam urg'd to war : 
 
 " Ο sons of Priam, favoured of high Jove, 
 " Why suffer ye the foe thus long to thin 
 " Our ranks, and at our very gates contend ? 
 " iEneas fall'n, belov'd like Hector's self, 470 
 
 " Let us regain, or perish in the attempt." 
 
 Thus he their courage rous'd; when, with re- 
 proach 
 Severe, Sarpedon Hector thus rebuk'd: 
 " Where now thy boasted courage, valorous chief! 
 " Thou, who alone, unaided, unallied, 475 
 
 " With thine own kinsmen wouldst repulse the foe? 
 ^' Why do they shun the dangers of the field. 
 Fearing as dogs the lion ? — we alone, 
 Allies, support the war. What though from far. 
 
 cc 
 
 C6 
 
 ΊίώιΙΙίνιιΙίίΜ>ί1ιΐίΐ»ιΤΤΐίΓίώίΐϊηΐίι 
 
 ggggg^^jgyH 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 127 
 
 ii 
 
 (f 
 
 f( 
 
 ζ( 
 
 <c 
 
 ^^ From Lycia and from Xanthus' yellow stream, 
 ^^ I came to Priam's aid ; — there all I hold 480 
 
 Most dear, — possessions, children, wife, remain; 
 
 Yet I the Lycians to the battle lead. 
 
 And dare Tydides' might, without a risk 
 ^^ But life, which I contemn : you stand aloof, 4Sli 
 
 Nor give command this onset to oppose. 
 
 Beware, lest by the toils hemm'd in and caught, 
 " You fall an easy victim to the foe, 
 '^ Who will your city to the flames consign. 
 " Hector, to you this weighty care belongs, 490 
 " By night, by day, to animate, to rouse 
 " The chiefs and leaders of thy brave allies, 
 ^' That they stand firm ; but spare reproachful 
 " words." 
 
 Thus spake Sarpedon. Stung with just reproof. 
 Hector, all-arm'd, from forth his chariot sprung, 495 
 And through the ranks of war with eager steps 
 Hast'ning, their courage rous'd : they clos'd their 
 
 ranks 
 And dar'd the Grecian host, which firmly stood. 
 
 As on the consecrated floor the wind 
 Disperses the light chaff, and separates 500 
 
 The solid grain, what time the rip'ned fruit 
 Of yellow Ceres crowns tjie winnower s toil. 
 
 "i-i 
 
128 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 Grateful, the light chaff whitens all the ground; 
 
 So, whit'ned by the dust, from num'rous hoofs 
 
 Uprais'd and rapid chariots, to the fight 505 
 
 The Greeks mov'd on. Meantime the god of war. 
 
 In aid of Troy, thick darkness shed around 
 
 As through the ranks he pass'd : for thus in charge 
 
 Apollo gave to rouse them to the fight ; 
 
 Whilst Pallas, absent, sought the realms above; 510 
 
 Pallas, the bulwark of the Grecian host. 
 
 Now from the sacred fane, by Phoebus led. 
 In strength renew'd, iEneas join'd the war : 
 Him safe returned with joy the host received. 
 Nor questioned how ; such urgent danger press d. 
 And labour of the field, by Mars uprais'd, 5 16 
 
 By dread Apollo, and by Discord fell. 
 
 Nathless the Grecians, with Laertes' son, 
 Ajax, and Diomed, in firm array 
 Their troops encouraging, the battle dar'd, 520 
 Fearless. As clouds upon the mountain brow i 
 Hang threatening, when the tempest, hush'd by 
 Jove, 
 
 And boist'rous winds are luU'd in caverns deep, 
 Winds whose impetuous blasts the clouds disperse : 
 So firm the Grecian host awaits the foe ; 525 
 
 Whom thus Atrides animates to war : 
 
 V, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 129 
 
 '' Courage, my friends, now arm we to the fight; 
 " Vie with each other in heroic deeds ; 
 " The brave meet safety in the shock of arms; 
 " Cowards in flight both life and honour lose." 530 
 
 He spake, and burl'd his spear ; whose vengeful 
 force 
 
 The son of Pergasus, Deicoon, felt, 
 Cohipanion of iEneas ; high esteem'd 
 As Priam's sons, and fam'd for valorous deeds. 
 The spear his shield transfix'd, and through the 
 belt 
 
 Deep in his groin infix'd the mortal wound : 536 
 He fell ; and on the ground his armour rang. 
 
 tineas then two Grecian chieftains slew, 
 Crethon, Orsilochus, Diodes' sons; 
 In Pherae's lofty city long he dwelt, 540 
 
 Rich in estate, from sacred Alpheus sprung, 
 Whose copious stream through Pylos takes its 
 course ; 
 
 Diodes boasts from great Orsilochus 
 
 His high descent : Crethon, Orsilochus, 
 
 Twm-born, brave, warlike, from Diodes claim'd 
 
 A father's care : in early youth they came 546 
 
 To aid the sons of Atreus on the plains 
 
 Of Troy ; and both there found an early grave. 
 
130 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V, 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 131 
 
 As from the cloud-capt mountain's craggy brow. 
 
 And deep-embow'ring wood, the lion s whelps 550 
 
 Descending, first the shepherd's fold essay, 
 
 And desolate the plain, by force assail'd 
 
 Of numbers fall ; so fell Diodes' sons. 
 
 Slain by ^^neas ; as two lofty pines, 
 
 Pride of the forest, bow their lofty heads. 555 
 
 Struck with compassion at their early fate. 
 Forth Menelaus, clad in armour, rush'd 
 With lifted spear : him then the god of war 
 Urg'd to meet death from great ^Eneas' arm. 
 
 But Nestor's son, Antilochus, perceiv'd, 56o 
 
 And hast'ned to assist ; for much he fear'd 
 Lest, Menelaus slain, abortive prove 
 The toils and labours of the doubtful war. 
 With adverse spears, high brandisht in the air. 
 Already they prepar'd and aim'd the blow, 565 
 
 When Nestor's son advanced. The Trojan chief 
 The unequal combat shunn'd, and quick retir d. 
 Nor claimed the spoil : when to the Grecian host 
 The chiefs victorious dragg'd their slaught'red 
 
 friends. 
 From insult sav'd, and to their post return'd. 570 
 
 Then fell Pylaemenes, like Mars in fight. 
 Chief of the warlike Paphlagonian bands. 
 
 By Menelaus slain, whose pond'rous sword 
 Fix'd in his tender throat the fatal wound. 
 
 Next Mydon felt thy force, Antilochus; 575 
 
 Mydon, Atymnis' son, Pylaemon's friend : 
 As he the chariot tum'd the impetuous stone 
 Shatt'red his arm ; down fell the studded reins 
 From his enfeebled grasp ; when, rushing on 
 With lifted sword, Antilochus advancd, 580 
 
 And in his temple fix'd the deadly wound : 
 Headlong he fell, and, pois'd in depth of sand. 
 Beneath his shoulders sank ; his plunging steeds 
 The lifeless corpse extended on the plain : 
 Arms, chariot, horses, all the victor's meed. 585 
 
 Hector observ'd indignant, and with shout 
 Advanc'd exulting: him the god of war. 
 Him fierce Bellona, marshall'd to the fight. 
 With Discord near attendant ; in his hand 
 Mars, brandishing aloft his spear, of size 590 
 
 Enormous, now advancing in the van. 
 Now in the rear, spread terror and dismay. 
 Tydides saw, and trembled at the sight 
 As the lorn traveller his way pursues 
 With weary step the level plain across, 595 
 
 Sudden he meets the wasting torrent's course 
 Wide rushing to the sea ; then back with feajr 
 
 κ 2 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 * 
 
132 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 •1 
 
 li'i 
 
 W '• 
 
 I* ■'! 
 
 I 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 And disappointment starts ; Tydides thus 
 Sudden retired, and said : " Ο warlike friends ! 
 The might of Hector we have oft admir d, 6oo 
 And dauntless courage in the doubtful war, 
 But him some present deity protects 
 From danger ; now, in mortal shape disguis'd, 
 ^^ Mars all his steps attends : retreat we then 
 *^ Facing our foes, nor with the gods contend." 6o5 
 
 He spake : with rapid march the Trojan host 
 Advanced: then Hector slew two valiant chiefs, 
 Menesthes and Anchialus ; one car 
 Both heroes through the ranks of war conveyed. 
 
 Ajax, with pity mov'd, their fall observed, 6lO 
 And, near approaching, hurFd his glittering spear. 
 And smote Amphion, son of Selagus : 
 In cattle, in possessions rich, he dwelt 
 In well-built Paesus ; but ο er-ruling fate 
 To Priam and his sons the chief allied : 6l5 
 
 Through his strong belt the Telamonian spear 
 His entrails pierc'd : he fell, his armour rang. 
 Ajax impetuous to the spoil advanced ; 
 On him the Trojans pour d an iron showV ; 
 His ample shield their numerous points received ι 
 Nathless his spear he from the slain withdrew, 
 But left the spoil, reluctant; for the foe 
 
 r 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 133 
 
 Press'd on in numbers, chiefs of high renown. 
 Many and brave, to cut off all retreat 
 Intent : though great in arms, retiring still 623 
 He fought; nor might withstand, nor delgn'd to 
 fly. ^ 
 
 Thus through the field the various battle rag'd. 
 
 Now fate impelled the brave TIepolemus 
 
 To meet Sarpedon, like a god in arms ; 
 
 Alcides' offspring, and the son of Jove. 630 
 
 TIepolemus in boasting terms began : 
 
 " Sarpedon, of the Lycian forces chief, 
 '' Unskilled in war, and fearful to engage, 
 '' Erring report doth call thee son of Jove ; 
 ^^ But thou art far indeed inferior Q:^^ 
 
 '' To Jove's high offspring born in former times ; 
 '' Such as my father, mighty Hercules, 
 " .Intrepid, brave ; who with six ships alone 
 " Laid waste and desolated lofty Troy, 
 "_ Though few hi^ forces ; but the treachery 640 
 " Of false Laomedon his wrath incurred : 
 " Thy people perish through thy cowardice ; 
 " Nor is thy aid effectual : boast no more 
 " Thy prowess ; for by me, if right I deem, 
 " Now conqu'red, thou shalt enter Pluto's realm." 
 Sarpedon answ'red : '' True, TIepolemus, 
 
 1 
 
 if 
 
 1 
 
 p-t| 
 
134 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 ¥k 
 
 ** He Troy subdued, chiefly from want of skill 
 
 " And prudent conduct in Laomedon ; 
 
 ^^ Who for past service made return ingrate, 
 
 ^^ And added words reproachful, nor restored 650 
 
 *' The horses, for the which Alcides came : 
 
 ^' For thee, dire fate, from this my spear, awaits 
 
 " Thy steps : maugre thy boast, the glory mine ; 
 
 '^ Thine instant death, and Pluto's gloomy shades." 
 
 He spake : Tlepolemus with lifted arm 6δ5 
 
 Advanc'd, and both their hostile weapons threw 
 At the same time : Sarpedon s rapid lance 
 Pierc'd through thy neck, Tlepolemus, and death, 
 Quick death, ensued ; but yet not unreveng'd : 
 Thy weapon pierc'd Sarpedon *s thigh, the point 66a 
 Drank deep the blood ; but with protecting hand 
 Jove interpos'd, and sav'd his son from death : 
 His friends convey'd him, bleeding, from the field. 
 Dragging the spear along, still deep infixt. 
 With bitter pain ; yet the confusion such, 665 
 
 And labour of the field, no thought occurred 
 To ease his sufTrings and extract the spear. 
 Intent alone to save their wounded friend. 
 The Greeks, meantime, Tlepolemus apart 
 Remov'd, and greatly moum'd the hero slain. 670 
 
 His fall Ulysses saw ; compassion mov'd 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 135 
 
 ■i: 
 
 His mighty soul ; but whether to pursue 
 
 The son of Jove himself, or to disperse 
 
 The Lycian bands, his prudent thought engag'd ; 
 
 Yet was it not to him by fate assigned 675 
 
 To slay the mighty son of Jove supreme : 
 
 Minerva to the Lycians tum'd his force. 
 
 Alastor, Chromius, Coiranus, he slew, 
 Alcander, Halius, Noemon, Prytanis, 
 And more Ulysses' vengeful sword had slain ; 680 
 But Hector saw, and hast'ned through the ranks. 
 Clad in bright armour, spreading deaths around. 
 Sarpedon at his near approach rejoic'd. 
 And thus, in plaintive words, his aid implor'd : 
 
 ^^ Ο son of Priam, now thy friend protect, 685 
 ^^ Nor leave me wounded, to the Greeks a prey ; 
 '^ Save but from them, and I to fate resign. 
 Content in Troy to perish ; since decreed 
 I no return shall find, nor joy dispense 
 Nor glad the heart or of my wife or son." 690 
 He spake, but Hector pass'd in silence on — 
 No time for parley — ^to repulse th« foe, 
 And satiate his revenge. His fi'iends, meantime. 
 Under the beech of Jove Sarpedon plac'd. 
 The spear extracted, and relieved his pain ; 695 
 But chiefly Pelagon, his constant friend. 
 
 (C 
 
 (ζ 
 
 <c 
 
 m 
 
136 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ν* 
 
 Fainting he lay, his eyes near clos'd in death ; 
 And then again revived, as round his Hps 
 Play'd the Hght air and vivifying breeze. 
 
 The Grecian host, meantime, by Mars assail'd. 
 And Hector clad in arms, nor to their ships 70 i 
 Repuls'd, nor yet advancing on the foe. 
 Maintain d the fight ; bat from the god of war. 
 And from unequal combat, slow retired. 
 Whom first, whom last, did mighty Hector slay, 705 
 And brazen Mars ? First, Teuthrans met his fate, 
 Orestes next, then Trechus warlike chief, 
 (Enomaus, Helenus, Oresbius 
 With riches blest ; in Hyla fair he dwelt. 
 Near to Cephissus' lake ; a country rich 710 
 
 And populous : when Juno them perceived 
 Destroying many Grecians through the field. 
 Thus Pallas she addressed : " Daughter of Jove, 
 " UnconquVed maid, vain all our promises 
 " Of war successful, and of safe return 715 
 
 " To Menelaus, if we suffer thus 
 " Uncertain Mare to deal destruction round: 
 '^ Consider, then, and arm we to the war." 
 
 She spake ; nor did Minen^a disobey : 
 But Saturn's daughter, Juno venerable, 720 
 
 In haste the fiery-footed steeds prepared. 
 
 V• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 137 
 
 Richly caparison'd. Hebe, meantime. 
 The well-wrought wheels of polisht brass pre- 
 pared. 
 
 And on the iron axle fix'd : bright gold 
 Shone in the fellies, but the tire was brass ; ^25 
 The naves of polisht silver, round and smooth; 
 Braces of gold the circling car upheld : 
 The silver pole she fix'd, and from its end 
 The golden yoke suspended ; and made fast 
 The traces, bright with gold. Eager for war, 730 
 Juno herself the immortal coursers yok'd. 
 But Pallas, daughter of Saturnian Jove, 
 The varied mantle, which her hands had wrought. 
 Laid on the starry pavement of high heav'n ; 
 The mail of cloud-compelling Jove she took, 735 
 And arm'd her for the war. Her hand sustain d 
 Jove's aegis, terrible, encircled round 
 With fear : Contention there, there Violence, 
 There rash and "heady Persecution ; 
 And in the midst the dreadful Gorgon head, 740 
 Monster portentous, fearful to behold, 
 Ensign of mighty Jove : then o'er her brow 
 The helmet, gold embos&'d, with varied crest. 
 Capacious of a hundred cities' force. 
 She plac d ; then mounted on her rapid car, 745 
 
 
138 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 m 
 
 Grasping a spear^ huge, weighty, terrible, 
 Which turns whole hosts, in terror and dismay. 
 To flight, who dare her just revenge incur. 
 Juno, impatient, urg'd the steeds along : 
 "The gates of heav'n spontaneous open'd wide, 750 
 Kept by the watchful Hours, whose constant care 
 Or light or darkness sheds o'er spacious heav'n: 
 Through the wide portal flew the rapid steeds : 
 Seated apart from other deities. 
 On the high summit of Olympus' top, 755 
 
 Saturnian Jove they found ; when, from her car 
 Descending, Juno mighty Jove address'd : 
 
 ^' Art thou not, justly too, displeas'd to see 
 *^ Such daring outrage from the god of war ? 
 " How many Grecians of superior note ^^6% 
 
 '^ He hath destroyed, whilst I their loss deplore ! 
 " Venus meantime, and Phoebus, in his work 
 " Of death exult, and urge him to such deeds. 
 " Great Jove, will it displease thee if I drive 
 " Mars from the field with most disgraceful 
 " wounds?" 765 
 
 When cloud-compelling Jove thus answer made : 
 Urge Pallas to the task ; for she alone 
 Can quell his rage, and all his fury stay." 
 He spake ; but Juno urg'd the willing steeds 
 
 i< 
 
 ζζ 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 139 
 
 Midway 'twixt earth and heav'n's high arched roof: 
 Wide as the space which mortal eye may ken 771 
 O'er ocean's level from some lofty site. 
 So far, each bound, the immortal coursers flew. 
 And now they reach'd the distant plains of Troy, 
 Where Simois' and Scamander's streams unite ; 775 
 There Juno staid her chariot, and in clouds 
 And darkness thick envelop 'd, whilst with food 
 Ambrosial Simois fed the immortal steeds. 
 
 And now the goddesses, in form like doves, 
 Mov'd on, intent to aid the Grecian host : 78O 
 
 And where the bravest of their chieftains stood. 
 With Diomed, in dread array conjoin'd. 
 Like lions fierce, or as the mountain boars 
 Of more than common force; there Juno staid 
 Her course, and rais'd her voice like Stentor loud. 
 Whose brazen throat, 'amid the din of arms, 786 
 And the dread clamour of the war was heard. 
 ^^ Ο shame !* Ο scandal to the Grecian name ! 
 In form alone excelling! Whilst in arms 
 Achilles scour'd the plain, within their walls 790 
 Shut up, the Trojans dar'd not once advance 
 Beyond their gates, such dread his spear convey 'd: 
 *^ Now at your ships they foremost dare contend." 
 Thus she with courage every breast inspir'd : 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 ec 
 
 <c 
 
 tl 
 
140 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 :j ■ 
 
 But Pallas sought Tydides ; him she found 
 Near to his steeds reclin'd^ overspent with toil, 
 And sorely wounded by the unerring shaft 
 Of Pandarus ; his shield's enormous weight 
 Wearied his aching hmbs ; the galling belt 
 He loos'ned, and wash'd off the clotted gore : 800 
 The goddess^ leaning on his chariot, spoke : 
 " A son, of note inferior, Tydeus owns, 
 " And of degenerate race ; what though in form 
 " Diminutive himself, yet brave in arms : 
 " For ev'n when I forbade, and checked his ire, 805 
 " What time he went on embassy to Thebes 
 " To the Cadmeans, when I gave in charge 
 " That he should peaceably demean himself, 
 " Yet, such as heretofore his daring soul, 
 " He challenged all, and all with ease subdued ; 810 
 " Such aid I gave. You, also, 1 assist 
 
 And guard, and bid you dare the Trojan host ; 
 But or fatigue and labour of the field 
 Thy limbs unnerve, or fear thy soul invades. 
 Unworthy to be call'd brave Tydeus' son." 815 
 When Diomed replied : " I know thee well, 
 " Daughter of Jove supreme, nor will conceal, 
 " But rather willingly the truth declare ; 
 " For nor fatigue, nor labour of the field. 
 
 €6 
 
 ie 
 
 cc 
 
 (€ 
 
 gSc^^i ^ajiysa 
 
 liliMiytrftimiiitlliil n^rtiliimrifi ι -'ιΊΐΊίιΙ 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 141 
 
 " Nor fear my soul invades ; thy strict command 
 " Alone deters me : thou didst order 'me 821 
 
 " To shun the contest where the gods engag'd, 
 " Venus alone excepted, but with force 
 " To drive the feeble goddess from the war : 
 ^V I therefore now retire, and bid retreat 825 
 
 " The Grecian host, for Mars directs the war." 
 When Pallas thus: ^^Ό much-lov'd Diomed, 
 *^ Fear not this Mars, nor any deity, 
 " Should others tempt the fight, such aid I give : 
 ^ Direct on him thy rapid coursers drive, 830 
 
 " And aim thy spear, nor reverence the god 
 '' Thus blindly raging; author of all ill, 
 ^Mnconstant as the wind ; who promised erst 
 " To Juno and to me the Greeks to aid, 
 ^' And now, forgetful, leads the Trojan arms." 835 
 
 Thus saying, from his seat, with potent hand. 
 She Sthenelus removed ; and, rushing on. 
 Herself his place supplied : the goddess sat 
 By Diomed, and grac'd his martial car. 
 The beechen axle groan'd beneath the weight 840 
 Of the dread goddess and the Grecian chief: 
 Minerva seiz d the reins, and through the ranks 
 Drove, tow'rds remorseless Mars, the rapid steeds. 
 Just then the god of war had overthrown 
 
142 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V. 
 
 
 Ochesius' son, the warlike Periphas, 
 
 Of stature vast ; when o'er her radiant head. 
 
 Invisible to all, Minerva plac'd 
 
 The helmet of black Orcus. Mars beheld. 
 
 With joy exulting, Diomed's approach ; 
 
 The spoils of fallen Periphas he left, / 850 
 
 And on the Grecian chief bent all his force : 
 
 His brazen spear with levelled aim he hurl'd. 
 
 Intent on slaughter ; but Minerva's hand • 
 
 The chief protected, and the weapon's point 
 
 Or turn'd aside, or spent in empty air. 855 
 
 Then rose the strength of matchless Diomed, 
 Whose spear, by Pallas urg d, his belt transfix'd. 
 And drank immortal blood : the god with pain 
 Writh'd his huge form, and rais'd a shout that rent 
 The distant sky, loud as the din of war s6o 
 
 When thousands combat : pale dismay assail'd 
 Trojans and Greeks, so terrible the noise. 
 As clouds condens'd with darkness overspread 
 The face of heav'n, when Sirius' raging heat. 
 By southern winds increas'd, its influence sheds 865 
 O'er the wan earth ; thus rising through the air 
 JVIars to Tydides' wond'ring eyes appear'd. 
 
 Soon to the realms of light the god arriv'd. 
 And, seated near to Jove, oppress'd with grief 
 
 V. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 145 
 
 And pain, the wound he show'd, and thus com- 
 plain'd : 370 
 
 '^ Such daring acts must needs thy anger move, 
 *' Father supreme ! that high immortal pow'rs 
 *^ For mortal men should such dissension move, 
 *^ Such pains endure : nor art thou least to blame, 
 '' Whose daughter, Pallas, dares such monstrous 
 " deeds: gj'5 
 
 " All other deities thy will obey ; 
 '^ Pallas alone no order, no control 
 " From thee receives ; she ruleth unrestrain'd, 
 " Indulg'd by thee in most atrocious deeds : 
 ^^ She urg d Tydides to contend with gods : 880 
 ^' Venus hath felt the daring mortal's force, 
 " By wound unseemly pain'd ; and now on me. 
 Like some superior deity, he rush'd: 
 Flight only sav'd me, or mid heaps of slain 
 ^' I still had suff'red on the blood-stain'd field, 885 
 " Vanquisht, subdued, disgrac'd, by mortal man Γ* 
 Jove sternly thus replied : *' Think not to move 
 " My pity, fickle and detested god ; 
 " Whom war delighteth, whom contention dire, 
 " And slaughter indiscriminate, attend ; 890 
 
 " Whose stubborn mind no suppliant voice can 
 " touch. 
 
 in 
 
 <c 
 
 (C 
 
144 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 yh 
 
 n. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 145 
 
 ψ ' 
 
 |ί4- 
 
 m 
 
 
 ^^ Implacable as Juno's vengeful hate, 
 
 ^' Which I can scarce restrain : from her advice 
 
 " I do imagine thou dost suffer this ; 
 
 " Yet for thou calFst me father I will heal 895 
 
 " Thy pains, though hateful thou ; from other 
 
 " sprung, 
 " Long since from highest heav'n to deepest hell, 
 '^ With Titans chain d, Td hurl'd thee bellowing 
 " down." 
 He spake ; when Paeon all his art applied, 
 Cleans'd the deep wound, and all his pains remov'd. 
 As when the juice of figs coagulates 90 1 
 
 The milk, and separates the hardening curd, 
 Tum'd swiftly by the skilful maiden's hand ; 
 Thus by his hand applied, medicinal 
 And softening applications heaPd the wound. 905 
 
 Hebe the bath prepared ; then robes divine 
 His limbs invested : glorying in his might 
 He sat beside the King of gods and men. 
 
 But Juno and Minerva to the throne 
 Of Jove return'd, when quell'd the frantic rage 910 
 Of Mars, and staid his desolating arm. 
 
 BOOK VL 
 
 Uach host, unaided, to the battle mov'd ; 
 Now here, now there, the tide of conquest flow^. 
 With various success, throughout the plain, 
 Twixt Simois' stream and Xanthus' rapid course. 
 When Ajax, bulwark of the Grecian ho^t, 5 
 
 Broke through the Trojan ranks, and turn'd the 
 
 day : 
 The bravest of the Thracian bands he gl^w, 
 Enormous Acamas, Eussorus' son : 
 The impetuous weapon pierc'd his helmet through. 
 Then, in his forehead fixt, it cleft the bone, IQ 
 Such force impelled ; and darkness clos'd his eyes. 
 
 Tydides next the son of Teuthr^ns slew, 
 Axylus : in Arisba fair he dwelt. 
 With riches blest, near to the public way 
 His dwelling: thus a geaer^I friend to man, 15 
 He lov'd them all, and all their wants r^liev'd : 
 Yet none were found to succour his distress ; 
 His faitWul servant p^rish'd by his side^, 
 Calesius ; one grave Teceiv d them bot;h. 
 
146 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VL 
 
 fe^ 
 
 Now Dresus perish'd, and Opheltius, 
 Slain by Euryalus ; who next pursued 
 ^isepus fair, and Pedasus, twin-born, 
 Whom Abarbarea to Bucolion bore ; 
 Bucolion, son of great Laomedon ; 
 First of his race, yet secret was his birth : 25 
 
 Tending his flock, Bucolion won the nymph. 
 Who bore him twins; yet short their fleeting 
 
 years. 
 Slain by Euryalus ; their arms his spoil. 
 
 Then Polypoetes slew Astyalus ; 
 And by thy sword, Ulysses, vanquished, fell 30 
 
 Percosian Pidytes : Teucer's shaft 
 Pierc'd Aretaon ; Nestor's valiant son 
 Ablerus slew : Atrides, Elatus ; 
 In lofty Pedasus, by Satnia's stream, 
 He dwelt. But Leitus his flying foe 35 
 
 Phylax transfix'd : Eurypylus o'erthrew 
 Melanthius : ahve Adrastus fell 
 A prisoner in Μ enelaus' hands : 
 His fright'ned coursers fled the plain and broke 
 The chariot pole, entangled in the boughs 40 
 
 Of the tough tamarisk ; then, disengag'd, 
 With others routed, to the city ran, • 
 
 Such terror reign'd : Adrastus headlong fell, 
 
 VI, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 147 
 
 Roird in the dust. Atrides quick advanced. 
 And aim'd his fatal spear; with suppliant voice 45 
 Adrastus thus preferred his humble suit : 
 Save me, Atrides, and a ransom take. 
 
 Or gold or iron wrought, or sculpturVJ brass ; 
 " Which my fond father, with no sparing hand, 
 *' Will gladly give, if at thy hollow ships 50 
 
 He shall but hear his much-lov'd son still lives." 
 
 He spake, and pity touch'd his generous mind ; 
 He paus'd, and checked his rage; and had convevVi 
 His captive to the ships, but with rebuke 
 Severe thus interposed the king of men : 55 
 
 ** Heav'ns! Menelaus; what! is this a time ** 
 " To spare one Trojan ; can they at thy hands 
 
 Deserve or pity or compassion ? No ; 
 
 Yea, rather let not one escape alive, 
 " Perish the race entire, and all with Troy, 60 
 " Unburied, in one general ruin fall/' 
 
 He spake, 'and changd his brother's wavVing 
 mind. 
 
 Who thrust Adrastus from him with disdain: 
 Him Agamemnon slew; the spear transfix'd 
 His bowels, prone he fell ; the victor's heel 65 
 
 Insults the dead as forth his spear he draws ; 
 When Nestor loudly to the Grecians call'd : 
 
 L 2 
 
 ' 'I 
 
\4» 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VlU 
 
 VK 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 149 
 
 rfi 
 
 " Friends, Grecian heroes, warriors of renown, 
 ♦* Think not of spoil, but let your vengeful swords 
 *' Exterminate the foe ; theh, at your ease, ^Q 
 
 *^ Despoil them of their arms, the victor's meed." 
 
 Thus Nestor rous'd their courage to the war: 
 Then had the routed Trojans to their walls 
 Retreated, nor had dar'd resist the foe. 
 But Helenus, well skill'd in augury, Jb 
 
 To Hector and ^neas thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Ο mighty chiefs, you who alone sustain 
 ^ And bear the weight of war, you who direct 
 *^ Our counsels, stay this most disgraceful flight, 
 *' Ere they return, like cowards, to their home, 80 
 " Scorn and derision of their enemies ; 
 " Then we, all wearied as we are and spent 
 *^ With toil, will yield to hard necessity, 
 f^ And check the foe or perish in the cause. 
 *^ Hector, do thou our royal mother seek, 85 
 
 ^ (For thus we counsel,) let her quickly call 
 " The venerable matrons to the fane 
 " Of Pallas in the lofty citadel ; 
 " Let her select the robe of richest dye 
 ^ And choicest work, invaluable, rare, ^0 
 
 " Meet present for a god, and at her knees 
 ** Offer with humble supplication due ; 
 
 '^ And let twelve heifers on her altars smoke, 
 " Yearlings, unblemisht ; if perchance she take 
 " Compassion, and our wives and children spare, 
 *' And from our city far Tydides drive, 9^ 
 
 ^^ The bravest of the Greeks ; for not the sword 
 *^ Of swift Achilles, such destruction wrought, 
 " Though from a goddess sprung; of matchless 
 
 *^ strength, 
 '^ No mortal may with Diomed compare." 190 
 
 He spake ; Hector his counsel well approved. 
 And from his chariot leap'd all-armed forth; 
 Two spears he brandished, and through the ranks 
 Pass'd on, and all their drooping courage rais'd : 
 Again they tufn'd, again they dar'd the fight, 10& 
 The Grecians paus'd, and from the slaughter 
 ceas'd ; 
 For well they deem'd some potent deity. 
 Descending from above, their courage arm*d; 
 So quick they'rallied, and renew'd the war. 
 
 When Hector thus : " Trojans, allies, be brart 
 " And dare the battle, whilst to Troy 1 go. 111 
 " By urgent business press'd, to give in charge, 
 " That Trojan matrons and wise counsellors 
 " Of age mature, with supplication meet, 
 " And hecatombs, the offended gods appease^" 115 
 
150 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Thus saying, Hector to the city mov*d. 
 Protected by his pond'rous massy shield, 
 Whose utmost verge his ample shoulders hid, 
 Descending to his feet, so vast the orb. 
 
 But Glaucus, son of great Hippolochus, 120 
 
 And Tydeus' son, before each host advanced 
 To fight ? when near, thus Diomed began : 
 
 ^^ And who ail thou, bravest of mortal race ? 
 *^ i. have ne'er seen thee in the ranks of war 
 " Before this day ; yet now thy daring soul 125 
 " Impels thee to withstand my fatal spear : 
 " Unhappy they whose sons my strength defy. 
 But if some deity from heav'n thou com'st, 
 I war not with the gods : for Dryas' son, 
 Lycurgus, did not long the light enjoy 130 
 
 " Of life, contending with immortal gods ; 
 " Who erst through Nyssa's consecrated grove 
 ^* Drove Bacchus and his votaries: with fear, 
 *' With terror seized, they fled, and cast away 
 " Their sacred thyrsi ; Bacchus fled amain, 135 
 ** Frightened, and sought protection in the sea ; 
 " Thetis received him, trembling at the voice 
 ** And stern rebuke of man. But, much displeas'd, 
 " The gods this deep-felt injury reveng'd ; 
 " Saturnian Jove himself with blindness struck 140 
 
 iC 
 
 li 
 
 u 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 151 
 
 fC 
 
 u 
 
 " The oflTending mortal ; nor yet long his days. 
 By all the gods detested and abhorr'd. 
 I will not, therefore, with the gods contend, 
 " If mortal thou, by earth's productions fed, 
 " Approach, and thou shalt quickly meet thy fete." 
 Glaucus thus answ'red : " Mighty Diomed, 146 
 " My name and lineage why dost thou inquire ? 
 *^ As leaves to leaves succeed, so man to man : 
 " These fall and wither ; then, by spring renew'd, 
 '^ In quick succession rise: so mortal man 150 
 
 " To man succeeds, and falls. But wouldst thou 
 
 " know 
 " Of my descent (for many know it well), 
 " On the utmost bounds of Argos, fam'd for steeds, 
 Lies Ephyra's fair town, within whose walls 
 Dwelt Sisyphus, of men most prudent deem'd, 
 " The son of ^olus ; to him was born 156 
 
 " Glaucus, the father of Bellerophon, 
 *' For beauty as for courage far renown'd, 
 " Gift of the gods. PrcEtus with evil mind 
 " Exird Bellerophon, for great his pow'r l6o 
 
 " Amongst the Grecian states, so Jove ordain*d. 
 " His forni attracted fair Anteia's love, 
 " The wife of Proetus, but his prudent mind 
 " Scorn'd to dishonour Proetus. She, with rage 
 
 iC 
 
 it 
 
153 
 
 t hE ILIAD. 
 
 vt. 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Ud 
 
 ΪΙ -J, 
 
 it 
 
 (( 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 
 ΐ 
 
 €ζ 
 
 \ 
 
 ίζ 
 
 f 
 
 i 
 
 t ■ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 
 
 
 ζζ 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 <ζ 
 
 fC 
 
 « 
 
 Of disappointed love, thus falsely charg'd 
 BellerophOn with foulest calumny : 
 ^ Or die thyself or slay Bellerophon, 
 ^ Who basely sought to stain my Proetus' bed.' 
 She ipa:ke: fell rage inflam'd the monarches 
 
 ^' mind. 
 Yet fear'd he to destroy the godlike youth ; 1 70 
 But sent to Lycia, ^ith no friendly view. 
 With tablets seal'd, whosi^ ominous contents 
 Might quidc destruction bring, TViih strictest 
 
 ^ xjhktge 
 To show the fatal tablets. By the gods 
 Protected, he to Lycia bent his way : 1 75 
 
 And now arriv'd at Xatithus' fertile fields, 
 Tile king with honour due receiv'd his guest, 
 A^ spread the feast, and sacrifices meet 
 Nine days the altars crown'd; when the tenth 
 
 
 a 
 
 morn 
 
 
 
 With riiddy fight oppe^M, thefaithM youth 18*0 
 To see the tablets made hite juet request. 
 Which he from Prdetus brought : but when fe- 
 
 « cm'a 
 
 The dread commands to elay Chim^era dire. 
 
 Hie first exj^it ; monster implacable. 
 
 Of irace diri»e, partlion, «erpent^rt> 18*5 
 
 (C 
 
 <c 
 ic 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 «t 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 <ζ 
 ζζ 
 ζί 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 And part Chimaera, from whose nostrils pour'd 
 Thick smoke ahd bickering flames: this mdnfttef 
 
 " slain 
 (For heav'n his cause defended), next in war 
 He dar'd thfe Solj^ttii, of ttien esteem'd 
 The bravest, nor an easy conquest gain'd : I90 
 Then he the Amazons, in fight with men 
 Contending, slew. When now, on his return^ 
 The Lycian king in secret ambuscade 
 A band selected plac'd, who to their homes 
 No more retum'd, slain by Bellerophon. 195 
 Whom, when the king of l^ce divine percav'd. 
 Glad he detained him, «md his daughter gave 
 In marriage, and receivd him as a king. 
 With large domain, and fields of wide extent, 
 And fertile soil, the Lycians him endow'd. 200 
 Three children grac'd his house, Hippolochus, 
 Isander, a«d Laodamia fair, 
 (From her Sarpedon, son of mighty Jove, 
 Boasts his descent). But when Bellerophon 
 The just displeasure of tfee gods incurred, 205 
 Alone he wand*red o'er t^ Aleian field, 
 In deep affliction shunning tnottal sight. 
 Insatiable Mars Isander slew^ 
 EngagM in <!ombat with the SolyiTii ; 
 
, Μ 
 
 154 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VI. 
 
 vr. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 155 
 
 
 215 
 
 *^ By Dian's shaft Laodamia fell: 
 *^ I boast descent from gieat Hippolochus ; 
 " At his command I aid the Trojan host, 
 *^ And seek for honour and renown in arms ; 
 " Nor bring disgrace upon a noble line 
 " Of ancestry, the bravest of their days. 
 " Such is the origin I have to boast." 
 
 He spake ; when mighty Diomed rejoiced. 
 And fixing in the ground his spear, he thus 
 With friendly words the Lycian chief addressed : 
 
 " Guest of my father, welcome to these arms: 220 
 *^ CEneus of old with hospitality 
 *^ Received Bellerophon, and him detain d 
 ^' Within his spacious palace : mutual gifts 
 " The fact record; (Eneus a purple belt 
 " Of richest dye, a cup of massy gold 225 
 
 Bellerophon bestow'd ; I still possess 
 
 The valued treasure. Tydeus left me young, 
 « When with ill omen to the Theban walls 
 « He led the Greeks, beyond my memory's date. 
 " Let us then still maintain, in Argos I, 230 
 
 *^ In Lycia thou, friendship's most sacred rites, 
 <^ Nor hostile meet in arms. Trojans, allies, 
 " A numerous foe, shall fall before my spear, 
 *^ And many Grecians yield their lives to thine ; 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 *' Let us then arms exchange, that all may know 
 " We boast the inviolable tie of friends." 236 
 
 Thus saying, from their cars the chiefs descend. 
 Pledge their right hands, and lasting friendship vow: 
 Glaucus (for Jove himself his mind impell'd) 
 His golden armour, hecatombs the price, 240 
 
 To Diomed for much inferior gave. 
 
 Meantime great Hector, at the Scaean gate 
 Arriv'd, each Trojan wife, each daughter fair. 
 Of husband, brother, dearest relatives, 
 Question with anxious care : he to the gods 245 
 Commends their pray'rs, for grievous woes impend. 
 Now Priam's lofty palace he approach 'd. 
 With stately columns grac'd ; of polish'd stone 
 The spacious chambers of his numerous race 
 In order show'd ; within the vaulted hall, 250 
 
 And opposite to these, in royal state 
 Twelve domes of polisht marble rose to view. 
 For Priam's daughters and their potent lords. 
 
 Here met the chief, as to Laodice 
 She went, his mother, mildest of her sex ; 255 
 
 Who seiz'd his hand, and thus her son bespake: 
 
 " My son, why hast thou left the tented field ? 
 " Surely the hateful Grecians at our walls 
 " Press hard, and thou art come with pious zeal 
 
\m-i 
 
 
 
 1% 
 m 
 
 ft 
 
 
 156 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 YI. 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 157 
 
 ^* To raise thy suppliant hands to Jove eiiprertie 
 " From the high citadel : but stay, my Βοη> 
 " Libation to the heav'nly pow'rs first made, 
 *^ Let me with wine thy weary Hmbs refresh, 
 " And all thy strength renew, by toil subdued ; 
 ^ The labour and the heat of this dread wat 26i 
 " Thy hands alone sustain in our defence." 
 
 Hector replied ί " Ο parent, much belov'd ! 
 " Give nie not wine, lest you unnerve my limbs; 
 *^ Nor dare I lift, polluted as they are, 
 ** These hands to Jovfe : 't is not for mortal man, 2fu 
 " With blood and gore diistaih'd, to raise his voice, 
 *^ Or pray'r address, to h^av'n's high majesty. 
 " But do thou lead the venerable band 
 " Of holy matrons to Minerva's fene : 
 " Spread the rich inantle and implofe her aid ; 273^ 
 " Vow on her altars twelve unblemisht steers, 
 ** If haply then she will compassionate ^ 
 
 ^* Our city, and our chiWten, and our wivee, 
 *^ And from our wiJls avert Tydides' rage, 
 *' Who spreads destruction through our routed host. 
 " Go tlien, my mother, to Minerva's fane; 381 
 
 " I will seek Paris, artd his courage rouse 
 *^ To arms, if he will hear a brother's voice : 
 " Oh, had be perish'd ere in woes involv'd 
 
 ^^ His country and his king, ^nd all his rac^ I 
 *' Could I but see him to the shades descend, 
 *^ I might awhile foi^et my bitter griefs»" 
 
 He spake ; when Hecuba her servants caU'd, 
 And bade convene the matrons : they in haste 
 Assembled ; then herself a mantle chose, 290 
 
 The richest of her stores ; a treasure rare, 
 Worjc of Sidonian maids, which in his ships 
 From Sidon Paris brought when he to Troy 
 Helen coavey'd ; of these the richest fftr 
 She chose, of curious work, a«d dpuszUng hue, 29$ 
 Resplendent like a star, and to the fene 
 Of Pallas she the assembled matrpns led 
 In long procession to the citadel. 
 
 Thea^io fair unbarr'd the temple g^tes, 
 Priestess of Pallas ; they with loud lament 3i90 
 Bnt'ring, ujw^js'd their supplicating hands ; 
 Theano spread the mantle ξ>η the kn^es 
 Of dread Minerva, ajid thus urg'd the prfiy'r : 
 
 ^^ Ο potent goddessi, guardian of our walls 1 
 *^ Break short his spear and headlong at our gates 
 " O'ertbrow Tydideg, author of Q»r woei ; 3P6 
 ^* So shall twelve heifers at thy altars blftz^, 
 " unblemisht. Pity then our great distrou j^, . 
 
158 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VI. 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 159 
 
 .1 •, 
 
 1 
 
 r 
 
 
 " Our city, and ourselves, and children spare.** 
 Thus pray'd she, but the goddess stem refus'd. 310 
 
 Whilst thus to Pallas they the pray'r address'd. 
 Hector mov'd onward to the lofty dome 
 Of Paris, who himself the structure plann d. 
 And Trojan artists of superior skill 
 The palace rais'd. The spacious hall within, 315 
 The sumptuous chambers ranged in order meet. 
 Near Priam's palace in the citadel. 
 And Hector's stately mansion : thither went 
 The chief of Troy, and in his hand he grasp'd 
 A spear of larger size, whose glittVing point 320 
 Before him shone, with golden rings adorn'd. 
 
 Paris he .found handling his polisht arms. 
 The shield, the corselet, and the fatal shafts; 
 And near him Helen with her virgin train. 
 Their works directing, sat. Him Hector thus 325 
 In terms severe bespoke : " Ill-fated man ! 
 " Why this resentment ? why in rage retired ? 
 *^ It is not well : our troops are minished : 
 " For you alone these dreadful flames of war 
 *^ Surround our walls: should other chiefs thus 
 " shun 330 
 
 " The danger, thou thyself wouldst firit complain. 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 " Rouse then to arms, or ere the vengeful foe 
 " With desolating fire our city raze." 
 
 Paris replied : " I own thy just rebuke, 
 " Hector, and therefore freely do confess, 335 
 
 *^ If thou canst lend a patient ear, that not 
 ^^ My anger only causeth this delay, 
 " Howbeit just, but that I greatly wish'd 
 " In sorrow to indulge my soul awhile: 
 *^ Ev*n now fair Helen, with persuasive words, 340 
 
 Hath rous'd my courage: arm we to the fight. 
 
 Success may crown, perchance, thy brother's, 
 " toils; 
 " Stay, then, and I will put my armour on, 
 " Or quickly follow to yon hostile plain." 
 
 Hector in silence heard, nor made reply ; 345 
 But Helen thus: " Ο brother, much belov'd, 
 " Had I but perish'd, hateful as I am, 
 ^' In early infancy, to wilds expos'd, 
 ^^ To the rude winds or ruder seas a prey, 
 " By merciless waves o'erwhelm'd, nor liv'd to cause 
 " Such complicated ills! but heav'nly pow'rs 351 
 " Had otherwise ordain'd: yet I might claim 
 " A warrior husband ; one who could resent 
 " Reproaches keen, and wounded honour feel ; 
 "^ But Paris, by the avenging hand of Fate 355 
 
I ψ. 
 
 \6q 
 
 TEHB fUAPk 
 
 \%. 
 
 ti '': 
 
 
 U 
 
 <c 
 
 a 
 
 " Depriv'd of judgnaept, ^nows not the extent 
 " And measure of tbp^e ilj^ which fqUy brings. 
 ^^ But con^e, my brother, r^t thee here awhile, 
 The weight and bur4:hen oj" this ht^i. war 
 Thy hands sustain, and we, alas! th^ cause; 36o 
 We, whom great Jove, in anger, hath ordain'd 
 ** A spectacle to ages yet qnbQrn." 
 
 " Detain p^e wt/* the v^Hant chief replied ; 
 ^f Thy kindness I acknowledge, but my naind 
 *' Forbids delay when I may succour Troy, 3^5 
 ^^ Which now my presence waits. Do thou, mean- 
 " time, 
 Urge Paris to the field, that he forthwith. 
 When arm'd, may join me at the Sca^n gate, 
 " I go, a last farewell, perhaps, to take 
 
 Of those my soul most loves, my wife and child : 
 Heav'n knows if ever I again return, 3f 1 
 
 Or perish by the Grecian ho$t o'erwh^loi'd." 
 He spake, and hast'ned on with eager ^tep^ 
 To seek Andromache ; but sought in vain : 
 Her house she left, attended by her son 
 And faithful servant, and with anxious care. 
 With heart bursting through grief, sought IliumV 
 tow*r. 
 Hector inquifd : *^ Ah ! whither is she gone ? 
 
 <c 
 
 iC 
 
 a 
 
 ζζ 
 
 fC 
 
 ^'i• THE ILIAD. 161 
 
 " Or to her sisters or dear relatives ? 
 
 *' Or with the pious matrons to the fane 380 
 
 *' Of dread Minerva to implore her aid ?" 
 
 '' Nor to her sisters, nor to Pallas' fane," 
 The servant answer made : " To Ilium's tow'r 
 " She went, for she had heard our sad defeat, 
 '' And the success of Greece: trembling she heard, 
 " Nor staid; but to the towV, well nigh of sense 
 " Bereft, she hast ned with her infant son." 
 
 She spake : Hector eftsoons pursued his way. 
 And measur'd back his steps with quick ned pace, 
 Travers'd the spacious streets, and to the gate 390 
 Which led to battle and the tented field 
 Returned : there met him his most blameless wife. 
 The wealthy daughter of Eetion ; 
 CiHcian Thebe own'd his regal sway. 
 And Hypoplacus* wide extent of wood : 395 
 
 All unexpected, at the Scaean gate 
 Sudden she met him ; her attendant maid 
 Press'd to her fragrant bosom Hector's heir. 
 His parents' only hope, of tender years, 
 Fair as the orient beam that gilds the morn, 400 
 Scamandrius nam'd ; but Troy, with one consent, 
 Call'd him Astyanax ; for well they knew 
 His mighty father, guardian of their walls. 
 
l62 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VI. 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 163 
 
 
 I- i 
 
 u 
 
 ft 
 
 a 
 
 u 
 
 tc 
 
 With silent joy he view'd his infant child; 
 
 But sad Andromache, with tearful eye, 405 
 
 Hung on his hand, and thus in sorrow spake : 
 
 ^* Ill-fated prince ! whose daring courage brings 
 *' Destruction with it, ah! reflect awhile! 
 An orphan child, a wretched widow'd wife. 
 Thy pity claim : tempt not the doubtful war, 
 ** Lest hosts entire overwhelm thee : ere that day 
 I see, heav'n close these eyes ! depriv'd of thee. 
 No ray of comfort, but unceasing woes 
 Await me, wretched : father I have none, 
 " And mother, none! him fierce Achilles slew, 415 
 " Thebe destroyed with all her lofty gates, 
 " And laid her monarch low ; but of his arms 
 " Despoil'd him not, such high respect he paid: 
 " But, clad in arms, he to the funeral pyle 
 " Committed him, and rais'd the sacred mount 420 
 " In honour of the dead : the mountain nymphs, 
 Jove's daughters, planted elms around his tomb. 
 Seven brothers perish'd by Achilles' sword. 
 Tending their lowing herds and fleecy care, 
 ** All in one day sent to the shades below. 425 
 
 " My captive mother, who with sov reign sway 
 "In Ilypoplacus dwelt, her freedom gain'd, 
 " Paying large ransom : yet how short her days! 
 
 ii 
 
 « 
 
 u 
 
 (t 
 
 (( 
 it 
 n 
 n 
 
 (C 
 
 u 
 
 « 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 An early victim to Latona's shafts. 
 Thou, Hector, art my father ; thou to me 430 
 A mother, husband, brother; in thee all 
 United I behold ; in pity then. 
 Rest here and guard us, lest of thee bereft, 
 A widow'd wife and orphan mourn thy fate. 
 Where the wild fig-tree grows thy forces stay ; 
 There the low wall invites the daring foe, 436 
 Of access easy ; thrice the Grecian host. 
 By Ajax and Idomeneus led on. 
 By Atreus' sons, or matchless Diomed, 
 Have made the fierce assault, whether by heav η 
 Impeird, or their own courage, to the attack.** 441 
 Hector replied: " These things indeed engage 
 My serious thoughts, Andromache ; yet much 
 I dread the censure and reproach of Troy, 
 If, coward-like, I should most basely shun 445 
 The dangers of the war, and shrink through fear ; 
 I who from' early youth have learnt to brave 
 A host of foes, and foremost dare the war, 
 My own, my father's glory to assert : 
 Yet well, indeed, I know this fatal truth, 450 
 The day must come when sacred Troy shall fall, 
 And Priam perish in his country's doom• 
 But not for these such grief severe I feel, 
 
 Μ 2 
 
 fMriiiiiWiff^iiii?'^'^^'^*'**^^ 
 
μΐ, 
 
 lC4 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 VI. 
 
 .?:> ¥ 
 
 ΪΛ 
 
 (C 
 
 t( 
 
 (( 
 
 n 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 i( 
 
 €( 
 
 <C 
 
 " My valued mother, or my royal sire ; 
 
 Or my dear brothers, numerous and brave, 455 
 Destined to perish by the Grecian sword ; 
 As for thyself, a wretched captive made 
 Where tears will nought avail ; to ply the loom, 
 Stoop to the meanest offices, and bend 
 Under the galling yoke; and labouring hard, 460 
 Bring water from the fam'd Thessalian springs. 
 From Hyperia or Messeis ; worn 
 With grief, and press'd by hard necessity : 
 " When some in Argos will be heard to say, 
 ^^ ' See! Hector's wife, of all the Trojan host 46.5 
 " 'The bravest chief Γ whilst from thy aching heart 
 " Bursts the deep sigh, and flows the incessant tear, 
 " No Hector near to break thy captive chain. 
 " Ο may earth hold me in its cold embrace, 
 " A stranger to those griefs which rend thy soul!" 
 He spake ; and to his child the warlike chief 47 1 
 Stretch'd his fond arms : with sudden fear appalFd, 
 The aiirighted babe clung to his nurse's breast, 
 Crying; the brazen shield, the nodding plume. 
 And martial countenance with terror clad, 4^5 
 
 His tender mind alarm'd : with secret joy 
 Each parent smil'd : then Hector from his brow 
 Unbound his glitt'ring helmet, and remov'd 
 
 vi. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 163 
 
 The dread-inspiring crest, embrac d his child. 
 And fondly krss'd, expressive of his love, 480 
 
 And thus to heav'n address'd his earnest pray'r: 
 
 " Ο Jove supreme ! and all ye heav'nly pow'rs ! 
 " Grant this my son in valour to excel, 
 " And bravely vindicate his country's cause! 
 *' May hosts approving greet his glad return 485 
 ^' From battle, crown 'd with spoils; and shouts de- 
 
 ^'^ clare 
 '* The son's superior to the father's fame, 
 " Whilst conscious joy pervades his mother's heart!" 
 
 Thus Hector spake, and to her longing arms 
 The lovely babe retum'd : him she receiv'd, 490 
 And to her fragrant bosom fondly press'd. 
 Smiling with tearful eye. He saw, and thus i 
 
 In gentle terms : " Ο my Andromache ! 
 " Indulge not grief too much ; I shall not fall 
 " Till fate decree; that fate which none escajje, 495 
 " Coward or brave ; for such the will of heav n. 
 " Weep then no more, but to thy home return ; 
 " There let thy house affairs, and curious works, 
 " With suitable employ thy mind engage : 
 '' War is for men alone, but chiefly me." 500 
 
 Thus saying, he replac'd his glitt'ring casque; 
 And to her palace, sad and slow, return'd 
 
166 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VI. 
 
 VI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 167 
 
 
 Andromache, and shed the frequent tear 
 While as she cast a long last lingering look : 
 Then with her maidens wept her husband's fate, 5oS 
 Tliough living, and with loud lament hewaiFd 
 Throughout his palace ; for no more they deem'd 
 He might escape the vengeful sword of Greece. 
 
 Nor Paris in his lofty palace staid 
 Reluctant, but, all-arm'd in shining brass, 510 
 
 Through Troy's wide streets with hasty step ad- 
 vanc'd. 
 
 The high-fed courser thus, long time confin'd, 
 Sudden breaks forth and scours the distant plain, 
 Eager to bathe him in the copious stream, 
 Exulting; high in air his head he bears, 515 
 
 His flowing mane o'er neck and shoulders waves. 
 With speed impetuous to the well-known fields 
 And pastur'd steeds he wings his rapid way : 
 
 So Priam's son, from lofty Pergamus, 
 In shining armour clad, exulting ran, 520 
 
 Bright as the sun, and Hector thus address'd : 
 
 ^^ Brother, I fear I have detain d thee long, 
 " Nor thy commands obey'd." When Hector mild 
 Replied : " I own thy courage in the fight, 
 ** And valour tried : yet indolence arrests 525 
 
 *' Thy better knowledge : then indeed, my heart 
 
 ^' With anguish bleeds when thou art justly blam'd; 
 
 *^ Thou for whose cause alone such toils we bear, 
 
 *^ But haste we to the field ; whate'er amiss 
 
 *^ May have occurr'd, we will in order set 530 
 
 " When Jove shall grant that to the immortal gods 
 
 " We pour the firee libation from the cup, 
 
 ** Each in his several mansion, undisturb'd ; 
 
 " Tlie Grecians vanquish'd and repuls'd with shame.** 
 
;J 
 
 ΠΙ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 169 
 
 BOOK VII. 
 
 Thus saying, Hector through the Scsean gate 
 With Paris rush'd impetuous ; each resolv'd 
 To mingle in the fight, and dare the foe. 
 
 As when to sailors, spent with weary toil 
 Plying the cumbrous oar and labouring hard, 
 Jove sends a prosp'rous gale ; so joy each breast 
 Pervaded when the chiefs to view appear'd. 
 
 First Paris slew brave Areithous' son, 
 Menesthius, whom Philomedusa fair 
 ΊΌ Areithous bore : by Hector's sword 
 Eioneus expjr'd ; the deadly blow 
 Sever'd his ne(ik, and clos'd his eyes in death : 
 Glaucus, brave leader of the Lycian bands, 
 Ο erthrew Iphinous ; the rapid spear 
 Transfix'd his shoulder, while as on his steed 
 He vaulted ; to the ground he dying fell. 
 
 Pallas observed them through the Grecian host 
 Dealing destruction, and with rapid flight 
 
 10 
 
 15 
 
 ^«ai«.tf..^',f,f.ftjirfii<h 
 
[J - 
 
 170 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 vir• 
 
 it 
 
 C( 
 
 u 
 
 ffC 
 
 From high Olympus to the Trojan plains 
 She quick descended ; and from Pergamus, 
 When Pallas near approach'd, Apollo rose 
 To aid the Trojans : at the sacred beech 
 They met ; Apollo first his speech address'd : 
 *^ Daughter of Jove, why art thou hither come ? 
 Is it to change again the fate of war, 25 
 
 And aid the Grecian host, that from high heav η 
 Thou dost descend ? Ο yet commiserate 
 The Trojans, perishing ! Let me prevail, 
 " For so is best : then shall the rage of war 
 " This day surcease ; hereafter let them fight 30 
 « Till Troy shall be no more ; whose fall alone 
 ** Can satiate thy revenge, and Juno's hate." 
 ** Then be it so,** Minerva quick replied ; 
 For with that view to these contending hosts 
 I from Olympus came : say then, how best 35 
 We may the combat cease, and stay the fight." 
 Phoebus retum'd : " Let Hector's mighty mind, 
 '^ Inspir d by us, to single combat dare 
 " The bravest chieftain of the Grecian host ; 
 " And Greece, astonish'd, shall a warrior choose, 40 
 " Of valour tried, to measure strength with him." 
 
 He spake ; nor did Minerva disapprove : 
 When Helenus, well-skilFd in augury. 
 
 €t 
 
 <( 
 
 €i 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 iri 
 
 Nor uninspir'd in what the gods ordain'd. 
 Approaching Hector, thus the chief bespoke : 45 
 
 " Ο son of Priam ! canst thou lend an ear, - 
 " Skiird as thou art in counsel, and to one 
 *^ Who would advise with all a brother's love ? 
 " Cause each contending host to stay the fight, 
 *^ And labour of the field ; then singly dare 60 
 
 " The bravest chieftain of the Qrecian host ; 
 *^ Nor fear discomfiture or death from him 
 " Who shall contend, for so the gods ordavn." 
 
 Hector with pleasure heard, and quick advanc'd 
 To stay his troops, holding his levelled spear 55 
 Token of parley : they the sign obey'd. 
 And Agamemnon staid the troops of Greece. 
 
 Pallas meantime and Phoebus sat apart, 
 In form like vultures, on the lofty beech 
 Sacred to Jove, well pleas'd to view the scene ; 60 
 While as the thick'ning ranks on earth reclin'd. 
 And shields and spears in horrible array. 
 And glitt'ring swords, encircled all the plain. 
 
 As when the ruffled surface of the deep. 
 By rising winds upturned and southern blasts, 65 
 Grows black ; so the thick-seated ranks appear d 
 Of either host, whom Hector thus address'd : 
 
 •■■ I; 
 
 ^4 fit 
 
 11 
 
 Pu 
 
 .«I 
 
 .» 1 
 
 ΙΓ 
 
 - j| \ φι ' 
 
 ^t€ 
 
 t\ 
 
•ϋ: 
 
 ι;3 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Ji; 
 
 <( 
 
 bt ίΙ~ 
 
 
 Ν ''^E 
 
 
 ^ίΛ 
 
 
 ψΐ 
 
 CC 
 
 3; ν 
 
 
 **-■> 
 
 
 «p-i 
 
 ζζ 
 
 'C ι 
 
 
 ΰ - 
 
 r- 
 
 |, •- ' 
 
 6< 
 
 Ι , 
 
 
 f ■ 
 
 
 ί 
 
 iC 
 
 ι< ^ . 
 
 
 
 
 Ι 
 
 ic 
 
 
 (C 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ^ί 
 
 
 i^ 
 
 CC 
 
 Αϊ 
 
 
 ■', 
 
 <c 
 
 r 
 
 Ι 
 
 €C 
 
 
 
 ρ~ ■ 
 
 <C 
 
 fc 
 
 
 f-i 
 
 
 Η 
 
 u 
 
 3 .■ 
 
 
 ί? Ι 
 
 €C 
 
 
 
 ρ. 
 
 CC 
 
 ■ 
 
 CC 
 
 ! 
 4 
 
 
 
 €C 
 
 
 CC 
 
 
 CC 
 
 '- 
 
 Ci 
 
 
 WC 
 
 " Hear me, ye Trojans ; and, ye Grecians, hear, 
 • Whilst I the dictates of my mind declare : 
 " Great Jove hath rend'red vain our solemn 
 " truce, yo 
 
 And grievous woes impend ; whether on Troy, 
 By Grecian force subdued, or at your ships 
 Dismay and terror reign, and foul defe^ : 
 If then amongst the chiefs whom Grecia boasts 
 There be whose soul to highest deeds aspires, 75 
 Let him come forth that he may fight with me. 
 Witness, ye heav'nly pow'rs, and Jove supreme ! 
 If vanquish'd I shall fall, his be the spoil. 
 This armour his ; but, to his friends restored. 
 Let Hector claim the rites of sepulture, 80 
 
 And Trojan matrons heap the funeral pyle : 
 But should Apollo grant to me success. 
 Be mine his armour, to the god of day 
 A votive gift to decorate his fane : 
 Whilst, to his friends restor'd, funereal rites 85 
 The sorrowing Grecians at their ships perform ; 
 And on the Hellespont's resounding shore 
 Erect the tumulus, that future times 
 May know, and late posterity remark. 
 Ploughing the briny wave, ' Behold the tomb 90 
 
 sfiKMjaihfiimiiigrtiiBiiM 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 173 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 " * Of some illustrious chief, by Hector slain !' 
 " So shall my glory brave the wreck of years." 
 
 Thus Hector spake : a general silence reign'd : 
 Refusal shame forbad, acceptance fear ; 
 When Menelaus rising, with reproach 95 
 
 The bitter anguish of his soul expressed : 
 
 " Ο boasters ! to your sex a mark'd disgrace ; 
 
 Women, not men, to infamy consigned ; 
 
 That not one Grecian dare with Hector fight! 
 
 To water and to earth return again, 100 
 
 Whom neither glory fires, nor courage arms. 
 
 I will stand forth then, and this combat dare ; 
 " On heav'n alone the fate of war depends." 
 
 He spake indignant, and his arms prepared. 
 Then hadst thou perish'd, by superior might 105 
 Subdued, Ο Menelaus! but the chiefs 
 Of Greece quick interpos'd : Atrides first, 
 Who seiz'd thy hand, and thus expressed his fears : 
 
 " Ο Menelaus, sure of sense bereft ! 
 " Brother, forbear, such madness ill becomes : Hi) 
 " Let not thy courage urge thee to contend, 
 
 Rashly, with force superior : many dread 
 
 With mighty Hector to contend in arms ; 
 " E'en swift Achilles in the ranks of war 
 " Fear'd to meet Hector. Brother, then, forbear ; 
 
 C( 
 
 CC 
 
 J. 
 I 
 
 \il 
 
 • * 
 
 i.i 
 
174 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VM. 
 
 ;.! 
 
 
 ■ f 
 p. 
 11 
 
 
 i% 
 
 " The Greeks some other chieftain will select 
 " To fight with Hector : fearless though he prove, 
 " Insatiate of war, yet soon, I deem, 
 *^ He will with bended knee joyful repose, 
 " From war escap'd and from his pow'rful foe." 1 20 
 Scarce with these words he staid his brother's 
 mind. 
 And counsel sage ; reluctant he obey'd. 
 And to his friends his glittVing arms returned ; 
 When Nestor thus th' assembled chiefs addressed : 
 
 *' Alas ! what wondrous ills o'er Greece impend ! 
 ** How would the venerable Peleus grieve, 1 26 
 
 Whose counsels sway the warlike Myrmidons, 
 Who erst inquiring learnt with secret joy 
 The names and numbers of our Grecian host. 
 Should he once hear they dreaded to contend 130 
 " With Hector ! to the gods his aged hands 
 Uplifting, he would pray for instant death. 
 Oh, would to heav'n ! to mighty Jove supreme ! 
 To Pallas, ta Apollo! that my youth 
 Might be restored, as when at Pheia's walls, 135 
 " Near to the sounding Celadonian stream, 
 " And Jordan's flood, the Arcadian spearmen met 
 " And Pylians brave in arms ; their mighty chief, . 
 " Great Ereuthalion, dar'd in single fight 
 
 €C 
 
 i( 
 
 iC 
 
 C€ 
 
 <( 
 
 C( 
 
 i( 
 
 (( 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 175 
 
 a 
 
 (i 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 t( 
 
 n 
 u 
 <( 
 a 
 ii 
 a 
 (( 
 ti 
 u 
 (i 
 a 
 t( 
 (( 
 n 
 it 
 
 fi 
 
 The bravest of our troops : in armour clad 
 Of Areithous, Corynetes nam'd 
 By all Arcadia from his iron mace, 
 (For not to war with bow or spear he rush'd, 
 But with his iron mace whole ranks dispersed,) 
 Him by address, not force, Lycurgus slew, 145 
 Transfixing with his spear ere he could wield 
 His cumbrous arms, in narrow space confined : 
 Of bulk enormous to the ground he fell, 
 Extended huge ; his arms the gift of Mars, 
 The victor's spoil, which now Lycurgus bore. 150 
 But when, grown feeble by the weight of years, 
 Lycurgus fast declined, the valued prize 
 He gave to Ereuthalion his friend. 
 Clad in such arms he all our host defied, 
 Who trembled at his sight, nor dar'd engage, 15S 
 My courage urg'd me to the bold emprise: 
 Great as he was, I youngest of our host. 
 Yet fought I, for Minerva gave success. 
 And slew this man, of stature vast and size. 
 And stretch'd his wondrous length upon the 
 '^ plain. 1(>0 
 
 Oh, might I but recall my former years 
 And strength, I would engage this dreaded foe ; 
 But you, the bravest of the Grecian host. 
 
 f 5 
 
 ill 
 
 i'n 
 
 ti] 
 
 i:;i 
 
 f il 
 
 "it 
 
 : f J 
 
 
V 4» 
 
 
 
 % 
 
 176 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 vii. 
 
 " The combat shun, nor dare with him con- 
 " tend." 
 Stung by his just reproof, nine chiefs arose. l65 
 Atrides, first in honour as in arms. 
 Uprose ; him followed mighty Diomed ; 
 Then Ajax Telamon : Oileus next, 
 Idomeneus, and brave Meriones ; 
 Meriones hke Mars himself in fight : 170 
 
 Then rose Eurypylus, Euaemon's son ; 
 And Thoas and Ulysses, valiant chiefs, 
 All eager to engage ; when Nestor thus : 
 
 " Lots must decide ; for no mean praise awaits 
 *^ Him who asserts the honour of our arms, 175 
 " Who in this hazardous emprise stands forth 
 '^ Fearless, and from the combat safe returns." 
 
 Thus Nestor spake : his lot each chieftain mark'd. 
 And in the helmet of Atrides cast; 
 Whilst hosts admiring rais'd to heav'n the prayV, 
 And thus were heard to say : " Ο mighty Jove! 181 
 Let Ajax gain the lot, or Tydeus' son, 
 Or great Atrides' self, Mycenae's king." 
 Thus they preferred the prayV; when Nestor 
 shook 
 
 llie helmet, and the wish'd-for lot leap'd forth 185 
 Of Ajax Telamon, which throuirh the host 
 
 <i 
 
 (C 
 
 VI!. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 m 
 
 To all the Grecian chiefs the heralds bore. 
 None yet the lot acknowledged, till the mark 
 Ajax exulting own'd, and stretched his hand 
 The welcome lot to take, which on the ground 190 
 With joy the hero plac'd, and thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Mine is the lot, my friends, which I receive 
 ^^ Joyful, and now anticipate success : 
 " You then, whilst I prepare me for the fight, 
 ^^ To Jove supreme address the silent prayer, 195 
 ^^ Or loud exalt your voice, for none we fear : 
 " Nor shall he through neglect or want of skill 
 " Subdue me; nor untaught, I trust, in arms 
 ^' Did Salamis to Troy her warrior send." 
 
 He spake ; and they to Jove preferred their vows, . 
 And thus their wishes urgd : " Ο mighty Jove! 
 " Greatest and best, to Ajax give success 
 " And honour ; but if Hector be thy care. 
 Let both an equal share of glory claim." 
 Thus they : Ajax meantime, with armour bright 
 Invested, to the fight impetuous mov'd, 206 
 
 Like Mars when rushing to the shock of arms 
 Between contending hosts, whom angry Jove 
 With discord agitates, and fell revenge. 
 Thus mov'd the chief, in stature eminent, 210 
 
 The bulwark of the host; terrific smiles 
 
 
 m 
 
 vW 
 
 ^Λ 
 
 ίί 
 
 fl" 
 
 p. 
 
 j> 1^- 
 
 '^J 
 
 ' '■%• 
 
 
 'Ιψ 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 - r- 
 
 I. I 
 
 ΓΜ 
 
 1 π 
 
 id 
 
 4 
 
 i\ 
 
 ft i lit- 
 
/ 
 
 
 
 Ι*ί 
 
 1 
 
 II < 
 
 178 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VII. 
 
 215 
 
 His visage marked, as o'er the plain he strode 
 Grasping his massy spear of wondrous length. 
 A secret joy then felt each Grecian heart ; 
 But fear and terror through the Trojan host 
 Prevaird, and Hector trembled at the sight ; 
 Yet scorn'd he to retreat, or shun the war. 
 Himself the challenger. Ajax meanwhile 
 Drew near, bearing his shield's enormous weight, 
 Like to some tow'r, so large the pond'rous orb, 220 
 With brass o'erlaid, the work of Tychius, 
 Artificer renown d ; in Hyla fair 
 He dwelt ; there fram'd the various sev'nfold orb 
 Which Telamonian Ajax bore aloft. 
 And near approaching, menac'd thus his foe: 225 
 " Hector, now shalt thou know, when man to 
 
 (C 
 
 man 
 
 '^ Confronted, what theGrecian chieftains are, 
 *^ After Achilles lion-like in arms, 
 " Spreading discomfiture through armed hosts. 
 " But he in anger, at his ships retir d, 230 
 
 No longer wars in great Atrides' cause ; 
 
 Yet are we many who will dare contend 
 ^^ Singly with thee : come on, begin the fight." 
 
 When Hector thus: ^' Think not, illustrious 
 " chief. 
 
 cc 
 
 fC 
 
 Vli4 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 179 
 
 C( 
 
 u 
 
 ^^ To frighten, as a child unus'd to arms 
 
 " Or deeds of war, me, whom the battle's rage 
 
 " And slaughter'd ranks delight : for well I know 
 
 " To shift the cumbrous shield, and long maintain 
 
 " The doubtful combat; to support the charge 
 
 ^^ In firni array ; or, vaulting in my car, 240 
 
 Drive my swift coursers headlong on the foe : 
 
 Yet,, for thou bear'st thyself in noble guise, 
 '' Forewarn'd prepare to meet this fatal stroke." 
 
 He spake ; and, brandishing aloft in air 
 His glitt'ring sp^ar, full on the sev'nfold orb 2A^ 
 Smote vehement; through six tough hides it pass'd, 
 The seventh its force repell'd. Then Ajax hurl'd 
 His spear, an3 on the shield Hectorian smote 
 With might superior ; through the Trojan shield 
 It pass'd, and through the mail of plaited work: 250 
 Hector shrunk back, and scarce escap'd from death. 
 Now each his spear recov'ring, to the charge 
 Return'd with rage increas'd; as lions fell 
 And ravenous, or as wild boars of size 
 Enormous to the contest foaming rush. 255 
 
 Now Hector smote the sev'nfold orb, nor pierc'd 
 The brazen shield ; the treach'rous point recoil'd : 
 Then Ajax rushing forward, through the shield 
 Of Hector drove amain, such force impell'd 
 
 Ν 2 
 
 ■ -i 
 UiJ 
 
 i- 
 
 
 t- 
 
 s '■ i 
 
 :i Η 
 
 ■ 1» 
 
 
180 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Vll• 
 
 
 
 
 |i if. 
 
 t-f 
 
 
 His massy spear, and sudden check*d the might 
 Of Hector : on his neck the grazing wound 
 Descend! ngi stain'd the warrior's arms with gore. 
 Yet not foi* this did Hector quit the field. 
 But stepping back he seiz'd a pond'rous stone, 
 Craggy and blacky and hurl'd it on his foe : 265 
 
 Full on the- boss the cumbrous ruin fell. 
 The sev'nfold orb resounded from the stroke. 
 
 Then Ajax seiz'd a stone of larger size. 
 And the vast fragment, pois'd aloft in air, 
 Hurl'd with his utmost strength : the craggy mass 
 Burst through the shield's defence, and on the plain 
 The chief extended prone : his bended knee 
 And shatter'd buckler scarce his weight sustain'd ; 
 But Phoebus interpos'd with aid divine. 
 
 And now they had with swords renew'd the fight, 
 But that the faithful heralds, messengers 276 
 
 Of gods and men, from either host appear'd, 
 Talthybius and Idaeus : in the midst 
 Their sceptres they advanc'd. Idaeus thus 
 The combatants address'd: " Ο lov'd of Jove! 260 
 '^ Illustrious chiefs, forbear, nor urge the fight ; 
 " Your valour tried each host with pleasure sees, 
 " And all acknowledge : Night advances fast, 
 " Obey her dictates, and our counsel hear." 
 
 «Ί 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 181 
 
 When Ajax thus : " To Hector this advice : 
 '' He gave the challenge, and defied us all ; 
 " If he begin I shall not disobey." 
 
 When Hector answ'red: "Chief in arms re- 
 " nown'd, 
 " Illustrious Ajax, grac'd with strength and might^ 
 " By heav'n above thy peers, let us desist, 29O 
 " And cease the combat now : should fate ordain 
 " We meet hereafter in the ranks of war, 
 *' We will contend till death shall end the strife : 
 " Now night commands, and we the night obey. 
 
 Go then, and to thy friends with joy return, 295 
 " And greet thy host, whilst I again to Troy 
 " Retire awhile, and gladden ev ry heart 
 " That lifts to heav'n a pray'r for Hector's life. 
 Let us then gifts exchange which may record 
 *^ This act, and after times admiring ^ay, 300 
 
 " These fought for honour in the warlike field, 
 " For glory fought alone, and parted friends." 
 
 He spake, and gave his sword with silver studs 
 Richly emboss'd, and belt of curious work ; 
 Ajax a girdle gave, with purple stain'd 305 
 
 Phoenician : thus they parted : to the Greeks 
 Ajax retum'd, and to the Trojan host. 
 Well pleas'd to see him. Hector bent his way. 
 
 ί> flf: 
 
 
 β 
 
 ι• » 
 ρ, ί ' 
 
 ^ I'- 
 Ι- 1 ■ 
 
 if ϊ 
 
 ί:• 
 
 4- 
 - ί 
 
 Λ κι 
 
 -a 'Ι 
 
 ίί 
 
 ! ί *ΐ- 
 
 • '-0 
 
 ι If" 
 
 
ft 
 
 182 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VII, 
 
 '^ '^ 
 
 <t 
 
 I" 
 
 f 4 
 
 ί 
 
 i 
 
 
 l-lr 
 't. 
 
 The joyful throng scarce think their hero safe 
 
 From his dread enemy escap'd with Hfe, 310 
 
 And with loud shouts conduct him back to Troy. 
 
 Nor less the Greeks with victory elate 
 
 Conduct great Ajax to Atrides' tent, 
 
 When there arriv'd, the king to ipighty Jove 
 
 Due sacrifice prepar d of nobler kind, 315 
 
 The ox five years had numbVed, victim meet. 
 
 Some strip the hide, in quarters some divide, 
 
 Then cut in smaller joints, and, on the spits 
 
 Fixing, they roast with skiU ; and from the fire 
 
 Removing, cease their labour, and prepare 320 
 
 Each in his place to share the glad repast. 
 
 Ajax received, in honour of his might 
 
 And prowess great in arms, the chine entire, 
 
 Mark of respect, by Agamemnon sent. 
 
 Hunger remov'd, the Pylian s^ge arose, 325 
 
 Nestor, whose prudent counsel all approv'd. 
 
 Unfolding thus his salutary lore: 
 
 ^^ Atrides, and ye mighty chiefs of Greece, 
 " Much loss we have sustained of heroes slain^ 
 " Whon^ Mars hath vanquish'd ; on Scamander s 
 " banks 330 
 
 ^* Their blood pour'd out, their souls to Hades sent; 
 ** Cease then the fight, and at the morrow's dawn 
 
 tr 
 
 VIT. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 183 
 
 " Let us with pious care their sad remains 
 
 " Bear to the sacred pyle, and bum with fii-e ; 
 
 " And at our ships collect their scatt'red bones, 335 
 
 " Due to their country, to their children due ; 
 
 " And, indiscriminate to all, uprear 
 
 " The hallow'd tumulus : then let us build 
 
 ^' A wall, with battlements and lofty tow'rs, 
 
 " To us and to our ships a strong defence, 340 
 
 " With gates adorn'd, through which our host may 
 
 ^* pass, 
 " Spearmen and horse array'd, and rapid cars ; 
 " And then by deepened fosse secure the wall 
 " From all attacks of infantry or horse, 
 " Should fate ordain that Trojan arms prevail." 345 
 
 Thus Nestor spake, and all the chiefs approv'd. 
 Meantime the Trojans in the citadel 
 A counsel held, fearful and turbulent. 
 At Priam's palace ; when Antenor thus : 
 
 " Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies, 350 
 " Whilst I the dictates of my mind declare : 
 " Let Helen be restored and all the spoils 
 " To Atreus' sons ; we fi^ht a perjur'd host; 
 " Nor can we hope success will crown our arms 
 " Till all their just demand be satisfied." 355 
 
 Thus counseird he, and to his seat returned. 
 
 i ^\_ 
 
 κ Η 
 
 • ' ίί 
 
 ί Η 
 f 
 
 :t 
 
 
 : ιΆ^ 
 
ϊ; -* 
 
 
 
 ^α 
 
 U 
 
 
 
 ■*ί 
 
 3 
 
 Mi 
 ■'1 
 
 4 
 
 it 
 
 184 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIT. 
 
 (C 
 
 6C 
 
 1 1 
 
 When Paris, Helen's husband, rose in haste. 
 
 And angry thus repHed : ":' To me, indeed, 
 
 ^* Antenor, are thy words unfriendly most ; 
 
 " Assuredly you better counsel know ; 36o 
 
 " But if such be your real sentiments, 
 
 ^^ The gods themselves must have impaired your 
 
 " mind; 
 " I too will speak the dictates of my heart : 
 '^ Know then, that Helen I will not restore ; 
 But for the spoils which I from Argos brought, 
 Those I will freely give, and others add/' 366 
 He spake ; when great in counsel Priam rose. 
 Who prudent thus th' assembled chiefs address'd : 
 ^^ Attend my words, Trojan and Dardan chiefs, 
 " And brave allies, whilst I my thoughts disclose: 
 '^ Refresh we first our troops as heretofore, 37 1 
 '^ Set the strict watch and sentinels appoint 
 '^ To-night, and early at the morrow's dawn 
 ^- Our faithful heralds to the Grecian camp 
 
 To Atreus' sons shall bear thp terms propos-d 3f5 
 By Paris, cause of this disastrous war ; 
 ^^ And further, shall demand a truce awhile. 
 That we our dead, after dqe rites perform'd. 
 May burn ; then will we fight again, till Jove 
 '* Or part our hosts or victory decide." 380 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 tc 
 
 (ζ 
 
 7 !>J 
 
 VIJ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 185 
 
 He spake : they heard, and willingly obey'd. 
 And now by companies, in order meet. 
 Refreshment they partook, and to the ships 
 At early dawn Idaeus took his way. 
 In council at Atrides' ship he found 385 
 
 The chiefs assembled : in the midst he stood. 
 And thus his embassy aloud declar d : 
 
 " Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Grecian chiefs, 
 " From Priam and the Trojans I am come 
 " To oflfer terms, if such your pleasure be 390 
 
 '^ To listen what I say ; by Paris' self 
 " Propos'd, the cause of this disastrous war. 
 " The treasures which from Greece his ships con- 
 
 '' vey'd 
 " (O had he perished first !) he will restore, 
 *' And large addition make ; but doth refuse 395 
 " To give back Helen to her injur d lord, 
 " Though by the Trojans urg'd : and furthermore, 
 '* As ordVed, I demand a truce awhile, 
 " That we our dead, after due rites perform'd. 
 May burn ; then will we fight again, till Jove 
 Or part our hosts or victory decide." 401 
 
 So spake Idaeus : silent they remain'd. 
 When Diomed thus firm his mind express'd : 
 " Not all these treasures ; no, nor Helen's self. 
 
 i( 
 
 6( 
 
 •.'sml 
 •if f.•, f 
 
 Ά 
 
 1 
 
 
 m 
 
 ■■i 
 i. { 
 
 ft 
 
 
 
186 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 
 1• Μ 
 
 νπ. 
 
 ■** 
 
 κ ■ 
 
 ΐΓί: 
 
 f 
 ft 
 
 ^ 4 " 
 
 I 
 
 *^ Will we accept : the least intelligent 
 
 " May know, destruction perjured Troy awaits." 
 
 Thus spake he; and the Greeks with loud ac- 
 claim 
 Approved, admiring much his warlike mind ; 
 When to Idaeus thus Atrides spake : 
 
 " Idaeus, their opinion you have heard, 410 
 
 " Which I do much approve : then be it so : 
 " But for the truce, I envy not the dead 
 *^ Their just and necessary rites of fire. 
 *^ Be Jove then witness to this solemn truce." 
 
 He spake, and to the gods his sceptre rais'd : 415 
 Idaeus then to sacred Troy returned. 
 There Trojan and Dardanian chiefs renown'd. 
 In solemn council still assembled sat. 
 Waiting their faithful messenger's return. 
 Who in the midst the answer loud proclaimed. 42o 
 
 Now all in the sad pious work engag'd ; 
 Some brought the dead, others the wood prepared. 
 
 The Grecians from their ships collecting, some 
 The dead in order brought, others the wood. 
 
 Now Phoebus gladdened with his orient beam 425 
 The fields, emerging from old Ocean's bed 
 Serene and deep : on every side they met : 
 Nor might they well distinguish man from man. 
 
 VIL 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 m 
 
 Washing their bodies smear'd with dust and gore. 
 They sore lamented them, and to the bier 430 
 
 Silent conveyed ; such orders Priam gave ; 
 And on the funeral pyle to fire consign'd, 
 Heap'd indiscriminate ; yet inward grief 
 Severely felt : then back to Troy return'd. 
 
 Nor otherwise the Greeks in silence heap'd 435 
 The pyle funereal, and with fire consum'd 
 Sorrowing, and to their hollow ships return'd. 
 
 Before the dawn, whilst undistinguish'd night 
 Prevail'd, a chosen band of Grecian youths 
 Around the pyle the tumulus uprais'd 440 
 
 To all promiscuous : then builded they 
 A wall, with battlements and tow'rs secure. 
 To guard their ships, with spacious gates adorn'd. 
 For chariots and for horse capacious way : 
 Without the wall they form'd the deep'ned trench. 
 Large in extent, and fix d the pointed stakes. 446 
 The Grecians thus in labour pass'd the night. 
 
 The heav'nly pow'rs, with mighty Jove conven'd, 
 In admiration view'd the Grecian work. 
 When potent Neptune thus the gods addressed : 
 
 " Great Jove ! shall mortal man no more impart 
 ^' His thoughts or counsels to the pow'rs above ? 
 
 
 Μ 
 
 t 1 1 
 ■ f. 
 
 i I 
 
 •"I 
 
188 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 /'-# 
 
 'Φ• 
 
 
 
 '4 
 
 '4 
 
 f- 
 
 Ρ Η ί • 
 
 ■,Λ 
 
 
 iii 
 
 νπ. 
 
 '^ Seest thou, the Greeks have built before their 
 
 (C 
 
 »hips 
 
 <e 
 
 <c 
 
 €( 
 
 " A wall with battlements and trench secure, 
 " Nor the due hecatomb to heav'n have paid ; 455 
 " Through the wide earth its glory will extend, 
 " Whilst that which erst Phoebus and I uprais'd 
 *^ To great Laomedon neglected lies." 
 
 When cloud-compelling Jove thus angry spake : 
 " Ο potent to disturb earth's firmest base, 46o 
 Neptune, why this complaint ? a weaker far 
 Amongst the gods such fear might entertain ; 
 Thy fame extends beyond the morning ray. 
 ^^ Do thou, when to their native land again 
 " The Grecian forces in their ships return, 465 
 *^ This wall, ο erwhelm'd and sunk in Ocean's bed, 
 " Destroy, and cover deep with sand the shore, 
 ^^ That not a vestige of their work remain." 
 
 Thus they held converse : but the sun meantime 
 Was set, and finished all the Grecian work. 470 
 Then slew they through the camp the fatted beeves 
 In numbers, and prepared the glad repast. 
 
 Now ships with richest wine, from Lemnos' isle 
 Freighted, arriv'd, which Euneus, Jason's son, 
 Whom fa 
 
 Hypsipyle to Jason bore^ 
 
 475 
 
 I; 
 
 ; i-lii 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 189 
 
 trti 
 
 1)ψ 
 
 Sent to the sons of Atreus, and to them 
 In separate gift a thousand measures each. 
 From these, with money or with iron wrought. 
 The Grecians purchased wine ; some bart'red skins ; 
 With oxen others bought the gladd'ning juice, 480 
 Others with captive slaves ; and through the camp 
 Prepared the genial board whilst night prevailed 
 Convivial : and through Troy's capacious streets 
 Allies and Trojans festive hours prolong'd. 
 
 Great Jove meantime, indignant, thundVed loud 
 Tlirough the thick gloom of night, of evils dire 
 Portentous to each host, whom terror seiz'd 
 And pale affright : each pour'd libation due 
 To sov'reign Jove, nor first presum'd to taste ; 
 And then retiring sought the gift of sleep. 490 
 
 
 
 - n 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 t 1 V , 
 
VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 t9i 
 
 ; ¥i 
 
 
 W 
 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 ff 
 
 
 *f'. •« 
 
 Wow Morn, array'd in robe of crocus hue, 
 
 O'er earth her influence shed; when Jove convened 
 
 On highest summit of Olympus' top 
 
 A council of the gods ; they silent heard. 
 
 When thus the ThundVer spake : " Attend, ye gods 
 
 ^^ And goddesses, whilst I my mind declare ; 6 
 
 " Nor either dare to counteract my will, 
 
 " But all with one consent approving aid, 
 
 ^^ So shall my purpose quickly be perform'd. 
 
 " But should I once perceive assistance giv'n 10 
 
 By any deity to either host. 
 
 Unseemly pain'd he shall to heav'n return ; 
 " Or hurPd to Tartarus obscure, far ofF 
 
 In earth's profoundest caverns, fast enclos'd 
 
 By gates of iron on the brazen floor, 15 
 
 " As far beneath the realms of Pluto laid 
 "As heav η from earth ; there shall he know my 
 
 " powV 
 " Amongst the gods supreme and absolute. 
 " Extend the golden chain, ye pow'rs divine, 
 
 <c 
 
 ζζ 
 
 iC 
 
 C( 
 
 hi 
 
 t 
 
 m 
 
 J I 
 
 - ' 1 
 i 
 
 ." « 
 
 ' 'it 
 
 i 1.4 . 
 
 #.• 
 
 -•is" 
 
 'SU^ 
 
i't-i S' 
 
 
 Η ' «►* 
 
 Pi• 
 
 .*.« 
 
 w 
 ■3 
 
 I*. 
 
 
 ',ΐ* 
 
 192 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 villi 
 
 ft 
 
 Unite 
 
 )ur force, your utmost strength exert, 
 *^ And drag the ThundVer from his throne to earth! 
 *^ Your strength, your labour fruitless all, and vain. 
 " But should my mind impel me, I will draw 
 Earth, seas, and gods, and from Olympus' top, 
 Enchain'd, suspend them in mid air: so much 25 
 My might exceeds the strength of gods and 
 
 €ζ 
 
 €ί 
 
 (C 
 
 " men." 
 
 He spake : admiring silent all remained, , 
 So resolute his words. Pallas at length 
 Thus interposed : *' Saturnian Father, King 
 *^ Supreme, we know thy pow'r all Pow'rs above ; 
 '^ Yet suffer that we mourn by adverse fete 3 1 
 
 *^ The Grecians perishing. If such thy will, 
 " From war, howe'er reluctant, we abstain, 
 " Permit us then sage counsel to suggest, 
 " Lest all in thy displeasure be destroyed." 35 
 
 Her Jove with countenance benign addressed : 
 " Courage, Tritonia, daughter much belov'd ; 
 " Nor deem me too severe, though harsh my words; 
 ^^ Indulgent ever are my thoughts to you." 
 
 Thus saying he prepared his car, and yok'd 40 
 The brazen-footed steeds with golden manes, 
 I'hen cloth'd himself in panoply of gold ; 
 His golden whip he took of curious work, 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 '* Μ 
 
 193 
 
 Mounted his car and urg'd his rapid course, 
 Midway 'twixt earth and heav'n, to Ida's top, 45 
 In springs abundant, nurse of savage beasts. 
 To Gargarus, where stands his lofty shrine. 
 And altars blaze with incense ; there he staid 
 His coursers, and in darkness thick involved ; 
 Then on the top enthron'd, and in his might 5Q 
 Exulting, sat the King of gods and men,^ 
 The city viewing and the ships of Greece. 
 
 The Greeks refreshment at their tents in haste. 
 As ord'red, took ; then arm'd them to the fight. 
 Again the Trojans arm'd on every side 55 
 
 Within the walls ; urg'd by necessity 
 Severe, their wives and children to defend. 
 
 Now through the spacious gates the Trojan host. 
 Horsemen and foot array'd, march to the field 
 Tumultuous : host to host confronted stands ; 60 
 Now rush they to the fight: shields clash with 
 
 shields. 
 And spear with spear, and man with man contends 
 All-arm'd : to heav'n ascends the wild uproar ; 
 And vaunting boast, and loud lament is heard. 
 And rivers roll in blood : from mom to noon 65 
 The contest equal, and the conflict dire. 
 But when the sun meridian height attain'd, 
 
 ο 
 
 rf 
 
 I i 
 
 m 
 
 J 1 1 
 
 1 
 
 IJ 
 
 - if 
 
 
 I 
 
ί94 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 
 '■^J 
 
 Γ4- 
 
 
 Then in his golden scales Jove pois'd the fate 
 
 Of each suspended, and the balance held ; 
 
 The Grecian sank, the Trojan rose to heav'n. 70 
 
 Then Jove from Ida hurl'd his thunder down ; 
 The vivid lightning through the Grecian host 
 Incessant flashed, the bravest to appall. 
 Then fled Idomeneus, Atrides fled. 
 And from the field each Ajax back retir'd, 75 
 
 Such dread prevailed.: Nestor alone remain d. 
 Not willingly ; his wounded courser stay'd 
 His flight : the fatal arrow in the head 
 Paris infixed, where surest death ensues ; 
 He rears ; the weapon to the brain descends ; 80 
 Dying he falls, and writhes him in the dust. 
 
 Whilst Nestor strove his car to disengage. 
 And cut th' entangled traces with his sword. 
 Borne through the tumult by his rapid steeds. 
 Hector advanced : then had the Pylian sage Si 
 
 His fate rec^v'd ; but Diomed observed. 
 And loudly shouting call'd Ulysses* aid : 
 
 " Ο fam'd for prudence, wise Laertes' son, 
 
 Why like a coward dost thou turn thy back ? 
 
 Beware disgraceful wounds ; stay then thy flight, 
 *^ And with me guard this venerable chief.'* 91 
 
 Ulysses heard not, hast'ning to the ships : 
 
 ίί 
 
 iC 
 
 VtlT• 
 
 THE aiAD. 
 
 19^ 
 
 Tydides singly through the ranks advanc'd 
 Fearless, and thus the Pylian chief address'd : 
 
 " Nestor, thy age but ill with youth contends 95 
 " In warlike deeds ; thy strength bow'd down with 
 
 ie 
 
 years, 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 ίί 
 
 " Thy servants nothing brave, thy horses slow. 
 " Come then, ascend my chariot, you shall see 
 How Trojan horses to pursue excel. 
 Or scour the plain in flight : I took them erst 
 From brave iEneas. To thy servants leave lOl 
 The care of those, and to the Trojan host 
 " Direct my horses : Hector then shall know 
 " Whether this spear still rages in my hand." 
 
 Tydides spake ; nor did the Pylian king 105 
 His counsel slight, but to Eurymedon 
 And Sthenelus his car and steeds consigned. 
 Seated by Diomed, he held the reins 
 And drove the Trojan steeds ; soon they approach'd • 
 Where Hector fought : Tydides hurl'd his spear. 
 Yet miss'd his mighty foe ; but through the breast 
 His faithful servant pierc'd Eniopeus, 
 Thebaeus' warlike son : the affright'ned steeds 
 Starting, tum'd short : transfix'd he falls, and dies. 
 
 His charioteer thus slain with grief unfeign'd 1 1 5 
 Hector observ'd, though unreveng^d his cause : 
 
 02 
 
 
 : *- 
 
 r - 
 
 
 # 
 
 if .K 
 
 i-n 
 
ίΓ'Ι Pfi 
 
 ^■fi. 
 
 r'l 1 
 
 
 I'f κ 
 
 ίι 
 
 196 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Then sought the chief another charioteer 
 
 Who might his place supply : nor sought in vain ; 
 
 Brave Archeptolemus the car ascends. 
 
 And guides in war, so Hector gave command. 120 
 
 Then had disgraceful deeds and foul defeat 
 
 The routed Trojans shut within their walls 
 
 Like sheep, such terror reign'd ; but Jove perceiv'd. 
 
 And with portentous omen thundVed loud 
 
 And dreadful, and his lightning sent abroad, 125 
 
 And check'd Tydides' course, before whose steeds 
 
 The vivid lightning ran along the ground 
 
 In streams of liquid fire : by fear assaiFd, 
 
 Trembling they stood ; from Nestor's aged hands 
 
 Palsied with terror, dropp'd the shining reins, 130 
 
 When thus in fear he spoke : " Now urge thy 
 
 " flight, 
 " Tydides ; seest thou not that Jove denies 
 " Success to us, but aids the Trojan host ? 
 " This day to Hector's glory is assign'd ; 
 " The morrow may be ours, if Jove ordain ; 135 
 " For to that pow'r all mortal force must yield 
 ^^ Submissive, which admits of no control." 
 
 Tydides answ'red : " Venerable chief, 
 " Just are thy words, and true ; yet above all 
 " This dire reproach I fear, lest Hector say 140 
 
 VJII. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 197 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 Amongst the Trojan chiefs, his arm alone 
 " Forc'd Diomed to basely quit the field : 
 '' Should he thus boast, I must with shame expire." 
 
 Nestor replied : " Far other be thy thoughts, 
 '' Illustrious chief! though Hector should reproach, 
 
 Yet will the Trojans or the Dardans heed ? 146 
 
 Will they whose husbands in the field have bled, 
 " Slam by thy hand, give credence to his words?" 
 
 He spake ; and turn'd to flight, with slackened 
 reins. 
 
 Back o'er the crowded plain : all Troy pursued 150 
 Shouting, for mighty Hector led them on ; 
 And spears and arrows, dark'ning all the air. 
 Hung on the routed host ; when Hector thus 
 Exulting, loud exclaim'd : « Tydides, first 
 " At feasts, in council first, by Greece admird, 155* 
 '^ Disgrace awaits thee, coward as thou art ; 
 " A woman in disguise: fly hence, begone; 
 '^ Thou who wouldst scale our walls, and captive 
 " lead 
 
 '' The Trojan dames, whilst I inactive stand, 
 " This arm shall send thee to the shades below." 
 Thus Hector boasting spake. Tydides heard. 
 And now had turn'd and dar'd again the fight : 
 Thrice he essay'd, and thrice from Ida's top 
 
 ■u- 
 
 ! I'l 
 
 ί < t If 
 
 ■V* ί ■ • ,1 
 
 m-m 
 
'"" 1^^^^" 
 
 1 
 
 Γ- 
 Ι' ' 
 
 *.,' 
 
 
 ι? r 
 
 198 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 νιπ. 
 
 Jove thundVed, to the Trojans grateful sign 
 
 Of favouring heav'n, and still successful war ; l65 
 
 When Hector thus, encouraging his host : 
 
 *^ Ye Trojans, Lycians, Dardans, brave in fight, 
 >' Now be your courage, now your valour shown ; 
 ^^ I know that mighty Jove to us success 
 ^* And glory gives, but to the Greeks dismay: I/O 
 Who, such their folly, deem themselves secure 
 Within their wall : contemptible defence, 
 " Scarce worth a thought; too weak against my 
 
 ^^ strength ; 
 " My horses shall o'erleap this idle fosse. 
 
 When at the ships successful I shall drive 1 7^ 
 O'er heaps of slain, then be the torch prepar'd, 
 ^^ That I may burn their ships, whilst they be- 
 
 <c 
 
 a 
 
 i6 
 
 CC 
 
 iC 
 
 come. 
 
 180 
 
 " Through smoke and fear dismay'd, an easy prey. 
 
 " And you, my horses, for to you I speak, 
 
 " Of noble race ; Xanthus, Podargus swift, 
 
 " iEthon and Lampus, now repay the food 
 
 " Which fond Andromache, and lai^ly too, 
 
 *^ Hath minist'red unto you, corn and wine, 
 
 '^ With liberal hand, in preference to me : 
 
 " Strain every nerve, your utmost strength exert ; 
 
 " That I from Nestor take his golden shield. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 199 
 
 i( 
 
 CC 
 
 <( 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 " Solid, entire, whose fame transcends the skies ; 
 And strip from Diomed his plaited mail 
 Of workmanship divine, by Vulcan made : 
 If these we shall obtain, I well might hope igo 
 This night to drive them from the Trojan shores. 
 For safety flying in their ships to Greece." 
 Thus Hector boasting spake. Him Juno heard 
 
 Indignant : from her thmne the goddess rose 
 
 Incens'd ; Olympus trembled as she mov'd. 
 
 Neptune she thus address'd : " Ο potent god ! 
 
 " Seest thou the Greeks thus perishing, unmov'd ? 
 Yet they in Helice and iEgae bring 
 Rich gifts, and numerous, to thy sacred shrine. 
 That thou their cause mightst aid, if such thy 
 
 €C 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 Wl 
 
 ill: 
 
 200 
 
 " Were we as many as assist the Greeks, 
 " United to repel the Trojan force, 
 " And curb the arm of Jove ; on Ida's top 
 " He might indulge in solitary grief." 
 
 When Neptune much displeas'd : " Ο prone to 
 " err 205 
 
 " In speech, what hast thou said ? not all the gods 
 " United might with Jove supreme contend." 
 
 And now the space enclos'd was throng'd with 
 horse 
 
 li. i 
 
 i 
 J: 
 
 
:#• 
 
 200 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII, 
 
 
 ί 4 
 
 5- f 
 
 
 
 
 
 And armed men, the fosse and wall between, 
 Repuls'd by Hector like the god of war, 210 
 
 For Jove himself success and glory gave. 
 Then had he burn d with fire the Grecian fleet ; 
 But Agamemnon, warn'd by Juno's care. 
 Eager from ship to ship, from tent to tent, 
 Hast'ned laborious; in his hand he bore 215 
 
 The purple robe, emblem of royalty ; 
 Now in the centre at Ulysses' ship 
 He stood, that either side his voice might hear ; 
 Now at the tent of Ajax Telamon, 
 Or at Achilles' tent, who, in their might 220 
 
 Confiding, held the extremest place ; and thus 
 In loudest terms their drooping courage rais'd : 
 Ο great disgrace ! Ο men in form alone ! 
 Where now your boasted courage? where the 
 *^ deeds 
 *' Of high emprise which erst at Lemnos' isle 225 
 '^ Ye vaunted, when the genial feast was spread 
 ** With choicest viands, and with richest wines 
 " The goblet crown'd ? Then were ye brave indeed, 
 *^ Each chased a thousand foes; now one prevails, 
 " Hector, who braves the united force of Greece, 
 *^ And threatens quick destruction to our fleet. 231 
 ^^ Ο mighty Jove I lives there on earth a king 
 
 6ζ 
 
 tc 
 
 :il 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 201 
 
 t| 
 
 " So wretched, so disgrac'd ! In evil hour 
 
 '' I hither steer'd my course : yet, for thou know'st, 
 
 '^ The choicest victims at thy altar bled 235 
 
 " In constant sacrifice, with this fond hope, 
 
 ^^ That Troy might perish by our conqu'ring arms : 
 
 ^^ Now, sad reverse ! an humbler boon I crave, 
 
 " Protection and escape, if such thy will : 
 
 ^^ Suflfer not Greece thus utterly to fall." 240 
 
 Thus spake Atrides : Jove in pity heard 
 His earnest pray'r preferr'd with many tears. 
 And granted his request. The bird of Jove, 
 Propitious omen, now appear d in view 
 Soaring aloft in air ; a tender fawn 245 
 
 His talons held, which at the altar's foot 
 He cast, sacred to Panomphaean Jove. 
 The Greeks beheld, and knew the sign from heav'n. 
 Token of favour, and renew'd the fi^ht. 
 
 First, amongst many chiefs, Tydides dar'd 250 
 Beyond the fosse to drive his rapid steeds. 
 And recommence the fight : a chief he slew 
 In armour clad, as he his horses turn'd. 
 On flight intent ; the spear his back transfix'd 
 Between his shoulders : Agelaus fell, 255 
 
 The son of Phradmon, from his lofty car 
 Extended on the plain : his armour rang. 
 
 , 1 
 
 ■ i- 
 
 ■ '* 
 
202 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIIL 
 
 
 
 ί 
 
 p. 
 
 ,s i" 
 
 Now Atreus* sons advancd; and fierce in strength 
 Each Ajax came, and brave Idomeneus : 
 And, hke destructive Mars, Meriones : 260 
 
 Then came Eurypylus, Euaemon s son ; 
 And Teucer next, well skill'd to bend the bow. 
 Retir'd behind the Telamonian orb. 
 Secure he viewed the plain ; the shield withdrawn, 
 
 26 
 
 J 
 
 Some hero fell by his unerring shaft ; 
 
 Then safe behind the vast circumference 
 
 Retreating, as the mother screens her babe. 
 
 So Ajax him protected with his shield. 
 
 Who first, who last, by Teucer's arrows fell ? 
 
 Orsilochus the first, then Ormenos 2^0 
 
 And Ophelestes, Daetor, Chromius ; 
 
 Then Lycophon, and Polysemon's son 
 
 Brave Hamopaon ; Menalippus last, 
 
 In quick succession on the plain expir'd. 
 
 Atrides, potent king, rejoic'd to see 275 
 
 The Trojan chieftains perish by hi« shafts. 
 And near approaching thus the youth address'd: 
 '^ Teucer belov'd, brave son of Telamon^ 
 Thus ever fight ; if haply thou mayst bring 
 Some respite to the Greeks ; to Telamon, ^ 280 
 Whose fond parental care hath nurtur'd thee, 
 *' Though of ignoble birth ; yet in thy fame 
 
 €C 
 
 <f 
 
 iC 
 
 ί ; 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 203 
 
 *^ He feels reflected honour : hear my words, 
 
 " The purpose of my mind: should Heavn but 
 
 " grant 
 " I take proud Troy, next to myself the gift 285 
 " Thou shalt in honour claim ; some tripod rare 
 " Or splendid chariot with the genVous steeds, 
 " Or some fair captive, partner of thy bed." 
 
 When Teucer thus: " Ο monarch, much rever'd, 
 *' Urge me not, willing of myself to fight ; 290 
 " I will not cease whilst strength and vigour last. 
 " Since we compell'd the Trojans to retreat, 
 " No arrow from these hands hath fled in vain. 
 
 Eight barbed shafts I at the foe have sent. 
 
 Eight Trojan youths have felt the fatal stroke ; 
 " Yet Hector lives, whose rage I seek to quell." 
 
 He spake ; and aim'd his shaft to pierce the chief 
 Eager; again he miss'd his mighty foe: 
 Gorgythion son of Priam felt the wound 
 Deep in his breast infixt ; Gorgythion, 300 
 
 Whom fair Castianira whilom bare. 
 Of form divine : iEsume gave her birth. 
 The garden poppy thus with rip'ned fruit 
 Surcharged, and vernal show'rs, declining low. 
 Bends to the weight, and bows its drooping head ; 
 So bow'd the youth beneath his pondVous casque. 
 
 <c 
 
 n 
 
 
 f i 
 
 .-?'i"^ 
 
 ■ i^ k 
 
204 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 
 
 
 |« :: 
 
 4 
 
 1 «^ 
 
 Ir 
 
 m ■ 
 
 
 Another shaft, nor aim*d with surer skill, 
 
 Teucer directed at the chief of Troy ; 
 
 Apollo saw, and turn d the shaft aside : 
 
 Yet not in vain it flew : thy charioteer, 310 
 
 Hector, the wound receiv'd, his breast transfixt. 
 
 Forth from the chariot Archeptolemus 
 
 Fell prone : the coursers starting back retir'd 
 
 Dismay 'd : his lifeless corpse extended lay. 
 
 No common grief great Hector's mind assail'd, 3l6 
 His friend thus slain, and urg'd to quick revenge. 
 Cebriones his brother's place supplied. 
 So Hector will'd ; who, glitt'ring in his arms, 
 With shout terrific from his chariot leap'd, 
 And from the ground a cumbrous stone uprais'd, 320 
 And rush'd on Teucer, eager to destroy. 
 
 He the selected arrow had with care 
 Fix'd on the string, when now the mass descends, 
 By Hector thrown, just where the shoulder joint 
 (Fatal the place) the neck and chest unites : 325 
 Nor doth the well-wrought string such force sustain ; 
 The bow falls useless from his hand benumb'd : 
 Scarce his bent knee supports the vanquish'd youth. 
 
 But not unmindful of his brother's fate, 
 Ajax in haste advanc'd, and, with his shield 330 
 Protecting, to his friends the chief consign'd. 
 
 ! ί 1 
 
 205 
 
 VIII. THE ILIAD. 
 
 Mecisteus and Alastor ; who with care 
 Convey'd him, deeply groaning, to the ships. 
 
 With added courage then great Jove inspired 
 The Trojan host, who soon within the fosse 335 
 Repuls'd their foe ; whilst foremost in the van. 
 Dealing dismay and terror. Hector strode. 
 As when the hound with steady foot pursues 
 The boar or Hon, trusting in his speed 
 And eye observant, hangs upon his rear 34a 
 
 Incessant, and with frequent wound retards ; 
 So Hector swift pursued the routed Greeks 
 With fear inspir'd, and dealt destruction round. 
 
 Now from their lines the vanquish'd host retir'd 
 Dismay'd, and at the ships, perforce detain'd, 345 
 Invok'd the gods, and scarce maintain'd the fight. 
 
 With Gorgon eyes, and like destructive Mars, 
 Now here, now there, his chariot Hector, drove. 
 But Juno seeing, pitied much their fate 
 Unequal, and Minerva thus address'd : 350 
 
 " Daughter of Jove, and shall we not at last 
 " Succour the Grecians in their deep distress ; 
 " Consign'd to fate through Hector's boundless 
 
 (C 
 
 rage 
 
 " And madness unrestrained, unsatisfied .-" 
 
 When thus Minetva: " Long indeed ere this 355 
 
 ύ 
 
 ί 
 
 - 1- 1 -»• 
 
206 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 
 
 *; t. , 
 
 m' 
 
 
 wv 
 
 I* '5 
 
 ζ( 
 
 <c 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 ic 
 cc 
 
 <i 
 cc 
 tc 
 it 
 n 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 His rage had ceas'd, his hfe the forfeit paid. 
 Slain by some Grecian chiefs superior might r 
 But that with partial and unjust decrees 
 Jove overrules, and checks my great designs ; 
 Unmindful to repay my former cares Sffio 
 
 To guard his son through labours perilous. 
 Who, by Eurystlieus prest, in utmost need 
 Invok'd h^av'n's aid : I then, so Jove ordain'd. 
 Descending, with no common care preserved. 
 Had prudent forethought but suggested this, 365 
 When to the realms of night with iron gates 
 Barr'd fast, he went, and seiz'd and dragg'd to 
 
 " light 
 The triple-headed monster Cerberus, 
 He ne'er had cross'd again the fearful gulf. 
 Now me he hateth, whilst the crafty views 370 
 Of Thetis urg d in humble guise prevail, ^ 
 To add new lustre to Achilles' fame : 
 The time may come when he will seek the aid 
 Of his dear daughter. But do you, meantime, 
 Prepare our horses and our car with haste. 37^ 
 I to the mansion of great Jove repair. 
 And arm me*to the war : yet shall not he. 
 The mighty son of Priam's noble race. 
 Rejoice when moving in the ranks of war 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 207 
 
 *' We shall appear ; then soon to dogs consign'd, 
 '' And birds, shall perish many Trojan chiefs." 381 
 
 She spake ; and Juno list'ned her behest : 
 The venerable queen of heav'n herself 
 Rein'd the swift steeds ; the rapid car prepar'd. 
 
 Pallas meantime, daughter of Jove supreme, 385 
 On the bright threshold of the gods, star-pav'd. 
 Her mantle cast, with various work inwrouo-ht 
 Of art refin d, the labour of her hands : 
 Then with the ThundVer's mail invests her limbs, 
 And arms her for the dreadful deeds of war, 390 
 And in her car ascends : her hand the spear. 
 Strong, vast, and pondVous, grasps; with which, en- 
 rag'd. 
 
 The potent goddess hosts entire o'erwhelms : 
 
 Saturnia guides the coursers' urging speed. 
 
 The gates of heav'n spontaneous opened wide, 395 
 
 Kept by the winged Hours, to whom consign'd 
 
 High heaven and Olympus, or to close 
 
 In darkness, or admit the radiant light: 
 
 Through these they sped their way. But mighty 
 
 Jove 
 From Ida's top beheld their wayward course 400 
 Indignant, and his messenger with wings 
 Of feather'd gold bespoke : " Haste, Iris, haste. 
 
 ! J' 
 
 i'm 
 
 I J 
 

 208 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 Mt 
 
 •J • 
 
 . -^^ % 
 
 14 -I- 
 
 ri 
 
 Ft- ■ 
 
 
 tt 
 
 VIII, 
 
 '^ Conduct them back, nor suffer that we meet 
 *^ Adverse; such contest were disgrace indeed' 
 " My fix'd determination thus declare : 405 
 
 ^^ Under their broken chariot crush'd their steeds 
 '^ Shall lie, themselves thrust headlong from their 
 
 " seats; 
 " Nor may ten tedious years heal up the wounds, 
 ^* Painful and deep, my thunder shall inflict : 
 " Then shall Minerva know and fear my wrath, 410 
 ^^ Her father's wrath ; Juno indulgence claims, 
 *^ Accustom'd ever to withstand my will." 
 
 He spake ; and Iris hastened on the wings 
 Of rapid winds convey'd, from Ida's top 
 To high Olympus : at the gates of heav'n ,415 
 She stopp'd them, and the high command of Jove 
 Deliver'd thus : " Whither this haste, Ο say! 
 " What madness hath beguil'd you, what dire 
 
 cc 
 
 ragei 
 
 *^ No succour to the Grecians Jove permits ; 
 " On this his fixt determination hear : 420 
 
 *^ Under the broken chariot crush'd your steeds 
 ^^ Shall lie, yourselves thrust headlong from the 
 
 " seat; 
 '^ Nor may ten tedious years heal up the wounds, 
 ^^ Painful and deep, his thunder shall inflict ; 
 
 Vill, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 209 
 
 « That thou, Pallas, mayst know and fear his 
 
 " wrath 
 
 425 
 
 " Who dar'st oppose ; Juno indulgence claims, 
 " Accustom'd ever to withstand his will ; 
 " But thee, what rage, what insolence can urge, 
 " Against great Jove, thy sire, to lift the spear ?" 
 
 Thus Iris spake; and wing'd to heav'n her way. 
 When Juno thus : - Daughter of Jove, forbear ; 
 '' Contend we not with him for mortal man ; 
 " Let them or live or perish, as the chance 
 " Of war ordains : his will alone controls 
 '' As just, the fate of Trojans and of Greeks." 435 
 Thus saying, back she rein d the immortal steeds, 
 The Hours unharness'd, and ambrosial food 
 Supplying, led them to their ample stalls, 
 And in its standing plac'd the glitt'ring car. 
 The potent goddesses meantime repair'd 440 
 
 Each to her golden throne amongst the gods 
 Promiscuous, yet with inward grief opprest. 
 When now from Ida Jove himself advanc'd. 
 Borne by his coursers of immortal breed. 
 In dazzling car to high Olympus' top; 445 
 
 And these to Neptune s prudent care consign'd. 
 High on his golden throne the Thund'rer sat, 
 And all Olympus trembled at his feet. 
 
 
 1!. • #~ 1 
 
 . ; f - 1 
 
'λ 
 
 i ' 
 
 ' 
 
 
 Γ* .?! 
 «Τ 
 
 • II 
 
 
 ill 
 
 210 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 ii 
 
 u 
 
 ζί 
 
 it 
 
 But far apart, opprest with fear and shame, 
 Pallas and Juno silent long remain'd : 45o 
 
 Jove knew their inmost thoughts, and thus be- 
 gan: 
 " Say, Pallas, Juno, say, why thus aggriev'd? 
 " No tedious labour hath employ'd your time 
 To cruish the Trojan host, your constant hate. 
 Know this, my pow'r supreme not all the gods 
 " United may resist, or turn aside 456 
 
 My fixed purpose : yet hath fear assail'd 
 Your trembling limbs ere seen the bloody field 
 " Of hateful Mars, ere heard the din of war. 
 
 Note well my words: had disobedience arm'd 46o 
 My vengeance, you had never more returned. 
 Blasted with lightning, to these blest abodes." 
 He spake : grief held them silent, still resolv d 
 The Trojans to destroy. Minerva most 
 With Jove incens'd, yet check'd her swelling rage ; 
 But Juno thus replied : " Ο too severe, 466 
 
 " What hast thou said ? We know thy pow'r su- 
 
 *^ preme ; 
 '^ Yet suffer we indulge our grief awhile, 
 " And mourn the Grecians slain : if such thy will, 
 '^ From war we must desist: but to suggest 4/0 
 " Such counsel as may save, we ask no more.*' 
 
 <c 
 
 ic 
 
 <e 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 2U 
 
 <( 
 
 u 
 
 Jove answered thus : 'f To-morrow thou mayst see. 
 
 If such thy pleasure, base discomfiture 
 
 Spread through the Grecian host, such my de- 
 
 iC 
 
 cree: 
 
 4f5 
 
 (C 
 
 <i 
 
 " Nor Hector cease victorious till that day 
 " When swift Achilles, rushing to the ships 
 In utmost need, Patroclus shall regain. 
 Thy rage I heed not ; and I tell thee more ; 
 " ShouJdst thou in anger to the extremest verge 
 
 Of eartli and ocean, to the drear abode 480 
 
 " Of Saturn and lapetus repair, 
 " Cheer'd by no genial ray, no balmy gale, 
 " Fast by the gates of hdl ; though wandVing there 
 " Indignant, I should disregard thy rage." 
 
 And now in ocean's bed the lamp of day 485 
 
 Declining sank, and Night her sable wings 
 In darkness spread, unwelcome to the host 
 Of Troy victorious; to the Grecian chiefs 
 Most grateful, most desir'd, night's peaceful shade. 
 
 But Hector near Scamander's rapid stream 4Q0 
 A council summon'd, distant from the ships 
 And numerous slain : encircled by his chiefs. 
 And leaning on his spear with rings of gold 
 And brass refulgent, favour 'd of high Jove, 
 The victor chieftain thus addressed his speech : 495 
 
 ρ 2 
 
 
212 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 
 
 
 ξίΙ 
 
 
 l*i - 
 
 4- -■ 
 
 cc 
 
 (f 
 
 cc 
 if 
 cc 
 <c 
 <c 
 
 a 
 it 
 
 " Hear me, ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies : 
 This day I thought indeed, this glorious day, 
 (The Grecians vanquished, and their ships con- 
 
 " sum'd,) 
 To have returned to Troy : darkness alone 
 Hath sav'd them from destruction : we obey 500 
 The sacred Night. Refresh we then our troops 
 And wearied coursers ; let the circling wine 
 And ample feast our wasted strength renew : 
 Such plenty Troy affords of fatted beeves 
 And numerous flocks : and let the blaze of fires 
 These plains illumine till the morn appear ; 506 
 Lest, favour'd by the darkness, coward Greece 
 Sculk to her ships, and balk our just revenge. 
 Convey 'd by stealth through ocean's pathless 
 
 ίζ 
 
 way. 
 
 <c 
 u 
 <c 
 
 iC 
 
 ic 
 cc 
 ct 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Not unmolested shall they tempt the main. 
 But bear the wounds our spears shall deep inflict 
 To other climes, and some far distant home. 
 Just punishment ; that others hence may learn, 
 And fear to wage destructive war with Troy. 
 Let faithful heralds to the city bear 515 
 
 Our pleasure, that the youths and aged sires 
 Set the firm watch, and guard her sacred walls. 
 Let fires, the matrons' care, prevent surprise 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 213 
 
 " Whilst distant we remain : then be it so ; 
 '' Thus far regards the night, as seemeth best: 520 
 ^^ What may to-morrow be expedient, 
 " The morrow will disclose. Would heav η but 
 " grant 
 
 " My fervent pray'r, that we may thrust them 
 
 " hence 
 " With total rout, whom to our Trojan shores 
 " In their dark vessels angry Fates have brought ! 
 " Let then the proper and suflicient guard 526 
 " This night be set ; we will at dawn of day 
 " Kindle the flames of war beneath their ships : 
 '^ Then shall I see whether proud Diomed 
 '' Can force me from the ships, or I from him, 530 
 '' Vanquish'd, the bloody spoils in triumph bear: 
 
 His boasted courage be to-morrow tried 
 '' Against my spear ; the day shall see him fall 
 " With many friends around. Ο might I live 
 
 As Phoebus or Minerva, long rever'd, 535 
 
 " As the next dawn prove fatal to the Qfeeks !" 
 
 Thus Hector spake : the Trojans shouted loud 
 With joy : their steeds unyok'd, each by his car 
 In order plac'd, and from the city brought. 
 So Hector gave command, the generous wine, 540 
 And the rich produce of their flocks and herds. 
 
 ι 
 
ή-ί ' 
 
 
 r> 
 
 ψ .•*<•. 
 
 -Ail 
 
 214 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 And brfead aiid wood. Now bkz'd the nutn'rous 
 
 fires 
 Throughout the plain, and sacrifices due 
 In vapours to the distant sky arose. 
 
 Elated with success the troops around 545 
 
 Sat joyful^ and the plain illumin'd shone 
 With frequent fires. As when unnumbVed stars 
 Round the pale moon their light refulgent shed. 
 When every breath is hush'd, projecting rocks 
 Are seen, and summits of stupendous height, 550 
 And deepened valleys close the varied scene ; 
 The vast expanse of heav'n's high arched roof 
 Bursts on the sight, and every star appears ; 
 A secret joy pervades the shepherd's breast : 
 So through the plain by rapid Xanthus' stream 555 
 Blaz'd numerous fires, a thousand burning fires, 
 And each a band of fifty chosen troops 
 Assiduous guard ; their coursers ready stand. 
 And all impatient wait the coming morn. 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAn. 
 
 215 
 
 BOOK IX. 
 
 1 Hus through the night strict watch the Trojans 
 
 kept ; 
 But meditating flight, inspired with fear, 
 With doubts distracted, and opprest with woe. 
 The Grecians wait the mom. As when the winds 
 Boreas and ZejAyrus from Thracia blow S> 
 
 With sudden violence, tempestuous waves 
 Deform the deep, and bursting on the shore, 
 From ocean's bed upturn the loos' ned weed ; 
 So various passions shook their wav'ring minds. 
 
 Atrides, with unbounded grief o'erwhelm'd, 10 
 A council call'd : each several chief by name 
 The heralds summon, or the monarch bids. 
 Sorrowing they met. Atrides in the midst. 
 The frequent tear still starting from his eye. 
 Arose, — so bursting from the living rock 1 5 
 
 The bubbling fountain pours its lucid stream,^- 
 And deeply sighing thus the chiefs a^dr^^'d : 
 
 t 
 
 ' 
 
 \ 
 
 
 *:i 
 
216 
 
 '* 
 
 4; 
 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 cc 
 
 it 
 
 cc 
 
 ^^ ο friends ! illustrious and warlike sons 
 Of Greece ! with loss severe and with disgrace 
 *^ Jove hath afflicted me, who safe return 20 
 
 PromisM from Captur d Troy : but now I fear 
 Sonie dread calamity impends our host; 
 *^ Since he commands, after much treasure spent, 
 " And many heroes slain, inglorious flight. 
 '^ Thus Jove decrees, and who shall dare resist ? 25 
 " Jove, who hath humbled cities to the dust, 
 ^^ And still will humble, such his sovereign pow'r. 
 ^^ With one consent prepare we jthen our ships, 
 " And to our native land urge speedy flight, 
 *^ Since Jove forbids the capture of proud Troy." 
 The monarch ended: shame long held them 
 
 mute, 
 
 31 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 And disappointed hopes ; when thus at length 
 
 Tydides spoke his mind : " I first oppose, 
 Ο king ! such rash resolve : freely I speak. 
 As custom sanctions, nor be thou displeas'd. 35 
 Thou didst my courage question in the field, 
 Surrounding warriors heard the base reproach ; 
 Behold, these know to whom I make appeal. 
 
 " With sovVeign powV, with honour Jove hath 
 " crown'd 
 
 '' Thy days ; but hath withheld the noblest boon. 
 
 afaiaiaaaia 
 
 i f 
 i I 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 217 
 
 cc 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 C( 
 
 " A soul that knows not fear. Ill-fated king ! 
 " What! dost thou deem us of such abject mind. 
 So void of courage as thy words import ? 
 If such thy will all eager to return. 
 Go; the way's open, and thy ships at hand 44 
 In number great, which from Mycenae came. 
 Yet will the Grecians stay till we destroy 
 Yon hated city : but should they too fly. 
 And basely seek their native shores again ; 
 " Yet I and Sthenelus will dare the fight, 50 
 
 cc jj ji 'pj.^y gj^^jj g^^^p beneath our conquering arms 
 " In ashes laid ; for 'twas with God we came." 
 
 He spake : the chiefs unanimous approved. 
 Admiring much the brave and manly tone 
 Of Tydeus' son ; when aged Nestor thus : 65 
 
 " Ο Diomed! unconqu'red in the field, 
 ^^ In council excellent, well hast thou said, 
 " Above the reach of censure : yet, my son, 
 " (For well my years such language will allow 
 " Compar'd with thine,) permit me to enlarge 60 
 " Thy thought ; though prudent ever is thy speech, 
 " Yet long experience and maturer age 
 " Indulgence claim, whilst I declare at large, 
 " And all my mind unfold; which none may blame 
 " Justly who hear me ; not Atrides' self. 65 
 
 \ i; 
 
 
 •jt*-" 
 

 218 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ir. 
 
 
 
 'r 
 
 'S' 
 
 
 " No ties of blood, no laws that man may bind, 
 ^^ No home endear, whom civil war delights! 
 " Let us Night's sacred laws obey, and spread 
 ^' The genial feast, and set the watch secure 
 *^ Without our walls ; be that the charge of 
 
 ^* youth. 
 '^ Do thou, Atrides, as becomes a king, 71 
 
 " Prepare to feast the elders ; in thy tents 
 *^ Abundance reigns; Thrace sends her gen'rous 
 
 " wine, 
 ^^ And daily vessels ample stores supply. 
 '* Then let each chief his sentiments declare : 75 
 ^^ Our safety in collected wisdom stands ; 
 ^^ And urgent is our need : the Trojan fires 
 '^ Surround our ships : this is no time for joy, 
 " This night may or destroy or save our host.** 
 
 He spake : the Grecians willingly ohey'd. 80 
 Forth rush'd the guard, in glittVing armour clad. 
 With Thrasymedes, Nestor's valiant son, 
 Ascalaphus and bi-ave lalmenos. 
 The sons of Mars ; with them Meriones, 
 Deipuros, and Aphareus advanc'd, 85 
 
 And Lycomedes, Creon's noble son. 
 Seven leaders bore command ; a hundred youths. 
 With spears well arm'd, each warlike chief obey'd, 
 
 ;r 
 
 f'J 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 219 
 
 And form'd the guard ; between the fosse and wall 
 High blaz'd the fires ; there each repast prepar d. 90 
 
 Now to his tent the chiefs of rev'rend age 
 Atrides bade, and spread the genial feast. 
 Which all in order duly rang'd partook. 
 Hunger now satisfied, and thirst remov'd, 
 Thus, deeply skill'd in wisdom's sacred lore, 95 
 Oft salutary prov'd, the aged chief 
 Nestor his speech resum'd : " Ο potent king, 
 ^^ Great Agamemnon ! suffer that in thee 
 *^ I finish and in thee begin my speech, 
 ^ Of many nations head ; for Jove supreme 100 
 ^^ The sceptre hath committed to thy care, 
 ^^ To thee his laws consign'd, that thou mayst rule 
 ^^ With justice, and consult the public weal. 
 ^' Thee it becomes or to declare thy thoughts, 
 ^^ Or patient hear what prudence may advise, 105 
 " Adopting ever that which seemeth best. 
 " Thus then I counsel; thinkii^ as I do. 
 
 And long have done, what none may contravene. 
 E'en from that day when thou didst rashly seize 
 " And take Briseis from Achilles' tent, 1 10 
 
 " Who justly was enrag'd : I did dissuade, 
 " For much I disapprov'd : thy wrath prevail'd. 
 " Him whom the gods had houour'd, with disgrace 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 ij' 
 
 f. i I 
 
 •i|* ■■ 
 
220 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 ,'ff 
 
 .4 
 
 r-iti 
 
 i• r 
 
 
 
 " Thou didst entreat ; nay, more, dost still possess 
 " His valued gift. Yet let us even now U5 
 
 ^' Consider well the means, or by soft words 
 *' Or soothing gifts to bend his mighty mind." 
 
 To whom Atrides : " Venerable man, 
 ** True are thy words, I own thy just rebuke ; 
 *' I greatly err'd indeed. Experience shows 120 
 *^ This truth, that he whom Jove's protecting care 
 " Attends, superior proves to armed hosts : 
 " Achilles triumphs in our just defeat. 
 " But since I thus have err'd, yielding the reins 
 " To wayward passion and ill-boding wrath ; 125 
 " Yet would I fain assuage, fain sooth his mind, 
 " If gifts can win him, or concessions move. 
 " First then, and witness all who hear my words ! 
 Seven tripods new, ten talents of pure gold. 
 And twenty burnish'd vases : add to these 130 
 Twelve coursers swift, and of superior breed, 
 " First in the race ; rich were indeed that man 
 " Who own d the prizes which their speed hath 
 
 €( 
 
 ζζ 
 
 €C 
 
 ce 
 
 won. 
 
 *' Seven Lesbian captives, skill'd in various arts, 
 " Of form divine, for matchless beauty fam'd, 135 
 " I freely give : when to his conqu'ring arms 
 " Lesbos submitted, I selected them. 
 
 t ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 221 
 
 '■ $i 
 
 ζ( 
 
 ζί 
 
 (C 
 C( 
 
 (( 
 
 <c 
 
 (C 
 
 a 
 it 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 u 
 (ζ 
 (( 
 
 C( 
 
 it 
 tt 
 
 tc 
 tt 
 it 
 tt 
 tt 
 tt 
 
 To these I add Briseis ; and declare 
 
 (Heav'n be my witness !) spotless from my hands. 
 
 And pure, I do restore the captive maid. 140 
 
 These I at present give ; and should the gods 
 
 Grant we destroy proud Ilium's lofty tow'rs. 
 
 Let him with gold and brass his vessels store. 
 
 And share the spoils : he first of all shall choose 
 
 Of captive Trojans, beautiful in form, 145 
 
 Twenty fair virgins, — Helen's charms alone 
 
 May claim superior note ; — and when return 'd 
 
 To Argos, to our country, as a son. 
 
 My only son, in affluence bred and ease. 
 
 As lov'd Orestes will I honour him. 153 
 
 And further, of my daughters nurtur'd well 
 
 In Argos he shall choose ; Chrysothemis, 
 
 Iphianassa, or Laodice ; 
 
 And lead to Pylos his selected bride. 
 
 Great shall her dowry be ; yea, greater far 155 
 
 Than ever dowry was. Cardamyle 
 
 Shall own his pow'r, him Enope obey, 
 
 Hira's rich meads, and Pherae's fertile soil ; 
 
 Antheia fair, Aipeia's lofty site. 
 
 And Paedasus, for vineyards far renown'd : 
 
 To Pylos these extend, and skirt the main: l6l 
 
 Cities in treasures rich, in flocks and herds 
 
 
l2!* 
 
 if si 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J.' > 
 
 i-i 
 
 
 n ^ 
 
 
 1222 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX• 
 
 f( 
 
 ζζ 
 
 (C 
 
 Abundant, populous; wliere ample gifts 
 " From grateful citizens shall heap his stores, 
 " Just tribute pay, aod oivn his sov'reign pow'r, l65 
 ^^ All these I give if he but cease from wrath : 
 " Heav'n grant he may relent ! Pluto alooe 
 " Knows no remorse, no pity ; therefofe decm'd 
 " By men, of all the gods most worthy hate. 
 " Yet must he own my right to bear command ; 
 " From age, from station I xabedienee claim." 171 
 Nestor replied : " Atrides, potent kii\g. 
 Worthy a monarch are such noble gifts 
 Or to receive or give. Select we then, 
 " And to Achilles send in embassy, 175 
 
 '^ Such chiefs as I shall name : let Phoenix first, 
 " Belov d of Jove, and Ajax, mighty chief, 
 " And wise Ulysses, to his tent repair. 
 *^ Let Hodius and Eury bates attend, 
 " Our faithful heralds ; and lustration made, ΙβΟ 
 " Raise we to heav η the pray jr : May Jov€ himself 
 " Take pity on our woes, and grant success!" 
 
 Thus Nestor spake, and all approved bis words. 
 And now the heralds for lustration bring 
 Pure water, and from goblets crown'd with wine 185 
 I'he youths libations pour: each chief partakes 
 In order; and when satisfied the soul. 
 
 11' 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 223 
 
 Forth frcwn Atrides' tent pursues his way. 
 
 Still as they went sage Nestor interpos'd 
 
 With prudent counsel, and again repeats 190 
 
 The important mission, and with caution arms 
 
 To sooth Achilles, and his ire subdue. 
 
 Now by die sounding shore and boistVous main 
 They took their way, and oft address'd their prayY 
 To Nepture, and invok'd his powerful aid 195 
 
 To soften, to persuade Achilles' mind. 
 Now came they where the Myrmidons encamp'd : 
 Just then the hero touch'd his silver harp 
 Of workmanship divine, the spoil of war 
 Won from Eetion, and sang the deeds 200 
 
 Of ancient times, and chiefs renown'd of yore. 
 Soothing his soul with sweetest minstrelsy. 
 Near him Patroclus sat ; attention held 
 Him silent, waiting till Achilles ceas'd. 
 
 Ulysses entVed first, and near approach'd, 205 
 Yet unobserved; when, starting from his seat, 
 Achilles rose: still in his hand the harp 
 Resounded : with him rose Manoetius' son : 
 With friendly greeting thus Achilles spoke : 
 
 " Illustrious chief, whom «uich my soul esteems 
 
 " And loves, though greatly injured ; say, my 
 
 " friends, ^ 21 1. 
 
 ^^ 
 
Pi 
 
 "si 
 
 ■•J ^ 
 
 .is• 
 
 1. * 
 
 i 
 
 If 
 
 2124 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 " What pressing need hath brought you to my 
 " tent?" 
 Thus saying, to the seats with tap stry cloth'd 
 Of purple dye he led the Grecian chiefs. 
 And to Patroclus thus : " A larger cup, 215 
 
 *^ And with more gen rous wine, Ο friend, pre- 
 
 u 
 
 pare 
 
 220 
 
 '* For noble guests whom I respect as these." 
 
 He said; nor did Patroclus disobey. 
 A larger cauldron on the fire he plac'd. 
 And fiird with choicest viands both of sheep 
 And goats, and of a swine the chine entire : 
 Automedon assisted ; but the chief. 
 Each sevVal part dividing, for the spits 
 Himself prepard: the fire, Patroclus' charge, » 
 
 First blaz'd with vehemence; but when subdued, 
 He spread the glowing embers all abroad, 226 
 
 And o*er them plac'd the joints, and sprinkled all 
 With sacred salt, and roasted them with skill. 
 Patroclus heap'd the canister with bread ; 
 Achilles carv'd : in front Ulysses sat : 
 Patroclus, as enjoin d, the sacrifice 
 Performed, and in the fire rich off 'rings threw. 
 Then all partook the feast. To Phcenix now 
 Ajax the signal gave ; not unperceiv'd 
 
 230 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 225 
 
 By wise Ulysses, who the goblet fill'd, 
 And to Achilles thus his speech address'd : 
 
 " Achilles, hail ! nor here, nor at the tent 
 '' Of Atreus' son, if feasts our notice claim, 
 '' Are feasts deficient ; but far other cares 
 " Our thoughts engage, far other fears oppress. 240 
 '' Whether our ships or perish or escape, 
 " On thee depends ; thy arm alone can save. 
 " Near to our fleet the Trojans are encamp'd, 
 " And at our wall collected numbers watch, 
 " And light the frequent fires ; prepar'd at dawn 
 " To storm our weak defence, and burn our ships. 
 '' Saturnian Jove himself their cause asserts, 
 " Thund'ring from heav'n propitious : Hector near, 
 " Inspir'd, and glorying in his might, nor men 
 '' Nor deities regards, but waits the morn 250 
 
 " Impatient, when, with tenfold fury arm'd, 
 " He will (for such his threats) hew from our ship^ 
 " Their prows to flames consign'd, and in the 
 " smoke 
 
 " Confus'd and routed, slay the Grecian host. 
 '' And much indeed I fear lest Jove perform 255 
 " His threats ; and fate ordain that we must fall 
 " On yonder plain, from Argos far remov d. 
 '' Arise, though late, protect our wearied troops 
 
 tli 
 
 
 
 ^Im 
 

 
 226 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 IX. 
 
 
 :ψ,- 
 
 '■' ψ' * 
 
 if'' 
 kit" 
 
 
 I.i. 
 
 ^^ From the wild tumult of our claring foes. 
 
 " How wilt thou grieve hereafter, how lament, 260 
 
 ^' When mischief done no remedy admits ! 
 
 " Consider then before, and lend thy aid. 
 
 " Ο friend I permit that I repeat the words 
 
 " Of Peleus, thy lov'd father, on that day 
 
 " When he from Phthia to Atrides sent 265 
 
 " Thy early youth: — ' Remember, Ο my son! 
 
 " * Pallas and Juno courage may inspire, 
 
 " ' If such their pleasure ; but do thou control 
 
 " ^Thy mighty mind, for gentleness becomes: 
 
 " ' Cease from contention, ever source of ill 270 
 
 " 'To miserable man ; so shalt thou reap 
 
 " ' From old and young both honour and renown.' 
 
 " Thus spake thy father, words forgotten now. 
 
 ^' Ο then dismiss thy wrath ! now, now dismiss. 
 
 " Great gifts, whilst I relate with pati.ence hear, 
 
 *' Atrides gives, worthy himself and thee. 276 
 
 *^ Seven tripods new ; ten talents of pure gold, 
 
 " And twenty burnish'd vases : add to these, 
 
 *' Twelve coursers swift, and of superior breed, 
 
 *' First in the race : rich were indeed that man 280 
 
 " Who own'd the prizes which their speed hath 
 
 (6 
 
 won. 
 
 " Seven Lesbian captives skill'd in various arts. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 227 
 
 cc 
 
 C6 
 
 CC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Ci 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 i( 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 
 C( 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Of form divine, for matchless beauty fam'd. 
 He freely gives ; when to thy conquVing arms 
 Lesbos submitted, he selected them : 285 
 
 To these he adds Briseis, and declares 
 (Heav η is his witness), spotless from his hand, 
 And pure, he doth restore the captive maid. 
 These he at present gives ; and should the gods 
 Grant we destroy proud Ilium's lofty towVs, 290 
 You shall with gold and brass your vessels store. 
 And share the richest spoils. You first shall 
 " choose 
 
 Twenty fair virgins,— Helen's charms alone 
 May claim superior note,— and when returned 
 To Argos, to our country, as a son, 295 
 
 His only son, in affluence bred and ease. 
 As lov'd Orestes will he honour thee: 
 And of his daughters, nurtur d all with care 
 In Argos, thou shalt choose,— Chrysothemis, 
 Iphianassa, or Laodice; 300 
 
 And lead to Pylos the selected bride. 
 Great shall her dowry be ; yea, greater far 
 Than ever dowry was : — Cardamyle 
 Shall own thy power, thee Enope obey, 
 Hyra s rich meads, and Pherae's fertile soil ; 305 
 Anthea fair, iEpea's lofty site, 
 
 Ql 2 
 
 
 4» 
 
 uff I 
 
228 
 
 .4 
 
 '11 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE iLlAD. 
 
 
 .■1 
 
 ,-1 f ■ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 cc 
 u 
 
 
 cc 
 a 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 if 
 
 cc 
 
 And Pedasus for vineyards far renown'd : 
 To Pylos these extend, and skirt the main : 
 Seven cities populous, in treasures rich, 
 In flocks and herds abundant, where large gifts 
 From grateful citizens shall heap thy stores, 311 
 Just tribute give, and own thy sovereign sway. 
 All these he gives if thou but cease from wrath. 
 Should he with all his gifts still hateful prove. 
 Yet to thy country, to afflicted Greece 315 
 
 Compassion show ; for honoured as a god. 
 And by their means with endless glory crown'd, 
 Thou in their hearts shalt reign. Now mayst 
 
 " thou slay 
 Hector, whom hasty and impetuous rage 
 Will bring within thy grasp ; for well he deems 
 No Grecian can in arms contend with him.'* 321 
 Achilles thus replied : " Me it behoves, 
 Ο wise Ulysses ! for in counsel thou 
 Jpost bear pre-eminence, freely to speak 
 The dictates of a plain and honest mind, 325 
 (For as the gates of hell my soul abhors 
 That man who basely doth his mind conceal, 
 While as his tongue a different language holds,) 
 Lest various censure blame my fixt resolve. 
 Which nor Atrides nor th' assembled Greeks 
 
 229 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 335 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 Shall move me to rescind ; for well I know 
 My constant toils in war no thanks receive : 
 With equal gifts, with equal honours crown'd. 
 Alike esteem'd the coward and the brave. 
 Or dare the combat, or ignobly fly. 
 Nor aught to me remains but fruitless toils 
 And constant danger in the doubtful field. 
 As the fond parent bird's unceasing care 
 Supplies her young with food, herself the while 
 With hunger prest ; thus I whole sleepless 
 " nights 34Q 
 
 And tedious days in tented fields have passed 
 For Grecian matrons in Atrides* cause. 
 Twelve cities with my ships I have destroyed. 
 Eleven with my troops, whose ample spoils 
 I to Atrides gave. These he retains, 345 
 
 Dividing to each chief, with sparing hand. 
 His small reward. From me, and me alone. 
 Who won them, he reclaims my valued prize. 
 Let him then have her. Say, what cause did 
 
 cc 
 
 urge 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 This war ? or why did Atreus' sons collect 350 
 Their numVous forces, but for Helen's sake ? 
 Of all mankind do Atreus' sons alone 
 Their wives esteem and love ? the wise and good 
 
 
 : ή 
 
 
230 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 
 It '-i 
 
 ■i..: 
 
 
 €C 
 
 CC 
 
 " In ev'ry nation love them : though in war 
 " Obtained, I lov'd her from my very soul. 355 
 
 " By fraud he took her^ and by violence ; 
 " Let him not think he may deceive again : 
 That may not be. With his assembled chiefs, 
 With thee, Ulysses, let him best defend 
 *^ His vessels from the flames ; he wants not me 3Co 
 " Or to erect the wall, or dig the fosse 
 " Wide for defence ; yet dare^ie not withstand 
 " The mighty foe. Whilst on these plains I 
 
 " fought, 
 ^^ Hector once only dar'd without the walls 
 " And Scaean gate to tempt the doubtful war, 365 
 *^ And scarce with life escap d. But since no more 
 " With him I wage stern war ; at early dawn, 
 " Due sacrifice to heav'nly powVs first made, 
 " Thou shalt behold, if such thy pleasure be, 
 " My numVous vessels plough the Hellespont, 3/0 
 " Their crews prepared to ply the cumbrous oar. 
 Should Neptune send a favourable gale. 
 Three days shall land us safe on Phthia's shores : 
 " There riches wait me, gold and sculptured brass, 
 " There captive females whom my sword hath won, 
 " And iron, or at Phthia left, or stor'd 376 
 
 '' Now in my ships, my portion that remains. 
 
 ce 
 
 <e 
 
 I fi 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 231 
 
 (( 
 
 iC 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 
 a 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 
 (( 
 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 CC 
 CC 
 (C 
 
 (( 
 tc 
 
 CC 
 
 tc 
 
 But the most valued gift Atrides gave 
 
 His insolence reclaimed. Plainly declare 
 
 What I thus plainly speak, that all may hear. 
 
 If yet to others he intend deceit: 381 
 
 Insolent ever as he is withal, 
 
 Yet dare he not once look me in the face. 
 
 I will nor counsel give, nor aid his arms : 
 
 He hath offended, hath deceived me once; 385 
 
 I trust him not again : no ; let him die. 
 
 By Jove forsaken, and of sense bereft. 
 
 Himself, his gifts I value not ; they are 
 
 Most odious to me : no; if he would give 
 
 Tenfold, and double that, I would not hear; 390 
 
 Nor what Orchomenos, or the rich spoils 
 
 ^Egyptian Thebes with all her hundred gates 
 
 Contains ; so vast that, rank'd in loose array, 
 
 Horsemen and foot two hundred march with ease. 
 
 Were all his gifts as numVous as the sand, 395 
 
 Or dust of the earth, he never should prevail 
 
 Till all my great revenge were satisfied. 
 
 His daughter! no: were she like Venus fair. 
 
 As Pallas skilFd, I would not marry her. 
 
 Let him amongst the Greeks some other choose. 
 
 More suited to her state and dignity. 40 1 
 
 If the gods grant me safely to return. 
 
'''^} 
 
 Ί Ι 
 
 
 Γ 4* '^' 
 
 I Τ ^ 
 
 
 4e I 
 
 1^ i' 
 
 4 
 
 
 232 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 
 « 
 
 ζ( 
 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 " Peleus will guide my choice : a numerous race 
 ^^ Hellas and Phthia boast for beauty fam'd. 
 Daughters of potent chiefs ; there will I choose; 
 For much my soul in wedlock's sacred bands 406 
 Doth long those treasures to enjoy in ease, 
 ^^ Which my fond father hath with care amass'd. 
 " Better is life, than to possess the spoils 
 
 Which Troy contained within her ample walls,4 10 
 Ere yet the Greeks arriv'd; or what the shrine 
 " Of Phcebus may in rocky Python boast. 
 By plunder herds and flocks may be obtained. 
 The polish'd tripod, or the generous steed : 
 " The soul of man once fled knows no return, 415 
 " Is not, and cannot be within our grasp. 
 " For oft my parent goddess did unfold 
 ^' The future, and forewarned me, that of life 
 " A two-fold web for me the Fates had spun. 
 " Should I still war with Troy, for ever lost 420 
 " Is my return, but endless is my fame ; 
 " But should I to my native land return. 
 
 My fame is gone, yet lengthened are my days. 
 Distant my death. I therefore would persuade 
 Return to all ; for never shall they find 425 
 
 " Their labour ended by yon cities' fall. 
 ^' Great Jove himself with his protecting hand 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 233 
 
 ^' Defends her walls, and animates her host. 
 
 " Go then, and to the Grecian chiefs relate 
 
 « What I have plainly said : let them devise 430 
 
 ^^ Some other means, such as maturer age 
 
 " And wisdom may suggest to save their fleet, 
 
 '^ And to protect their troops, since this hath fail'd. 
 
 " Vain thought ! that I should cease to breathe re- 
 
 '^ venge. 
 *' Let Phoenix rest within our tent this night, 435 
 " That he to-morrow may with us return, 
 " If such his pleasure, to our native land, 
 " To Phthia : my request no force implies." 
 
 He ended : admiration held them mute. 
 So firmly he refus'd. At length uprose 440 
 
 Phcenix, of age rever'd : the frequent tear 
 His cheek bedew'd, for great indeed his grief; 
 Deep sighing thus he spake : '' If to return, 
 Illustrious chief, be then thy fixt intent. 
 Nor wilt thou save our ships from hostile flames, 
 " Nor cease thy anger; how can I, my son, 446 
 " Bereft of thee remain ? I, to whose care 
 " The venerable Peleus erst consign'd 
 " Thy early youth, and to Atrides sent 
 " From Phthia, yet unus'd to deeds of war ; 450 
 *^ And in debate where men illustrious shine, 
 
 (( 
 
 u 
 
 4- 
 
 ί 
 
234 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 m 
 
 
 tit 
 
 
 ^J 
 
 ^' All-inexperiencd: mine the pleasing task 
 
 ^' In council to instruct thy tender mind, 
 
 " And teach thee deeds of valorous emprise. 
 
 *^ My son, I never can consent to stay, 455 
 
 ^' Shouldst thou depart ; no, not if Jove himself 
 
 " Should age remove, and make me young again, 
 
 " As when Γ first, to shun my father's rage, 
 
 *^ Left Hellas fam'd for beauty. He, ensnar'd 
 
 ^^ By meretricious charms, forgot his vows 460 
 
 " Connubial, and disgraced the marriage bed. 
 
 " My injured mother oft entreated me 
 
 To disappoint his hopes, and thwart his views, 
 And tender youthful love : her I obey'd. 
 " Which when my father knew, enrag d at heart 
 ^^ With dreadful imprecations he invoked 466 
 
 " Th' avenging deities, that never son 
 " From me descended might his knees embrace : 
 " So Pluto wiird, and dread Persephone. 
 " 111 could my mind support parental wrath, 4/0 
 " Or bear beneath his hated roof to dwell, 
 " Though friends and kindred all entreated me. 
 " Nowthroughthespacioushallfromflocksand herds 
 ^^ The festive boards were spread, and ample feasts 
 ^' Nine days were held, and goblets crown d with 
 
 cc 
 
 C( 
 
 iC 
 
 wme: 
 
 liiiiiiilTttart inrim ifiaiiiitiiifiitfiiiiifriM 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 235 
 
 (i 
 
 iC 
 
 C6 
 
 " Each night strict guard was at my chamber 
 
 " plac'd, 
 " And fires were lighted at my very door. 
 " When the tenth night appear d I burst the bars, 
 " OVrleap'd the walls ; and favour d by the night, 
 With ease escap'd the guard. Far off I fled 480 
 Through spacious Hellas, and to Phthia came 
 For fertile pastures fam'd, and numVous flocks, 
 " To Peleus, who with favour me receiv'd ; 
 ^' And lov'd me as a father loves his son, 
 ^' Child of his age, and heir of all his wealth. 485 
 '' Possessions great he gave near the utmost bounds 
 " Of fertile Phthia, where the Dolopes 
 " Inhabit : there I watch'd thy tender years, 
 
 And nurtured thee, and made thee what thou art, 
 Ο godlike man! and lovd thee from my soul. 490 
 " Nor wouldst thou to the feast without me o-o, 
 " Nor take but from my hand the accustomed food, 
 " When wayward humour oft in early youth 
 '' Return'd with loathing Λvhat my fondness gave. 
 " Much have I suff'red with thee, much endur'd, 
 With this fond hope, that since to me denied 
 (Such Fates decree) the blessing of a child ; 
 " I by adoption might obtain a son 
 " The comfort, the protector of my age. 499 
 
 (( 
 
 i( 
 
 ii 
 
 Ci 
 
 $ 
 
m'' 
 
 236 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 
 Ψ 
 
 
 'M' 
 
 ^•» 
 
 
 : Mi^ 
 
 |*iT 
 
 
 
 cc 
 
 « 
 
 €C 
 (ζ 
 (ζ 
 
 ζζ 
 iC 
 
 tc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ο then, Achilles! check thy mighty mind; 
 To be implacable but ill becomes. 
 The heav nly powVs, in virtue greater far, 
 In honour and in strength, are merciful ; 
 For men by pray rs and sacrifices meet. 
 Avert that punishment their crimes deserve. 503 
 PrayVs are the daughters of all-pow'rful Jove, 
 Wrinkled and blind, and impotent of feet ; 
 These follow where Injustice runs before : 
 Fierce, unrestrained, she ranges o'er the earth 
 With desolating hand : then follow PrayVs, 510 
 Steady though slow, with healing influence ; 
 Who listens their advice they kindly aid. 
 Heal all his woes, and grant his just request : 
 But who with scorn their profTred boon rejects. 
 They Jove entreat, that, as due punishment, 515 
 Injustice ever may his steps pursue. 
 My son, with honour due their voice attend ; 
 Forgiveness to the brave alone belongs. 
 Did not Atrides offer various gifts ; 
 Did he still bear thee hate implacable, 52o 
 
 I should not urge thee to forget thy wrongs. 
 And succour Greece, though in her utmost need. 
 Great are his offers, large his promised gifts 
 Now tendered by thy friends, the bravest chiefs 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 237 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 ζζ 
 
 Whom Grecia boasts of all her warlike bands ; 
 Reject them not, though just thy former rage ; 
 Nor treat them with contempt. Thus fame re- 
 
 " ports 
 Heroes in ancient time their rage control'd, 
 Soft'ned by gifts, or sooth'd by gentle words. 
 Well I remember, and to you, my friends, 530 
 The fact I will relate of former days. 
 The i£tolians and Curetes were engag'd 
 In bloody warfare by the lofty walls 
 Of Calydon ; these to defend the town, 
 Those to destroy intent. Neglected rites 53 5i 
 Incens'd Diana ; hence the contest rose : 
 CEneus to all the deities had paid 
 Just honours but to her, in due return 
 For the rich harvest and productive year. 
 Or through neglect or inattention. 540 
 
 The indignant goddess, to revenge her wrongs. 
 Sent a huge monster of enormous size 
 To desolate the Calydonian plains 
 And CEneus' fertile fields : the savage boar 
 Whole trees uprooting, levell'd to the ground 545 
 Pomona's richest produce. When the son 
 Of CEneus, with collected force of dogs 
 And men from various cities, skill'd to chase 
 
 I'M 
 
238 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 P. 
 
 m 
 
 
 ■ «■■.- < • V 
 
 I'i - 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 iC 
 
 ii 
 
 cc 
 ce 
 
 (e 
 if 
 
 fc 
 
 (C 
 iC 
 (C 
 iC 
 
 (ζ 
 
 C( 
 iC 
 (ζ 
 i( 
 
 cc 
 u 
 
 ;'? 
 
 u 
 
 The fiercest monsters, slew this wondrous beast. 
 So vast that numbers fell beneath his force. 55o 
 Then rose contention, so Diana wilFd, 
 Who should possess the bristly monster s spoil. 
 Scarce at the walls, whilst Meleager fought. 
 The fierce Curetes dar'd tlie contest trv. 
 Though numerous their forces ; but when ra^e 
 Inflam'd his breast, (the wisest often feel 556 
 
 Its power,) he with his mother much incens'd 
 Retired, and with his wife sequestVed liv'd. 
 With Cleopatra, from Marpissa sprung, 
 And Ida, bravest deemed of mortal race, 56o 
 
 Who seiz'd his bow, and darVl the god of day 
 To the dread contest for the beauteous nymph. 
 (Her the fond parents call'd Alcyone, 
 Wept by her mother, for her fate the same 
 As erst Alcyone's, to Phoebus' love 565 
 
 A prey.) With her retir d he cherished rage. 
 Indignant that Althaea should invoke 
 The deities with imprecations dire. 
 She for her brother's death opprest with grief. 
 Striking the ground, invok'd the infernal pow'rs, 
 Pluto and dread Persephone, with tears 
 Kneeling, that they would instant slay her son. 
 Alecto heard, implacable of heart. 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 239 
 
 " From the dark deep abyss of Erebus : 
 " Then quickly at the gates wild tumult rose, b'Jb 
 " And madd'ning uproar. Him the aged sires 
 " Entreated ; him the venerable priests 
 *^ Of blameless life, to save them from the foe, 
 '' With proffers large, where Calydonian fields 
 '^ And fertile plains extend ; in vineyards these 580 
 ^' Excelling, those for richest pasture fam'd ; 
 " Full fifty acres was the promis'd boon. 
 " The venerable (Eneus suppliant came, 
 " Embrac'd his knees, and urg'd his suit with tears; 
 ^^ His sisters and his mother sued in vain ; 585 
 
 ^^ He still with persevering rage refus'd: 
 *' Much his lov'd friends, companions of his youth, 
 " Entreated, nor could bend his haughty mind. 
 *' When now loud shouts announc'd the foe's ap- 
 " proach. 
 And bick'ring flames arose : with piercing cries 
 His supplicating wife, of form divine, 591 
 
 Unfolds the tale of misery and woe, 
 " When captur'd cities feel the conqu'ror's rao-e, 
 " Murder and rapine, and devouring fire; 
 " Children and parents captive, or a prey 
 ^' To lawless force. Mov'd by her woful plaint, 
 " Sudden he rose in arms, repuls'd the foe. 
 
 a 
 
 u 
 
 a 
 
 I '1 
 
 A • 1 
 
 
 % 
 
^40 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 
 Μ ■ 
 
 "A 
 
 ■■■■ % 
 
 
 ■li- 
 
 
 ^4' 
 
 
 iC 
 
 C( 
 
 6C 
 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 C( 
 
 <( 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 <( 
 
 (C 
 
 ce 
 
 ii 
 
 And sav'd his country ; whose ingratitude 
 Refus'd the promised boon ; yet still he sav'd. 
 Then be not thou^ my son, implacable, 6oo 
 
 Nor yield thee to the spirit of revenge • 
 Till flames consume our ships : accept our gifts ; 
 Arm, arm^ and save ; be honour'd as a god : 
 Should you without the gifts in war engage. 
 Your honour will be less, though check'd the 
 " foe." 605 
 
 When thus Achilles : " Venerable chief. 
 Phoenix, of age rever d, I covet not 
 Such honour ; not from man, from Jove alone • 
 I seek immortal honour : his command. 
 To which I bend submissive, at the ships 6lO 
 Detains me ; and perchance will yet detain. 
 Whilst strength and life shall animate these 
 
 " limbs. 
 Yet I must add, and your attention claim 
 To my request, that you molest me not 
 With sighs and sorrows in Atrides* cause : 6l5 
 To like whom I detest becomes thee not. 
 Lest loving thee my love be turn'd to hate: 
 Yea, rather thou shouldst all my wrongs revenge. 
 And share my kingdom, and my honour share. 
 Let these our answer bear; do thou, my friend. 
 
 ?κ• 
 
 %'ϊ , 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 241 
 
 '' Rest here : to-morrow we will consult hold 
 " Whether is best or to return or stay/' 
 
 He spake ; and to Patroclus signal gave 
 A warmer couch for Phcenix to prepare, 
 When from his tent the chieftains should retire. 625 
 
 But Ajax thus, impatient of delay ; 
 " Ο wise Ulysses, brave Laertes' son, 
 " Let us begone ; vain our entreaties all, 
 " And fruitless our attempt ; yet to the Greeks, 
 ^' Who now in earnest expectation wait, 630 
 
 " We must his answer bear, though most unkind, 
 " Achilles still doth cherish dire revenge, 
 '' Neglectful of those friends who honour him; 
 '' Implacable, obdurate! Yet do men, 
 ^' For brothers murdVed, or for sons destro/d, 63h 
 " (Due satisfaction and atonement made,) 
 " Forgive the dreadful deed ; the fine received 
 '' Acquit? the debt of hatred and revenge ; 
 " The offender lives secure. But in your heart 
 ^^ Remorseless, dire revenge and hatred reign Gao 
 " All uncontrol'd ; and that, so F^es decree, 
 " For fair Briseis, and for her ^lone. 
 '' Seven fair as she, and gifts of costly price 
 ■' We offer thee besides. Be courteous then, 
 We are thy guests, and claim the honour dm 
 
 R 
 
 <( 
 
 \t\ 
 
 ■? 
 
 fif 
 
i242 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX• 
 
 i . 
 
 Is» 
 
 
 '^ 
 
 
 .s" 
 
 
 
 <C 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 
 To all beneath thy roof; and make our boast. 
 Amongst the numerous chiefs our host contains, 
 To honour and respect thee most of all." 
 Achilles thus replied : " Illustrious chief, 
 ^^ Ajax, you speak the dictates of your mind ; 650 
 ^^ But my heart boils with rage whene'er I think 
 Of him who hath disgrac'd and rend'red vile 
 My name, as some base knave of meaner sort. 
 " You then our answer bear : War, glorious war, 
 " Concerns not me, till Priam's haughty son, 655 
 ^^ Great Hector, at my tents and ships shall wage 
 *^ Disastrous war, and fire the Grecian fleet ; 
 " Then will I check him in his bold career." 
 
 He ended : when each chief libation pour'd. 
 And to the ships Ulysses led the way. 66o 
 
 Meantime the servants at Achilles' tent 
 For Phoenix' rev'rend age prepar'd the couch, 
 Warm and indulgent, as became his years. 
 With linen spread and skins of softest wool. 
 There he till morning in soft sleep repos'd. 665 
 
 Achilles now retir'd within his tent 
 Of curious workmanship ; but not alone. 
 Fair Diomede, partner of his bed. 
 Daughter of Lesbian Phorbas, sooth'd his cares: 
 Near him Patroclus slept, whom Iphis fair, 6/0 
 
 ? l• 
 
 IX• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 243 
 
 From Scyron captur'd, with attendance grac'd; 
 Achilles won, Achilles gave the prize. 
 
 And now the embassy approach'd the tent 
 Of Agamemnon : rising from their seats 
 The Grecian chiefs, assembled, them receiv'd 67b 
 With friendly omen, and libations pour'd 
 From golden cups ; wlien thus Atrides spake : 
 
 Ulysses, great in wisdom as in arms, 
 " Pride of our host, say, doth Achilles save 
 " Our ships from hostile flames ; or dqth fell rage 
 " To our request a stern denial give ?" 681 
 
 Ulysses thus repHed : '' Illustrious king, 
 " His anger unabated still remains, 
 " Yea, rather doth increase : thy gifts he spurns 
 " With indignation,— bids thee counsel well 
 ^^ With other chiefs how best thou mayst secure 
 " Thy ships and host from the victorious foe : 
 " And for himself, he threatens at the dawn 
 " Of day to launch his vessels in the deep, 
 " And others to persuade that they return 690 
 
 " Through the wide waters to their native home ; 
 " For that thou canst not humble lofty Troy, 
 ^^ Which Jove himself with his protecting hand 
 *' Secures, and animates their host in fight. 
 " Such were his words : Ajax, Eurybates, 695 
 
 R 2 - 
 
 f Jl I 
 
 
244 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 IX. 
 
 F-t Ϊ-; 
 
 
 :t 
 
 J4 
 
 
 |i-i^ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 6C 
 
 « 
 
 <f 
 
 I"! ■" 
 
 " And Hodius, bear me witness, for they heard : 
 " Phoenix remaineth at Achilles' tent. 
 That he to-morrow, if his pleasure be. 
 To Phthia may return ; yet free to choose.*^ 
 He spake : deep silence held them mute awhile. 
 In admiration of his firm reply. 7^1 
 
 At length Tydides thus the chiefs address'd : 
 " I could have wish'd, indeed, Ο potent king ! 
 Thou hadst not been a suitor to his pride. 
 Which thy great offers serve but to increase. 705 
 " No more of him ; let him or go or stay, 
 " As Jove, or his own wayward mind shall urge. 
 " Be this then my advice : retire we now, 
 " After refreshment meet, and take repose, 
 " For both our toils demand ; and when the morn 
 " With orient splendour rise, before our ships 7 1 ^ 
 " In dread array let horse and foot advance, 
 " Thyself the pride and leader of our host." 
 
 He spake : the chiefs with one consent approved, 
 Admiring much Tydides' manly speech ; '^15 
 
 And due libations made, each to his tent 
 Retiring, sought the gift of soothing sleep. 
 
 UP « 
 
 i^ 
 
 i γ 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 245 
 
 BOOK X. 
 
 All night before their ships th ^Grecian chiefs. 
 With toils fordone, partook the gift of sleep. 
 Not so Atrides ; him nor grateful rest 
 Nor soothing sleep possess'd, with anxious care 
 Tost, and perplexing thoughts. As when great 
 Jove ^ 
 
 Thunders portentous, and prepares his storm. 
 Or rain or pelting hail, or driving snow; 
 Or bids dread War upraise his brazen throat : 
 So heav'd Atrides' breast with frequent sighs 
 Bursting, so terrror all his soul possess'd. lo 
 
 And now the Trojan plains and numerous fires 
 He view'd, and heard their loud tumultuous shouts, 
 Whilst martial music victory proclaim'd : f 
 Now turning to his ships and vanquish'd host 
 His aching thought, sorrows still deeper flow'd, 15 
 Whilst anguish tore the honours of his head, 
 A sacrifice to heav'n's offended King: 
 At length, resolv'd to seek the Pylian sage. 
 
 f til 
 
 

 2246 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 X. 
 
 t^ 
 
 i;;* 
 
 •f ■ 
 
 
 Si. 
 
 '■•Sc 
 
 Nestor, if haply he might well advise 
 
 Some medicine to heal a nation's woes, 20 
 
 Sudden he rose, and o'er his manly chest 
 
 The tunic cast; the sandal grac'd his feet; 
 
 And from his shoulder hung the tawny spoil 
 
 Of the huge lion reaching to the ground ; 
 
 And in his hand a massy spear he bore. 25 
 
 Nor, Menelaus, did thy heart conceive 
 Less terror and affright, dread foes to sleep, 
 Lest Grecia perish in thy hapless cause : 
 Thou for whose sake they cross'd the dang'rous 
 
 main. 
 To wage disastrous war, and combat Troy. 30 
 
 A leopard's hide with spots of varied hue 
 The hero's shoulders grac'd, and o'er his brow 
 The brazen helmet glitfred ; in his hand 
 A spear he brandish'd; and with hasty step 
 His brother sought to waken, whom in pow'r 33 
 The Greeks esteem'd and honour'd as a god. 
 
 Him at his vessel's stem the hero found 
 Arming in haste, who seeing him rejoic'd ; 
 When Menelaus thus : " Brother rever'd, 
 " Why early thus in arms ? Is it to send 40 
 
 " Some spy to yonder camp f But who shall dare 
 " The perilous emprise ? To venture forth 
 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 247 
 
 tx 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 t( 
 
 €C 
 
 <c 
 
 <c 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 Singly, and through the silent night explore 
 
 The foe, superior courage doth demand." 
 
 When thus Atrides : " Brother much belov'd, 45 
 
 Our great distress calls for mature advice 
 
 And prudent counsel to protect our fleet 
 
 And save our host, since Jove doth adverse prove; 
 
 Since he to Trojan sacrifice inclines 
 
 Propitious : for such deeds eye hath not seen, 50 
 
 Nor hath ear heard, as singly and alone 
 
 Hector performs: though sprung from mortal 
 
 €ζ 
 
 race, 
 
 cc 
 
 C( 
 
 u 
 
 iC 
 
 ic 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 55 
 
 6( 
 
 iC 
 
 <( 
 
 (ζ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 Long shall Greece rue his desolating arm. 
 Haste then ; let Ajax and Idomeneus 
 Assemble at our ships : to Nestor's tent 
 I now repair, that he inspect our posts, 
 And give due orders ; in his warlike son 
 That trust I have repos'd : Meriones 
 And Nestor's son our ships and army guard." 
 When Menelaus : " Let me understand 
 Your order truly, brother : shall I here 
 Return to you again, or with them wait 
 Your coming ?" Agamemnon thus replied : 
 " Expect me there ; for numberless the paths 
 That through our army lead, and we may miss 
 Each other : speak, exhort, in gentle terms 66 
 
 60 
 
 •►It 
 
 \' 
 
 ! !l 
 
 I*. 
 
 ? m 
 

 248 
 
 THE iLIAO. 
 
 X. 
 
 Si-. 
 
 lis '= 
 
 ΐι• 
 
 [/■r. 
 
 It, :; * 
 I*» - 
 
 " Conciliate favour, giving honour due *, 
 
 " Entreating all by country, parents, friends i 
 
 ^* Ourselves must labour first, so Jove decreed, 
 
 " Who gdve us sorrow when he gave us birth." fo 
 
 Thus saying he dismissed him; then in haste 
 To Nestor's tent Atrides bent his way. 
 Him still indulging rest, the monarch found 
 On his soft bed r?clin'd ; his armour near. 
 The shield and spear» and glittVing helmet lay, 73 
 And belt of various work, which wont to grace 
 The aged warrior through the ranks of war, 
 Unclaim'd the privilege of age and years. 
 He rising quickly thus the king address'd : 
 
 *' Who thus alone, amidst the shades of night, 80 
 " Dares venture through our camp whilst others 
 
 "^ sleep? 
 " Seek'st thou the nightly watch, or some lost 
 
 " friend? 
 *^ Whence, and what art thou ? Speak, or come 
 " not near.*' 
 When thus Atrides: " Venerable chief. 
 Pride and support of all the Grecian host, 86 
 Nestor, thy king Atrides, worn with care. 
 With grief opprest (so mighty Jove decrees 
 Unceasing grief whilst strength and life remain). 
 
 tc 
 
 (C 
 
 (ζ 
 
 <( 
 
 *5ϋ J 
 
 e^Jh-,^ 
 
 %. 
 
 (C 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 249 
 
 €C 
 
 (C 
 
 €C 
 
 (C 
 
 tc 
 
 tt 
 
 <( 
 
 tc 
 
 «( 
 
 Thou mayst acknowledge here : alone I stray, 
 '' For no sweet sleep will weigh these eyelids down; 
 '' But war's alarms, and all my country's cares 90 
 And miseries, afflict my sinking heart. 
 Bursting with woes unutterably great. 
 If aught thou canst suggest (for thee sweet sleep 
 Alike forsakes), attend me to the guard, 95 
 
 The nightly watch, lest weary with fatigue. 
 With sleep o'erpow'r'd, their duty they neglect : 
 Close at our camp the daring foe remains, 
 And aided by the darkness of the night. 
 Perchance may dare to storm our weak defence." 
 To whom the Pylian sage: " Ο mighty king 100 
 '' Atrides! Jove, I deem, will ne'er perform 
 *• What Hector meditates ; what sanguine hope, 
 '' Flush'd with success, may lead him to expect. 
 " Whate'er thy griefs, him sorer ills await, 105 
 " And more severe distress, when from his wrath 
 '' Achilles ceaseth. Lead then, I attend 
 " Thy pleasure. Let Tydides mighty chief, 
 '' And wise Ulysses lend their prudent aid ; 
 " And Ajax swift of foot, and Phyleus' son, 1 10 
 '' Though distant far their tents on either side ; 
 " And let some messenger great Ajax call, 
 '' And brave Idomeneus. Yet must I blame. 
 
 ί -.Λ 
 
 ί* 
 
250 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 ΐ%^\ 
 
 
 "' 11-% 
 
 i: ■ 
 
 
 
 ^■■^ 
 
 '' Nor let my words displease thee^ one much lov'd, 
 '' Your brother, and much honoured by us all; 115 
 "^ Who whilst you labour gives himself to rest, 
 " Whom most it doth concern ; who should exert 
 ^' His utmost energy and earnest pray'r 
 '' For aid in this our strong necessity." 
 
 " Your censure he deserves," the king replied, 
 *' As seeming negligent; yet it proceeds 121 
 
 '' Nor from base sloth nor want of better sense : 
 " But from respect and deference to me, 
 '' He my example waits. Yet spare it now ; 
 " He caird me first, and is already gone 125 
 
 ^' To those whom you have nam'd. Proceed we 
 
 " then ; 
 " The assembled chiefs expect us at the gate 
 As I appointed : thither let us go." 
 '" Then none," the venerable chief return'd. 
 May blame, or disobey his just request." 130 
 
 He spake ; and o'er his chest the tunic brac'd. 
 Bound on his sandals, and around him cast 
 His mantle large and long, with warmest wool 
 Lin'd, as became his age ; then seiz'd his spear 
 And hasfned to the ships, and at the tent 135 
 
 Of great Ulysses, fam'd for wisdom's lore. 
 Summoned the chief: nor was the summons vain ; 
 
 €C 
 
 iC 
 
 Xd 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 251 
 
 ff 
 
 <c 
 
 Ulysses heard his voice, and from his tent 
 Awak'ning issued, and thus answer made : 
 '' Why thus alone at such an hour as this ? 140 
 " What urgent need conducts you through the 
 " camp?" 
 
 Nestor replied : '^ Ulysses brave as wise. 
 
 Be not displeas'd, we are in utmost need ; 
 
 Aid with thy counsel the assembled chiefs, 
 ^^ For thou excellest, and maturely weigh 145 
 
 '' Whether we basely fly, or nobly fight." 
 
 He spake : Ulysses o'er his shoulder cast 
 His pond'rous shield, and follow'd with the chiefs. 
 And to the tent of Diomed repair'd. 
 
 Without the tent reposing him they found, 150 
 His armour near; his friends around him slept. 
 Their shields beneath their heads, their spears erect 
 Fixt in the ground : the polisht brass sent forth 
 A radiant light : Tydides self reclin'd, 
 Slept on an ox's hide of larger size, 155 
 
 His bed ; rich tapestry his head sustain'd. 
 Him Nestor touch'd, and waking, thus reprov'd : 
 
 Rise, son of Tydeus, rise ; why through the night 
 
 Thus sleep indulge ? or hear'st thou not the foe, 
 
 « 
 
 '' Scarce from our ships remov'd, prepare the fight?" 
 Tydides heard, and, quickly rous'd from sleep, 
 
 t< 
 
 cc 
 
 ί . 
 
 ■Si•• 
 
ii52 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 X. 
 
 T.4, 
 
 ^■■^ 
 
 ή" ? 
 
 
 (C 
 
 €< 
 
 The sage address'd : " Ο thou, whom neither toils 
 
 '' Nor years subdue! let others call the chiefs, 
 
 " Who boast the strength of youth ; be that their 
 
 " task, 
 " Not thine, whose mind no respite will admit." l65 
 '' True are thy words," the Pylian sage return d, 
 *' And just is thy remark ; for I have sons 
 *' Of fairest fame, and subjects numerous. 
 
 Who might this toil sustain : yet such our need. 
 So urgent our distress, that or to live 170 
 
 '' Or die, stands on the sharpest razor edge, 
 '' And trembles on the balance. Spare my age, 
 " As well becomes thy youth, and call the chiefs 
 '" Ajax and Phyleus' son, who distant sleep." 
 
 He spake: Tydides o'er his shoulders threw 1^5 
 A lion's tawny hide of wondrous size. 
 And brandishing his spear, in haste fulfill'd 
 Nestor's command, and to the trench repair'd. 
 Now at the guard arriv'd, in strictest watch. 
 All arm'd, the leaders of the trusty band 180 
 
 They found. As dogs with difficulty save 
 The folded flock, what time the mountain pard 
 Descending rushes through the forest, him 
 The shouts of hunters and the cry of dogs 
 Pursue amain, and sleep is far away : 185 
 
 Pf 
 
 2t 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 253 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 So from their eyelids vanish'd gentle sleep. 
 Watching through night's dank shade ; still to the 
 
 plain 
 Their every thought was bent, if heard perchance 
 The noise of hostile tread. Nestor rejoic'd. 
 And thus their care and vigilance approv'd : 190 
 
 " Thus ever watch, dear sons, nor once permit 
 
 The approach of treach'rous sleep, lest we become 
 
 An easy prey to our insulting foe." 
 
 This said, the trench he pass'd : the chiefs attend. 
 By Agamemnon summoned, and with them 195 
 Meriones, and Nestor's warlike son 
 Antilochus ; for them the princes call'd. 
 The trench they pass'd ; and where unstain'd the 
 
 ground 
 With human gore, and free from sights of death, 
 (For Hector there had staid his murd'rous hand 200 
 Thinning theGrecian host, night stopp'd his course,) 
 There the assembled chiefs in consult sat; 
 Whom Nestor thus address'd : " Friends, country- 
 
 u 
 
 men, 
 
 " Is there who dares yon hostile camp approach, 
 " To seize, perchance, some wand'rer in the rear ? 
 ^' If he their counsels and their schemes might 
 " learn, 206 
 
 *j: 
 
 i 
 
 I η 
 
 
254 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 χ• 
 
 !*Li- 
 
 if Ϊ 
 
 
 
 Μ V| 
 
 i( 
 
 tc 
 
 " Whether they meditate return to Troy, 
 " Or wait the morn their vantage to pursue, 
 " Attack our weak'ned host, and burn our ships : 
 " If he might this inteUigence obtain, 2io 
 
 " And safe return, great were indeed his feme, 
 " And ample his reward : a sable ewe 
 " Each princely leader of our numerous host 
 Shall grateful send, and at her side a lamb 
 Shall sportive play ; and at our festive board 215 
 " His the first honours and the foremost seat." 
 
 Thus Nestor spake: the chiefs in silence heard. 
 Whom Diomed intrepid thus addressed : 
 " I will this task of danger undertake, 
 '^ Explore their camp, and learn the foes' intent : 
 " But if some friend, companion of my toils, 221 
 " Courage inspiring and firm confidence, 
 '' Might aid the bold attempt, second each thought 
 Approving, it were well : oft when alone 
 Distrust unnerves, and doubts distract the soul." 
 He spake : with generous ardour fir'd, uprose 226* 
 Contending heroes, eager all to share 
 The danger. Either Ajax great in arms, 
 Meriones, and Nestor's warlike son. 
 And Menelaus skill'd to hurl the lance, 230 
 
 And wise Ulysses, earnest to explore 
 
 ce 
 
 a 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 255 
 
 The Trojan camp, whose heart no fear appall'd ; 
 When Agamemnon thus : " Ο Tydeus' son, 
 *^ Illustrious Diomed ! whom much my soul 
 " Esteems and honours, be this care thy own, 235 
 " Him to select whom most thy choice approves, 
 " For many in this noble contest strive ; 
 " Nor let or fevour or affection sway, 
 ^^ Or move thee to select from rank or place, 
 ^^ Or deference pay where courage should decide." 
 Thus spake the king, much fearing lest his 
 choice 241 
 
 On Menelaus fall, whom most he lov'd. 
 
 Tydides thus replied : " If then to choose 
 " Whom most my soul approves be thy com- 
 " mand. 
 Can I forget Ulysses, or neglect 245 
 
 Wisdom unequall'd, courage undismay'd 
 " In trials most severe; whom Pallas loves; 
 '* With whom we might through hostile fires re- 
 
 " turn, 
 " So fertile in resource his active mind?" 
 
 " Nor praise too much/' Ulysses quick replied. 
 Nor censure, Diomed ; all present know 251 
 To whom you speak, and can the truth discern : 
 " Haste, let us go : Night in her silent course 
 
 (C 
 
 ίζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 (C 
 
 h 
 
 i r 
 
 t dl 
 
 #. 
 
 
256 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 X* 
 
 η'« 
 
 ;..'^-fi 
 ■Γί• 
 
 
 ? i 
 
 i ■?•. •■■ 
 
 
 
 " Is far advanced; scarce now a third remains: 
 
 ^^ And setting stars denote approaching morn." 255 
 
 Thus having said, each chief his arms prepar'd. 
 To Diomed brave Thrasymedes gave 
 A two-edg'd sw^ord and shield, for at his tent 
 His own the hero left; and on his head 
 A leathern helmet placd, yet unadorn'd 260 
 
 With crest or plume : such inexpexienc'd youth 
 Is wont to bear when early train'd to arms, 
 
 Meriones to wise Ulysses gave 
 His bow and quiver, and his glitt'ring sword. 
 And arm*d his temples with a leathern casque 265 
 Fast bound with thongs, the rim encircled round 
 With a boar's dread-inspiring teeth thick set 
 On every side, and lin'd with softest wool. 
 From Eleon, son of Ormenos, by fraud 
 Autolycus this helmet whilom gaind; 270 
 
 He to Amphidamas the prize consigned ; 
 To Molus next the friendly token came, 
 Thence to his son Meriones ; from him 
 Received, it circled round Ulysses' brow. 
 
 And now the heroes arm'd, with hasty step 2^5 
 The council quitting, sought the distant plain. 
 To them Minerva, token of her care. 
 The bittern sent; through night's dark «hade unseen. 
 
 ^ 
 .* 
 
 l•*• 
 
 it. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 'V 
 
 V5> 
 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 Yet heard the omen of her sounding voice, 
 The clangor of her wings : Ulysses quick 280 
 
 Perceiv'd, and grateful pray'd : " Daughter of Jove; 
 " Whose kid in trials most severe I boast, 
 " Ο hear ! and favour this our bold attempt : 
 " Grant safe return, Ο goddess! and may Troy 
 Long mourn the deeds thy wisdom shall inspire!" 
 To her Tydides next his pray'r address'd : 280 
 " Hear also me, unconqu'red goddess, hear! 
 " And as at Thebes thou whilom didst protect 
 " The father, aid the son. He at the banks 
 " Of fem'd Asopus left the Grecian camp, 290 
 
 " Ambassador of peace to lofty Thebes ; 
 " Whose treach'rous policy mild answer gave. 
 " Returning, mighty deeds great Tydeus wrought 
 " Aided by thee ; so now thy succour grant, 
 " So guard the son : then shaJl a heifer grace 295 
 " Thy altar, yet unconscious of the yoke, 
 « Untam'd ; whose horns are tipp'd with shining 
 " gold." 
 
 Minerva heard, and granted their request. 
 And now they hasten through the shades of night 
 As two fierce lions, over heaps of slain, 300 
 
 And clotted gore, and arms distain'd with blood, 
 Npr did brave Hector and the chiefs of Troy 
 
 'J 
 
 i ?i 
 
 'S» ' 
 
258 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 X. 
 
 
 II ■■ 
 
 Repose indulge ; whom at his tent convened 
 Hector address'd : " Who for a splendid gift 
 " This hazardous emprise will undertake, 305 
 
 " Great his reward shall be ; the glittVing car 
 " And fleetest coursers of the Grecian host. 
 " These will I give to him who dare approach 
 " The Grecian ships, and learn what they design ; 
 ^* Whether as heretofore they guard their ships, 310 
 '^ Or by our arms subdued base flight prepare/' 
 
 He spake: deep silence through the council 
 reign d ; 
 When Dolon, rich in gold and sculptur d brass, 
 (Son of Eumedes herald of the host, 315 
 
 Whom five fair daughters grac d, one only son 
 Of form uncouth yet swift of foot,) uprose, 
 And thus the chief bespoke : " Mine be that task, 
 *' Hector ; my courage urges me to dare 
 '' The hazardous attempt. I will approach 320 
 " Tb^ir ships, and learn what yet they may in- 
 
 " tend. 
 «^ But promise thou, and by thy sceptre swear, 
 " The horses and the chariot shall be mine 
 
 Which bear Achilles thundVing o'er the plain. 
 
 No useless spy inglorious ; through their camp 
 '' E'en to Atrides' ship I will advance, 326 
 
 c< 
 
 iC 
 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 259 
 
 " Where the assembled chiefs in council sit, 
 '' And learn their purpose ; or to fight or fly." 
 
 He spake : when Hector rais'd his sceptred hand. 
 And thus confirm'd by oath: " Great Jove in heav^'i 
 " Attest my words ; no Trojan chief but thou 
 '' Alone shalt glory iti that noble prize." 
 
 Thus Hector vainly swore. Dolon meantime 
 Encourag'd arm'd him : first the bended bow 
 His shoulders grac'd ; a white wolf's shaggy spoil 
 Adorn'd his back ; a helmet lin'd with ftir 336 
 
 His brow protected ; in his hand a spear 
 He grasp'd ; and hast'ned to the Grecian fleet ; 
 But never to return ! so fate decreed. 
 
 Quitting the Trojan camp, with eager step 340 
 He urg'd his rapid way, but not unheard ; 
 When thus Ulysses Diomed bespoke : 
 
 " This fellow from the Trojan army comes, 
 A spy to learn our secret purposes, 
 By Hector hither sent, or to despoil 345 
 
 '' The dead : then let him pass ere we pursue; 
 " So may we easily his flight arrest; 
 " Or if too swift of foot, still to our ships 
 " Compel his course, and drive him far from Troy." 
 Thus saying, from the road they turn'd aside 350 
 Stooping ; he quickly pass'd : when now advanc'd 
 
 s 2 
 
 « 
 
 <ζ 
 
 ►J 
 
 I t:| 
 
ii6o 
 
 (THE ILIAD. 
 
 K. 
 
 
 k%r ' 
 
 
 Γ ail 
 
 The distance which divides two labouring teams, 
 When mules contending plough the fertile field; 
 (Mules, which excel the slow and eurabrau^ ox,) 
 Then eager they pursued. He heard their steps 355 
 And stopp'd, lest Hector might perchance recall 
 His embassy, or give some other charge : 
 But when, now distant scarce a jav'lin's cast, 
 The foe he knew, and with redoubled speed 
 Urg'd his quick flight ; so quickly they pursued. 36() 
 As when two hounds accustomVl to tl>e chase. 
 With unabating speed the trembling hind 
 Or timid hare pifrsue ; now through the wood 
 They hold their course ; her cries may nought avail : 
 So these pursuing, to the Troji^n camp q65 
 
 And city intercept his eager flight. 
 Approaching now the ships, and near the ^ard, 
 By Pallas aided Diomed advanced. 
 Fearful lest other hands the honour claim ; 
 Pois'd high his lance, and Dolon thus bespoke : 370 
 " Stop ere this weapon fix thee to the ground ; 
 " Thou canst not now escape/* This said, the spear 
 Pass'd o'er his shoulder, — so the chief design'd, — * 
 And in the ground deep fixt still quiv'ring stood. 
 
 He stopped, and trembled : terror shook his frame, 
 Paleness his cheeks overspread ; his shaking jaws 
 
 Xi 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 261 
 
 (ζ 
 
 C( 
 
 (6 
 
 Resounded: breathless with pursuit the chiefs 
 Seize him : his faltVing voice this prayV addressed: 
 
 " Take me alive and I will ransom pay : 
 " Gold, sculptured brass, and iron, be the price 380 
 " Of me your captive, which my wealthy sire 
 " Will gladly give (for ample are his stores), 
 '^ When known I at your ships alive remain." 
 Ulysses thus replied: " Take courage then, 
 Nor think of death ; but speak, and truly say, 385 
 Why thus alone dost thou approach our ships 
 Through the thick shade of night, when others 
 *^ sleep? 
 
 " Or com'st thou basely to despoil the dead? 
 
 '"^ Did Hector send thee to explore our fleet ; 
 
 " Or thine own courage prompt thee to the deed?" 
 Dolon all trembling answVed : " Much deceived 
 By promises of great reward to come. 
 The fiery coursers and the glittVing car 
 Of great Pelides, which I vainly ask'd. 
 Hector to me alone consenting gave ; 395 
 
 " For these through night's obscurity I roam, 
 
 " Approach your camp your purpose to detect ; 
 Whether as heretofore you guard your ships, 
 Or by our arms subdued base flight prepare ; 
 Nor set the watch, with care and labour spent." 
 
 iC 
 
 (C 
 
 « 
 
 tc 
 
 (( 
 
 (ζ 
 
 
 Ο 
 
 ' i« 
 
262 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 tf: 
 
 '•f 
 ■I». 
 
 
 iC 
 
 With scornful smile Ulysses thus replied : 
 Great was thy aim indeed, a noble prize ; 
 The coursers of Achilles ! He alone 
 Of mortal men their spirit can restrain 
 And curb their fury, though of race divine 405 
 And from a goddess sprung. Yet tell me true. 
 Where in his camp great Hector didst thou leave? 
 And where his armour, where his foaming steeds? 
 What guard is set? what chiefs that guard at- 
 
 " tend? 
 What their intent? or rest they on the plain, 410 
 Or flushed with vict'ry back to Troy return ?" 
 Eumedes' son replied : " True are my words. 
 Nor shall you find me false. The assembled 
 
 " chiefs 
 With Hector council hold at II us' tomb. 
 Far from the tumult of the camp removed, 415 
 And noise : no certain guard secures the camp : 
 Yet do the Trojans wakeful by their fires 
 Exhort each other, and the watch maintain. 
 But their allies, from various regions brought, 
 Sleep careless, and the guard to Trojans leave ; 
 For distant are their wives and children far," 420 
 Ulysses answVed : " Do they sleep apart. 
 Or mingled with the Trojans ? Truly name 
 
 \ 
 ά i 
 
 X• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 263 
 
 " Their station and their place." Dolon replied : 
 
 " What you demand I truly will relate : 425 
 
 ^^ Near to the sea, the Carians, Leleges, 
 
 " The Paeons and Pelasgians are encamp'd, 
 
 " And Caucons ; next by Thymbrae's wall are 
 
 " plac d 
 " The Lycians, Mysians, and the Phrygian horse, 
 " And fam'd Maeonian troops. But Λvhy inquire 
 ^^ Minutely thus each sev'ral circumstance 43 1 
 
 " Of Trojans, or allies ? would you the camp 
 
 Explore ? The Thracians on the utmost verge 
 " Newly arriv'd encamp ; Rhesus their king, 
 " Son of Eioneus : I saw his steeds, 435 
 
 " In size, in beauty matchless ; white as snow, 
 " Swift as the wind ; I saw his car, with gold 
 " Inlaid and silver, wondrous to my eyes ; 
 
 His golden armour too, of work divine. 
 
 Huge, massy, ponderous, for mortal man 440 
 " Unmeet, and suited to a god alone. 
 " Send me then quickly to your ships, or bound 
 " With chains here leave me your return to wait ; 
 " When you shall know and by experience prove 
 " The solemn truth of what I have reveal'd." 445 
 
 " Talk not to me," Tydides stem replied 
 In angry mood ; " thou mayst not so escape 
 
 cc 
 
 €C 
 
 >* Ί 
 
26*4 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 x. 
 
 II•- 
 
 I*" 
 
 
 Kit 
 
 " Our vengeful hands, whatever be thy words, 
 
 *^ Or true or false : shall we release thee then 
 
 " Unransom'd, unredeemed, to be again 450 
 
 '^ Employed as now, a spy upon our camp 
 
 " And ships ; or to engage in open war, 
 
 " Or work some mischief to the Grecian host?" 
 
 He spake : the suppliant stood, and stretch'd his 
 hand 
 To touch Tydides' chin, and mercy claim : 455 
 
 But the swift sword descending cut in twain 
 The nerves whilst yet he spake ; his sever'd head 
 And lifeless corpse lay mingled with the dust. 
 
 And now his helmet and his bended bow. 
 The white wolf's shaggy spoils, and missive spear. 
 The heroes seize : Ulysses lifts in air, 46*0 
 
 And thus to Pallas consecrates the prize : 
 
 " Accept propitious these and hear our pray'r, 
 " Goddess! whom first and chief we supplicate ; 
 
 Aid our attempt, and to this Thracian guide 465 
 
 Thy servants ; be his steeds our just reward!'* 
 
 He spake ; and on a lofty tamarisk 
 The spoils of Dolon hung ; and mark'd the place 
 With reeds and boughs conspicuous, lest the 
 night 
 
 And darkness them returning should deceive. 4/0 
 
 a 
 
 (( 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE ILIAP, 
 
 366 
 
 And now the chiefs o'er arms through he^ps of 
 slain 
 
 Their course pursued, and sought the Thraciaa 
 camp. 
 
 Them sleeping they surpris'd, Vi^ith toil fordone ; 
 Their arms, their chariot, and their horses near 
 Attendant, by ea,ck chieftain ready stood. 475 
 
 Rhesus, encircled by his wearied friends. 
 With heavy sl^ep, (^pprest reclining lay ; 
 Near him his matchless steeds in order rang'd 
 Behind his splendid car : Ulysses saw 
 The prize, and thus his friend in arms address'd : 480. 
 
 " This is the Thracian king, 4nd these t^e steeds 
 '^ Which Dolon pointed out ; true were his words. 
 
 Though he the forfeit of his life hath paid. 
 
 Slain by our hands. Now be thy courage tried, 
 " Nor armed as thou art inactive stand, 495 
 
 " Tydides ; now exert thy utmost strength ; 
 " Seize thou the steeds: or deal destruction round, 
 '' And let that task be mine." Thus spake thet 
 chief. 
 
 When now Λvith added strength Minerva arm'd 
 Her hero's breast ; on every side they fall 490 
 
 Beneath his sword ; deep groans of death are heard, 
 And rivei^ flow in blood. The lion thus 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 ■ I i 
 
266 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 X. 
 
 
 i: t 
 
 if - 
 
 lit 
 It 
 
 The unguarded fold devoui*s, or sheep or goats. 
 
 Resistless. Thus with equal rage inspir'd 
 
 Tydides fierce invades the Thracian host : 495 
 
 Twelve heroes fell beneath his daring hand. 
 
 Ulysses provident, with care remov'd 
 
 Those whom the sword of Diomed had slain. 
 
 And dragg'd them by the feet and clear'd the road ; 
 
 Lest the affrighted steeds unus'd to blood, 500 
 
 And fearing to advance, should start aside. 
 
 Tydides now Rhesus the king attack'd*- 
 
 With heavy sleep opprest, an easy prey. 
 
 Just then a fatal vision Pallas sent. 
 
 The drq|m of death, and Rhesus wak'd no more. 
 
 Meantime Ulysses seiz'd the wish'd-for prize, 506 
 Harness'd the Thracian steeds, and led them forth 
 Directing with his bow ; for in the car 
 The silver-studded whip unheeded lay ; 
 Then to Tydides gave the appointed sign. 510 
 
 The hero paus'd: still greater deeds inspir'd 
 His breast ; or now to seize the polish'd car. 
 And armour gold emboss'd, and drag them forth. 
 Or lift them high in air ; or with his sword 
 Spread further desolation through the camp : 515 
 Him doubting still, Minerva thus address'd : 
 " Think of retreat, Tydides, to thy ships ; 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 267 
 
 " Some hostile deity may rouse the foe, 
 
 " And numbers joining force thee to retire.'* 
 
 She spake : Tydides knew the voice divine, 523 
 Mounted his horse (Ulysses led the way). 
 And to the ships they urg'd their speedy flight. 
 
 Apollo now, the guardian god of Troy, 
 Indignant, saw them to the ships return 
 By Pallas aided : fierce his anger burn'd ; 525 
 
 And hast'ning to the Trojan camp he wak'd 
 Hippocoon, riie faithful friend in arms 
 Of Rhesus, starting from his sleep he gaz'd 
 With terror on the slaught'red chiefs around, 
 And Rhesus in the midst, (his matchless steeds 530 
 Remov'd and gone ;) he saw, and deeply groan'd. 
 Meantime great tumult through the Trojan camp 
 And loud lament arose ; when seen the deeds 
 Perform'd that night, when known escap'd the 
 
 foe. 
 And How the heroes at the place arriv'd 535 
 
 Where Dolon welt'ring lay, where hid his arms ; 
 Ulysses stopp'd, and Diomed with haste 
 Descending to Ulysses gave the spoils; 
 And quick his seat resuming, to the ships 
 Victorious drove the captur'd steeds along. 540 
 
 Nestor first heard their near approach, and said, 
 
 
 f 
 
 i 
 
af^ 
 
 THE ILLtDl 
 
 Xi 
 
 X. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 269 
 
 f 
 si 
 
 i 
 
 ''V 
 
 
 'i* 
 
 C£ 
 
 cc 
 
 ^' Am I deceiv'd, or doth the hollow sound 
 ^* Of horses and of horsemen strike my ear } 
 " Ο may Ulysses and Tydides prove 
 " Successfiil! and these horses safe convey 54^ 
 From_ Troy some noble prize ! and yet I fear 
 Lest they should fell, by numerous foes opprest." 
 Scarce had he finish'd when the chiefs arriv'd. 
 Dismounting, them their friends with joy received 
 And cheerful gratulation ; Nestor first. 550 
 
 " Pride of the Grecian host, Ulysses, sfty 
 " From whence these horses; from the Trojan^ 
 
 " campfi 
 ^* A present rathet fromi some deity, 
 '^ Bright and reftilgent as the rays of light. 
 " Though ever with the Trojan host engaged 5S3 
 In constant fight, nor yielding to the claims 
 Of age ; yet never have these eyes beheld 
 " Such matchless steeds, the present of a god 
 " Γ deem; for both great Jove, himself regards, 
 " And Pallas, dreadful in 'the ranks of war." b6o 
 Ulysses thus replied*: " Ο chief rev^'d. 
 Our glory and our pride, superior far 
 To these a god might give ; such is their powV. 
 " Of Thracian breed are these, and newly come 
 *^ To Troy : the king of Thrace Tydides slew, 565 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 (( 
 
 (ζ 
 
 i 
 
 fC 
 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 
 ^^ Rhesus his name; with him twelve heroes fell. 
 These are the spoils from Dolon, whom we took, 
 A secret spy from Troy by Hector sent 
 Our motions to explore, and view our camp." 
 Thus spake the chief; and now the trenches pass'd. 
 The Grecians hail'd with joy their noble prize. 5/1 
 Tydides at his tent the coursers plac'd. 
 Where others ready stood : and at his ship 
 Ulysses rang'd the arms from Dolon won. 
 To Pallas consecrate : then in the sea 575 
 
 Each chief descending bath'd his weary limbs, 
 Ablution meet ; next from the costly bath 
 With oil anointed, and refresh'd, they join d 
 The festive board, and to the blue-ey'd maid 
 From golden goblets pour'd the genVous wine. 580 
 
 it 
 
XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 «71 
 
 BOOK XI. 
 
 ii- 
 
 
 JNow from Tythonus' bed the morn arose, 
 
 Bringing to gods and men the gift of light ; 
 
 When Jove in anger to the Grecian ships 
 
 Sent fierce Contention, bearing in her hand 
 
 The signal of dread war. Her station first 5 
 
 At the tall ship of Ithacus she took, 
 
 That her dire voice on both sides might be heard ; 
 
 Then at the tents of Ajax Telamon, 
 
 And swift Achilles, who on the utmost bounds. 
 
 Confiding in their strength, had rang'd their ships: 
 
 The goddess there her brazen voice uprais'd, 1 1 
 
 Portentous, dreadful, and each breast inspir'd 
 
 With added courage ; sweeter far the toils 
 
 Of war became than wish'd return to Greece. 
 
 Atrides shouted, and his host to arms 15 
 
 Summon'd with speed ; himself meantime prepared 
 His armour for the field. The well-wrought greaves 
 With clasps of silver on his martial limbs 
 He bound ; the corselet arm'd his manly chest. 
 
 ■ 
 
&7• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 t^ 
 
 
 'Γ 
 
 iu 
 
 20 
 
 xi. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 m 
 
 The gift of Cinyras^ (for Cyprus heard 
 
 The rumour of the war which Greece prepared 
 
 To wage with Troy; and to her^ mighty king. 
 
 Token of friendship, sent the costly gift,) 
 
 Ten rays of polish'd steel and twelve of gold. 
 
 Twenty of tin the texture firm compos'd ; 25 
 
 Three azure serpents rose to guard the neck 
 
 On either side, like to that bended bow 
 
 Which Jove impresses on a radiant clblid 
 
 With varied hue ; signal to human-kind. 
 
 Around his shoulders hung the pondVous sword 30 
 
 Studded with gold : a golden belt upheld 
 
 The silver scabbard : next his arm embrao'd 
 
 The pond'rous shield with ghtt'ring tin emboss'd, 
 
 Whose ample verge ten brazen orbs enclosed, 
 
 And shone irradiate : of a deeper fee 3^ 
 
 Black steel the centre crown'd ; there Gorgon's 
 
 head 
 Of dire aspect, whose dread-inspiring ej'es 
 Like flames appear'd, there terror and dismay : 
 The vast circumference a silver belt 
 Sustained, whose top a serpent's form embrac'd, 40 
 And triple head portentous rose to view. 
 Then o'er his broW he plac'd the dazzling casque 
 With ftmrfold plume terrific: in his hand 
 
 Two spears he bore, whose points shone forth to 
 
 heav'n. 
 Whilst Juno and Minerva rais'd the shout 45 
 
 Of war, in honour of Mycenae's king : 
 The chariots at the fosse in order rang*d 
 Their chiefs awaited ; they on foot rush'd forth : 
 The din of battle wakes the tardy mom. 
 
 First in firm ranks array'd the foot advanc'd 50 
 Supported by the horse, small space between : 
 Pernicious tumult sent by angry Jove, 
 Incessant rag'd ; whilst from high heav'n the dew 
 In drops of purple gore descended thick. 
 Devoting heroes to the shades below. 55 
 
 And now the Trojans duly rang*d mov'd on. 
 With Hector and Polydamas their chiefs. 
 And brave ^neas, honour'd as a god ; 
 And with Antenor's sons, with Polybus, 
 Agenor, and the warlike Acamas. 60 
 
 But Hector foremost in the ranks advanc'd. 
 Bearing his mighty shield. As when a star 
 Of omen dire now shines with vivid light. 
 Now sets obscur'd behind some low'ring cloud ; 
 So Hector foremost in the van appear'd, 6^ 
 
 Now issued in the rear his dread commands. 
 
W• 
 
 1 
 
 274 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 275 
 
 
 %^ 
 
 t 
 
 His brazen armour glitt'ring as he mov'd, 
 Like lightning from the angry hand of Jove. 
 
 As reapers in the wide-extended field 
 Of some rich landlord, each to each oppos'd, JO 
 Level the crop luxuriant, or of wheat 
 Or barley, thick with sheaves the land is strew'd ; 
 So Greeks and Trojans on each other rush'd 
 With slaughterous intent ; nor once indulged 
 Thought of base flight; but steadfast and erect J 5 
 Maintain d the combat, and as daring wolves 
 Advanced intrepid. Discord at the sight 
 Exulting joy'd ; for she of all the gods 
 Was present in the battle's wild uproar ; 
 Others retir d each to his blest abode 80 
 
 On high Olympus sat, nor ceas'd to blame 
 Jove's partial favour to the Trojan host. 
 All unconcern'd the Sire of gods and men 
 Exulting sat, and from Olympus' height 
 Survey'd the city, and the ships of Greece ; 85 
 
 Their glitt'ring arms, the slayer and the slain. 
 
 Whilst yet the mom and sacred day increas'd. 
 Through either host, with equal force sustain'd. 
 The battle rag'd : but at what time, when tir'd 
 With constant labour, to his homely fare 90 
 
 The sturdy woodman under thickest shade 
 Betakes him, hungry and with toil fordone. 
 Then Grecian valour broke the Trojan ranks : 
 Atrides led the way, and shouts approv'd. 
 Bienor first, chief of renown, he slew : 9^ 
 
 Then brave Oileus fell ; the rapid spear 
 His forehead pierc'd as to Bienor s aid. 
 Quitting his chariot, dauntless he advanc'd, 
 (The brazen casque a feeble guard supplied,) 
 His brain transfix'd, and staid his bold career. 100 
 These leaving of their shining armour stript. 
 Forward Atrides rush'd where Antiphus 
 And Isus in one car sustain'd the fight ; 
 Of noble this, that of ignoble birth. 
 The sons of Priam : Isus held the reins, 105 
 
 His spear grasp'd Antiphus. On Ida's top 
 Achilles erst the youths with tender twigs 
 Fast bound tending their flocks, and from their sire 
 Ransom receiv'd. Atrides through the breast 
 Of Isus hurl'd his spear; then with his sword 1 10 
 Slew Antiphus, and quickly both despoiled ; 
 Their arms his prize : for well Atrides knew 
 Tlieir lineage ; when Achilles to the ships 
 From Ida led them bound, he saw the youths. 
 As the gaunt lion seizes unawares 115 
 
 τ 2 
 
 fr iH 
 
276 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 & 
 
 r•'* 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 
 |H' 
 
 *?r 
 
 The tender offspring of the nimble deer 
 Surpris'd within her lair, sudden they fall 
 An easy prey to his remorseless jaws ; 
 Whilst she full near, unable to resist, 
 Opprest with fear stands trembling ; then amain 
 Through the thick forest wings her speedy flight : 
 In drops the sweat bedews her limbs, such dread 
 The monster fierce inspires : so none might save 
 The Trojan youths, such terror then prevail'd» 
 
 Next fell Pisandrus and Hippolochus, 1 25 
 
 Sons of Antimachus : (he whilom brib'd 
 By Paris counsel gave not to restore 
 Helen ; advice now fatal to his sons :) 
 Them in one chariot borne Atrides seiz'd 
 As the fell lion : from their jnrembling hands 130 
 The reins dropped useless : in their chariot prone 
 On bended knees thus they preferred the pray'r : 
 
 *^ Spare us, Atrides, and a ransom take 
 " Of value infinite ; for great the wealth 
 " In scuptur d brass, in gold, or iron wrought 135 
 ^^ With skill superior in our father's house : 
 " These and still more Antimachus will send, 
 ^^' If he but hear we at your ships still live." 
 
 Thus they their pray'r with supplicating voice 
 Preferr'd: Atrides sternly thus replied:. 140 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 «■)*'*• 
 -^// 
 
 " If ye be sons of wise Antimachus, 
 "- Who counsell'd death to our ambassadors, 
 " To Μ enelaus and Ulysses, take 
 " The just reward of all your father's crimes." 
 
 He spake ; and from his chariot to the ground 145 
 Pisandrus thrust ; the spear transfix'd his chest. 
 Supine he fell. Hippolochus dismay'd 
 Forth from the chariot leap'd : the vengeful sword 
 Sever'd his hands, then headless left the trunk. 
 Which like a mortar through the crowd he huri'd. 
 And now Atrides, where the battle rag'd χβχ 
 
 With force increas'd, rush'd onward with his host. 
 
 Now infantry with infantrj^ engag'd. 
 And horse with horse (whose numerous feet up- 
 rais'd 
 
 Thick clouds of dust) dealt slaughter all around ; 
 
 Atrides most, whose voice inspir'd the Greeks 
 
 With added courage. As devouring flames 
 
 In the thick forest rage, on ever^- side 
 
 Borne by the varying winds, the crackling wood, 
 
 Tlie lofty timber sinks beneath its force ; i6o 
 
 So fell the Trojans by Atrides' sword. 
 
 To flight imiiell'd : then through the routed host 
 
 Spreading dismay, the rapid coursers dragg d 
 
 Their empty cars ; no chief to guide the reins ; 
 
 I 
 

 hf 
 
 278 THE ILIAD. χι. 
 
 Fall'n on the plain beneath Atrides' spear 
 They lay, to vultures and to beasts a prey. 
 
 Hector meantime from spear, from dust and 
 blood, 
 From slaughter and the battle's wild uproar, 
 Great Jove withdrew protecting : through the host 
 Atrides shouts impetuous, and pursues 170 
 
 The routed foe, now flying to the tomb 
 Of II us, eager to regain the walls. 
 Atrides stain'd with gore pursues amain : 
 Now at the beech and Scaean gate arriv'd. 
 The victor halts, and reinforcement waits ; 175 
 
 Whilst o'er the plain the routed Trojans fly. 
 As herds whose hearts the lion's roar appalls 
 In the obscure night, beneath his potent jaws 
 The hindmost on the plain extended dies ; 
 The insatiate monster swills, and riots in the 
 blood: 18(^ 
 
 Atrides thus pursued, thus fell the foe 
 Beneath his potent arm ; and from their cars 
 Full many a chief extended in the dust 
 Fell prone : so rag'd the hero's vengeful spear. 
 
 When now the city and the lofty wall 1 85 
 
 The victor chief approach'd : on Ida's top 
 The Sire of gods and men descending sat, 
 
 Xh 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^79 
 
 Grasping his forked lightning, and in haste 
 Iris his winged messenger address'd : 
 
 " Go, swift-wing'd Iris, to the Trojan chief 190 
 *' This message bear : Whilst in the foremost ranks 
 " Atrides rages, let him quit the field, 
 " And leave to other chiefs the doubtful fight : 
 " But when Atrides wounded or with sword 
 ^^ Or spear again shall mount his rapid car, 195 
 *^ I will inspire him with redoubled force 
 " To slay the routed Greeks e'en at their ships 
 *^ Till the sun set, and sacred Night approach.*' 
 
 He spake : nor did swift Iris disobey : 
 From Ida to the walls of sacred Troy 200 
 
 Descending, by his steeds and polish'd car 
 The warlike son of Priam she descried. 
 And near approaching thus her message gave : 
 
 " Hear, son of Priam, fam'd for wisdom's lore, 
 " From Jove these words I bear: Whilst in the van 
 " Atrides foremost i-ages, quit the field ; 206 
 
 " Let other Trojan chiefs the fight maintain : 
 " But when or wounded by the sword or spear 
 " Atrides shall remount his rapid car, 
 " He will inspire thee with redoubled force 210 
 " To slay the routed Greeks e'en at their ships 
 " Till the sun set, and sacred Night approach." 
 
380 
 
 THE ILIAP. 
 
 xr• 
 
 fit 
 
 
 I-' f 
 
 f4' 
 
 FT. 
 
 ί' 
 
 She spake, sind disappeared : when from his car 
 The chief all-arm'd descended. In his hands 
 Two spears he bore, and through the Trojan host 
 Their courage kindled, and renew'd the fight; 215 
 They turn d and dar'd the foe, who clos'd their 
 
 ranks. 
 And each with menac'd front the dreadful shock 
 Of arms sustain d : Atrides mighty chief. 
 Advancing, foremost to the battle rush'd. 220 
 
 Say, heav'nly Muse, what Trojan hero first. 
 Or brave ally, dar'd the fierce onset prove. 
 Antenor's warlike son Iphidaraas, 
 Nurtur d in Thrace for pastur d herds renown'd ; 
 Him Cisseus nourish'd in his early youth ; 225 
 
 Cisseus maternal uncle, the lov'd sire 
 Of fair Theano, and to manhood's prime 
 Detained the youth, when he in marriage gave 
 His daughter : but with martial glory fir'd, 
 Iphidamas (his nuptial vow forgot) 230 
 
 With twelve tall ships sought glory from the 
 
 Greeks. 
 These at Percope stationed, he on foot 
 Pursued his journey to the Trojan walls. 
 And with Atrides dar'd the shock of arms. 
 Him first the spear of dread Atrides miss'd 235 
 
 'f; 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 281 
 
 Erring : with utmost strength the Trojan chief 
 His spear directed ; on the well-wrought belt 
 It struck with vehemence, yet pierc'd it not ; 
 The faithless point turning as lead aside. 
 Atrides seiz'd, and with a lion's force 240 
 
 Wrested the weapon from his feebler grasp. 
 And with his faulchion smote his neck in twain : 
 He falls, a lifeless corpse, and sleeps in death ! 
 Ill-fated youth ! aiding his country's cause. 
 Far from his virgin wife, by him enrich'd 245 
 
 With presents numberless, (himself, alas! 
 Of every boon depriv'd;) a hundred beeves 
 He promis'd, and a thousand sheep and goats. 
 For great his store. Him thus Atrides slew. 
 And through the host his shining arms convey'd. 
 
 Not unobserv'd bv Coon, eldest born 251 
 
 Of fam'd Antenor, who his brother's fate 
 Deeply lamenting, near the king approach'd 
 Unseen, and aim'd the wound ; the unerring spear 
 Beneath the elbow pierc'd Atrides' arm. 255 
 
 The hero shuddVed ; nathless he maintain'd 
 The combat, and on Coon rush'd amain 
 With lifted spear. Just then the pious youth, 
 Dragging the corpse of slain Iphidamas, 
 Shouted for aid, and calFd the Trojan chiefs. 2βθ 
 
282 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 If* 
 
 
 f 
 
 Beneath his shield Atrides fix'd the speaf. 
 
 Then stretch'd him headless on his brother's chest 
 
 With his broad faulchion : to the shades below 
 
 Atrides thus Antenor s sons consigrn'd. 
 
 Again the hero through the ranks of war 265 
 
 Spread desolation, or with spear or sword. 
 
 Or stones of wondrous size, whilst from the wound 
 
 The blood yet warmly flow'd ; when now it ceas'd. 
 
 And the wound drying, caus'd acutest pains. 
 
 Then faird the spirit of great Atreus' son. 270 
 
 As when sharp pains and agonizing throes 
 The matron vex, by the Ilithyae sent 
 Daughters of Juno, who at births preside: 
 Thus pains severe subdued Atrides' mind : 
 Then mounted he his car, and to the ships 2/3 
 
 His course directing, thus the Greeks addressed : 
 " Friends, princes, leaders of the Grecian host, - 
 
 Far from our ships avert the flames of war ; 
 
 For me, Jove bids me from the fight retire." 
 
 He spake ; and to the ships pursued his way : 
 The willing steeds urg'd on their rapid course 281 
 With foaming chests ; thick clouds of dust arose 
 As from the fight they bore the wounded chief. 
 
 Not unobserved retir'd the Grecian king; 
 When Hector thus with animating speech 285 
 
 €ζ 
 
 (( 
 
 ψ: 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 283 
 
 His troops address'd : " Trojans, and brave allies, 
 ^^ Now be your courage, now your valour tried ; 
 " The bravest of the Greeks retires, and Jove 
 '^ To me the glory gives : then onward drive 
 " Your foaming coursers, and pursue the foe ; 290 
 " And be immortal glory your reward.*' 
 
 Thus he their courage and their strength renew'd. 
 And as the hunter slips his eager dogs 
 Or on the lion or the bristled boar ; 
 So Hector on the Greeks the Trojans urg'd, 295 
 And led them on like desolating Mars 
 Advancing to the war, as sudden blasts 
 Impetuous rushing blacken all the deep. 
 Say then who first beneath great Hector's spear. 
 So Jove ordain'd, who last his life resign d. 300 
 
 Assseus first, Dolops, Autonous, 
 Opites, and the brave Hipponous, 
 jEsymnus, Orus and Opheltius, 
 Chiefs of renown ; then others of less note. 
 
 As when with sudden gust a western storm 305 
 Encounters in mid air the gathering clouds 
 By southern winds condens'd, the aflfrighted deep 
 With surge tremendous rolls the swelling tide, 
 And adverse blasts the foaming spray disperse ; 
 So Hector's fury swept the Grecian host. 310 
 
 4'. 
 
284 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XI• 
 
 3tl« 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 285 
 
 »-. 
 
 
 «. 
 
 ■ft 
 
 Then had destructive and pernicious deeds ^ 
 
 And flight disgraceful stain'd the Grecian name, • 
 But Ithacus oppos'd, and thus bespoke 
 Tydides : " Why, alas 1 do we forget 
 " Our courage and our strength? Here let us stand: 
 " Great were the shame should Hector seize our 
 " ships." 316 
 
 Tydides thus replied : " Here will I stand 
 " And will endure ; yet vantage small I fear, 
 " Since partial Jove to Hector gives the day." 
 
 He spake; and from his chariot to the ground 320 
 Thymbraeus fell'd ; the spear transfix'd his chest : 
 His faithful charioteer Molion next 
 Ulysses slew; then left him on the plain; 
 And rushing where the thickest ranks oppos'd. 
 Destruction spread and death. As when two boars 
 Resistless fierce, the numerous pack assail ; 326 
 So these the Trojan ranks. The Greeks meantime 
 Whom Hector's sword dispers'd recov'red breath. • 
 Then slew they Merops' sons ; one chariot bore 
 The warriors through the ranks, for courage fam'd ; 
 Sons of Percosian Merops, who excell'd 331 
 
 In deep prophetic lore, nor would permit 
 His sons to tempt the dangers of the war. 
 They disobey'd, stern Fate impellVl them on ; 
 
 Whom Diomed of light and life deprived, 
 
 And of their armour spoiFd. Ulysses slew 
 
 Hippodamus and brave Hyperochus. 
 
 When now from Ida s top Saturnian Jove 
 
 Survey'd the field, and pois'd the doubtful war ; 
 
 And equal deaths prevail'd. Tydides' spear 340 
 
 Sore wounded in the hip Agastrophus, 
 
 From Paeon sprung ; no horse, no chariot near 
 
 To aid his flight ; ill-fated as he was ! 
 
 On foot the attempt is vain : he falls and dies. 
 
 Hector perceiv d, and led his Trojans on 345 
 
 Shouting : Tydides saw the gath'ring storm. 
 
 And anxious thus sage Ithacus address'd : 
 
 " Hither impetuous Hector wheels his course; 
 
 " Here stand we, and united dare the ficrht." 
 
 He spake, and hurl'd his spear; nor miss'd his aim. 
 But on the helmet of the chief of Troy 351 
 
 Smote full, yet pierc'd not through ; the plaited^ 
 
 casque. 
 Gift of Apollo, stopp'd its mighty force. 
 Hector in haste retired : his bended knee 
 And arm his weight supported : o'er his eyes 355 
 Darkness prevail'd. Tydides to regain 
 His spear pursuit delay 'd ; for glanc'd aside. 
 Deep in the ground was hid the glitt'ring point. 
 
 % 
 
286 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XI. 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 28f 
 
 
 
 
 I* 
 
 lit- 
 
 
 j *l' 
 
 
 Hector meanwhile revived, and in his car 
 Vaulting, regain d the ranks, escap'd from death. 36o 
 Nathless Tydides with uplifted spear 
 Thus menaced the foe : " Detested chief, 
 ** Thou hast again escap'd, and scarcely so : 
 *^ Phoebus hath sav'd thee, to whose awful powV 
 " Thou pray'st when entVing mid the shock of 
 *^ arms. 365 
 
 " Surely thou diest if we but meet again, 
 " And some propitious god Tydides aid : 
 " Others meantime shall satiate my revenge." 
 
 He spake ; and to the spoil of Paeon's son 
 Hastened ; when Paris, beauteous Helen s choice, 
 Prepared his bow: conceal'd behind the tomb 3/1 
 Of Ilus, ancient senator, he stood. 
 Just then Tydides from Agastrophus 
 The varied helmet and the pondVous shield 
 And corselet loos'ned. From the well-drawn bow 
 Th' unerring arrow pierc'd the hero's foot, 376 
 
 And fix'd it to the ground : Paris leap'd forth 
 From his retreat, and thus in taunting guise 
 Exulting spake : " Not fruitless was my aim, 
 " And thou art wounded; would to heav'n the 
 
 " point 
 " Were buried in thy heart, and drank thy life' 
 
 €( 
 
 U 
 
 " Then might the Trojans breathe awhile from ills, 
 " Who dread thee as the flocks the lion's rage." 
 
 To whom undaunted, Diomed replied : 
 ^ Vain archer! base deceiver of the sex! 385 
 
 ^^ Soon shalt thou find, if we but meet in arms. 
 
 Thy bow and arrows but a weak defence : 
 
 My foot thus slightly wounded be thy boast : 
 " Women and children might such wounds inflict : 
 " A coward's weapon in contempt I hold. 390 
 
 " But whom this spear but lightly touch, he dies ; 
 ^^ His wife and orphans him with tears lament, 
 " Whilst in the blood-stain'd field his carcase rots, 
 *^ To birds of prey than women far more dear." 
 
 Thus spake Tydides : Ithacus meantime 395 
 Approach'd to shield his frien^ ; and seated near. 
 Drew forth the bitter arrow from the wound : 
 Sharp pains ensued ; when to his car the chief 
 Hast'ned, and to the ships pursued his way. 
 
 Ulysses on the field alone remain'd, 40Q 
 
 No Grecian near, fear urg d them to base flight ; 
 When thus indignant, with his mighty soul 
 The chieftain converse held : " To fly the foe 
 " Though sorely prest, that were indeed disgrace! 
 " Yet danger imminent if singly here AOL• 
 
 " With numbers I contend; since all our host 
 
 'li 
 
288 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 289 
 
 Γ 
 
 ι.* 
 
 " Are fled, by Jove himself with fear inspired. 
 *^ Yet why this doubtful reasoning, Ο my soul! 
 ^' The coward flies the danger of the field : 
 *^ But he who knows in battle to excel, 410 
 
 *^ Firmly maintains his ground, to fight or die." 
 
 Whilst thus within himself he reasoning stood. 
 The foe advanc'd, and near encircled round ; 
 But to their own destruction. As when dogs 
 And youthful hunters from the thicket rouse 415 
 The foaming boar, forth rushing from his lair 
 He whets his shining tusks, and champs with ire 
 Gnashing his teeth; all-furious as he is. 
 They firmly stand, and dare the monster's force : 
 So round Ulysses press'd the Trojan youth. 420 
 He favoured of the gods with fatal blow 
 Deiopites through the shoulder pierc'd ; 
 Then Thoon felt his force, and Ennomos : 
 And now Chersidamas, as from his horse 
 Alighting, just beneath his shield receiv'd 425 
 
 The fatal wound ; and in the dust expir'd. 
 Thus slain he left them, and on Charops rush'd. 
 Brother of Socus, sons of Hippasus. 
 Ouick to his brother s aid brave Socus flew. 
 And near approaching Ithacus address'd : 430 
 
 *^ Illustrious chief, insatiate of toils. 
 
 *' This day two sons of Hippasus shall fell 
 " Beneath thy force, and yield their shining arms 
 " Thy meed ; or this my spear thy life arrest." 
 Thus saying, on the well-wrought shield he 
 smote; 435 
 
 Through shield, through corselet pass'd the rapid 
 spear. 
 
 And pierc'd his side ; but Pallas check'd its force. 
 
 Nor suflfVed it to enter and destroy. 
 
 Ulysses knew the wound of slight import. 
 
 And back retiring Socus thus addressed : 440 
 
 *^ ill-fated youth ! whom death with hasty 
 " stride 
 
 Approacheth, thou hast caus'd me cease awhile 
 
 From battle; yet this self-same day shall bring 
 " Destruction on thy head, by me subdued ; 
 " This spear shall send thee to the shades below.'* 
 
 He spake ; when Socus hasty flight prepar'd ; 446 
 But in his back between the shoulders pass'd 
 The fatal spear ; transfixt he fell to earth ; 
 His armour rang : the victor thus resum'd : 
 " Socus, renowned son of Hippasus, 450 
 
 " Thus end thy days, thus Fate hath seal'd thy 
 " doom ; 
 
 " Thou mayst not now escape. Unfortunate ! 
 
 ζί 
 
 <c 
 
 υ 
 
 ίΜΑ»ι..»ί>ΐ|^Β ί , 
 
990 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 χι. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 391 
 
 
 fk 
 
 I' 4 
 
 " No weeping parents shall thy eyehds cFose 
 *^ With decent rites ; the rav'nous bird of prey 
 " Shall tear thy flesh, clanging his horrid wings : 
 *^ But me when dead all Grecia will entomb." 456 
 
 Thus having said, he from his wounded side 
 And shield the spear of valiant Socus drew : 
 The warm blood issuing sudden fear inspir'd. 
 
 The sons of Troy at sight of hostile blood 460 
 Shouted exulting, and with added force 
 Advanc'd : Ulysses slowly back retir'd. 
 And loudly calFd for aid. Thrice loud as man 
 His voice might raise he calPd, nor calFd in vain ; 
 Him Menelaus brave in battle heard, 465 
 
 And thus the Telamonian chief address'd : 
 " Illustrious Ajax, bulwark of our host, 
 *^ I hear the voice of prudent Ithacus, 
 " As though surrounded by the numerous foe : 
 *^ Then haste we to his aid : however brave, 470 
 ^^ I tremble for his life, by numbers prest : 
 " Ulysses slain all Grecia would lament." 
 
 He spake; and led the way where heard the 
 voice : 
 Him Ajax follow'd like a god in arms. 
 Ulysses by the Trojans circled round 475 
 
 They found. As wolves upon the mountain top 
 
 The wounded stag beset ; flxt in his side 
 
 The barbed shaft remains, though for a tiiiie 
 
 Whilst warm the blood he nimbly bound along ; 
 
 Fainting at length he falh, in the thick wood 480 
 
 An easy prey to their devouring jaws ; 
 
 Till by the lion suddenly surpris'd 
 
 They fly ; the lordly beast alone devours : 
 
 So roiind Ulysses fertile in resource 
 
 The Trojans numerous and brave advanc'd ; 485 
 
 His threat'ning sfear wards oflf impending death. 
 
 Now with his pondVous shield like to ^me tou^'r 
 Ajax advanc'd : through fear, on every side 
 The Trojans fled : then from the battle's rage 
 The wounded chieftain MenelaUs led 
 In safety to his car, which near them stood. 
 
 But Ajax rushing on the foe, slew first 
 Doryclus son of Priam, basely born ; 
 Then Pandocus : and now beneath his sword 
 Lysander, Pyrasus, Pylartes, fell. 
 
 As when the torrent swoln by sudden rains 
 Rolls from the mountain height its foaming tide. 
 The oak uprooted annd the lofty pine 
 Are hurried down the steep, while to the sea 
 The impetuous deluge poufs its turbid flood ; 
 So Ajax o'er the plain destruction spread^ 
 
 U 2 
 
 490 
 
 495 
 
 500 
 
 aia iiiiiiii rrimMifrirwiiiiiliiiiii 
 
393 
 
 ΊΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 Χί. 
 
 
 505 
 
 Unknown to Hector. On Scamander's banks 
 
 He wag d the war, and there the field was strew'd 
 
 With heroes slain, and endless tumult rose ; 
 
 Where Nestor fought and brave Idomeneus. 
 
 There Hector in the midst, in chariot now, 
 
 And now on foot, superior courage show'd. 
 
 And deeds of valorous emprise maintained. 
 
 Nor then had Greece retir'd and left the field, 
 
 But Paris with his barbed arrow smote * 510 
 
 Machaon mighty chief: the rapid shaft 
 
 His shoulder pierc'd, and check'd his bold career. 
 
 The Grecians trembled for the wounded chief; 
 
 When thus Idomeneus : '* Pride of our host, 
 
 *^ Sage Nestor, hither with thy chariot haste ; 515 
 
 ^^ With speed Machaon to the ships convey. 
 
 *' Skill'd in the healing art above mankind, 
 
 " Or to apply soft medicine, or extract 
 
 « The barbed shaft ; his loss were great indeed V* 
 
 He spake : nor disobey'd the Pylian sage, 520 
 But in his car the wounded chief convey d, 
 Machaon, to the distant ships of Greece. 
 
 Eftsoons Cebriones from far discem'd 
 The Trojans routed on the distant plain. 
 And Hector thus bespoke : "We in the rear 
 " Maintain the doubtful fight, whilst in the van 
 
 525 
 
 ■ §^' 
 
 Xi. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 293 
 
 iC 
 
 u 
 
 " The routed Trojans fly before the foe 
 In dread confusion : Ajax mighthy chief 
 (I know his sev'nfold orb) spreads death around : 
 " There hasten we where horse and foot engag'd 
 " Conflicting fall, and madd'ning tumult reigns." 
 
 He spake ; and scourg d the foaming steeds along: 
 Through Greeks and Trojans bounds the rapid car ; 
 Ο er shields, o'er heroes, fetlock deep in gore 
 The impetuous coursers rush : distain'd with blood 
 The axle groans beneath ; with blood the wheels. 
 The trappings, and the car, are purpled o'er. 
 
 Hector all-eager through the thickest ranks 
 Burst sudden : tumult through the Grecian files 
 Prevail'd and dread ; so rag'd the Hectorian spear. 
 Whole ranks discomfiting with spear or sword, 541 
 Or pond'rous stones, he rang'd the plain along ; 
 Yet dar'd he not with Ajax singly fight. 
 But Jove supreme the Grecian chief with fear 
 Inspir'd ; astonish'd and dismay 'd awhile 544 
 
 He stood, and cast his sev'nfold orb behind ; 
 And turning oft survey 'd the unequal fight ; 
 Retiring, but with tardy steps and slow. 
 
 And as when dogs and herdsmen from the stall 
 Repulse the lion's strength, and through the night 
 Keeping strict watch, his purpose disappoint 551, 
 
 i 
 
 ¥'Ί\ 
 
394 
 
 THE 1LIAD.I 
 
 xu 
 
 w.. 
 
 -X ■ 
 l.'i- 
 
 
 m 
 
 And maw voracious ; nathless he endures ' 
 
 By famine prest ; yet fruitless all his strength : 
 Thick show'rs of arrows, and the flaming torch 
 Which most he dreads, repel his bold attempt ; 553 
 With light he to his den growling retires: 
 So Ajax from the battle slow withdrew 
 Reluctant, trembling for the Grecian fleet. 
 
 As the slow ass the growing crop invades. 
 By boys opposed in vain ; nor frequent blows 56o 
 Prevent ; though still pursued he eats his fill. 
 So puny their attack ; then scarce retreats : 
 Thus Trojans and allies pursue the chief 
 Of Telamonian race : the frequent spear 
 Rings on his orbid shield : now on the foe 5&5 
 
 Turning he rushes, and maintains the war 
 Dauntless : now fear persuades disgraceful flight. 
 Yet not unmindful to protect the fleet. 
 Between contending hosts he stands oppos'd. 
 And bars the road, lest they the ships invade. 5/0 
 Thrown from the hand of many a valiant qhief. 
 The frequent spear stands fixt within the shield; 
 Whilst others, ere they reach the destin'd mark. 
 Fail in midway and lost in empty air. 
 Whom when Eurypylus> Euaemon s son, 5^5 
 
 Encumbered thus witK weaix)ns numberless 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 ^ 
 
 Perceiv'd, forthwith approaching, with his spear 
 
 He Apisaon smote, chief of renown, 
 
 The son of Phausius : the fatal point 
 
 His liver pierc'd, and instant death ensued. 680 
 
 Eurypylus, intent to spoil the slain, 
 Rush'd forward : him the godlike Paris saw 
 Despoiling Apisaon, and prepar*d 
 His bow. The winged shaft unerring flew, 
 Pierc'd through his thigh, and breaking, left its 
 point 585 
 
 Deeply infixt. The wounded chief retir'd 
 Within the ranks again, avoiding death. 
 And loudly thus exclaim'd: " Friends, princes, 
 
 ^^ chiefs, 
 " Now firmly stand, and from united foes 
 
 Save Ajax sorely prest by hostile darts ; 590 
 
 Or lost our mighty chief: then firmly stand." 
 Thus spake Eurypylus : with spears uprais'd 
 And shields opposing, onward rush'd the Greeks 
 And rallied round their chief, who slow retir'd ; 
 Then turning to the foe, with dauntless front 595 
 Stood : like devouring fire the battle rag'd. 
 
 Meantime the coursers of the Pyhan chief 
 Convey'd Machaon to the Grecian ships. 
 Him as he pass'd divine Achilles knew, 
 
 cc 
 
 a 
 
 ill 
 
296 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Xlt 
 
 tS-r 
 
 
 ' Άί- 
 
 
 lit 
 
 If... 
 
 xX'• 
 
 I* 
 
 .it 
 
 As from his lofty vessel's stern he view'd 
 
 The labour of the field and mournful flighty 
 
 And to his friend Patroclus quickly calFd 
 
 With elevated voice. He from his tent 
 
 Issu'd like Mars ; in evil hour, first source 
 
 Of all his woes, and thus in answer said : 605 
 
 " Why calls Achilles, and with anxious voice ?** 
 
 When thus replied Achilles swift of foot ; 
 " Ο Menoitiades ! friend whom my soul 
 " Most values, most esteems, soon now I deem 
 *^ The Greeks will at my knees pour forth the 
 " pray'r 6lQ 
 
 *^ And supplicate my aid, for great their need. 
 ^^ Haste then, Patroclus, lov'd of Jove, inquire 
 *^ Whom Nestor from the battle wounded brought; 
 Like to Machaon, iEsculapius' son, 
 Passing he seem'd ; yet saw I not his face, 6l5 
 So quickly flew the rapid steeds along." 
 He spake : Patroclus, to his friend's request 
 Obedient, hast'ned to the tents and ships. 
 
 And now the chiefs at Nestor's tent arriv'd. 
 Eurymedon unyok'd the panting steeds ; 62O 
 
 Whilst they with heat opprest first sought the 
 
 breeze 
 Fresh coming from the se^, ^nd quick unbound 
 
 α 
 
 (( 
 
 <c 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 297 
 
 Their corselets, turning to the balmy gale ; 
 Then seated in the tent their limbs repos'd. 
 The grateful bev'rage Hecamede prepar'd, 625 
 
 Whom Nestor brought from Tenedos, destroy'd 
 By Peleus' son (Arsinous was her sire) ; 
 Her on the Pylian sage the Greeks bestow'd. 
 Of counsel best and wisest, just reward. 
 
 First she the well-wrought polisht table set, 630 
 (Of ebony the feet) ; then on it plac'd 
 A brazen charger which within contain'd 
 An onion highly flavour'd, sacred wheat 
 In purest meal, and honey from the comb. 
 Near this the cup she plac'd with gold embost : 635 
 (Nestor from Pylos brought this treasure rare ; 
 Pour handles grac'd it, and on each were seen 
 Two doves in posture stooping as to drink. 
 And other two supporting form'd the base ; 
 No aged hand the cqp when full might lift 640 
 Save Nestor only ; light to him the task.) 
 The nymph divine thus mix'd the grateful cup : 
 First grated cheese from goat's milk, Pramnian 
 
 wine 
 She mingled, and of wheat the purest meal : 
 Then to the chiefs presented ; who their thirst 645 
 Allaying, with each other converse held; 
 
398 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 u 
 
 (C 
 
 ce 
 
 ff 
 
 ζζ 
 
 When at the tent Manoetius' son appear'd. 
 Him Nestor saw, and from his seat uprose ; 
 And taking by the hand his valued friend. 
 Welcomed his coming. He with mildness thus 650 
 His courtesy declin'd : " Illustrious sage, 
 No seat for me ; nor will he brook delay, 
 Impetuous hasty, who hath sent me here 
 To learn whom wounded to the ships you 
 
 " bring. 
 I see Machaon ; then permit return, 60 5 
 
 " That I a faithful messenger may prove : 
 *' For well thou know'st, Ο venerable man! 
 *' Achilles prone to blame where blame is none." 
 Nestor thus answ'red : " Does he then lament 
 " I'he wounded sons of Greece ? He cannot know 
 " The measure of those griefs our host endures. 
 " Our bravest warriors or with sword or spear 
 '^ Lie wounded at the ships : great Tydeus' son, 
 " Illustrious Diomed ; Ulysses skill'd himself 
 " To hurl the spear: Atrides too 66^ 
 
 ^ Is wounded sore, and brave Eurypylus, 
 " His thigh transfixed with a barbed shaft. 
 *^ This friend I from the battle have convey'd 
 ^^ Thus wounded as you see. But Peleus son, 
 ^^ Brave though he be, nor pities nor regards. 6/0 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 299 
 
 " Or waits he till the flames consume our ships 
 ^^ Here on the strond ; whilst we, resistance vain, ' 
 " Are slaught'red heaps on heaps? No longer 
 
 (C 
 
 now 
 
 u 
 
 As heretofore my limbs firm strength possess. 
 ^* Ο could my youth return, and former strength, " 
 '^^ As when with El is I the battle mov'd, 676 
 
 " To guard my spoils by lawful conquest gain'd! 
 ^^ Then did this arm slay brave Itymoneus, 
 ^^ Son of Hyperochus ; (in El is dwelt 
 " The chief.) I drove away the num'rous spoils : 
 ^^ But he in their defence my shaft received, 681 
 f' And fell. The fright ned herdsmen fled the 
 
 " field: 
 ^^ We the rich booty from their pastures took ; 
 ^' Of oxen fifty herds, as many flocks 
 *^ Of sheep ; as many swine, and goats the same: 
 " Of mares one hundred fifty grac'd our spoils, 6s6 
 " Each with her foal. To Pylos these we drove 
 " By night. Neleus my sire rejoic'd to find 
 " Such treasures erown'd my first essay in arms. 
 " When now returned, heralds aloud proclaim'd, 690 
 " That all who had on Elis just demands 
 " Should duly meet and the rich spoil divide, 
 ^' For much the Epeians ow'd. There was a time 
 
300 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 XI. 
 
 
 
 
 €C 
 
 iC 
 iC 
 €C 
 €C 
 €C 
 
 it 
 
 ii 
 
 €C 
 fC 
 €C 
 
 tc 
 
 ic 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 When Pylos much endur'd; her armies thinn'd 
 By the victorious hand of Hercules, 695 
 
 And all her chiefs in battle overthrown : 
 I of twelve sons alone remain d alive 
 To Neleus. Then the Epeians swoln with pride 
 Heap'd insult upon insult, wrongs on wrongs. 
 A herd of oxen Neleus to his share 700 
 
 Selected, and three hundred sheep ; with these 
 Their shepherds : (for to him much Elis ow'd.) 
 Four steeds unrival'd in the Olympic games 
 (Their prize a golden tripod) Neleus sent. 
 Augeas, king of Elis, them detained, 700 
 
 And sent the charioteer with insult home. 
 Mov'd by these causes Neleus of the spoil 
 A large proportion seiz'd, reprisal just; 
 The rest as their demand the people shar'd : 
 These I administered ; and to the gods 7 10 
 
 Due sacrifice prepar'd. Scarce had three days 
 Elaps'd when they with horse and foot advanc'd. 
 Their whole united force : Molion's sons. 
 Young, inexperienc'd, led the numerous host. 
 High on a lofty rock Thryoessa stands, 715 
 
 Near Alpheus' stream, at the extremest bounds 
 Of sandy Pylos : thither all her force 
 Epeia sent to plunder and destroy. 
 
 Xt, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 301 
 
 t€ 
 
 CC 
 
 CC 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 " When pass'd the plain, Minerva in the ni^ht 
 ** Summon d to arms ; nor Pylos disobey'd, 72O 
 All eager for the war. Neleus meantime 
 My steeds conceal'd, and strict forbad the war 
 To my unequal youth : on foot I went^ 
 Nor yielded to the horse in deeds of arms 
 *^ And valorous acts, for Pallas led the way. 7i25 
 ** Where Minyus near Arene pours its flood 
 Into old Ocean's bosom, there encamp'd 
 The Pylian force waited approaching mom : 
 '' From thence we march'd to Alpheus* sacred 
 
 " stream, 
 " All arm'd : there we to Jove supreme prepar'd 
 '* Due sacrifice: to Alpheus' stream a bull ; 731 
 ^* A bull to Neptune ; to the blue-ey'd maid 
 " An untam'd heifer : then refresh'd our host, 
 ^* And on the river's margin slept in arms. 
 
 Intent on spoil the Epeians press'd the siege; 735 
 Yet great the contest ere success might crown 
 Their hopes ; for when the sun arose, to Jove 
 " And to Minerva we address'd the pray'r, 
 " And to the onset rush'd. Both armies thus 
 •^ Conflicting, first this hand slew Mulius, 740 
 
 " Son of Augeas, Agamede's spouse, 
 *^ Of Actor eldest born ; and seiz'd his steeds : 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 * ί 
 
302 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 fo; 
 
 
 (t 
 
 €C 
 
 <( 
 
 <( 
 
 cc 
 
 " (Fair Agamede, skill'd each herb to trace 
 ^ Of heahng pow'r which bounteous earth bestows :) 
 Slain by my spear prone in the dust he fell : 745 
 I leap'd into his car, and led the van. 
 Then trembled all the Epeian host, and fled 
 ^^ Routed; their chieftain faR'n though brave in 
 
 ^^ arms. 
 " Then like the desolating tempest's force 
 *^ I rush'd upon the foe. Full fifty cars 750 
 
 " I took ; from each two warriors bit the dust, 
 Slain by my spear: nor had Molions sons 
 My force escap d, but Neptune from the fight 
 " In thickest clouds involv d, preserv'd their youth: 
 *^ Then Jove with honour crown d the Pylian arms. 
 " O'er the wide plain with shields and armour 
 '' strew'd, jr^g 
 
 " We slew the routed foe, and took the spoil : 
 " Nor stay'd till at Buprasium's fields arriv'd, 
 " Th' Olenian rock, Alesium, and the town 
 " Of fair Colone ; there we stopp'd pursuit, 760 
 " So Pallas gave command ; and there I slew 
 The last Epeian. From Buprasium 
 To Pylos we return'd. Jove fii-st received 
 Of gods the public thanks, then Ndeus' son 
 " Of men. Such was my youth. Achilles hides 
 
 €C 
 
 «C 
 
 (C 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 303 
 
 f6 
 
 cc 
 
 ii 
 f( 
 a 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 tc 
 ίζ 
 <ζ 
 ίζ 
 (f 
 
 His valour in revenge, with sorer grief 
 
 Hereafter to lament, when slain our host. 
 
 Ο friend ! Manoetius gave you this advice 
 
 When he from Phthia to Atrides sent 
 
 Thee his lov'd son ; (Ulysses and myself 770 
 
 Were there, and heard his words:) where Peleus 
 
 ^ dwelt 
 Thither we hast'ned, earnest to collect 
 Th' Achaian forces for our destin'd war. 
 Manoetius there, Achilles and thyself. 
 We. found. Peleus just then to Jove supreme 
 Due oflf 'rings made, and from the golden cup 776 
 Pour'd rich libations on the smoking rites: 
 You too prepar'd the flesh : we stood without. 
 Achilles from his seat astonish'd rose. 
 And led us by the hand, and seating, gave 78O 
 Courteous reception, as to strangers due. 
 After refreshment I the speech address'd. 
 Persuading you to aid us in the war : 
 Both eagerly engag'd. Your prudent sires 
 Much admonition gave: ' Be brave, my son, 7»5 
 (Thus counsell'd Peleus,) ' and excel in arms.' 
 To you Manoetius, son of Actor, said, 
 'My son, Achilles is of nobler birth, 
 ' But you are oldest ; he in strength excels : « 
 
304 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XI. 
 
 XI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 305 
 
 1^1 
 
 ■ f , 
 
 Ί 
 
 
 
 <( 
 
 ίζ 
 
 ** ^ Be it your care sage counsel to suggest, 790 
 
 *^ ^And to instruct his youth; he will obey.' 
 " Your father thusi but you, alas! forget. 
 Yet even now, perchance, he will attend 
 Your words, should heav'n assist : still might you 
 
 " rouse 
 " His soul to arms ; much pow'r hath friendship's 
 
 " voice. 795 
 
 *' But if forewarned by oracles divine, 
 " If Thetis, sent by Jove, forbid his aid, 
 " Let him send forth his Myrmidons with thee, 
 " If haply thou mayst aid our failing host, 
 " Clad in his glitfring arms : with terror seiz'd, 
 " Mistaking thee for him, all Troy would flee, 801 
 " And our afflicted host might breathe awhile : 
 " Fresh troops with ease the wearied foe may drive 
 " Back to their city, from our ships and tents." 
 
 Thus Nestor spake : his words impressive sank 
 Deep in Patroclus' breast. He hastened back 806 
 To Peleus' son : when at the ships arrived 
 Of Ithacus, (for there by custom held 
 The chiefs their council, and the seat maintain d 
 Of justice ; there the altar of their gods,) 810 
 
 Just there Euaemon's son, Eurypylus, 
 He met, sore wounded in the thigh, escaped 
 
 cc 
 
 €C 
 
 Though lame, from battle : (drops of sweat, mean- 
 time, 
 
 Bedew'd his limbs, and from the rankling wound 
 Fast flow'd the blood, yet unsubdued his mind.) 815 
 Compassion touch'd his breast ; he stopp'd, and thus 
 In mournful words his suflTnng friend address'd: 
 
 " Unhappy Grecian chiefs and counsellors! 
 " Far from your friends, and from your country far. 
 Must you thus satisfy the savage beasts 820 
 
 On Trojan plains ? Yet say, Eurypylus, 
 *^ Doth Greece sustain the force of Hector's spear, 
 *^ Or sink beneath his desolating arm ?" 
 
 Eurypylus replied : " No help remains, 
 " Godlike Patroclus ; no protection left 825 
 
 " To save our fleet from the victorious foe ; 
 '' Our chiefs all wounded, but their strength in- 
 
 " creas'd: 
 " Yet help me, and conduct me to my ship ; 
 '^ Extract the arrow's point, and cleanse my wound 
 " With warm ablution and soft medicine 830 
 
 " Of healing virtue; such as Chiron taught 
 " Achilles, and to you by him made known : 
 '' Of those with us most skill'd, one at his tent, 
 " Machaon, wounded, needs like aid himself; 
 '' And Podalirius still maintains the fight." 835 
 
 X 
 
506 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xr. 
 
 1^ 
 
 i**" 
 
 To whom Menoetius' warlike son replied: 
 ^^ How may this be, Eurypylus ? what steps 
 " May I unblam'd pursue ? To Peleus' son 
 ^ I hasten, with important business charg'd 
 " From Nestor, chief rever'd, our great support : 
 '^ Yet must I not forget my valued friend 841 
 
 " In this his need." Thus saying, in his arms 
 Supporting to his tent the chief he led. 
 The servant strew'd the floor, and on the ground 
 Extended at his length the hero plac'd : 845 
 
 Patroclus from his thigh the painful shaft 
 Cut out ; then cleans'd with water pure the wound^ 
 And juice of bitter root well bruis'd applied. 
 Of sovVeign pow'r to heal, and all his pains 
 Sudden remov'd : the blood no longer flow'd. 850 
 
 
 XII, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 307 
 
 BOOK XII. 
 
 Thus at the tents Menoetius' warlike son 
 
 Heal'd the sore wound of brave Eurypylus: 
 
 Each host meantime renew'd the dreadful fight: 
 
 Nor might the fosse protect, nor ample wall 
 
 Rais'd to secure the fleet from hostile force ; 5 
 
 No sacrifices paid to heav'nly pow'rs. 
 
 That they might guard the ships and the rich spoils 
 
 Within contain'd : begun with adverse heav'n 
 
 No works of mortal man may long endure ! 
 
 Whilst Hector liv'd and sacred Troy remain'd, 10 
 
 And swift Achilles cherish'd dire reven<re 
 
 So long the Grecian wall remain'd entire: 
 
 But when the bravest of the Trojan host 
 
 Were slain, and sacred Troy to flames consign'd ; 
 
 When the victoriow Grecians back return'd J 5 
 
 To their lov'd country, after loss severe. 
 
 Then Neptune and Apollo overthrew 
 
 The wall, and pour'd from Ida's lofty top 
 
 The numerous streams : Rhesus, Heptaporus, 
 
 X 2 
 
 ^l£- 
 
308 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XII. 
 
 XII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 309 
 
 
 1 
 
 I'' 1 
 
 .s 
 
 LmX . 
 
 Caresus, Rhodius, and iEsepus' flood, 
 
 Granicus, and Scamander's sacred stream ; 
 
 And Simois, whose deep and gulfy tide 
 
 Shields, helmets, rolls along, and godlike heroes 
 
 slain. 
 Nine days Apollo turn d their heady course 
 Against the wall ; and with incessant rains 25 
 
 Jove sweird their streams, and delug'd wkh the sea 
 The unhallow'd work ; Neptune strode on before, 
 Bearing his trident : piles and massy stones 
 Shook from their deep foundations, and o'erwhelm'd 
 Sank in the flood. The labour of the Greeks 30 
 Thus leveird with the rapid Hellespont,. 
 The wall destroy'd, a sandy desert rang d 
 The coast along : each river then restored, 
 RoU'd the pure stream along its wonted course : 
 Phoebus and Neptune this to later times 35 
 
 Reserv d, and future days. Then rag d the war 
 With clamorous uproar around the wall 
 Struck by the frequent spear ; whilst at their ships. 
 By adverse Jove subdued, the Greeks remain d, 
 Dreading the approach of Hector's vengeful spear, 40 
 Which dealt destruction like the whirlwind's force. 
 
 As when on dogs and hunters or the boar 
 Or lion turns, and from his eyeballs rolls 
 
 Indignant fires, united they oppose 
 
 The monster's force, and ply the frequent dart ; 45 
 
 Nor terror nor affright his heart assails 
 
 Though death await him ; sudden oft he turns. 
 
 The yielding ranks give way nor wait the attack : 
 
 Thus Hector mov'd tumultuous, and his host 
 
 Urg'd to o'erleap the fosse, whilst at the brink 50 
 
 The snorting steeds started, nor dar d the assault ; 
 
 So deep the trench, so difficult the pass. 
 
 Guarded by palisadoes strong and large, 
 
 Fixt by the Grecians to repel the foe : 
 
 Thus rendered or to chariot or to horse 55 
 
 Impregnable. When now the bold emprise 
 
 To infantry alone, as suited best, 
 
 Polydamas assign'd, and thus address'd 
 
 Hector with counsel just: " Illustrious chief 
 
 " Of Troy, and all ye leaders and allies, 6o 
 
 '^ Unwisely with our horse do we attempt 
 
 " The fosse, of access dangerous, with stakes 
 
 " Sharp'ned thick set, and by the Grecian wall 
 
 " Defended, where no horse may well engage, 
 
 *^ Pent in, to missive weapons most expos'd : 65 
 
 " But if great Jove to Greece destruction send ; 
 
 '^ If he assist the Trojans, (and may Heav'n 
 
 " Propitious hear, and grant my earnest pray'r!) 
 
310 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIZ. 
 
 
 :i.f 
 
 '.X 
 
 
 is^ 
 
 {,:• -4 
 
 <ζ 
 
 (ζ 
 
 Ο may they perish from their country far. 
 And be this glorious day the last of Greece ! 70 
 But should they turn again ; should they repulse 
 *^ Qur troops hemm'd in between the fosse and wall, 
 '^ Scarce might a messenger escape to Troy 
 " With tidings of our sad discomfiture. 
 ^' Attend what I advise : here by the fosse ^5 
 
 *^ Let horse and chariot stand in order rang'd, 
 '^ Whilst we all arm'd on foot rush on the foe, 
 " And Hector lead the way ; they will not long 
 *^ Sustain the attack ; o'er their devoted heads 
 *^ Stern fate impends, and dark destruction low'rs.** 
 Thus spake the chief; nor Hector disapproved, 81 
 But leap'd all armed from his glitt'ring car; 
 By his example led, each Trojan chief 
 Dismounting gave in charge that .at the fosse 
 His chariot and his steeds should ready stand : 85 
 On foot they form'd, and all in order rang'd 
 Five columns deep, waited their chiefs' commands. 
 Led on by Hector and Polydamas, 
 The bravest Trojans, eager to engage. 
 Anticipate success even at the ships 9Θ 
 
 The feeble barrier pass'd. Cebriones 
 With these march'd on ; the chariot and the steeds 
 Left with some warrior of inferior note. 
 
 XII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 4 
 
 311 
 
 So Hector gave command : and next to these 
 
 Paris, Agenor, and Alcathous. 95 
 
 Deiphobus and Helenus led on 
 
 The third division, Priam's noble sons. 
 
 With Asius, valiant son of Hyrtacus, 
 
 Whom the bright coursers of superior size 
 
 From Selle's stream and fair Arisbe bore. 100 
 
 iEneas next, Anchises' warlike son. 
 
 Led on his martial bands ; with whom advanced 
 
 Archelochus and Acamas, the sons 
 
 Of brave Antenor, skill'd in feats of arms : 
 
 Sarpedon next led on the allies of Troy, 105 
 
 With Glaucus and Asteropaeus, chiefs 
 Of high renown, and fam'd for martial deeds. 
 And now with shields compact in firm array 
 
 Onward they mov'd, with ardent courage fir'd. 
 
 To storm the camp and burn the Grecian fleet. 110 
 
 Thus Trojans and allies obey'd the voice 
 
 And prudent counsel of Polydamas ; 
 
 Asius, the valiant son of Hyrtacus, 
 
 Alone refus'd to quit his glitt'ring car : 
 
 Eager the foremost to pursue the foe 115 
 
 Routed, and pour destruction on the fleet. 
 
 Improvident ! nor might he thus avert 
 
 Impending fate ; nor might the steeds, his pride, 
 
 
312 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XII• 
 
 xu. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 313 
 
 n^ 
 
 
 Convey him back to Ilium's lofty walls. 
 
 Slain by the spear of great Idomeneus. 130 
 
 First to the left he steer'd his rapid course. 
 
 Where to the camp and ships a portal stood 
 
 Of access easy, open to receive 
 
 And save the wounded or retreating foe. 
 
 Thither he furious drove : his troops pursued 125 
 
 And shouted loud, with ardent hope elate 
 
 To slay the routed Greeks, and burn their ships. 
 
 Unwisely! at the gates two chiefs they found. 
 
 Sons of the Lapithae ; Leonteus this. 
 
 That Polypoetes nam'd, of matchless force ; 130 
 
 Before the gate they stood. As lofty oaks. 
 
 Pride of the forest, on the mountain's brow 
 
 Deep-rooted stand unmov'd amid the storm 
 
 And tempest of the sky from age to age ; 
 
 So these, confiding in their hardy strength 135 
 
 And prowess, stood unmov'd, and brav'd the attack 
 
 Of Asius, whose confederate bands with shields 
 
 Uplifted, to the wall shouting advanced ; 
 
 Asius, Orestes, and lamenos, 
 
 CEnomaus, Thoon, Athamas, their chiefs. 140 
 
 The daring sons of Lapithae within 
 
 The walls exhort the Greeks to guard their ships ; 
 
 But, when advanced the foe, and tumult reign'd 
 
 And fear appall'd the Greeks, then forth they rush'd 
 Undaunted, and alone sustained the war. 145 
 
 As two wild boars, who in the mountain brave 
 The hunters' shouting and the cry of dogs. 
 Obliquely rushing down the woody steep. 
 Uproot the forest with their foaming tusks 
 Champing, till, pierc d by numerous strokes, they 
 
 ^'^; 150 
 
 So on their breast sounded the shining brass 
 Smote by the frequent spear ; so bravely dar d 
 The dauntless sons of Lapithaean race 
 Encouraged by their friends, who from the walls 
 And battlements hurl'd show'rs of pondVous stones. 
 If haply they might guard their tents and ships 156 
 From threat'ned ruin : thick as pelting hail 
 Pour'd from the low'ring tempest on the ground. 
 Borne by the force of winds ; so from each host 
 The missive weapons pour, from frequent strokes 
 Helmets and shields resound on every side. 161 
 
 Then deeply groaning with indignant rage 
 Thus Asius rash exclaim'd : " And art thou false, 
 " Great Jove ? for such I deem thee, since the foe 
 " Dare thus resist our arms. As wasps or bees 165 
 " Which by some road have form'd their hollow 
 " nest. 
 
314 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XII. 
 
 xu. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 315 
 
 .♦*■ . 
 
 
 ffj. 
 
 P,-, .*: 
 
 *^ And pour in numbers to defend their young ; 
 ^ So from the gate, disdaining base retreat, 
 *^ Two chiefs alone our numerous forces brave, 
 '^ Nor yield till slain or captur'd in the field." 170 
 
 Thus Asius spake : but not by words like 
 these 
 Was chang'd the mind of Jove, intent to give 
 The honour of that day to Hector's arm. 
 Nor there alone, but at each several gate 
 Conflicting arms engag'd, which to recount 175 
 Were diificult, unless some pow'r divine 
 The song inspire ; for through the whole extent 
 Of wall the battle as consuminsr fire 
 Kag'd, whilst by hard necessity impelPd 
 Tlie sorrowing Grecians guarded still their ships. 
 And favouring deities their fate deplor'd. 181 
 
 Now the dread Lapithae to battle mov'd. 
 First Polypoetes pierc'd the brazen casque 
 Df Damasus ; the spear transfixed the bone, 
 Ent'red the brain, and staid his bold career : 185 
 Pylon and Ormenos then breathless fell 
 Beneath his sword. Leonteus through the belt 
 Wounded Hippomachus ; then rushing on 
 The crowded ranks, first with his faulchion slew 
 Antiphatus ; then Menon felt his force ; igo 
 
 Orestes next, and brave lamenos. 
 
 In quick succession dying, heap'd the plain. 
 
 Whilst these victorious reap'd the glitt'ring spoils. 
 The braver Trojans crowded round their chiefs 
 Polydamas and Hector, fully bent 195 
 
 To force the pass and burn the ships with fire. 
 Whilst yet debating at the fosse they stood 
 Impatient for the fight, the bird of Jove 
 Aloft in air between each host appeared. 
 Whose talons grasp'd a serpent's scaly form 200 
 Of size enormous, bleeding yet alive. 
 And eager for revenge ; with sudden turn 
 Writhing its tortuous folds, beneath the breast 
 It fix'd the wound : pain'd by the sudden stroke 
 Before the Trojan chiefs he droppVI his prey, 205 
 And loudly screaming wing d his rapid flight 
 Whilst each beholder terror-struck surveyed 
 The speckled monster, signal of high Jove, 
 Polydamas great Hector thus addressed : 
 
 " Hector, my sentiments you often blame 210 
 '' Though jast and right ; yet would it ill become 
 '^ A citizen in council or in war 
 " Other advice to give than what might aid 
 " Thy powV, and vindicate his country's cause : 
 " So will I now declare what seemeth best. 215 
 
3l6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xir. 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 \%. f 
 
 r-l 
 
 it 
 
 cc 
 
 ^< 
 
 ζ6 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 (e 
 
 No further let us urge this vain attack : 
 Mark but the event. If, as I deem, the bird 
 Of Jove be sent a token to our host. 
 Whose talons grasp'd a serpent's scaly form 
 Of size enormous, bleeding yet alive, 220 
 
 But dropp'd his prey ere at his nest arrived. 
 Nor gave it to his young ; so surely we. 
 Though burst the solid gates and pass'd the wall 
 By force superior, though repuls'd the Greeks ; 
 Yet from the ships shall foul discomfiture 225 
 By the same road drive back our routed host. 
 And many heroes fall beneath the foe 
 Contending at the ships : who reads the signs 
 This truth must know, and what he knows de- 
 
 " clare.'* 
 When Hector sternly thus : " Polydamas, 230 
 Thy counsel pleaseth not ; thou mighfst advise 
 Far better; or if this thou deemest best. 
 And spoken from the heart, some adverse god 
 Hath of intelligence thy mind bereft. 
 Wouldst thou that I reject Jove's high behest. 
 His nod propitious, his direct command, 236 
 To follow what ? the devious flight of birds 
 On airy pennons borne : I heed them not. 
 Whether to hail the orient beam of light 
 
 Xll, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 317 
 
 ζζ 
 
 Ci 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ^' Eastward they take their course; or to the west, 
 " To darkness and to night : we Him alone 
 " Obey who reigns o'er gods and men supreme : 
 *^ One omen to defend my country's cause 
 " My soul acknowledgeth both first and best. 
 ^^ What! dost thou dread the war? thou need'st 
 *^ not fear : 245 
 
 Though we all perish at the Grecian ships, 
 
 Thy coward heart will never dare the fight. 
 
 Yet note it well : shouldst thou or fly thyself, 
 " By fancied omens led, or others move 
 " To flight, this spear shall ήχ thee to the ground." 
 
 He spake, and led them on: with clamorous 
 shouts 
 
 They followed : when from Ida's lofty top 
 
 The mighty Thund'rer sent a chilling blast 
 
 Full on the ships ; the dust in whirlwind flew. 
 
 And damp'd the spirit of the Grecian host : 255 
 
 Whilst by the favourable omen led, 
 
 The Trojan chiefs anticipate success 
 
 And storm the wall. The lofty battlements. 
 
 The massy piles displac'd on every side. 
 
 In ruins fall. Nathless the Grecian host 260 
 
 Maintain their ground, and by their orbed shields 
 
 Protected, from the wall repel the foe : 
 
318 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XII. 
 
 XII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 B'> 
 
 IK.• 
 I A 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Each Ajax rallies, and from tow'r to towV 
 Their courage rouses, and exhorts to arms 
 Or by persuasive words or threats severe : 2Gb 
 
 " Brave Grecians, ye who most excel in arms ; 
 '^ And ye, since various are the gifts of heav'n, 
 '' Who fill the humbler walks, most urgent need, 
 '' As well ye know, demands the aid of all : 
 
 Here then defend your ships, nor once look back; 
 
 Right onward press the foe, with one consent 270 
 '' Uniting: yet again propitious Jove 
 " May crown ou.' efforts with desir d success, 
 " And drive our enemies again to Troy." 
 
 Thus they the Greeks exhorted to the fight. 275 
 As when great Jove prepares the winter's storm 
 Of snow, thick flakes on every side descend. 
 The weapons of the god ; and every wind 
 Is hush'd asleep ; the lofty mountain top, 
 Each craggy summit, each projecting rock, 280 
 The fertile plain and cultivated fields 
 Are cov'red o'er; each port and winding shore. 
 All but the wasteful ocean, when the storm 
 Of angry Jove frequent and thick descends : 
 So flew from either host thick showVs of stones, 285 
 From Trojan now, and now from Grecian hands 
 Thrown vehement ; and noise and tumult reio-n'd. 
 
 »ii 
 
 Nor then had Hector burst the pondVous gates 
 And massy bars, but that all-pow'rful Jove 
 Inspir'd with martial flame his godUke son 290 
 Sarpedon to attack the Grecian wall : 
 Forthwith his shield he high in air advanced. 
 Of curious workmanship, whose brazen foldl 
 Thick hides inclos'd, whose orb with studded gold 
 Encircled shone, high polish'd, beautiful, 295 
 
 Wrought by no common hand ; then onward mov'd 
 Grasping two spears. As from the mountain's brow 
 The famish'd lion to the plain descends 
 Dauntless, by hunger ui^'d to boldest deeds ; 
 Now tries the stall, though herdsmen arm'd appear. 
 And dogs tod weapons guard the shelfred herd, 301 
 Yet doth he scorn retreat, nor quits the stall, ' 
 But or the fence o'erleaping, rends his prey. 
 Or wounded in the dangerous conflict dies : 
 Urg'd by the love of fame, by glor,. fir'd, 305 
 
 Divine Sarpedon then the wall attack'd. 
 Eager to storm the breach, and thus bespoke 
 Glaucus, the son of brave Hippolochus : 
 
 " Why, Glaucus, do we hold the foremost seats 
 « And highest honours at the festive board ? 3 ] 
 « The choicest viands and the flowing cup 
 " In Lycia ? why as gods admir'd by all ? 
 
 ^l>Mi#t&'ArtTill I iMIBi ίίίή η A "■^'"""infl- Hiinii'iraiilrffl -ΜΜΊ"'"^- ■"' - ' ujBrii 
 
7 
 
 ■ι 
 
 / 
 
 320 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xih 
 
 <i 
 
 i( 
 
 cc 
 
 <e c 
 
 And large possessions hold by Xanthus' stream. 
 Fertile in vinyards and the yellow crop 
 Of golden Ceres ? It behoves us then 315 
 
 ^' As chiefs in Lycia to excel in fight, 
 ^^ And foremost dare the dangers of the field ; 
 ^^ That all amongst the Lycian bands may say, 
 ^ Our chiefs deserve those honours they receive. 
 Nor feast inglorious at their country's cost, 32a 
 " ^ Quaffing rich wine, but dare the battle's rage, 
 " * In honour first, and first in deeds of arms.' 
 " Might we, my friend (escaped this dangVous war), 
 ^^ Live privileg'd from age, and be as gods 
 
 Immortal, I should not thus rashly fight, 325γ 
 Nor urge thee to this hazardous emprise ; 
 " But now, since thousand deaths on every side 
 " Encompass us around, which or to fly 
 " Or to avoid is not for mortal man, 
 ^' Let us advance, and glory be the prize." 330 
 
 Thus spake the chief; nor Glaucus disobey'd. 
 But onward led the numerous Lycian bands : 
 Whom when Menestheus, son of Peteus, saw, 
 (For to his post direct they bent their march,) 
 With fear assail'd he turn'd his eager looks 335> 
 
 If haply he might find some warrior chief 
 To aid the doubtful war and check the foe. 
 
 fC 
 
 iC 
 
 xn. 
 
 tbe 
 
 321 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 
 The valiant son of Telamon he saw. 
 And Teucer ; yet to call them was in vain ; 
 So great the noise, such shouting rent the air, 340 
 And shields and helmets from the frequent stroke 
 Of spears resounded : so at every gate 
 The conflict dire prevailed ; so press'd the foe. 
 Eager on every side to force their way. 
 And entrance gain ; when to Thootes thus 345 
 Menestheus spake : " Hasten with speed and call, 
 Ο blameless herald, either Ajax here : 
 Urgent the need, for this way tends the foe, 
 '' And havoc is at hand ; the Lycian chiefs 
 " This way tumultuous march as heretofore 3δθ 
 '' With force impetuous, eager to engage : 
 " But, should the conflict there demand their stay, 
 " Let Telamonian Ajax lend his aid, 
 '' And Teucer skill'd to aim the fatal shaft." 355 
 
 He spake : Thootes hastened to obey. 
 And thus the Telamonian chief address'd : 
 " Illustrious warrior, bulwark of our host. 
 Brave Peteus' son Menestheus craves your aid 
 At yonder tower to repel the assault : 
 Urgent the need, for thither tends the foe, 360 
 " And havoc is at hand ; the Lycian chiefs 
 '' Thither as heretofore tumultuous march 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
322 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xir. 
 
 Η 
 
 It»; 
 
 r>-t' 
 
 tu^' 
 
 IV 
 
 [ \ 
 ; • 
 
 J 
 
 *^ With force impetuous, eager to engage : 
 " But, should the conflict here your stay demand 
 " Let Telamonian Ajax thither go, 565 
 
 '' And Teucer, skill'd to aim the fatal shaft." 
 
 He spake : nor Ajax disobey'd his voice. 
 But to Oileus' son these words address'd : 
 " Ajax, do you with Lycomedes here 
 ^^ The Greeks encourage, and maintain the fight ; 
 " I yonder go to aid the doubtful war; 37 1 
 
 " The foe repuls'd I will again return.*' 
 
 Thus saying he departed, and with him 
 Teucer (whose well-wrought bow Pandion bore), 
 A grateful succour to the wearied troops 3/5 
 
 With Mnestheus, at whose post sore pressed they 
 fought. 
 The Lycian chiefs, impetuous as the storm, 
 Scal'd the high battlements, and urg'd the assault 
 With furious onset and the shout of war. 
 
 First with a stone of more than common size 380 
 Ajax Epicles slew, Sarpedon's friend ; 
 A fragment of the wall ; scarce from the ground 
 The strongest youth in these degenerate days 
 Might raise the cumbrous mass : high pois'd in air 
 He bore aloft, then hurl'd it on the foe, 385 
 
 Whose casque receiv'd, nor might sustain the force. 
 
 y 
 
 Xlt. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 323 
 
 In pieces crusht, it mash'd the bone within ; 
 And, as a diver, from the tow'r he fell. 
 Then Glaucus, son of brave Hippolochus, 
 By Teucer wounded, from the fight withdrew ; Sgo 
 When rushing to the wall the barbed shaft 
 Pierc'd through his arm : back from the wall he 
 leap'd 
 
 Unnotic'd, lest th£ foe should insult add 
 And boasting words. Yet did Sarpedon grieve. 
 His friend thus wounded : nathless he renew'd 395 
 The conflict, and Alcmaon with his spear 
 Transfix'd : headlong he fell, his armour rang. 
 Nor staid Sarpedon, but with utmost strength 
 Grasping the embattled wall, forthwith he dragg'd 
 The cumbrous ruin smoking to the ground ; 40O 
 The wid'ned breach appeared : there Ajax staid. 
 And Teucer, his assault, witli spear and shaft ; 
 This through the well-wrought belt, (but Jove his son 
 Protecting sav'd, nor suffVed at the ships 
 To fall,) that on his orbed shield with force 405 
 Great Ajax smote, and staid his fierce attack : 
 He ceas'd awhile, yet did he scorn retreat. 
 For glory led him on, but thus his troops 
 Exhorted : « Do ye then remit the fight, 
 " Ο Lycians! and to me alone consign 410 
 
 Y2 
 
 }■ 
 
324 
 
 THE ILIAB. 
 
 ΧΙΓ. 
 
 xn. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 S2i 
 
 "t 
 ^^, . 
 
 
 ^^ The perilous emprize to force a way 
 
 ^' E'en to the ships ? then follow where 1 lead : 
 
 " Where numbers aid, the work succeedeth best.'' 
 
 He spake : the Lycians shouting press'd around 
 Their chief; nor less the Greeks within the wall 
 Their force collected : arduous was the fight ; 4l6 
 For neither might the Lycians to the ships 
 A passage gain, nor might the Greeks repulse 
 The Lycian phalanx to the wall advanc d. 
 
 As when two men, tenacious of their right 420 
 (Their measure and their tallies in their hands), 
 In common field dispute the unsettled claim. 
 And for small portion earnestly contend : 
 So at the wall conflicting hosts engagd. 
 The battlements dividing each from each. 425 
 
 Corselets and shields and helmets from the strokes 
 Resounded ; blood on every side appeared, — 
 Or where retreat stain'd with disgraceful wound. 
 Or through the opposing shield the weapon flew 
 Resistless in its course : with blood the tow'rs, 430 
 With blood the battlements are covVed o'er. 
 And Greeks and Trojans equal loss sustain. 
 As when some poor but honest hand suspends 
 The levell'd scales and weighs the fleecy yarn. 
 The daily task, the careful matron's work, 435 
 
 *'- 
 
 Whose labour thus her children's wants supplies ;— 
 
 So doubtfully the fight suspended stood. 
 
 Nor either host prevail'd : when mighty Jove 
 
 To Hector gave the glory of the day, 
 
 -To force the barrier and to burst the gates, 440 
 
 Who thus his troops encourag'd to the assault: 
 
 " Now warlike Trojans, to the breach once more! 
 « Now break we through, and burn their ships with 
 « fire 
 
 " Unquenchable!" He spake, and led them on : 
 Encourag'd by his words, in close array 445 
 
 Right on they march'd, and with uplifted spears 
 The battlements assail'd, and scal'd the wall. 
 
 Then Hector seiz'd a stone of wondrous size. 
 Rough, pointed, craggy, near the gate it lay ; 
 Not two the strongest swains might from the ground 
 With ease uplift and place it on the wain 45 1 
 
 As men are now ; he rais'd it high in air. 
 For Jove had made it light; the shepherd thus 
 Bears the rich fleece with ease, nor feels its weight : 
 So Hector to the well-constructed gates, 455 
 
 Whose massy bars with double bolt secur'd 
 The lofty portal, bore the enormous mass 
 Advancing near, then with collected force 
 Straining each nerve discharged the cumbrous load. 
 

 I» «_' 
 
 326 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XII• 
 
 Riv'n by its weight the solid planks gave way. 
 The brazen hinges burst ; within the gates 461 
 
 Borne by its force the craggy ruin fell. 
 
 Then Hector, dreadful as the shades of night, 
 Rush'd through the breach, from his resplendent 
 arms 
 
 Of polisht brass blaz'd terror and dismay ; 465 
 
 Two spears aloft he bore ; nor less than gods 
 Had check'd his course, so fierce his eye-balls glar'd; 
 Then bade advance his host and scale the walls ; 
 They o'er the battlements or through the gate 
 Obedient to his voice rush'd on amain. 470 
 
 The routed Greeks retreated to their ships ; 
 Tumult and noise, and shouting rent the sky. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 
 
 PRINTED BY 
 RICFIARD TAYLOR asd CO., 
 
 SHOE LANK. M.DCCC.VIII. 
 
 I*• 
 
 \ 
 
.t 
 
 m- 
 
 Ψ 
 
 
 'fl- 
 
 t 
 
# 
 
 4 
 
?ΐ5-•#>;*'«<" 
 
 
 
 # 
 
 '■^' 
 
 -l•^^ 
 
 #• 
 
 lirtfJi 
 
 ■ «■ 'V 1 
 
 ύ 
 
 Homerua 
 
 The Iliad of Homer 
 
 (7t^Ti<j^ 
 
 \ 
 
 o^-t 
 
 y r».o ly^i 
 
 .-* 
 
 »ί^ ."■ 
 
 P". 
 
 g;sr , .yt- 
 
 3fi . 
 
 ::v- 
 
 ί'^^ΐΊ- 
 
 ^*: 'ώ»ί: 
 
 ■ J%i 
 
 . Λ',. 
 
 «~4 » Λ« 
 
 -#€. 
 


 ι* 
 
 
/ 
 
 
 ^'^■p 
 
 
 ■4• ."^^ 
 
THE 
 
 ILIAD OF HOMER, 
 
 TRANSLATED 
 
 INTO 
 
 EJ^LISH BLA^TK VERSE 
 By the Rev. JAMES MORRICE, A. M. 
 
 LATE STUDENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD, 
 RECTOR OF BETSHANGER, IN THE COUNTV OF kLx, 
 AND VICAR OF FW)WER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. IL 
 
 ILonHon: 
 
 PHINTED FOR JOHN WHITE, FLEET STKEET, 
 BY RICHARD TAYLOR AliD CO., SHOE LANE. 
 
 1809. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 OP 
 
 THE SECOND VOLUME. 
 
 
 : HOOKvu 
 
 Ν 
 
 BOOK xiir. 
 
 EPTUNE, unobserved by Jupiter, aids the Grecians. 
 
 BOOK XIV. 
 
 Agamemnon reproved by Ulysses.-Jupiter deceived by 
 Juno. 
 
 BOOK XV. 
 
 Jupiter displeased gives Succe^ to the Trojans. 
 
 BOOK xvr. 
 
 Patroclus repulses the Trojans^is slain hy Hector. 
 
 BOOK XVir. 
 
 Grecians and Trojans contend for the Body of Patroclus. 
 
 BOOK xviir. 
 
 The Grief of Achilles—Description of his Armour. 
 
 BOOK XIX. 
 
 Achilles renounces his Anger^Arms to Battle. 
 
 BOOK XX. 
 
 Favouring Deities descend in Aid of Grecians and Trojans. 
 
 VOL. II. « 
 
 y 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 BOOK XXI. 
 
 The Labour of Achilles at the Banks of Xanthus. 
 
 BOOK XXTI. 
 
 Achilles pursues Hector round the Walls of Troy. 
 
 BOOK XXIII. 
 
 The Burial of Patroclus.— Funeral Games. 
 
 BOOK XXIV. 
 
 Achilles restores the Body of Hector to Priam. 
 
 THE 
 
 I JL I A B. 
 
 BOOK ΧΙΠ. 
 
 When Jove the Trojans and their mighty chief 
 
 Had to the ships impeil'd, there to endure 
 
 The dang'rous conflict and the toils of war; 
 
 To Thracia's fertile land he bent his view, ' 
 
 Where the Hippemolgi and the Mysians 5 
 
 Securely dwell, for temperance far fam'd 
 
 And justice, and unusual length of days: 
 
 Nor turn'd his eyes to Troy , nor could he deem 
 
 The gods, unmindful of his high behest, 
 
 Would or the Trojans or the Grecians aid. , 
 
 But Neptune on a lofty mountain's brow 
 In Samothracia sat, where o'er the deep 
 The lofty fort St nods ; Ida from thence. 
 The Trojan city and the Grecian ships' 
 Appear'd in view : emerging from the sea 1 5 
 
 There staid the potent god, with grief opprest 
 
 VOL, Π. 
 
 ^ 
 
 %m^ 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 And anger ; at the sad discomfiture 
 
 Of Greece indignant, and the partial aid 
 
 Of Jove supreme : he saw, nor view'd in vain 
 
 The battle's rage, and Jove's averted eyes. 20 
 
 Then from the steep descending, on he mov'd ; 
 The forest trembled and the mountain shook 
 Beneath his feet : right on vizard thrice he strode, 
 I'he fourth at iEgae rests : in the deep bay 
 His glitt'ring palace stands, incorruptible, 25 
 
 With gems and gold inlaid : thither arriv'd. 
 He to the chariot yok'd his foaming steeds 
 With brazen hoofs, and manes waving with gold. 
 Now clad in arms of gold he mounts his car, 
 And speeds his course o'er ocean's swelling flood; 31 
 Around their monarch, from the deep abyss. 
 Huge whales rejoicing sport in mazy rounds ; 
 As o'er the gladd'ning surface of the deep 
 The chariot glides the parting waves among, 
 Unting'd the axle : such the rapid flight 35 
 
 Of steeds immortal to the Grecian ships. 
 
 Near Tenedos and Imbrus' rocky shore. 
 Deep in the bosom of the wat'ry main 
 A spacious cavern lies ; there Neptune staid 
 His coursers, from the rapid car unloos'd ; 40 
 
 They with ambrosia fed, and tied with chains 
 
 ^mKm 
 
 XtlT. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Of gold indissoluble, wait their king. 
 Who to the Grecian army bent his way. 
 
 Like fire the IVojans, or the gath'ring storm, 
 Round Hector pourd, shouting; to bum the ships 
 Impatient, and the .outed Greeks destroy. 46 
 
 When Neptune rising forth from Ocean's bed. 
 In shape and voice like Calchas, thus the chiefs' 
 Of Greece address'd : « Brave sons of Telamon, 
 « Now be your courage rous'd, nor think of flight : 
 " Time was when I despis'd the force of Troy, 5 1 
 " Though storm-d our wall ; for Grecia soo'n had 
 " check'd 
 
 Their onset fierce : but now my fears forebode 
 Some great disaster ; like devouring flames 
 Hector leads on, boasting descent from Jove. 55 
 Oh! might some deity your minds inspire 
 Firmly to ?tand, and bravely dare the foe, 
 
 " Then might you drive him, furious though he be. 
 
 « Back from your ships, though urg'd by Jove him- 
 « self." 
 
 Thus Neptune; and each breast with couraee 
 
 And with his potent sceptre's magic touch 
 Imparted strength and vigour to their limbs : 
 As when the falcon from some lofty crag 
 
 Β 2 
 
 ζζ 
 
 u 
 
 €C 
 
 iC 
 
 <e 
 
THE ILIAD. 
 
 XUI. 
 
 With rapid flight pursues his timid prey; 
 
 So Neptune rushing left the wond'ring chiefs. 66 
 
 When Oileus, not unconscious of the god, 
 Ajax address^ : " Some heav'nly powV benign, 
 «' In form hke Calchas, bids us guard our shij)s; 
 " No mortal this, 1 knew his parting step 
 « A god confessed : his energy divine 70 
 
 " With more than mortal courage fires my soul.** 
 
 To whom the mighty Telamonian chief: 
 " I too with renovated force thus grasp 
 " My spear exulting ; vigour steels my arm, 
 " And courage fills my breast: Ο might I meet 
 " And combat now the boasted chief of Troy!" 76 
 
 Thus spake they ; eager for the dreadful fight. 
 For Neptune them inspired. Then to the rear 
 To rouse their drooping spirits mov'd the god. 
 They at their ships, with heavy toil fordone, 80 
 Rested their weary limbs, opprest with grief 
 To see within the wall the Trojan host 
 Victorious : at the sight tears fiU'd their eyes. 
 Despairing of escape: them Neptune saw. 
 Their spirits rous'd, and arm'd them to the fight. 85 
 Teucer he thus addressed, and Leitus^ 
 Peneleus, Thoas, and Deipyrus, 
 Meriones and brave Antilochus, 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 And thus encouraged : '' Shame, Ο Grecians! shame; 
 You on whose valour to defend our ships ' 90 
 I trusted most ; should you the contest shun. 
 Then are we lost indeed ! and Troy exults 
 In our disgrace. This day, this fatal day. 
 The Trojan conquers ; with astonishment 
 I see, what otherwise all belief had passed, 95 
 Those at our ships, who whilom like the deer 
 Trembling the woods among, or to the lynx 
 ' Or spotted pard, or the voracious wolf, 
 ' An easy prey resistless yield their lives, 
 ' Nor dare the contest. Thus the Trojan ho^t loo 
 ' Ere while the battle shunn'd, nor with the Greeks 
 Confronted dar'd the hazard of the war. 
 Nor the dread onset for a moment stood. 
 But now, far distant from the walls of Troy, 
 Ε en at our ships they brave the shock of arms. 
 For this Atrides may be justly blam'd : 106 
 
 Yet do the Grecians merit deep reproach. 
 Who will not, such their anger to their king, 
 Or guard the ships or save themselves from death. 
 What though Atrides be indeed to blame, 1 lO 
 And greatly too, in that he hath disgraced 
 Achilles mighty chief, shall we be said * 
 Like cowards to desert our country's cause ? 
 
'€ 
 
 ih 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^ΙΠι 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Let us forgive ; to noble minds alone 
 Forgiveness doth belong : be then no more 115 
 Remiss : it is not well that you, the best 
 And bravest of our host, the conflict shun^ 
 I can forgive the coward when be flies, 
 As one beneath my notice ; but for you ! 
 I feel unusual anger swejl my breast, 1 2Q 
 
 Nor call you men : spon will such conduct base 
 On your devoted heads destruction bring. 
 Be then alive to shame and to revenge; 
 For great the contest : Hector at the ships 
 Now deals destruction ; levell'd to the ground 125 
 Our gates and massy bars in ruin lie." 
 Thus Neptune rous'd the Grecians tp the fight, 
 Who, rallying round their chiefs, in dread array 
 Stood firm ; nor had Minerva or the god 
 Of war himself their martial order blam'd : 13Q 
 
 For there the bravest of the Grecian host 
 Waited the Trojan arms, and fierce attack 
 Of Hector, valiant chief: so close their ranks, 
 Spears, shields, and helmets clash'd, and man >vith 
 man; 
 
 And nodding plumes the glitt• ring casques upon 135 
 Wav'd numberless, and shed a fearful ligcht: 
 pach warrior grasp d his spear, and burnt for war. 
 
 The Trojans onward rush'd, for Hector led 
 
 To battle. From the craggy mountain's side ' 
 
 A fragment, loos'ned by the winter's storm, 140 
 
 Thus rolls precipitous, and thunders down 
 
 The woods among, resistless in its fall ; 
 
 The levell'd forest marks its wasting path, 
 
 Till on the plain it stops, to roll no more : 
 
 So Hector rush'd along, and to the sea 145 
 
 And ships pursued his way, with fell intent 
 
 And threat of slaughter : him the phalanx firm 
 
 Check'd sudden, and with sword and lifted spear 
 
 Opposing, staid his desolating course ; 
 
 When to the Trojans thus he loudly call'd: 150 
 
 " Trojan and Lycian and Dardanian chiefs, 
 " Stand firm ; they may not long resist my force 
 *' Though form'd their phalanx like a tow'r in 
 
 " strength; 
 " This sword shall cause retreat, if, as I deem, 
 " Great Jove himself hath arm'd me to the fight." 
 
 Thus he their courage and their strength renew'd. 
 Foremost of these, of Priam's royal race. 
 Protected by his shield, in martial guise 
 With hasty step Deiphobus advanc'd. 
 Hmi with his spear Meriones assail'd, 160 
 
 Nor miss'd his aim, but smote his orbed shield ; 
 
 '•■j^:::^':*'*-^:i# 
 
 'LTii^iato^JA jfA ■ 
 
ft 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΠ1. 
 
 Χ1Π. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 The shiv'red lance fell useless to the gtxnind : 
 
 Deiphobus with shield projected shunn'd 
 
 The well-aim'd lance of brave Meriones, 
 
 Not without fear. Meantime the Grecian chief 1 65 
 
 Retir'd indignant; broken short his lance, 
 
 And lost his hope of vict'ry and success : 
 
 Then to the ships and tents he hasf ned on 
 
 For other arms, and a more certain spear. 
 
 Eftsoons the battle and the din of war 170 
 
 Increased. First Teucer slew the warlike son 
 Of Mentor, fam'd for breed of genVous steeds ; 
 In fair Pedaeutn dwelt the iiUfated youth 
 Imbrius, ere yet the Grecian ships arriv'd ; 
 Medesicaste grac'd the warrior's bed; 175 
 
 Of Priam's line, yet of ignoble birth. 
 But when the fleet of Greece possess'd the coast, 
 To Troy he hast'ned and with Priam dwelt, 
 In honour great, and first in deeds of arms. 
 Him Teucer overthrew ; beneath his ear 180 
 
 * The jav'lin ent'red ; as some lofty beech 
 He fell, which on the craggy mountain's side 
 The sturdy woodman levels to the ground : 
 Thus Imbrius fell ; his glitt'ring armour rang. 
 
 The victor hast'ned to despoil the slain, 1 85 
 
 But Hector's spear forbade : this Teucer saw. 
 
 9 
 
 And, quick retiring, shunn'd the fatal stroke ; 
 
 Amphimachus receiv'd the pointed steel ; 
 
 Pierc'd through the chest he fell : the Trojan chief 
 
 To spoil the son of Cteatus advanc'd ; 190 
 
 When Ajax inteq)os'd, and hurl'd his spear 
 
 With more than usual force ; but clad in arms 
 
 ( )f panoply complete. Hector receiv'd 
 
 On his broad shield the Telamonian spear, 
 
 Which ent'red not, yet check'd the hero's force ; 
 
 Who, quick retiring, to the victor foe igg 
 
 The bodies and the spoil indignant left. 
 
 The Athenian chiefs Mnestheus and Stichius 
 
 Bore off Amphimachus, and Imbrius 
 
 To Telamon's brave sons a prize remain'd. 200 
 
 As two fell lions from the hunter's dogs 
 Through the thick wood aloft in hir convey 
 ITie slaught'red goat ; so these the lifeless corpse 
 Of Imbrius, whose head the avenging steel 
 Of Oileus sev'red, angry for the loss 205 
 
 Of brave Amphimachus, and hurl'd it down. 
 Till at great Hector's feet in dust it lay. 
 
 Then anger seiz'd the monarch of the main. 
 His grandson slain in battle : to the tents 
 And ships he hast'ned to inspire the Greeks 2I0 
 With courage, and to heap disgrace on Troy. 
 
 ■ i-j 
 
 t, : 
 
 %I1 
 
 Utiii 
 
 *"-^"' 
 
10 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 ΧΠΙ, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 % 
 
 tiim met Idomeneus as from his friend 
 
 He came, whom wounded his associates bore 
 
 From the dread conflict. To the skilful aid 
 
 Of hand medicinal he first consign'd 215 
 
 His suiF 'ring friend, then hastened to the war. 
 
 Him Neptune thus addressed, in voice and mien 
 
 Like 'ITioas most, Andraemon's w^arHke son 
 
 Who reign'd ο er Pleuron and the rocky site 
 
 Of Cal ydon, in honour and renown 220 
 
 Preeminent : " Ο brave Idomeneus, 
 
 " Chief of the Cretan bands, where now the threats 
 
 " Which erst we pour* d forth on the sons of Troy?" 
 
 To whom Idomeneus : " No blame I deem, 
 ** Ο Thoas, to our raliant chiefs belongs, 225 
 
 ** Whom neither fear nor cowardice detains 
 From this unequal contest ; but the will 
 Of Jove prex-ails, who here hath seaFd our doom. 
 Yet, Thoas, since in war thou dost excel. 
 And know'st firm courage to impart, and arm 230 
 " A^liom most remiss you find, lead on to war." 
 When Neptune thus replied : " Brave Cretan 
 " chief, 
 
 " Ο never may that man from Troy return, 
 
 " But fill to vultures and to dogs a prey, 
 
 " Λ\Τιο on this signal day the battle shuns ! 235 
 
 11 
 
 i6 
 
 €ζ 
 
 €€ 
 
 €( 
 
 ^' Then haste we on : arm, arm we to the fight : 
 '' united strength might nerv^e a coward's arm ; 
 " But we are us'd to deeds of high renown.*' 
 
 Thus Neptune spake, and mingled in the war. 
 Then to his tent advanc d the Cretan chief, 240 
 And cloth'd in shining arms his warlike limbs ; 
 Two spears his hand adorn'd ; thus to the ranks 
 Forth rush'd the chieftain : like the lightning's 
 blaze 
 
 He shone, hurl'd by the angry hand of Jove, 
 Signal to mortal man, with vivid ray 245 
 
 Of woe portentous : thus resplendent shone 
 The radiant armour of Idomeneus. 
 
 Him met Aleriones, his faithful friend ; 
 To the same tent he came, and sought a spear ; 
 When thus Idomeneus : " Ο Molus' son, 250 
 
 *' Companion of my youth, why hast thou left 
 " The battle's rage r some wound severe receiv'd, 
 '' Or embassy to me, hath brought thee here, 
 " Impatient as I am to join the war." 
 
 Meriones replied : « Brave Cretan chief, 255 
 ^' I come if thou perchance canst lend a spear ; 
 " For mine hath faiFd, the point short broken off 
 ^' Against the shield of proud Deiphobas.'' 
 To whom Idomeneus : ^ Within my tent 
 
12 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 13 
 
 " Twenty or more there stand against the wall, 
 " The spoil of Trojans slain : I am not one 
 ^' Whom distant fight dehghteth, but close war ; 
 " Tlience spears unnum'bred in my tent, and 
 
 " shields, 
 " Helmets and corselets, glitt'ring to the sun." 
 
 To whom Meriones : " I at my tent 26*5 
 
 '^ And ships have many spoils from Trojans slain, 
 " Too distant now; for not remiss in arms, 
 " Foremost I brave the dangers of the field : 
 *' Though not to all the Grecian chieftains known, 
 " To thee approved I boldly may appeal." 270 
 
 " I know thy courage well," the chief replied ; 
 " Name it no more. Should now the Grecian chiefs 
 *' Appoint some dread and dangVous ambuscade, 
 ^' (For there man's courage may be chiefly tried. 
 
 And or the brave or coward must appear ; 2/5 
 " This trembles ev'ry Hmb, oft shifts his place, 
 " Of mind unsteady, whilst his cheeks now pale 
 '* Now red bespeak the terror of that heart 
 '' Which palpitates within, and quivVing jaws 
 " Betray the fears which shake his inmost soul : 
 " Not so the brave, unmov'd amid the storm 281 
 " Of war he sits, and for the combat burns :) 
 '' Not even there might you incur reproof. 
 
 " And shouldst thou fighting bear some wound se^ 
 
 (( 
 
 vera, 
 
 285 
 
 (i 
 
 6C 
 
 tc 
 
 " Not in thy back, not in thy neck behind 
 " Enters the hostile spear: thy manly chest 
 Still pressing on the foe, the point receives. 
 But why thus waste our time in idle talk, 
 Lest we, and justly too, much censure meet? 
 " Go then, and take that spear which best may 
 
 " suit " 
 
 ^">^• 290 
 
 He spake: Meriones like Mars advanc'd. 
 And, taking from the tent a well-wrought spear, 
 FoUow'd his friend and hast ned to the fight. 
 
 And as destructive INIars to battle moves 
 With Terror by his side, his dauntless son. 
 Of force the bravest hero tp appall ; 
 From Thrace they come all arm'd, or to assist 
 The Phlegyan forces, or the Ephyri ; 
 Deaf to entreaties, neither side they hear^ 
 But leave to chance success, or foul defeat ; 
 So movd the Cretan chiefs to join the war. 
 
 When thus Meriones: " Or on the rights 
 " Or in the centre wilt thou we contend; 
 " Or on the left, where most they need our aid, 
 " If aid indeed they want to check the foe ?" 3^* 
 Idomeneus the Cretan chief replied : 
 
 29fc 
 
 doa 
 
 f j 
 
 it 
 
14 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII» 
 
 ΧΠΙ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 15 
 
 iC 
 
 ii 
 
 ii 
 
 a 
 
 u 
 
 *' Others there are who may the centre guard ; 
 " The son of Telamon, and Teucer's might, 
 " Skiird above all the Greeks to aim the shaft; 
 Nor less approved in the close ranks of war, 310 
 And stationary fight : these well may check 
 The daring son of Priam, though endued 
 ** With strength superior ; arduous were the task 
 For Hector's self to vanquish men like these. 
 And burn our ships, unless Satumian Jove 315 
 " Hurl down from heav'n his own vindictive fire : 
 *^ For not to man whom earth with food sustains, 
 " Whom steel may pierce, or rocky fragment crush, 
 " Will Ajax yield ; not e'en to Peleus' son 
 " Contending in the ranks, but far less swift. 320 
 " Then on the left let us resume the fight, 
 *^ And death or glory be our just reward." 
 
 He spake : like Mars impetuous to the ranks 
 Meriones led on, and join'd the war: 
 Whom when the Trojans thus advancing saw, 325 
 In burnisht armour like a flame of fire. 
 Encouraging each other on they came. 
 
 Severe the conflict at the ships, each side 
 For victory contending. As when blasts 
 From adverse quarters strive for masterv 330 
 
 Sweeping the plain when dust encumbers most 
 
 The ways, thick clouds aloft in air ascend : 
 So rag'd the fight contending hosts between, 
 On mutual slaughter bent; the sharp'ned spears 
 In dread array spread terror all around ; 335 
 
 The sudden blaze, from helmet and from shield 
 And polisht corselet, dazzled every eye 
 As on they mov'd : he must be bold indeed. 
 Who could, unshaken, view the dreadful fight. 
 
 Thus the discordant sons of Saturn rais'd 340 
 Contention fierce, and heavy griefs prepar'd 
 For bravest chiefs on either side array'd : 
 To Hector and to Troy great Jove incliu'd. 
 In honour of Achilles ; yet he meant 
 Not to destroy the Grecian host, but check 345 
 Their arms, and glory give to Thetis' son. 
 
 Neptune meantime, from forth the watVy main 
 Emerging, urg'd the Grecians to the fight. 
 Indignant that the partial will of Jove 
 Gave Troy success : from the same parent sprung. 
 Priority of birth, and wisdom's lore, sbl 
 
 To Jove in heav'u supremest pow'r assigned ; 
 Therefore in form disguis'd, with secret aid, 
 Neptune the Greeks inspir'd : thus heav'niy pow'rs 
 Stretch'd o'er each host the indissoluble chain 355 
 Of discord fell and agonizing war. 
 
 %i 
 
 
i6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Now far advanced a veteran in arms, 
 Idomeneus rush'd on the Trojan host, 
 And terror spread around. Othryoneus 
 He first o'erthrew, who from Cabesus came 36o 
 With thirst of martial glory, and by love 
 ImpelFd of fair Cassandra : wondrous things 
 He promised ; to drive again from Troy, 
 By force of arms, the warlike host of Greece. 
 Priam consented, and his choice approv'd. 36*5 
 
 Othryoneus, with splendid hopes elate. 
 To battle mov*d : him with his well-aiip'd spear 
 Idomeneus assaird, and through his mail 
 Infix'd the dreadful wound ; prostrate he fell. 
 His armour rang. When thus in taunting mood 
 Idomeneus: " Well hast thou then performed 3^1 
 " Thy boasted promise to the Trojan king; 
 " Cassandra thy reward ! Hear then from us 
 " Such terms, Othryoneus, as well might claim 
 " Attention, which we surely will perform ; 375 
 *^ Great Agamemnon's daughter we will give 
 *^ To thee in marriage, if thou wilt overthrow 
 " And raze the walls of yon proud city Troy : 
 " Come then, and at the ships let us arrange 
 *^ The terms; no trifling dowV we ask, or give." 380 
 
 Thus spake Idomeneus ; and through the ranks 
 
 xiir. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 1? 
 
 Dragg d by the feet Othryoneus. Forthwith 
 Asius advanc'd, (near him his far-fam'd steeds 
 The faithful charioteer attendant rein'd,) 
 With eager haste to vround Idomeneus ; 
 Who him preventing with his rapid spear. 
 Beneath the chin infix'd the fatal wound. 
 And pierc'd his throat ; as some tall oak he fell, 
 Or pine or poplar, which the woodman's axe 
 Falls on the mountain top, to be the mast 
 Of some proud vessel : thus fell Asius, 
 Close by his chariot and afFright'ned steeds. 
 Groaning, extended on the gory plain. 
 His charioteer, with terror and dismay 
 Astonished, stood motionless, nor dar'd 
 Or to resist or fly : him with his spear 
 Antilochus transfix'd ; the brazen mail 
 Staid not the vengeful blow, headlong he fell ; 
 The chariot and the steeds the victor's prize. 
 Griev'd for his friend Deiphobus advanc'd. 
 And at Idomeneus his javelin hurl'd : 
 The Cretan hero saw, and shunn d the blow. 
 Protected by his shield of larger size. 
 Fold within fold encircled, and with brass 
 Embost ; two braces on his arm upheld 
 
 385 
 
 390 
 
 395 
 
 400 
 
 405 
 
 The cumbrous orb, which by the glancing spear 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
18 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΙΠ. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 19 
 
 II 
 
 Struck lightly shrill-resoundeu , nor in vain 
 Flew the strong weapon from the warrior's hand, 
 But pierc'd Hypsenor, son of Hippasus, 
 And stretch'd the bleeding chieftain on the plain. 
 Deiphobus exulting, thus exclaim'd : 41 1 
 
 " Not unreveng'd to Pluto's gloomy realm 
 " Shall Asius descend ; to cheer hie way 
 '^ To the dread portal, lo! a guide I send." 
 
 He spake : his boasting words the Grecians heard. 
 Chiefly Antilochus ; yet might he not 416 
 
 His wounded friend neglect, but with his shield 
 Protected : deeply groaning, to the ships 
 Mecisteus and Alastor bore the chief. 
 Nathless Idomeneus indignant burn'd 420 
 
 With rage some Trojan chieftain to o'erthrow. 
 Or fall himself in his lov'd country's cause: 
 Then on Alcathous, iEsyetes' son. 
 He rush'd ; Alcathous, to whose nuptial bed 
 Anchises gave, the fairest of her sex, 425 
 
 Hippodamia, skill'd in every art. 
 In beauty and in sense superior still. 
 By her fond parents to distraction lov'd. 
 Him by the spear of stern Idomeneus 
 Neptune subdued ; dimm'd were his radiant eyes, 
 And petrified with fear his limbs, such dread ' 431 
 
 The potent god inspir'd : unapt to fight, 
 
 Of flight incapable, like some tall tree, 
 
 Some lofty pillar, motionless hcstood : 
 
 The Cretan chief transfix'd his manly chest : 435 
 
 The riven corselet yielded; in his heart 
 
 The insatiable spear still quiv'ring stood. 
 
 Still rankled in the wound ; there spent its force. 
 
 So Mars impetuous will'd; there check'd its speed. 
 
 Exulting thus Idomeneus exclaim'd : 440 
 
 " Behold three slain for one ; where now thv boast, 
 " Deiphobus ? come now and try thy strength 
 " With me, who boast my high descent from Jove: 
 " Minos from Jove, from him Deucalion came ; 
 " I from Deucalion, o'er the isle of Crete, 445 
 
 " Its cities and its warlike chieftains, king: 
 *^ From thence my vessels o'er the sounding main 
 *' Hither convey'd us ; to the Trojan host, 
 '* To thee and to thy country fraught with death.** 
 Thus spake Idomeneus ; but doubtful thoughts 
 Perplex'd Deiphobus, or to retire 
 And seek the aid of other Trojan chiefs. 
 Or singly dare the dangers of the field. 
 Thus he resolv'd to seek ^Eneas' aid. 
 Him in the rear he found ; for jealousy 455 
 
 Had plac'd him there, deser\'ing higher rank, 
 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xm. 
 
 III. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 21 
 
 ™ 
 
 By Priam treated with neglect and scorn: 
 Him near approaching thus the chief addressed : 
 
 *^ iEneas, great in council and in war, 
 «^ Now lend thy aid, if sorrow touch thy heart, 46o 
 *^ And save Alcathous' remains ; for oft 
 " He hath attended thee in early youth, 
 " And cherish'd as his son with fondest care ; 
 " Him hath Idomeneus of life bereft." 
 
 He spake ; and rous'd the fury of his mind : 465 
 iEneas onward raov'd and sought the foe : 
 Yet no unmanly fears the breast assail'd 
 Of brave Idomeneus, but firm he stood. 
 As the wild boar within the deepened glen 
 Waits in his lone retreat the fierce attack 4fO 
 
 Of hunters, undismayed; high on his back 
 The bristles stand erect, and from his eyes 
 Fire flashes thick, whilst on the pointed rock 
 His tusks he sharpens, and prepares the war. 
 
 Thus stood Idomeneus, and brav'd the attack 47 & 
 Of great -^neas; yet in prudence call'd 
 Ascalaphus and brave Deipyrus 
 To aid the fight ; with these Antilochus, 
 Meriones, and Aphareus, advanced ; 
 Whom thus the chief address'd: "Most valiant 
 " friends, • 480 
 
 " Alone your aid I need ; iEneas, chief 
 " Of high renown, hither impetuous moves, 
 ^^ In manhood's prime elate : Ο were our years 
 " The same, this day the contest should decide Γ 
 
 Thus spake Idomeneus : with c«ie consent 485 
 His friends advanced, and clos'd their orbed shields 
 In phalanx firm : then to the Trojan chiefs, 
 Agenor, Paris, and Deiphobus, 
 iEneas call'd ; for these a numerous host 
 Obedient followed. As the bleating flock, 490 
 
 Led by the lordly ram, the fountain seeks 
 From pastures fair, a secret joy pervades 
 The shepherd's breast ; iEneas thus rejojc'd 
 By numerous forces join'd, who quick advanc'd 
 With their long spears Alcathous around: 495 
 
 The brazen armour rang on every side 
 With dreadful din as the conflicting hosts 
 In onset fierce engag'd : above the rest 
 Two chiefs, iEneas and Idomeneus, 
 Like Mars himself, to battle rush'd amain. 500 
 
 But first iEneas hurl'd his pond'rous lance ; 
 The Cretan saw, and shunn'd the fetal stroke ; 
 Fixt in the ground the quiv'ring weapon stood. 
 Thrown fruitless by no mean or feeble arm. 
 Not so Idomeneus, whose vengeful spear 505 
 
22 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 23 
 
 510 
 
 515 
 
 (Enomaus pierc'd ; the point his corselet pass'd 
 Incontinent, and through the ghastly wound 
 His bowels gush'd ; he fell, and grasp'd the dust. 
 
 The victor from the slain his spear regain'd, 
 The spoils forgoing, prest by numerous foes: 
 No longer vigour brac'd the hero's limbs, 
 With years encumb'red ; nor for quick retreat 
 Nor sudden onset meet, in the firm ranks 
 And stationary fight he sought renown. 
 
 At him Deiphobus his jav'lin hurl'd. 
 Slowly retiring (for with bitter hate 
 He still pursued him), yet again he miss'd ; 
 But smote Ascalaphus, the son of Mars : 
 Th' impetuous weapon pass'd his shoulder through : 
 He fell, and dying grasp'd the gory dust. 520 
 
 Nor yet had clamorous destructive Mars 
 Heard that his son was in the conflict slain ; 
 High on Olympus, canopied with clouds 
 Of golden hue, he sat amid the gods. 
 Detained from war by mighty Jove's decree: 525 
 Still round Ascalaphus each host engag'd; 
 Deiphobus had seiz'd his glittering casque. 
 When like the god of war Merjones 
 Leap d op the foe and pierc'd the warrior's arm ; 
 Forth from his grasp, and sounding in its fall, 530 
 
 The helmet dropp'd ; when as a ravenous bird 
 Meriones rush'd on and gain'd his spear. 
 Then to the ranks retir'd : Polites' care 
 Led from the danger of the field the chief 
 Disabled in his arm, and safely plac'd, 535 
 
 Lifting with tenderness within his ear : 
 His swift steeds bore him to the walls of Troy 
 Deep groaning; from his hand fast flow'd the blood. 
 Still rag'd the battle and the din of arms. 
 
 Now rush'd iEneas on Caletor's son, 540 
 
 Brave Aphareus, and in his throat infix'd 
 The deadly spear : with head reclin'd he fell, 
 Bow'd by his pond'rous shield and helmet's weight ; 
 And bitter death in darkness clos'd his eyes. , 
 
 Antilochus on Thoon rush'd amain, 545 
 
 Preparing flight ; fixt in his back the spear 
 The leading vein arterial, which extends 
 Thence to the neck, dividing cut in twain : 
 Invoking aid in vain, headlong he fell. 
 The victor hast'ned to despoil his arms ; 550 
 
 Yet cautious, for Jhe Trojans circling round 
 Hurl'd on his massy shield the frequent spear. 
 But pierc'd it not, for Neptune check'd their force. 
 And midst a thousand darts sav'd Nestor's son ; 
 For never did he shun the num'rous foe ; 555 
 
Μ 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XIII. 
 
 i . - 
 
 • ■ t 
 
 i f 5 
 
 Now in close combat, now in distant war 
 
 Engag'd he fought, nor idly slept his lance. 
 
 Him Adamas, the son of Asius, near 
 
 Observing, fierce attacked, and on his shield 
 
 Smote vehement ; but Neptune turn d the point. 
 
 Anxious to save ; half in the shield infixt b6l 
 
 Like the sear d stake remained, half on the ground 
 
 Fell useless : Adamas in fear retir'd ; 
 
 When stern Meriones with well-aim'd spear 
 
 Deep in his groin infixed the dang'rous wound ; 565 
 
 Fatal the place to miserable man : 
 
 In bending posture to the spear he lean d. 
 
 Panting like some large beeve the hills among. 
 
 Whom bound with cords the peasants drag with 
 force 
 
 Unwilling : thus he panted ; yet not long : 570 
 The spear withdrawn life issued from the wound. 
 And sudden darkness clos'd his eyes in death. 
 Now on the temples of Deipyrus, 
 With Thracian faulchion of superior size, 
 
 Helenus smote; the riven helmet, fell, 575 
 
 And roll'd amid the throng, such force impelled ; 
 
 Some warrior found and seized the valued prize ; 
 
 The owner's eyes, meanwhile, are clos'd in death. 
 Then Menelaus felt unusual grief. 
 
 ^{^{g^glgjgjM^HMaH 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 25 
 
 Brandished his spear aloft and threatened death 580 
 
 To Helenus, who now had drawn his bow: 
 
 Thus both encount'red ; this with pondVous lance ; 
 
 With arrow that. Atrides first received 
 
 The barbed shaft, which from his corselet glanc'd : 
 
 As beans or vetches from the winnower's fan 585 
 
 Bound ο er the extensive floor, by wind impell'd, 
 
 Or peasant's force the spacious barn within ; 
 
 So from Atrides' corselet, far away 
 
 Bounding, the bitter arrow wing'd its course. 
 
 Not so the spear by Menelaus thrown : 590 
 
 But through the hand it pass'd ; and in the bow 
 
 Of Helenus infixt the weapon stood : 
 
 Quick he retir'd, writhing his hand with pain, % 
 
 Dragging the spear along : Agenor's skill 
 
 Remov'd the weapon, and his hand releas'd, 595 
 
 And bound with softest wool : a sling supplied 
 
 Fit bandage, by his faithful servant borne. 
 
 Pisander, by resistless fate impell'd 
 To meet his death from Menelaus' arm. 
 To battle mov'd : when near advanc'd the chiefs, 
 Atrides' spear flew distant from the mark ; 60I 
 
 Forthwith Pisander on the brazen shield 
 Of Menelaus smote, but pierc'd it not. 
 The shiv'red lance fell useless ; yet he hop'd 
 
s6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 27 
 
 f'' 
 
 Success, and in that hope short time rejoic'd : 
 Then Menelaus drew his ghttVing sword. 
 And leap'd upon his foe, who from beneath 
 His shield the battle-axe with polish'd edge 
 Sudden uprais'd (of olive wood the haft) ; 
 Each aim'd no second blow : Pisander's axe 610 
 Descending rapid, sev'red from the casque 
 The cone and nodding plume ; Atrides' sword 
 Beneath Pisander's forehead mash*d the bone ; 
 And from their sockets starting, on the ground 
 His eye- balls roird: backward he dying fell : 6lb 
 The victor's heel insults the expiring chief. 
 Soon of his armour spoiFd, and bitter words 
 The anger of Atrides' soul express'd : 
 
 " Thus shall ye quit at length the Grecian fleet, 
 " Proud and insatiate as ye are of war: 620 
 
 " Perfidious race ! still adding crime to crime, 
 " And heaping injuries on injuries; 
 '^ Nor fear the avenging hand of angry Jove 
 '^ For breach of hospitality, who soon 
 " Will to her deep foundation shake proud Troy. 
 " My treasures ye have stoln, and robb'd my soul 
 " Of what it held most dear, my virgin wife : 
 " And now ye menace flames to burn our ships, 
 *^ And slaughter all our host ; yet shall ye cease 
 
 '^ All eager as ye are, and quit the field, 
 
 " Great Jove! in w^isdom above men and gods 
 
 *' Pre-eminent, can such ills flow from thee, 
 
 " That thou shouldst gratify the pride of Troy, 
 
 *^ Of insolence insatiate as of war ? 
 
 " The festive dance, and harmony and song, 635 
 
 *^ Love, and sweet sleep, all bring satiety, 
 
 *^ However cherished ; yet strange to say, 
 
 *^ Troy is alone of war insatiate." 
 
 He spake ; and from Pisander took the spoil. 
 With blood distain'd: these to his friends consign'd, 
 He in the foremost ranks resum'd the war^ 641 
 
 Harpaleon now, son of Pylaemones, 
 (Who with his father to the Trojan aid 
 In fond aflfection came, but to return 
 The Fates denied,) on Menelaus' shield 645 
 
 With sudden onset smote, yet pierc'd it not ; 
 Then quick retir'd ; but yet with cautious view 
 The field surveying, fearful of attack : 
 At him Meriones an arrow sent, 
 Nor miss'd, but through his flank beneath the bone 
 The bladder pierc'd : extended on the ground 65 1 
 Amidst his friends he lay a helpless worm ; 
 His issuing blood bedew'd the dusty plain : 
 Him in his car the Paphlagonian bands 
 
 mi»a^'iiiiM*v^':%gi^aii>0Sii 
 
S8 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 29 
 
 :i 
 
 i 
 
 'ff 
 
 Uplifting plac'd, and back to sacred Troy 
 With grief convey'd ; with bitter woe opprest 
 His parent follow'd ; no avenging hand. 
 The son thus slain, might sooth a father's breast! 
 
 Paris enrag'd, his friend and former guest 
 Thus slain, eftsoons his fatal shafts prepar'd. 66O 
 
 There was amongst the Greeks a valiant youth 
 By name Euchenor, Polyides* son, 
 Seer of renown ; in Corinth fam'd he dwelt 
 For riches and for worth. He well aware 
 That death awaited him, yet sail'd for Troy ; 665 
 For many times and oft his prudent sire 
 Disease at home foretold, or at the ships 
 Death from some Trojan hand : cautious he fought, 
 But dreaded most the pains of sore disease ; 
 When him the shaft beneath the jaw and ear 670 
 EntVing, at once of light and life deprived. 
 
 Still like devouring fire the battle rag'd : 
 Hector meantime, belov d of mighty Jove, 
 Nor heard nor knew the slaughter of his host 
 On the left wing engag'd; (for there had Greece 675 
 Successful proved, such succour Neptune gave,) 
 But staid where first he burst the brazen gates. 
 Routing the Grecian host : there his tall ships 
 Ajax, there his Protesilaus rang d : 
 
 Where the low wall admitted least defence. 
 There most of horse and foot the battle rag'd ; 
 For the Boeotians, and laones 
 Long-rob'd ; the Locrians and Pthians there. 
 And fam'd Epeians, scarce restrain'd his course; 
 Or caus'd retreat great Hector's matchless strength. 
 First in the van select Athenian bands, 686 
 
 By Mnestheus valiant son of Peteus led. 
 By Stychius, Phidas, and the enormous size 
 Of Bias mighty chief: the Epeians next, 
 Amphion, Drachius, and Meges led. 69O 
 
 Medon the Pthians, with Podarces brave, 
 Commanded : Medon of ignoble birth. 
 
 Son of Oileus ; distant far he dwelt 
 
 « 
 
 In Phylace (his friends and country left 
 
 Through fear of Eriopis, having slain 69^ 
 
 Her brother, exil'd by her vengeful rage); 
 
 But brave Podarces from Iphitus sprang : 
 
 These led the Pthians on, and at the ships. 
 
 By the Boeotians joined, sustain'd the fight. 
 
 But Ajax Oileus, ever at the side 7^ 
 
 Of the vast Telamonian chief, maintain'd 
 
 The bloody contest. As two sturdy beeves 
 
 Form the deep furrow, through the stubborn glebe 
 
r 
 
 
 
 30 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII• 
 
 Dragging the well-fram'd plough and ponderous 
 
 share. 
 Large drops of sweat bedew their labouring brows ; 
 The beam alone divides their equal toil, 7^ 
 
 Whilst they adown the furrow'd land upturn 
 The deepened soil, and labour through the field : 
 Thus side by side the chiefs to battle mov'd ; 7^^ 
 This by his friends attended, numerous 
 And brave, who when fatigue his limbs assail'd 
 The weight supported of his sevenfold orb. 
 Not so Oileus' son, whose warlike bands 
 The Locrians, all unfurnish'd as they were 
 With brazen helmets or with spear and shield, 715 
 In distant fight engag'd, and in their bows 
 And twisted slings confiding, with thick show'rs 
 Of arrows or of stones assail'd the foe. 
 And broke their ranks : those with their valiant 
 
 chief 
 Contending in the van, well arm'd for war, 7 20 
 Staid Hector s force ; these in the rear conceaPd, 
 The distant foe with missive weapons plied. 
 Now from the ships with foul discomfiture 
 The Trojan host had fled and sought their walls ; 
 But thus Polydamas with counsel wise 725 
 
 xin. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 31 
 
 Hector address'd : " Thou dost not, mighty chief, 
 
 *^ Oft listen to advice ; glorious in war, 
 
 " The gift of Jove, wouldst thou in knowledge 
 
 " too 
 " All other men excel ? That may not be 
 " That thou in all things bear pre-eminence : 7^^ 
 *^ To one, superior courage in the field, 
 *' So Jove ordains ; to other, dance and song 
 " And music's pow'r is giv'n ; to a third, 
 '^ Reason and sense, the fairest boon of heav'n ; 
 " Which sheds extensive blessings on mankind, 735 
 " And nations saves : who feels it only knows. 
 " Hear then what I advise : The flames of war 
 *^ On every side encircle thee around : 
 " Since passed the wall the Trojans stand aloof; 
 Though arm'd, inactive ; others at the ships, 7 40 
 O'erpow'r'd by numbers, scarce the fight main- 
 '' tain. 
 " Sound then retreat, and summon all the chiefs 
 ** To council, and th' important point discuss. 
 Whether to rush impetuous on the fleet. 
 Might Jove but grant success ! or to retreat 7^5 
 Whilst yet retreat is safe : I greatly fear 
 " Lest Greece with interest again repay 
 *' Our yesterday's success : still at the ships 
 
 cc 
 
 a 
 
 <c 
 
 it 
 
 cc 
 
|• 
 
 32 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 XUL• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 " That man insatiate of fight remains ; 
 
 ** Nor long, if right I deem, will cease from war." 
 
 He said : his counsel Hector's self approved. 
 And, leaping from his car all-arm'd, thus spake : 
 
 " Polydamas, our chieftains here collect ; 
 ^^ I yonder go to issue due commands ; 
 " That done I straightway will return again." 755 
 He ended, and with hasty strides mov'd on, 
 Conspicuous as the snow-clad mountain s height, 
 And rous'd the Trojan bands and brave allies, 
 Who at his bidding, round Polydamas 
 Concentrating their force, collected stood. 760 
 
 Hector meantime pass'd on, and sought the chiefs 
 Deiphobus and brave Hyrtacides, 
 And Adamas, and princely Helenus. 
 
 Some slain, some wounded fighting near the ships 
 He found, or by the spear or distant shaft. 765 
 Far on the left of the disastrous fight 
 Paris he met, and with reproaches keen 
 Vented his anger : " Vain, effeminate 
 " Deceiver, Paris! where are now the chiefs 
 " Deiphobus and princely Helenus, 770 
 
 ^' And Adamas and brave Hyrtacides ? 
 ^^ Or where Othryoneus ? now Ilium falls, 
 *^ And o'er thy head destruction low'rino• waits ?' • 
 
 33 
 
 C( 
 
 4C 
 
 €C 
 
 Paris replied : " Since, Hector, without cause 
 '' You blame, I may hereafter prove remiss ; 775 
 ^' Yet I dare boast a soul with courage fir d ; 
 
 For since you wag'd fierce battle at the ships 
 
 I have unceasing brav'd the Grecian arms. 
 
 The chiefs you seek are slain, Deiphobus 
 "" And Helenus excepted; these still live, 780 
 
 " But wounded and severely in their hands 
 " Have left the field : them Jove in pity sav'd. 
 " Lead then, I follow far as strength permits, 
 " And where you bid advance, the combat dare ; 
 *^ Tis not for mortal man to promise more." 785 
 
 Thus saying, he appeas'd his brother's mind. 
 Then where the hottest battle rag'd they went 
 With hasty steps ; there where Cebriones, 
 Phalces, Orthaeus, and Polydamas, 
 And Polypoetes, and Ascanius 
 With Morys, sons of brave Hippotion ; 
 Who in return for aid by Priam sent 
 Erewhile, from rich Ascania came to Troy 
 But yesterday ; to-day the battle join'd. 
 
 Onward they mov'd. As when impending storms 
 Of mighty winds descending from above ^^ 
 
 Sweep o'er the earth, when Jove with angry arm 
 Sends forth his thunder, and his lightning pours ; 
 
 VOL. II, r. 
 
 90 
 
34 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XJXL 
 
 •% 4 
 
 The furious blasts upturn the foaming deep ; 
 With fearful clamour waves o'er waves arise, 800 
 Billows on billows roll, and burst upon the shore : 
 So mov d the Trojan host file after file 
 Around their chief all-arm'd : Hector led on 
 Like Mars destructive, and his shield advanc d 
 Before him, thick with hides and plated brass ; 805 
 Whilst from his glittVing casque the nodding 
 
 . plume 
 Shook dreadful as he strode. Yet not for this, 
 Nor all the terrors of the Hectorian spear. 
 Did Grecia tremble : with intrepid mien 
 Ajax advanc d, and thus provok'd the war: 810 
 
 " Come on then, thou who would&t our ht)st 
 " affright: 
 *^ Skiird in the battle, Jove alone we fear, 
 
 Not thee. Hector, who now wouldst fain destroy 
 Our ships with fire : vain idle hope indeed ! 
 " Know then, we will defend them to the last. 815 
 Ere that, yon city levell'd to the ground 
 Shall perish by our hands : not distant far 
 The day when thou, invoking heav'nly pow'rs 
 To wing thy coursers with an eagle's speed. 
 To Troy o'er yonder dusty plain shalt fly." 820 
 He spake : when high in air the bird of Jove 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 ζ( 
 
 ic 
 
 6C 
 
 ζ< 
 
 a 
 
 XIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 35 
 
 Propitious wing'd his flight ; with loud acclaim 
 The Grecians hail'd the sight : Hector replied : 
 
 " Why, Ajax, these vain words ? or to what end 
 ^' This idle boast ? Ο might I but become 825 
 
 ^^ The son of Juno and of Jove supreme, 
 " As Phcebus and as Pallas be ador d, 
 " Sure as this day to Greece destruction brings ! 
 ** Then shalt thou perish by this hand of mine, 
 ^^ If thou but dare abide my spear, which soon 830 
 " To the wild beasts and rav'nous birds of Troy 
 " Thy carcase prostrate at the ships shall give." 
 
 He spake, and led the way : the numerous host 
 With shouts applaud ; the Greeks those shouts re- 
 turn 
 Exulting, and the onset fierce await: 835 
 
 The din of war re-echoes to the skies* 
 
 D 2 
 
t. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 37. 
 
 BOOK XIV. 
 
 (( 
 
 %( 
 
 But Nestor feasting in his tent perceiv'd 
 
 A more than usual shout and din of war, 
 
 And thus in haste : ^^ Divine Machaon, say 
 
 *^ What may this mean ; why this increasing noise. 
 
 And at our ships? Do thou meantime with wine 5 
 
 Thy soul refresh, whilst Hecamede the bath 
 
 *^ Prepares, to cleanse thy wearied limbs distain'd 
 
 *^ With blood ; I go to learn what this may be." * 
 
 Then arming with his son's resplendent shield, 
 (For with the father's shield the son engag'd,) 10 
 Grasping his spear, from forth» the tent he rush'd : 
 Soon to his view the dreadful scene appear'd. 
 The routed Grecians here : there the proud foe \ 
 Tumultuous press'd and shouted in the rear. 
 The rampart past, and levell'd to the ground. 15 
 
 As o'er the black'ning surface of the deep 
 A fearful silence reigns, of gath'ring storm 
 Sure presage, when as yet to neither side 
 The swelling surge inclines, till from above 
 
J' 
 
 I 
 
 » ' 
 
 s ί 
 
 
 'η 
 
 η 
 
 Ac '3 
 
 'i J 
 
 8β 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xiv; 
 
 Sudden the blast descends, and sweeps along the 
 
 main : -^^ 
 
 Thus doubtful counsel Nestor's mind engag'd 
 In deep suspense, whether to join the host 
 Of Greece without delay, or to the king 
 Atrides bend his steps : to this inclin d. 
 Onward he mov'd : meantime the battle rag'd 25 
 With mutual slaughter ; dire the clang of arms 
 Conflicting, swords and spears and glittVing shields. 
 Nestor juet then the wounded cjiieftains met •» 
 Returning from tbeir ships : Atrides first, *> 
 
 Ulysses and Tydides mighty chiefs ; 30 
 
 For distant frofli the fight their ships were raogM 
 The strond along, and claimed the foremost place r 
 And at whose stern the Grecian wall was built. 
 For the deep bay, capacious as it was, 
 Yet could it not the Grecian ships contain : 3^5 
 
 Tier above tier arrang'd they filFd the shore's 
 Extensive mouth within the encircling capes. 
 
 They, eager to survey the distant fight. 
 Supported by their spears, with anxious steps 
 And slow mov'd on, with bitter grief opprest : 40 
 Them Nestor met ; a sudden terror seiz'd 
 Each chief; when thus Atrides silence broke: 
 " Pride of our host, Ο venerable chief. 
 
 XIV. THE ILIAD. 3^ 
 
 « 
 
 « Why hast thou left the field ? full much I fear 
 " Lest Hector now perform his daring threats 45 
 '' (For such his public boast), not to return 
 ^* Again to Troy till he with fire should burn 
 " Our ships, and all our routed host destroy. 
 « Thus he ; and much I dread the accomplishment. 
 " Ο heav'ns ! sure other Grecian chiefs combine 
 « With Thetis' son in anger to their king, 51 
 
 « Nor will the fight maintain, nor guard their 
 
 « ships." 
 When Nestor thus replied : « That things are so 
 *^ We must acknowledge, nor can mighty Jove 
 " Other intend : behold our chief defence, 55 
 
 *« The wall, is levell'd ; at our very ships 
 " They wage successful and unceasing war ; 
 Nor may one well discern, such general rout, 
 Such slaughter through our vanquish'd host pre - 
 
 " vails, 
 « Where most the sad disastrous tumult reigns. 6o 
 " Consult we then, if counsel may assist, 
 " What may be done ; all- wounded as we are, 
 " It were not well that we engag d in fight." 
 Atrides thus return'd : " Since at our ships 
 " They fight, nor has the fosse or wall avail'd, 65 
 " Built with much labour as our chief defence ; 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
40 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV, 
 
 6C 
 
 u 
 
 tc 
 
 (C 
 
 " Since Jove, it seems, in anger hath ordain'd 
 That we must perish all-inglorious here. 
 Far from our native land ; (for well I knew 
 " When erst he seconded the host of Greece ; 7^ 
 " But now this sad reverse 1 know, that these 
 He honoureth as gods, but binds our hands. 
 And fetters all our strength ;) what then remains 
 ^' But this which I advise ? Let us forthwith 
 ^' Those vessels which are nearest to the sea 7^ 
 " Launch in the deep and moor in safety there, 
 ^^ Till sable night, unmeet for mortal works. 
 
 Shall come, if then perchance the Trojans cease; 
 So may we save the rest : can we be blam'd 
 Who fly from ills by night ? better to fly 80 
 
 " And to escape, than stay to perish here." 
 For prudence fam'd, Ulysses thus replied 
 Indignant : " Whence disgraceful words like these? 
 ^^ Ο lost to shame ! would heav'n some baser host, 
 Not ours, thy will obey'd ! for we are us'd 85 
 From infancy to age, so Jove decrees, 
 " Or to endure or perish in the war• 
 " Why anxious thus to leave yon hated walls, 
 " For which we have sustained such mighty ills ! 
 " Ο name it not, lest Greece affrighted hear! 90 
 " Such words become not him who bears command. 
 
 (C 
 
 u 
 
 (C 
 
 cc 
 
 n 
 
 XIV* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 41 
 
 a 
 
 cc 
 
 " And that command which Greece united owns* 
 ** The advice you give I strongly disapprove : 
 For this thy words import ; that we forthwith, 
 Maugre the battle's rage and din of arms, 9* 
 
 *^ Our vessels launch into the sea; that Troy, 
 *' Already too successful, may obtain 
 ^^ The utmost of her wish : our host meantime 
 *' Must perish to a man : our ships once launched, 
 ** Would they, or could they dare the fight main- 
 '' tain, 100 
 
 " Abandon'd thus ? No, they would surely cease. 
 ^^ Thy counsel, mighty monarch, is not good." 
 
 To whom Atrides : " Thy severe rebuke 
 *^ Affects me much ; yet not against their wills , 
 *^ Did I command the Grecians to prepare 105 
 
 Their ships : who better counsel may suggest, 
 Or young or old, that counsel I approve.*' 
 To whom illustrious Diomed replied : 
 *^ That man is nigh, w^e need not long inquire. 
 If you will hear ; nor take offence that one 110 
 So young presume to tender his advice. 
 ^^ I boast a father virtuous and brave, 
 ^^ Tydeus (in Thebes his sacred ashes rest) : 
 " Three sons of noble minds from Portheus sprang, 
 " Who dwelt in Fleuron and in Calydon ; 115 
 
 <c 
 
 u 
 
 f( 
 
 iC 
 
4ύ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 α 
 
 1% 
 
 j ( 
 
 pat• 
 w' 
 
 
 120 
 
 " Melas and Agrius, and my father's sire, 
 
 " (Eneus, of high renown : my father thence 
 
 *^ A wanderer remov d, for so the pow'rs 
 
 «' Of heav*n ordain'd, and long in Argos dwelt 
 
 «^ There he espoused the daughter of a king, 
 
 «^ Adrastus nam'd ; his house with plenty crown'd : 
 
 " Rich in possessions; fruitful fields, and flocks 
 
 «^ Of sheep ; extensive gardens largely stor'd 
 
 " With various plants : himself supremely skilFd 
 
 *^ Beyond all other Greeks to hurl the spear: 125 
 
 " But this I trust you know. Sprung then from 
 
 ^^him, 
 " Think not the words I speak of mean import ; 
 " Imperious necessity demands 
 *' That we, severely wounded as we are, 
 ^* Yet to the field advance, not to engage 130 
 
 *' In figbt, lest we receive still sorer wounds ; 
 " Our presence may reanimate the rest, 
 " Who careless and remiss now stand aloof.*' 
 
 Thus Diomed : the chiefs his words approved : 
 Onward they mov'd. At rides led the way : 135 
 
 Not unobserved by ocean's pow'rful god. 
 Who near approaching in the borrow'd form 
 Of wrinkled age, pressing the monarch's hand, 
 To king Atrides thus address'd his speech : 
 
 ^ Now doth the vengeful soul of Peleus' son 
 « Joy in our flight and sad discomfiture ; 
 '' Sudi is the pleasure of a mind unsound ί 
 ^' Let him then perish with disgrace and shame. 
 « Yet not with thee, Atrides, are the gods 
 *< So muiih incens'd, hut that thyself shalt see 145 
 « The Trojans scatt'red o'er yon dusty plain, 
 «^ Far from our ships, and flying back to Troy." 
 He spake ; and rush'd impetuous to the field 
 Shouting, loud as when host to host oppos'd 
 Thousands with thousands fight, and shout to war. 
 Such was the voice of Neptune potent god 151 
 
 Whose trident shakes the earth : each Grecian heart 
 Fresh vigour felt, and panted for the fight. 
 But Juno from Olympus high enthron d 
 Look'd down, and thence survey'd the Trojan plain; 
 There she beheld, and in the sight rejoic'd, 156 
 Neptune exulting in the toils of war : 
 But when apart, on Ida's lofty top 
 Cloud-capt, the pow'r of Jove reclin d she saw. 
 Grief with displeasure mixt her mind assail'd ; l60 
 When sudden thought how she might best deceive 
 The mind of Jove rose in her anxious breast. 
 Thus she resolv'd, on Ida to descend 
 With every grace with every cliarm adom'd. 
 

 ifl 
 
 
 44 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV• 
 
 If love perchance might touch his sov'reign mind, 
 ^^d o'er his eyeUds pour the balm of sleep. l66 
 Then to her chamber, fram'd with wondrous art 
 By Vulcan, who with bolts mysterious clos'd 
 The secret doors impervious to the gods, 
 She hasfned, and the splendid portal shut. 170 
 
 First in the lucid bath's ambrosial flood 
 Her radiant limbs she lav'd ; then purest oil 
 Gave polish to those limbs : anointed thus^ 
 And with choice gums perfum'd, whose balmy scent^ 
 When mov'd, pervaded earth and highest heav'n, 
 She comb'd the flowing tresses of her head, 176 
 And, braided in a mystic knot, confin'd 
 With skilful hand : then o'er her shoulders threw 
 Her mantle, workmanship divine with art 
 Elaborate and rare ; Minerva's hands 180 
 
 The wondrous texture wrought, whose flowing folds 
 By clasps of gold collected on her breast, 
 A zone with fringe of many-colour'd hue 
 Embrac'd ; the triple pendent drop adorn'd 
 Her ears, and shed its brilliant lustre round ; 189 
 A veil her face conceal'd, resplendent white. 
 Of newest form, and dazzling as the sun ; 
 And last she on her feet the sandals bound. 
 The goddess thus with every grace adorn'd 
 
 XIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 45 
 
 Forth issu'd from her chamber full attir'd. 
 And thus with Venus secret converse held : 
 
 « Canst thou, dear child, perform a parent's 
 
 ^^ wish, 
 « Though bound that parent to the Grecian cause, 
 «^ Whilst thou dost aid the arms of lofty Troy?" 
 
 Venus replied : " Goddess most venerable, 195 
 « Daughter of Saturn, if thy wish doth stand 
 <^ Within the compass of my pow'r, say on." 
 
 Fraught with deceitful wiles and feign'd con- 
 
 cern. 
 Thus Juno ; " Give me then, I pray, that love, 
 « That irresistible attraction give 200 
 
 " Which mortal and immortal minds subdues. ^ 
 « I go to genial earth's extremest bounds 
 « To visit Tethys and Oceanus, 
 «^ Parent of gods: from Rhea they receiv'd 
 « And kindly treated me in times of old, 
 « When Jove in anger hurl'd Saturnus down 
 « From heav'n, and whelm'd him under earth and 
 
 205 
 
 €C 
 
 seas. 
 
 « To them I hasten, to compose those feuds .;^ 
 « Which have between them and their softer ties 
 « Long interposed, if haply I succeed ! 210 
 
 [' Thus aided, it may chance persuasive words 
 

 I -i 
 
 46 THE lUAD. xm 
 
 « May all their fondness, all their love renew, 
 « And I retain their kindness aixd esteem;' 
 
 When Venus smiling : " 111 would it become, 
 «^ Nor mav I well refuse the wife of Jove, 215 
 
 *^ The partner of his bed who rules in heav'n•" 
 
 She spake ; and from her bosom loos'd the zone 
 With needle-work of curious art inwrought : 
 There every thing which might the mind ensnare 
 Was seen ; there gentle Love and young Desire, 220 
 And Converse sweet, and mild Persuasion there^ 
 Which might the most intelligent deceive. 
 
 « Take this," she said, presenting with her 
 
 hand 
 Her various zone, " and in thy bosom place ; 
 « So shall thy utmost wishes meet success." 225 
 
 She spake : Juno with smiles the gift receiv'd, 
 And in her bosom plac d the wondrous charm. 
 Then Venus to the courts of heav'n return d ; 
 But Juno from Olympus lofty top 
 Descending, o'er Pieria and the plain» 230 
 
 Of lov d Emathia wing'd her rapid way : 
 Now o'er the snow-clad mountains' utmost height » 
 Of Thracia flew, nor touch'd them with her feet: 
 From Athos next descending, o'er the sea 
 To Lemnos' isle she sped, where Thoas dwelt ; 235 
 
 jJ^IVi 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Η 
 
 (ζ 
 
 ζ( 
 
 ζζ 
 
 There Sleep the goddess met, brother of Death ; 
 
 She stopp'd and seiz d bis hand, and thus began ; 
 
 •:/^ Sweet Sleep, whose power both gods and men 
 *^ subdues, 
 
 <^ If ever thou hast lent a patient ear. 
 
 Hear now, and grant my suit; nor shall I prove 
 Ungrateful : shed thy poppies o'er the eyes 241 
 Of Jove when he shall lie by love ensnar'd. 
 
 " A throne of gold, of workmanship divine, 
 
 ^^ By Vulcan made, shall be thy just reward ; 
 
 " A splendid footstool shall that throne adorn, 245 
 
 " When at the festive board, to rest thy feet." 
 The god of gentle slumbers thus replied : 
 
 F^ Daughter of Saturn, goddess much rever'd, ^ 
 
 " All other deities I might with ease 
 
 " Compose to rest, e'en Ocean s swelling flood, 250 
 
 « Father of all ; Jove I approach not near 
 
 " Unbidden, nor o'er him sweet slumbers pour. 
 
 " Once hath thy order wrought me woe severe, 
 
 *' That day when the proud son of mighty Jove 
 
 ^' From Ilium sail'd (the Trojan city razd): 255 
 
 <^ Then circumfus'd I sooth'd his sov'reign mind 
 
 " In balmy sleep ; whilst evils you prepar d, 
 
 " And with tempestuous winds uprais'd the deep, 
 
 ^^ And drove on Coos' isle his yielding barque, 
 
.,% 
 
 
 48 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 ίζ 
 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 a 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 Far from his friends. Then Jove awoke enrag'd. 
 And spread confusion through the courts of 
 
 '' heav'n; ^^^ 
 
 But chiefly me he sought, and would have hurl'd 
 Down headlong to the deep: all-conqu'ring 
 
 ^' Night, ' 
 To whom I fled for succour, sav'd me then. 
 And sooth'd the Thunderer's rage ; for much he 
 
 " fear'd 265 
 
 To give her just offence. Can you again 
 Urge me his high displeasure to incur ?" 
 When Juno thus : " I pray you, gentle Sleep, 
 Let not such thoughts your tranquil mind engage, 
 Or think you Troy in equal favour stands 2/0 
 With Hercules, his son, just cause of rage ? 
 But come, I'll give thee whom thy soul doth 
 
 « hold 
 Most dear to be thy wife, Pasithea, 
 One of the Graces : thou hast lov'd her long." 
 Well pleas'd such words to hear. Sleep answ'red 
 
 thus: 275 
 
 Swear then by Styx, th' inviolable oath ; 
 Let thy right hand the teeming Earth embrace. 
 Thy left old Ocean's flood, and all the gods 
 Beneath high heav'n where Saturn holds his reign 
 
 XIV. 
 
 cc. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 49 
 
 285 
 
 290 
 
 Bear witness, that in marriage thou wilt give 
 " Pasithea, whom long my soul hath lov'd." 
 
 He spake ; nor disobey'd the Queen of heav'n. 
 By name invoking all the infernal pow'rs, 
 Titanian call'd, in witness of her oath. 
 
 This done, together they pursu'd their way 
 O'er Lemnos' isle and Imbrus' lofty walls 
 Involv'd in clouds and air : when now arriv'd 
 On Ida's mount, fruitful in numerous springs, 
 Parent of beasts, they quitted Ocean's flood 
 At Lectos, winging over land their way ; 
 The lofty forest wav'd beneath their feet : 
 There Sleep retir'd, and shunn d the sight of Jove, 
 Perch'd on a lofty pine of tallest growth 
 Aspiring to the clouds ; there close concealed 
 By thickest boughs he sat, in form a bird 
 Chalcis by gods, by men Cymindis call'd. 
 
 But Juno to the top of Gargarus 
 Pursued her way. Jove saw her near approach. 
 Nor saw unmov'd : the sudden flame pervades 
 His soul, as when united first in love 300 
 
 By their fond parents unperceiv'd they met : 
 Near her he stood, and thus by name address'd : 
 '' Where hastens Juno from Olympus' height? 
 '' Where stand her horses and her glitt'ring car?' 
 
 295 
 
 V 
 
 VOL. U. 
 
 £ 
 

 
 ic 
 
 iC 
 
 50 THE ILIAD/ xir. 
 
 When Juno thus, with well-dissembled 3peech : 
 *' I go to genial earth's extremest bounds 
 " To visit Tethys and Oceanus, 
 " Who kindly treated me in times of old : 
 " Thither I hasten to compose those feuds 
 *^ Which have between them and their softer ties 
 " Long interpos'd ; if haply I succeed. 311 
 
 My horses at the foot of Ida stand, 
 Prepar d to bear me over earth and seas : 
 " On your account I hither bent my way, 
 " Lest should I visit Ocean's deep abode 315 
 
 " In secret, you might justly take offence." 
 Jove thus replied : *^ Some other time, perhaps, 
 May better suit ; now rest we here awhile. 
 And give this day to love and soft repose, 
 " Whose pow'r I now beyond example feel ; 320 
 ^* For not Ixion's wife so pleas'd my mind^ 
 " Who bare Pirithoiis for wisdom fam*d ; 
 ** Nor Danae Acrisius' daughter fair, 
 *^ Mother of Perseus most renown'd of men : 
 " ,^or Phoenix' daughter fam'd, who Minos bare , 
 ^' And Rhadamanthus : no, nor Semele 3ίί5 
 
 " Mother of Bacchus, joy of human kind ; 
 '' Nor yet Alcmene, though from her in Thebes 
 " Alcides sprang renown'd : not thus I lov'd 
 
 iC 
 
 i( 
 
 XIV. 
 
 ec 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 51 
 
 <C 
 
 it 
 
 Ceres, conspicuous for her golden hair ; 
 '^ Not fam'd Latona ; not thy dearer self 
 *' E'er warm'd my breast with such resistless flame." 
 
 Juno dissembling answ'red : " Mighty Jove! 
 " What hast thou said ? Here in the face of heav'n 
 " On Ida's mount love liketh not to dwell, 335 
 
 Nor may abide the view of heav'nly pow'rs ; 
 
 Who with reproachful looks might censure us 
 " And work me shame ; that were indeed a fault. 
 " But and if such thy will and pleasure be, 
 ** Thou hast a chamber fram'd by Vulcan's art 340 
 '* Secure and secret; let us tfere repose." 
 
 When thus the potent deity replied : 
 *' Juno, fear not the view of gods or men ; 
 
 Veil'd in impenetrable clouds of gold 
 
 Bright circumfus'd, not the sun's piercing light 
 •* May enter and disturb our sacred rest." 
 
 Thus spake Saturnian Jove, and in his arms 
 Juno embrac'd. Forthwith the genial earth 
 Glow'd with fresh verdure ; lotus dew-besprent. 
 The yellow crocus, and the hyacinth 350 
 
 Soft clusf ring, spread their foliage underneath. 
 There rested they in golden clouds involv'd. 
 Fair to behold, and shedding lucid dew. 
 Thus slept they on the top of Gargarus, 
 
 Ε S 
 
 €i 
 
 U 
 
F f 
 
 ilf 
 
 52 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xir. 
 
 XiV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 53 
 
 * i 
 
 Secure and undisturb'd. Then to the ships 355 
 The god of sleep his silent way pursued. 
 And Neptune thus in accents mild addressed : 
 
 '^ Now aid the Greeks, and crown them with 
 *^ success, 
 ^ Though short perchance it be ; whilst sleeps the 
 
 cc 
 
 powr 
 
 " Of mighty Jove, whom I have lulFd to rest, 36o 
 *' And Juno hath with cunning wiles deceiv'd.'* 
 
 Thus spake the god of sleep ; then o'er mankind 
 His wonted task resum'd. Neptune meantime. 
 Still more intent to aid the Grecian arms, 
 Leap'd forth and thus exclaim'd : *^ Ο Grecian 
 " chiefs! 365 
 
 And shall we thus the palm of vict'ry yield 
 
 To Hector, that he burn our ships with fire ? 
 
 For thus he makes his boast, since Thetis' son 
 " In anger at our ships disdains the war : 
 *^ Nor shall we want his aid if we unite 3/0 
 
 '^ In arms, and bravely dare the foe resist. 
 ^^ Hear then what I advise : let us advance 
 " Grasping our shields of more than common size ; 
 '^ Our helmets on resplendent, o'er our brows 
 " Nodding terrific, with our longer spears 375 
 
 ^* Each arm'd come on, and I will lead the way. 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 <c 
 
 " Not Hector's self, all-furious though he be, 
 
 *' Will wait the attack. ...Change then, ye brave, 
 
 ^^ your arms 
 ** If light; such only to the weak belong." 
 
 He spake: they heaixi him, and his voice obey'd. 
 The wounded chieftains each the host array 'd: 381 
 Atrides, Diomed, and Itbacus 
 Inspecting, chaug'd those arms they deem'd unmeet 
 For braver hands, best suited to the weak. 
 Onward they march'd alUarm'd ; stern Neptune led. 
 His potent hand the mighty faukhion bore 386 
 Which hke the lightning gleam'd : none dar'd con- 
 tend 
 With him ; and terror check'd each valiant chief. 
 
 Hector meantime array 'd the Trojan host. 
 Here Neptune, Hector there, to battle mov'd 390 
 With fierce contention, host opposing host. 
 High sweird the sea the ships and tents among, 
 What time each army shouted to the war. 
 
 Not so the billows thunder on the shore 
 Upheav'd on all sides by the northern blast ; 390 
 Not such the noise of allrconsuming fire. 
 When the thick forest of the mountain burns; 
 Not so, amidst the trees of largest growth. 
 Roars the loud tempest in its utmost rage : 
 
|-»1 
 
 ι; 
 
 54 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 55 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 As the dread clamour of conflicting hosts, 
 The din of arms, and tumult of the field. 
 
 Hector at Ajax first his jav'lin hurl'd. 
 His near opposed foe ; nor raiss'd his aim. 
 But on the belts which his vast orb sustained 
 And glittVing faulchion smote ; yet ent'red not, 405 
 Nor pierc'd the chief. Hector forthwith retir'd. 
 Indignant that his spear was thrown in vain. 
 Him Ajax with a stone of wondrous size 
 (For on the strond, and us'd to moor the ships. 
 Frequent they lay) ; one high in air he rais'd 410 
 And threw with vehemence : the cumbrous mass 
 Descended on his breast, nor rested there ; 
 But, twisted in its course, still roU'd along. 
 As when the thunder-bolt of angry Jove 
 Uproots the blasted oak, thick vapours spread 415 
 Sulphureous round ; the traveller aghast 
 Starts, trembling at the fearful lightning's blaze ; 
 Thus sank great Hector on the dusty plain ; 
 His spear fell useless from his hand benumb'd. 
 Whilst by the weight of shield and helmet prest 
 The hero fell to earth : his armour rang. 421 
 
 Tlie Grecians shout, and rushing on the foe 
 The frequent javUin hurl, intent to seize 
 The wounded chief: yet might they not prevail. 
 
 Or further wounds inflict; the gathering chiefs 
 Collected shield him. There Polydamas, 
 iEnea«, and Agenor, brave in arms ; 
 Saφedon, Glaucus, and a numerous host 
 With zeal protect him, and their shields advance. 
 
 His friends meantime removed him from the field, 
 uplifting high, and in his chariot plac'd, 431 
 
 Which in the rear stood ready with his steeds 
 Swift-footed, and his faithful charioteer. 
 Who him deep groaning back to Troy convey 'd. 
 
 And now arriv'd at Xanthus' gulfy stream 435 
 (Xanthus who boasts his higli descent from Jove), 
 There on the ipargin plac'd, with water pure 
 His fainting spirit they recall'd to life: 
 He breath'd and look'd around, and on his knees χ 
 Uprais'd dischai^'d the blood coagulate ; 440 
 
 Again he fainting fell, his eyes again 
 In darkness swam, so vehement the blow. 
 
 But when the Grecians saw the chief of Troy 
 Borne from the field, they rush'd with added force 
 To battle. First the son of Oileus slew 44^ 
 
 Satnius from Enops sprung : him Nais bore 
 To Enops as on Satnios' banks his herds 
 He tended : him the hero with his spear 
 Pierc'd through the flank; backward he fell to earth» 
 
56 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 - . * 
 
 ί 
 if. 
 
 ■h'} 
 
 ti 
 
 ■ ί' ^ 
 
 Round him the battle rag d : Pol ydamas 450 
 First to revenge his death advanc'd, and hurFd 
 His spear : through Prothoenor's shoulder pass'd 
 The fatal point ; lifeless he grasp'd the dust. 
 Polydamas exulting thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Not from the son of Panthous flies the spear 
 *^ With unavailing force; some Greek receives 455 
 '^ The vengeful stroke, and sinks to Pluto's realm." 
 
 He spake: deep sorrovir touch'deach Grecian 
 breast. 
 But Ajax mighty Telamonian chief. 
 Whom near he fell, indignant sought revenge, 46o 
 And aim'd at the retiring chief his spear. 
 Polydamas foresaw and shunn d the stroke. 
 Which brave Archilochus, Antenor s son, 
 Jleceiv'd ; for thus the Fates had seal'd his doom. 
 Him in the spine the head and neck between 465 
 The jav'lin smote, and cut the nerve in twain : 
 Prone on his head and face to earth he fell 
 Breathless; when Ajax thus exulting spake: 
 " Say then, Polydamas, is not this chief 
 " Full recompense for Prothoenor slain ? 470 
 
 ^' Not base he seems, nor of ignoble blood ; 
 " Agenor s brother, or his son, I deem, 
 ^^ To him such near resemblance doth he bear." 
 
 T^Vi 
 
 IKEllMSt. 
 
 η 
 
 {ζ 
 
 u 
 
 (ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 He spake well knowing : grief each Trojan seized; 
 But Acamas, Boeotian Promachue 47* 
 
 Around his brother stalking, with his $pear 
 Transfix'd, as by the feet he cU^^'d the slain: 
 When Acamas in boasting words exclaim'd : 
 " Vain boasting race! of threats insatiate. 
 Not to us only doth the grief belong 480 
 
 And labour of the field; you too perchance ^ϋ 
 Shall perish; mark how Promachus doth sleep/ 
 Slain by my spear; thus dearly doth revenge 
 A brother's loss repay : who would not wish 
 *^ A friend surviving to avenge his cause ?" 485 
 
 His words the Greeks with indignation heard : 
 Peneleus most : on Acamas he rush'd. 
 Who waited not the attack^ but quick retir'd : • ί) 
 Ilioneus received the fatal point ; 
 Ilioneus sole son of Phorbas, rich 4ftO 
 
 In flocks and numerous herds ; him Hermes lov'd. 
 And taught the arts of gain : his eye received 
 The agonizing wound, and to his neck 
 The stormy weapon pass'd : with lifted hands 
 Imploring aid he fell ; when with his sword 495 
 Peneleus from the trunk the head cut sheer. 
 The jav'lin still infixt and helmet on ; 
 Then high in air the bleeding trophy rais'd. 
 
'1 
 
 dd 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 tf 
 
 I*' 
 Η 3 
 
 \• 
 
 * • . 
 
 } * 
 
 i I 
 
 
 δ* 
 
 
 I 
 
 And thus with exultation : " Trojan chiefs, 
 
 " Bid the lov'd parents of Ilioneus ' 600 
 
 " With loud lament their slaughtered son bewail. 
 
 *' Nor may the wife of Promachus rejoice, 
 
 *^ Her husband safe returned, or at her house 
 
 ** Greet his arrival, when from Troy our ships 
 
 " Shall homeward our victorious host convey." 505 
 
 He spake : pale fear each Trojan heart assail'd. 
 And all sought refuge irom impending fate 
 By sudden flight : such dread confusion reign'd. 
 
 Say, Muses, who on high Olympus dwell. 
 What Grecian first the bloody spoils achieved 510 
 When Neptune chang'd the fortune of the war. 
 
 First Ajax Telamon Hyrtius o'erthrew. 
 Chief of the Mysian bands ; Antilochus 
 Phalces overcame, and valiant Mermerus : 
 Meriones slew Morys, and his sire 515 
 
 Hippotion : Teucer Periphaetes kill'd. 
 Arid Prothoon : next Hyperenor fell, 
 By Agamemnon; the impetuous spear 
 His bowels tore ; life issued from the wound 
 Incontinent, and darkness clos'd his eyes. 520 
 
 But chiefly Ajax Oileus numbers slew. 
 Swift beyond others to pursue the foe, 
 Whom Jove in anger scatters o'er the plain. 
 
 XV* 
 
 THE ILIAD• 
 
 59 
 
 BOOK XV. 
 
 Λν^ΗΕΝ now the Trojans had the trench repassed. 
 And many fell, subdued by Grecian hands. 
 And scarcely at the chariots staid their flight. 
 With terror pale ; then Jove from sleep awoke. 
 And Juno, on sublimest Ida's top : 5 
 
 Whence looking down he view'd the Trojan host 
 On all sides flying, whilst the Greeks pursued 
 Victorious, Neptune shouting in the midst: 
 Hector he saw extended on the plain 
 Surrounded by his friends, yet scarce alive, 10 
 
 Panting for breath ; for not the feeblest arm 
 Of Greece the wound had given : Jove pitying saw. 
 And thus the anger of his mind express'd : 
 " Certain I know thy cunning, thy deceit, 
 Juno, hath wrought such foul defeat to Troy, 15 
 And causM to cease great Hector from the field : 
 I know hot but you first may reap the fruit 
 '* Of these your wiles, unseemly scourg'd from 
 " hence. 
 
 ft 
 
 u 
 
 tt 
 
■"S 
 
 1 ι• 
 
 : ι 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 ic 
 
 u 
 
 t< 
 
 cc 
 
 " Hast thou forgotten when suspended high, 
 " Two anvils at thy feet, and on thy hands 20 
 
 A golden chain indissolubly tied. 
 Thou in midway perforce 'twixt earth and heav'n 
 " Didst hang? The gods with pity view'd thy pains, 
 " Yet might not loose the chain; for whom I 
 
 J " caught, 
 '^ Headlong from heav'n to earth I hurl'd him down 
 " Breathless : yet not for that my anger ceas'd. 26 
 When Hercules such mighty ills endur'd. 
 Thy artful cunning did the storm produce 
 " Which o'er the wasteful ocean drove his bark, 
 " And wreck'd on Coos' isle. I safely thence 30 
 " To Argos brought him after various ills. 
 " Remember this, and cease thy artful wile^ ; 
 " And know, they never can advantage thee, 
 " Nor may but for a time successful prove." 
 
 He spake indignant: Juno trembling, thus 35 
 In accents mild return'd : " Heav'n knows, and 
 '' Earth, 
 
 And Styx beneath! oath fearful e'en to gods; 
 " Nay, by thyself I swear, and by our bed 
 " Connubial \ oath I ne'er can violate ; 
 '' Not by my arts indued doth Neptune aid 40 
 *' The Grecian host, and work the Trojan^ woe 
 
 t€ 
 
 xv; 
 
 The iLiAa 
 
 ei 
 
 *^ And Hector: his alone the fault: he saw, - ' 
 
 " And seeing, pitied much afflicted Greece. 
 
 *^ I will myself persuade him to retire ; 
 
 " And go where'er thy pleasure shall direct.** 45 
 
 O^l^hus Juno spake. The Sire of gods and men 
 
 Smiling replied: *^If, Juno, you henceforth 
 
 ^^ Sitting among the gods unite with me 
 
 " In sentiment ; however differing now, 
 
 Neptune would quickly bend to ours his will. 50 
 If what you offer be sincere and true, 
 To heav'n repair and hither Iris send; 
 And bright Apollo with hi^ silver bow: 
 That she may to the Grecian host repair, 
 '^ And bear to Neptune these my strict commands, 
 ^' That honie he do retire, and cease from war: 56 
 " And that Apollo may to battle rouse 
 *^ Hector, and all his soul with strength inspire ; 
 *^ And cause those pains to cease which now he 
 
 " feels. 
 " Then shall the Greeks by him to flight impell'd, 
 ** Back the same way, routed, confus'd, return, 6\ 
 " E'en to Achilles' ship; who shall forthwith 
 " Send his lov'd friend Patroclus to their aid. 
 Him Hector at the walls of Troy shall slay. 
 After mudi people lost ; and these among 6'5 
 
 fi 
 
 i( 
 
 i( 
 
 iC 
 
 it 
 
 a 
 
 <( 
 
-Η 
 
 '*»%-, 
 
 
 It 
 
 62 
 
 THE ILIAIX 
 
 XV. 
 
 XV. 
 
 1ΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 •1 i 
 
 
 ,i 1 ί 
 
 p4 -' 
 
 4» 
 
 " Divine Sarpedon my much-valued son r 
 
 " And then shall Hector by Achilles fell. 
 
 " I from that time will through the Trojan host 
 
 " Confusion send, and drive them from the ships 
 
 " With foul defeat, till Troy shall be no more, γο 
 
 " By Grecian arms and Palias' aid o'erthrown. 
 
 " Then, nor before, my mighty rage shall cease ; 
 
 " Nor will I suffer one amongst the gods 
 
 " To aid the Grecians, or assist the war,. 
 
 " Till all Pelides' wish be satisfied, 75 
 
 " Which I have promis'd^ and by nod confirm'*; 
 
 ** What time the goddess Thetis at my knees 
 
 " Requested honour for her warlike son/' 
 
 He spake; nor disobey d the Queen of heav». 
 From Ida hast'ning to Olympus' height, 80 
 
 As when the traveller immerst in thought 
 After much weary way, whether to bend 
 This way or that his steps, debateth much ; 
 So Juno : then to heav η her rapid flight 
 Wing'd sudden. There the assembled gods she 
 found, g3 
 
 Who rose at her approach; and with full cups 
 Hail'd her returnj when she from Themis' hand 
 The cup received, for Themis first advanc'd. 
 And Juno thus address'd: « Why art thou come 
 
 63 
 
 " Like one with fear opprest ? hath angry Jove, 
 ^ Thy husband, sent thee here thus terrified ?" 91 
 
 Juno replied : " Why dost thou question me, 
 " Themis ? thou know'st the angry mind of Jove: 
 i* Do thou preside at this our festive board ; 
 *^ Then shalt thou learn, with all the assembled 
 " pow'rs, 95 
 
 ^* What ills he meditates ; nor shall we all 
 " With pleasure hear, or gods or mortal men, 
 " However now the genial feast delight.** 
 
 She spake ; and on her throne majestic sat : 
 The gods indignant heard. Juno meantime 100 
 Felt secret joy; yet did her countenance 
 No joy betray ; when angry thus she spake : 
 
 " Why do we madly thus contend with Jove 
 ^^ In words or force ? He recks not, nor regards ; 
 " Conscious that he alone amongst the gods 105 
 
 In power, in might, in wisdom doth excel. 
 
 Then patient bear what evils he may send. 
 ^^ E'en Mars, or I mistake, to ills must yield, * 
 " His much-lov'd son this day in battle slain, 
 " Ascalaphus, whom Mars doth call his own." 110 
 
 With sudden grief o'erwhelm'd, smiting his thigh. 
 Thus Mars the anguish of his soul express'd : 
 
 Let me not give offence, ye heav'nly pow'rs; 
 
 €C 
 
 f€ 
 
 i 
 
 ^ 
 
64 
 
 THE ILIAtt 
 
 XT, 
 
 pi 
 
 ■II 
 
 i 
 
 If * 
 If• 
 
 '^ But to revenge my son to earth I go, 
 
 *^ Tliough fated by the avenging fire of Jove 1 IS 
 
 " To stain amidst the dead yon bloody plain." 
 
 . He spake 4 and ordVed forth his flaming steeds 
 By Terror yok'd and Fear : himself meantime 
 His radiant armour took. Then rage tenfold. 
 And anger, had assail'd the pow'rs of beav'n 120 
 From Jove ; but Pallas dreading such event. 
 Rose sudden from her seat, and hastening forth 
 Remov'd the glitt'ring helmet from his brovi^^ 
 And eas*d his shoulders of the pondVous. shield ; 
 Snatch'd the dread spear from his destroying hand,. 
 And thus his inconsiderate rage repressM : 126 
 
 *^ Ο blind with passion, wouidst thou perish thus? 
 *^ Or heard'st thou not ? or hast thou lost all sense 
 " Of shame? Didst thou not hear Jove's high com- 
 
 ^^ mand, 
 ^^ By Juno now exprest ? or wouidst thou rather, 
 " After much pain endur'd, much grief of mind, 
 " Be driven back by hard necessity ? 
 " Cause of much evil to the host of heav'n. 
 ^^ Then would Jove quit the Trojans and the Greeks, 
 
 And pour the tempest of his ire on us, 135 
 
 Though not by all deserv'd. Cease then thy 
 '^ rage; 
 
 (t 
 
 fC 
 
 imm^Slsisstss&^m^BMStM 
 
 xr^ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 65 
 
 (C 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ^' A braver than thy son full soon must fall ; 
 ^^ We may not save man*s perishable race." 
 
 She spake ; and led him to his lofty throne. 
 But Juno Iris to her cali'd, of heav'n 140 
 
 Swift messenger, and Phoebus ; and to them, 
 But secretly, the will of Jove declar'd : 
 To Ida hasten you with utmost speed. 
 And, when in pr^ence of dread Jove arriv'd, 
 " Receive and execute what he commands." 145 
 
 She spake ; and to her golden throne retum'd : 
 But they to Ida wing'd their rapid flight. 
 There, seated on the highest pinnacle 
 Of Gargarus, in majesty retir'd. 
 Encircled with a radiant cloud, they found 150 
 
 The mighty Thunderer. Silent they stood 
 Before his presence. He, well-pleas'd to meet 
 Their prompt obedience to his will, convey'd 
 By Juno, thus to Iris gave command : 
 
 " Haste, Iris swift of foot, to Neptune haste, 155 
 ^^ And faithful this my strict command enjoin, 
 " That he forthwith, from battle and the war 
 " Ceasing, to heav'n or to his seas retire : 
 ^* Should he refuse, or with contempt receive 
 This my command, bid him consider well, l6o 
 Strong though he be, how best he may endure 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ft 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
ft"* 
 ; J 
 
 66 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xr* 
 
 f' 
 
 8 . 
 
 *^ My presence, or contend with rne in arms, 
 " Who boast superior powV and older birth: 
 " Shall he not dread to measure strength with me, 
 ^* Whom all in heav'n and earth with fear obey ?' 
 
 He spake : nor swift-wing'd Iris disobey 'd ; 
 But hastened down from Ida's lofty top 
 To sacred Troy. As when or snow or bail, 
 CongeaFd by northern blasts, quick from the clouds 
 Descends; so Iris wing'd her rapid way, 170 
 
 And near approaching Neptune thus address'd : 
 
 " To thee, great ruler of the sea, I bring 
 " From aegis-bearing Jove this strict command r 
 " He bids thee cease from battle and the war, 
 ^* And to the gods or to thy sea repair: 175: 
 
 ^^ Shouldst thou refuse, or with contempt receive 
 *^ This his command, he threatens to descend 
 Himself, and to contend with thee in arms. 
 He doth enjoin thee cautiously to shun 
 '^ The encounter, nor defy superior force 180 
 
 " By birth conferr d, and fear to measure strength 
 " With him whom all in heav'n and earth obey/' 
 
 Neptune indignant answVed : ^^ Is it thus 
 " That he, all-potent as he is, doth use 
 " Contemptuous words, and threaten me with force 
 ^^ Who boast the same descent ? for Rhea bore 1 86* 
 
 (i 
 
 (6 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 67 
 
 (ζ 
 
 <c 
 
 " Three sons to Saturn ; Jupiter, and me, 
 ^^ And Pluto of the infernal regions king : 
 "' Honour to all he gave, and each his share 
 
 Of sov'reignty received. I had by lot I90 
 
 The spacious realm of ocean s briny flood ; 
 ^^ To Pluto were assign d the shades of night ; 
 " But heav'n and air and clouds to Jove belong'd. 
 ^^ Olympus' height and earth were free to all. 
 " I bend not to his nod. Let him remain I95 
 
 " In his own realm secure, and govern there, 
 ^^ Nor boast his power to frighten me withal ; 
 " Yea rather let him with high-swelling words 
 " His children terrify, who must obey." 
 
 Iris replied : " Do I then, Neptune, bear 200 
 " This harsh and bitter answer back to Jove ? 
 " Ο change I the prudent listen to advice : 
 " The Furies will revenge an elder's wrongs." 
 
 Neptune return'd : " Thy words, indeed, are just 
 " And true. Iris : when prudence doth adorn 205 
 " A messenger 'tis well. Yet am I vext 
 " When he doth treat me with contempt and scorn, 
 *^ Not his inferior or by birth or fate : 
 " Yet angry as I am I will submit. 
 ^' But this I say, and with a threat declare, 210 
 ** Should he hereafter, without my consent, 
 
 F 2 
 
 3 
 
68 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 " Without Minerva's, Juno's, Mercury's, 
 
 " Or Vulcan's, spare the lofty city Troy, 
 
 " Nor to the Grecians give the victory, 
 
 " Our anger never shall be satisfied." 215 
 
 He spake : and quitting then the Grecian host 
 Reluctant, in the depths of ocean plung'd. 
 The Grecians felt their loss. To Phcebus next 
 The Ruler of the sky thus gave command : 
 
 " My son, to Hector speed thy rapid way ; 220 
 " Neptune is gone to ocean's depths below 
 " Fearing my wrath, or all the immortal pow'rs 
 " Circling the realm of Saturn had full soon 
 " The contest heard, and trembled at the war. 
 " Thus best for him and me, that he submit, 225 
 " Nor tempt my force ; the contest had been dire. 
 But go, my son, and bearing on thy arm 
 My aegis, put to flight the host of Greece. 
 But above all let Hector be thy care ; 
 " Rouse all his courage, till the routed foe 230 
 
 " Fly to their ships and seek the Hellespont. 
 " When there, how they may breathe awhile, and rest 
 " From labour of the field, shall be my care." 
 
 He spake : nor did Apollo disobey ; 
 But stoop'd from Ida, like the falcon hawk, ^35 
 Swiftest of birds, when he the dove pursues 
 
 (( 
 
 6C 
 
 U 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^9 
 
 His prey. Hector he sitting found, in sense 
 
 Collected, and acknowledging his friends : 
 
 Shortness of breath and weariness of limb 
 
 Had fled, disperst by Jove's pervading mind. 240 
 
 Him Phoebus thus address'd : '' Ah ! why apart, 
 
 " Illustrious son of Priam, dost thou sit 
 
 '' Inactive? whence doth grief thy soul afliict?" 
 
 Hector still weak, dispirited, replied : 
 " And who art thou, best of the immortal gods, 245 
 " Who thus dost question me ? hast thou not heard 
 " That at his very ships slaying his friends, 
 " Great Ajax with a stone of wondrous size 
 " Smote on my breast, and check'd my daring 
 
 " strength? 
 " This day I thought to see the dark abode 250 
 " Of Pluto and the dead ; so heav'd my soul." 
 
 " Take courage then," the potent god return'd ; 
 ^^ I come from Jove, to aid thee in the w^ar; 
 " Him thou beholdest who hath often sav'd 
 " Thy city and thyself; the god of day. 255 
 
 " Issue thy orders that the horse advance 
 " And press upon the foe, e'en to their ships ; 
 
 I will lead on before and smooth the way, 
 '' And turn the bravest of the Greeks to flight." 
 
 He spake ; and all his mighty soul renew'd. 260 
 
 
- -Ά 
 
 Ι 
 
 r ί 
 
 Ι 
 
 »ν 
 
 70 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 The high-fed courser thus, long time eonfin'd. 
 Sudden breaks forth and scours the distant plain. 
 Eager to bathe him in the copious stream. 
 Exulting; high in air his head he bears, 
 His flowing mane o'er neck and shoulders waves; 265 
 With speed impetuous to the well-known fields 
 And pastured steeds he wings his rapid way ; 
 So Hector, by the voice divine inspir d. 
 Impetuous mov'd, and led his horsemen on. 
 
 As dogs and hunters in the chase pursue 270 
 The stag with branching horns, or mountain goat. 
 Whom or the forest thick or lofty crag 
 Of access difficult secure from harm ; 
 When by their shouting rous'd, across their wav 
 Stalks the grim lion, sudden they retreat ; 275 
 
 Tumultuous thus the Grecian host pursued. 
 Slaying with sword or spear the routed foe: 
 But when great Hector in the ranks they saw. 
 Fear seiz'd them, and their wonted courage fail'd. 
 
 Then Thoas, leader of the iEtolian bands, 280 
 Son of Andraemon, skilFd in distant fight 
 And stationary war, nor less renown'd 
 For eloquence amongst contending youth. 
 With prudent counsel thus the chiefs addressed : 
 
 " Ο heav'ns ! what wonder do my eyes behold. 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 71 
 
 ίζ 
 
 ic 
 
 ^^ When thus from death escap'd again appears 286 
 *^ Hector ! for him we hop'd, and thought indeed. 
 
 By Ajax slain. Some deity hath sav'd 
 
 The chief of Troy. Already he hath slain 
 ** Numbers, and yet will slay ; for not without 29O 
 " The aid of Jove doth he lead on the war. 
 *^ Attend what I advise : first to the ships 
 " Let the main body of our troops retreat; 
 '^ Whilst we, who boast superior skill in arms, 
 *^ Stand firm, if haply we may check his course 295 
 ^^ With spears opposing ; for, however brave, 
 *' He dare not with our chiefs select engage." 
 
 He spake : they heard, and willingly obey'd ; 
 And led by Ajax and Idomeneus, 
 By Meges, Teucer, and Meriones, 300 
 
 And numerous chiefs, against the Trojan host 
 And Hector set the battle in array, 
 Whilst the main body to the ships retir d. 
 
 The Trojans first attacked; for Hector led 
 The onset, and with lofty strides advanced. 305 
 
 Apollo mov'd before, involved in clouds. 
 Bearing the dreadful aegis, massy, large. 
 Of workmanship divine, by Vulcan made 
 For Jove to strike with terror humankind ; 
 This bearing, he led on the force of Troy. 
 
 
 '•ij 
 
Γ2 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV, 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Firm stood the Grecian host : on either side 
 Loud clamours rise ; in volleys arrows fly. 
 And spears are hurl'd by chiefs of high renown ; 
 Some with unerring aim the warriors pierce ; 
 Some useless fall midway, and in the ground 315 
 Infixed stand, and thirsting still for blood. 
 
 Whilst Phoebus all-unmov'd the segis held, 
 Each host with equal loss the fight maintain'd; 
 But when he shook the aegis, and with looks 
 Terrific shouted loud, then fear oppressed 320 
 
 The Grecians, and their wonted courage fled. 
 As when two lions in the thickest night 
 Disperse the herd of beeves, or numerous flock. 
 With sudden onset, whom no shepherd guards ; 
 So fled the Grecians ; fear the god on them 325 
 Impress'd, and to the Trojans gave success. 
 
 Then man slew man, when ο er the routed plain 
 
 Confusion reign'd. First Hector Stychius slew. 
 
 And brave Archesilaus ; this the friend 
 
 Of Mnestheus, that the fam'd Boeotian chief. 330 
 iEneas Methon slew, and lasus; 
 
 Methon to Oileus, but ignobly, born ; 
 
 In Phylace he dwelt, far from his friends, 
 
 Through fear of Eriopis, having slain 
 
 Her brother, exifd by his step-dame's wrath : 
 
 73 
 
 But lasus the Athenians led to war. 
 
 From Sphelus sprung, the son of Bucolis. 
 
 Then by Polydamas Mecistes fell : 
 
 Polites Echius slew, who in the van 
 
 Engag'd; and by Agenor Clonius died ; 340 
 
 And Paris, as before him basely fled 
 
 Deiochus, his shoulder piercing slew. 
 
 Whilst these the Trojans spoil'd, the routed 
 Greeks 
 
 Fled in confusion to the deep ned trench, 
 
 On every side disperst, and sought retreat 345 
 
 Within their walls by hard necessity. 
 
 But Hector to the Trojans loudly calPd 
 To rush upon the ships, and quit the spoil : 
 " And whom I find at distance from the ships 
 ^' This arm shall slay; of funeral rites bereft, 350 
 " No mournful parent shall attend his bier, 
 " Before our walls to rav'nous dogs a prey." 
 
 He spake ; and urgM along his rapid steeds. 
 Encouraging his troops, who, with loud shouts 
 Advancing furious, drove their coursers on : 355 
 Dire was the clamour. Pl^oebus march'd before. 
 Whose power the rampart levelFd, and with ease 
 A passage made, as with a bridge, of length 
 And breadth capacious, far as flies the spear 
 
 S&iiirtiniiiiii"rftiiiifiiiiiiifliraia 
 
■••J 
 
 74 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 75 
 
 From some strong arm to try the strength withal. 
 There file on file they pour'd : Apollo first, 
 Arm'd with Jove's aegis, raz'd the Grecian wall 
 With the same ease as when some youthful hand 
 The playful structure builds, and on the shore 
 Uprears the sandy pile, then quick destroys 365 
 With hands and feet what childish sport had 
 
 rais'd : 
 So did thy pow'r, Apollo, overthrow 
 The labour of the Greeks, and fear impress. 
 But at their ships arriv'd they staid their flight, 
 Encouraging each other, and with hands 370 
 
 Uplifted to the gods preferf d their vows ; 
 But chiefly Nestor, who with hands to heav'n 
 Upraisd, thus urg'd his pray>: " Ο mighty Jove! 
 ^' If e'er in fertile Argos we have paid 
 " Libation due, if one of all the Greeks 375 
 
 " Hath with due sacrifice thv altar crown'd, 
 " Imploring safe return, and thou hast heard 
 " Gracious his prayV, Ο save us ! nor permit 
 " The Trojans thus to desolate our host." 
 
 Thus Nestor : Jove propitious heard the chief. 
 And awful thunder mark'd his sovereign will. 381 
 The Trojans heard, and fierce renewed the fight. 
 
 As o'er the vessel's side the swelling surge 
 
 Tempestuous breaks, by furious winds uprais'd ; 
 So o'er the wall the Trojan forces pour'd 385 
 
 Shouting, and at the ships the fight maintain'd, 
 Horsemen and foot promiscuous, with spears 
 Well arm'd : these from their chariots fierce 
 Contending ; from their lofty vessels those 
 With boat-poles arm'd, long, weighty, and with steel 
 Pointed, for grappling meet and naval use. 39I 
 
 Whilst at the wall and distant from the ships 
 Each host engag'd, Patroclus at the tent 
 Of brave Eurypylus beguil'd the time "' 
 
 With converse sweet, applying to his wounds 395 
 Soft medicine of pow'r to sooth his pain ; 
 But when he saw the Trojans pass the wall. 
 And heard the clamours of the routed Greeks, 
 He smote his hands in agony of grief, 
 And, deeply sighing, thus his fears express'd : 400 
 
 " Though great thy need, I may no longer stay, 
 
 Eurypylus, such contest hath arisen ; 
 
 But to thy servant I commend thee now: 
 
 I hasten to Achilles, if perchance 
 
 I may prevail, and by the favouring- aid 405 
 
 " Of heav'n may rouse again his soul to arms, 
 " For great the pow'r of friendstiip's sacred voice." 
 
 He spake ; and hast'ned to Achilles' tent. 
 
 cc 
 
 u 
 
 (C 
 
 (C 
 
 (lii^tf^^iMitiiiitftttiiliiiiiiMBf 
 
7β 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 pcv. 
 
 Meantime the Grecians waited firm the attack ; 
 Yet might they not repulse the force of Troy 410 
 Though far less numerous ; nor the Trojan host 
 Break the firm phalanx and invade the ships. 
 As in the skilful workman's hand the line 
 Marks the due size and the proportion just 
 Of some tall mast, where Pallas lends her aid ; 415 
 So 'twixt contending hosts the line was stretch'd 
 Of contest fierce, nor either side prevaird. 
 
 At different ships the various battle rag'd ; 
 But to great Ajax Hector stood oppos'd 
 At the same ship contending ; nor might this 420 
 The Grecian chief repel and fire the ship, 
 "Nor that force Hector back when urg d by heav'n. 
 
 First Ajax slew the son of Clytius, 
 Caletor nam'd; the spear his breast transfixed 
 As to the ships he bore the lighted torch : 425 
 
 He fell, and with him fell the flaming brand : 
 Whom when great Hector levell'd to the ground 
 Before the ship perceiv d, griev d for the loss 
 Of one so near allied, he thus exclaim'd : 
 
 Trojans, and Lycians, and Dardanian chiefs, 430 
 Stand firm and guard this pass ; save Clytius' son, 
 '' Nor suffer thus the Greeks to reap the spoil." 
 He spake ; and hurl'd his spear^ at Ajax aim'd, 
 
 u 
 
 <c 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 77 
 
 But miss*d the chief: his servant, Mastor's son, 
 (Who in Cithere dwelt, till having slain 435 
 
 A man he fled from thence,) receiv'd the wound: 
 Just at his ear the fatal jav'lin pierc'd 
 His head, as he by Ajax fighting stood : 
 Lifeless he fell from off the lofty stern. 
 Expiring in the dust. With terror seiz'd, 440 
 
 Ajax exclaim'd : " Thus, Teucer, we have lost 
 '^ Our valued friend, and Lycophron is slain, 
 " Whom we receiv'd and honour'd as a son 
 " When from Cithere fled : him Hector's spear 
 ** Hath slain. Where now thy arrows and thv bow, 
 " The gift of Phoebus, to revenge his death ?" 446 
 
 Him Teucer heard, and from his certain bow 
 The bitter shaft against the Trojan sent : 
 Clytus, Pisenor's son, the wound receiv'd. 
 Friend and companion of Polydamas, ' 450 
 
 Whose fiery steeds he rein'd ; and where the war 
 Rag'd most the chariot staid ; for so he thought 
 The Trojan chiefs to please : fatal that hope ! 
 For none the sudden mischief might avert: 
 Fixt in his neck the unerring weapon stands : 455 
 He falls and dies : the affrighted steeds retreat 
 With sudden start ; the empty car resounds. 
 
 Polydamas perceiv'd, and quick restrain'd Γ 
 
78 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 XV* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 79 
 
 Their devious course, and to Astyoneus 
 
 Gave them in charge, then mingled in the van. 46o 
 
 B«tTeucer still another arrow aim'd 
 Direct at Hector : then had ceas'd the war. 
 And contest at the ships, the chieftain slain : 
 But Jove perceiy'd, and guarded safe from harm 
 The chief of Troy, and Teucer's hopes destroy 'd j 
 For as with utmost might he drew the bow. 
 The string snapp'd short, the devious arrow fell 
 To earth ; the bow dropp'd useless from his hand : 
 With terror seiz'd thus Ajax he addressed : 
 
 " Some adverse deity prevents the war, 470 
 
 ** And frustrates my intent ; who to these hands 
 *^ Hath useless made my bow, and broke the string 
 *^ Though new, and well prepard for frequent 
 
 « use." 
 
 Ajax replied : " Quit then thy bow, my friend, 
 " And arrows, fruitless rendered by some pow'r 475 
 " Who envies our success ; with shield and spear 
 " Renew the war, and animate our host : 
 " Not without toil shall they our vessels seize ; 
 " Ilowe'er subdued, we U combat to the last.** 
 
 Thus Ajax. Teucer in his tent replac'd 480 
 
 The bow, and arm'd him with his orbed shield. 
 And plac d the crested helmet on his brow. 
 
 iC 
 
 c< 
 
 €6 
 
 tc 
 
 €C 
 
 a 
 
 ic 
 
 Nodding terrific : in his hand a spear 
 He grasp'd, and hast'ned to his brother's side. 
 Hector observ'd, and thus exulting spake : 485 
 Trojan, and Lycian, and Dardanian chiefs I 
 Be men, my friends, exert your utmost strength 
 Now at the ships : these eyes beheld when Jove 
 Blasted the weapons of a Grecian chief 
 Of high renown : men may with ease discern 490 
 ^^ To whom superior glory he assigns, 
 '' Whom he depresseth, nor will grant his aid : 
 Us he asssists, but minisheth their strength: 
 Then at their ships united let us fight : 
 " Should wounds or death ensue, he nobly dies 493 
 " Who falls when fighting in his country's cause ; 
 His wife, his children safe, his house secure, 
 His heritage unsullied, unimpaired, 
 '' When driv'n the Grecians to their native land." 
 He spake ; and all their wonted courage rous'd. 
 Ajax meantime thus animates the Greeks : 501 
 
 " Ο dire disgrace ! better at once to die 
 Fighting, or live and save our ships from fire. 
 What! can ye believe, if Hector should sue 
 " ceed, 
 
 " That ye might hence to Greece on foot return ? 
 '' Or hear ye not his exhortation loud, 506 
 
 6C 
 
 CC 
 
 (C 
 
 tc 
 
66 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 I 
 
 *^ His menaces, with fire to burn our fleet? 
 
 " He calls them on to battle, not to dance. 
 
 *^ Then be this mind, this settled purpose ours, 
 
 ** To fight, to combat with our utmost strength: 510 
 
 *^ Better to die at once, at once to live, 
 
 *' Than thus in ling'ring conflict to contend 
 
 *^ With foes inferior at our very ships.** 
 
 Thus saying, he their drooping spirits rais'd. 
 
 First Hector Schedius slew, the valiant son 515 
 
 Of Perimedes : then by Ajax fell 
 
 Laodamas, Agenor's noble son. 
 
 Polydamas Cyllenian Otus slew. 
 
 Friend of Phylides, of the Epeians chief. 
 
 Meges indignant, to revenge his fate 520 
 
 Rush'd on : the victor saw, and turn d aside ; 
 
 The weapon pass'd : Apollo interpos'd. 
 
 Nor suff^Ved Panthus' son to be subdued ; 
 
 Through Croesmus' chest the stormy weapon flew; 
 
 Sounding he fell, and Meges seiz'd the spoil. 525 
 Whilst thus engag'd, Dolops well skill'd in fight, 
 
 Ofispring of Lampus for high courage fam'd 
 
 Son of Laomedon, on Meges' shield 
 Smote, near approaching ; but the brazen mail 
 Thick-plaited check'd its force, which Phyleus 
 brought 530 
 
 x^. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 81 
 
 From Ephyra, by SeUe's fertile stream, 
 Token of friendship, by Euphetes giv'n 
 To guard him in the dreadful shock of arms. 
 Whose texture firm now sav'd the son from death. 
 
 But Meges' spear full on the brazen casque 535 
 Of Dolops smote ; and, cutting sheer the cone. 
 Mingled its purple honours in the dust. 
 
 Whilst thus he fought, still hoping for success. 
 In aid of Meges Menelaus came. 
 By Dolops unobserved, and with his spear 540 
 
 His shoulder pierc'd : the fatal point, impell'd 
 With force superior, through his chest appeared. 
 Scarce stopping there : headlong to earth he fell 
 The victors flew to seize the brazen spoils. 
 When Hector to his kindred thus exclaimO 545 
 In words of blame : to Menalippus first 
 He spake, brave Hycetaon's noble son. 
 Who in Percote fed his numerous herds 
 Of <;attle, ere the Grecian host arriv'd. 
 But when their fleet appeared, forthwith to Troy 550 
 The chief returned, conspicuous in the war, -- 
 With Priam dwelt, and equal honours shar'd 
 With Priam's sons ; him Hector as he pass'd 
 By name address'd, and thus indignant spoke : 
 
 " And do we, Menalippus, thus decline 555 
 
 VOL. II. ^ 
 
^its 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 u 
 
 €C 
 
 ^^ The combat ? seest thou not our friend is slain ? 
 
 " Or seeing dost thou disregard his fete, 
 
 " Of life and arms despoil'd ? Then follow me ; 
 
 " We must or slay the foe, or Ilium stoops 
 
 '* From her high top to her foundation low.'* 56o 
 
 Thus Hector spake ; and him the chief obey'd. 
 But Ajax thus the chiefs of Greece address'd : 
 ^^ Courage, my friends; let shame your ardour rouse 
 " Each other to excel in martial deeds : 
 
 The brave meet safety in the shock of arins ; 565 
 Cowards in flight both life and honour lose•" 
 He spake ; nor spake in vain: they of themselves, 
 Eager to guard the ships, form'd at his word 
 A brazen bulwark with opposing spears 
 To check the foe, though urg'd by Jove himself; 
 When Menelaus thus to Nestor's son : 571 
 
 ^^ Antilochus, in arms the Grecian youth, 
 ^^ In strength excelling, or to slay the foe 
 ^' Or reap the spoils, now be thy courage tried." 
 
 He spake : the chief rush'd foremost to the fight. 
 And hurFd his spear ; the Trojan ranks retir d bjG 
 With caution : nor in vain the jav'lin flew. 
 Sent with superior force ; but through the breast 
 Of Menalippus, Hycetaon's son, 
 Pierc'd, as to fight he led the Trojans on ; 580 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 83 
 
 He fell: his armour rang. The victor then. 
 As the fierce dog upon a wounded fawn 
 Leaps eager, which forth starting from its lair 
 The hunter's spear hath pierc'd ; so rush'd on thee, 
 Ο Menalippus! Nestor's warlike son, 585 
 
 Eager to reap the spoil : Hector perceiv'd. 
 And through the ranks of war with hasty strides 
 Advanc'd : Antilochus, though brave, retir'd 
 Not without fear. And as the prowling wolf 
 Conscious of ill steals off when he hath slain 590 
 The watchful dog, or shepherd, ere alarm'd 
 The village peasantry are rous'd to arms ; 
 So Nestor's son : all Troy shouting pursued 
 With Hector, and their spears in tempest pour'd ; 
 The ranks now gain'd, he tum'd, and dar'd the foe. 
 Nathless, as rav'nous lions onward rush'd 596 
 The Trojans to the ships ; so Jove ordain'd : 
 Who rais'd their courage, but depress'd the Greeks, 
 Subdued their mind, and all success denied. 
 Thus he to Priam's son the glory gave 600 
 
 To spread devouring flames the ships among ; 
 Still earnest to perform all Thetis' pray'r 
 Pernicious, and to view from Ida's top 
 The bickering flames involve the fleet of Greece. 
 From that eventful period he decreed 605 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 85 
 
 Disgraceful flight to Troy, and foul defeat 
 At the same ships, but to the Greeks success : 
 With this intent, he on the hollow ships 
 Hector, all eager of himself, impelFd. 
 
 As desolating Mars, or raging fire 6lO 
 
 In the thick forest of the mountain burns ; 
 So rag'd he furious : from his angry eye 
 Flash'd fire as foaming still with ire he mov'd : 
 His glitt'ring casque, meantime, terrific shone 
 Around his temples as he strode along: 6l5 
 
 For Jove himself, descending to his aid 
 Amidst the numerous host, to him alone 
 Honour and glory gave ; for short his term ; 
 Pallas already had ordain'd his fall, 
 Destin'd to perish by Achilles' arm. 620 
 
 Oft he essay'd to force a passage througli 
 The thickest ranks, where shone the brightest spoils; 
 Yet might he not, though vehement, prevail. 
 Nor break the solid phalanx. As a rock 
 Vast, inaccessible, withstands the force 625 
 
 Of winds tempestuous and overwhelming seas. 
 Which rage and foam around its fixed base ; 
 So firm the Greeks sustain'd the shock of arms. 
 
 Hector, meantime, on every side invades. 
 Beaming Uke fire. As when the swelling surge, 630 
 
 By furious winds increas'd, with sudden force 
 The vessel strikes ; high foaming on the sails 
 The tempest breaks tremendous; with aflfright 
 Appall'd, the seaman scarce escapes from death ; 
 So trembled, tetror-strUck, the Grecian host. 635 
 
 But he, as the gaunt lion fierce invades 
 The numerous herd of beeves in pastures large 
 Feeding, while as the unskilful herdsman flees 
 Now here, now there, unknowing to resist ; 
 Forth rushing in the midst the lion slays 640 
 
 Some noble beast, the rest stand trembling near : 
 The Grecians thus, with sudden fear assail'd. 
 From Hector fled. He Periphaetes slew, 
 Capreus' offspring, from Eurystheus sent. 
 With evil tidings fraught, to Hercules; 645 
 
 The worthy son of a degenerate sire. 
 Whom ev'ry virtue, every sense adorn'd, 
 Doom'd to add trophies to great Hector's name. 
 Turning to flight, his foot against the rim 
 Of his large shield he struck, and fell supine ; 650 
 The brazen helmet on his temples n^ng. 
 Hector perceiv'd; and, planting in his breart 
 The fatal spear, slew him amidst his friends; 
 Who, panic-struck, might no assistance give. 
 And no\v within the foremost ships retir'd, 655 
 
 y 
 
 iuaiiaUii 
 
r" J 
 
 «6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV. 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 sr 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 They still engaged. The Trojans like a flood 
 Rush'd on and drove them in ; yet unsubdued 
 They rallied at the tents, and firm maintained 
 Their ground ; fear of disgrace restrained their flighty 
 And mutual exhortation. Nestor first 66o 
 
 With strong entreaty thus their aid implor'd : 
 
 ^^ Courage, my friends ; and let the dread of shame 
 " Have its full force : let each remember well 
 " His children, vi^jfe, and valued property ; 
 " His parents, whether living or deceased ; 66Q 
 
 For whom, though absent, I entreat you all 
 
 That you now bravely stand, nor think of flight." 
 
 Thus saying, he their courage rous'd to war. 
 
 And now Minerva from their eyes removed 
 The cloud which dimm'd their view, and light re-^ 
 stored; 6^0 
 
 And all the ships, and all the war appeared. 
 
 There Hector fierce engag'd, there his allies ; 
 And they who in the rear or in the van. 
 The combat shunn'd, or they who bravely fought. 
 
 No longer Ajax midst the host of Greece 6/5 
 Where other chieftains fought, the war maintained ; 
 Urg'd by his daring mind, from deck to deck 
 He strode ; his hands a boat-pole's wondrous length 
 Brandish 'd aloft, with iron spikes all-arm'd• 
 
 As when in horsemanship a man well skill'd. 
 Drives on the public road four hainess'd steeds 
 To some great city through the gazing crowd ; 
 From horse to horse secure he lightly vaults 
 Changing from side to side ; they rapid fly : 
 Proin deck to deck thus Ajax strode along, 68& 
 Shouting aloud, and calling on his host 
 With voice tremendous to defend their ships. 
 
 Nor longer Hector in the ranks remain'd. 
 But as the tawny eagle fierce invades 
 The feather'd race as by the river's side 69a 
 
 They feed, or geese or cranes, or lithe-neck'd swans; 
 Thus Hector on the lofty vessel rush'd 
 Impetuous, for Jove impell'd him on 
 With potent hand ; and all his host pursued. 
 
 Dire was the conflict then the ships among; 693 
 Unwearied, unfatigued, as privileg'd 
 Beyond the lot of man, so fierce they fought. 
 Bearing in mind this fixt intent; the Greeks, 
 That on no other terms they might escape 
 From death, but perish there ; whilst hope inspir'd 
 Each Trojan breast, nor vain that hope appear'd, 701 
 To burn forthwith the Grecian ships with fire, 
 And utterly destroy their vanquish'd host ; 
 With this intent thi^y furiously engagU 
 
88 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XV, 
 
 But Hector rushing forward, grasp'd the stem 
 Of that swift vessel which to Troy convey 'd 
 Protesilaus, never to return. 
 At this both Greeks and Trojans eager fought. 
 And many fell : no distant war they wag'd. 
 With arrow or with jav'lin ; man to man, 710 
 
 With battle-axe or swords, or two-edg'd spears. 
 Closely engag d, the bloody fight maintained. 
 
 ITien fell from many a warrior's hand the sword 
 Of mighty grasp, or from his shoulder hewn 
 Dropp'd useless to the ground : on every side 715 
 O'er the dark soil the blood in rivers pour'd. 
 
 Hector meantime his hold maintained, still grasp^ 
 The lofty stern, and loudly tbu» exclaim'd r 
 
 " Now, now bring fire, and raise the shout of war; 
 " This is the glorious day by Jove decreed 720 
 " To seize their ships, here brought with adverse 
 " heav'n 
 
 " To our great loss : chiefly our counsellors 
 
 '' This blame incur, who checked my ardent wish 
 
 " And staid our host, nor suflfVed us to fight 
 
 ^^ As now: such then the will of Jove, now changd; 
 
 " Himself encourages, commands the war." 726 
 
 He spake : the Trojans rush'd obedient on. 
 O'erwhelm'd by hostile spears, not Ajax self 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 89 
 
 Longer endur'd, but for awhile retir'd. 
 Expecting death should he the deck maintain. 730 
 Still from the ship his spear the attack repelPd, 
 And staid each hand that would have fir'd the fleet : 
 Loud to the Greeks he call'd : '' Friends, country- 
 " men, 
 
 " Illustrious wariike chiefs! Ο now, my friends, 
 " Be all your virtue, all your courage tried. 735 
 " Or think you succours still await us here, 
 *^ Some stronger bulwark to defend our host ? 
 *^ We have no fenced city, no strong towV 
 " Which may protect us, and relieve our troops : 
 On Trojan plains we stand, by numerous foes 740 
 Encompass'd^ and shut in by Ocean s flood ; 
 " Our hands alone, not flight, can save us now." 
 He spake ; and with his spear rush'd on amain 
 Furious : whatever Trojan dar'd approach 
 At Hector's call with flames to bum the ships, 745 
 Him Ajax slew ; and from his single arm 
 Twelve Trojans at the ships breathless expir'd. 
 
 fC 
 
 <€ 
 

 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 91 
 
 BOOK XVI. 
 
 X Hus at the ships contending hosts engag'd. 
 Meantime Patroclus near Achilles stood 
 Weeping : so bursting from the lofty rock 
 Tlie bubbling fountain pours its lucid stream. 
 Not unconcern'd Achilles saw his grief, 5 
 
 And, kindly pitying, thus his friend addressed: 
 " Why weeps Patroclus like an infant child, 
 " Which running seeks its mother's kind embrace, 
 " Hangs on her garment and her steps detains, 
 " With tearful eye entreating fond caress ? 10 
 
 ^^ Like her, Patroclus, thou dost shed the tear; 
 *' Hast thou aught grievous to communicate 
 " Of me or mine ? or hast thou heard perchance 
 " From Phthia? Still they say Mencetius lives, 
 " And Peleus governs yet his Myrmidons ; 15 
 
 " Should either die, we then indeed must weep. 
 " Or griev'st thou that the Grecians at their ships ' 
 " Thus perish, just reward of all their crimes ? 
 ^^ Conceal it not; speak, that we both may know.**' 
 
93 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI, 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 93 
 
 Patroclus deeply sighing, thus replied : 
 " Ο son of Peleus, bravest of the Greeks, 
 " Be not displeas'd, for mighty ills oppress 
 " The Grecian host : all who excel in arms 
 ^^ Are wounded and disabled at the ships : 
 " There Tydeus' son the valiant Diomed, 25 
 
 " There Agamemnon, and Eurypylus, 
 '^ And wise Ulysses, seek to heal their wound» 
 '' By medicine's aid, with skilful hand applied. 
 " But. thou, Achilles, art relentless still : 
 *' Ο never may such rage my heart inflame ! 30 
 " Ο brave in vain ! whom wilt thou e'er assist 
 *^ If not thy country in her deep distress ? 
 " Relentless man ! nor Peleus was thy sire, 
 " Nor Thetis gave thee birth ; but rugged rocks 
 " And seas thy parents were : therefore thy mind 
 " No pity knows. Should some dread oracle, 36 
 " Some strict command from Jove, by Theti» 
 
 " brought, 
 " Thy soul alarm, let me thy forces lead, 
 ^* If haply I a dawn of hope may raise 
 " To prostrate Greece : lend me thy glittVing arms, 
 " That Troy, mistaking me for thee, may fly, 41 
 " And our afflicted forces breathe awhile 
 'VFrom war; such breathing-time as war admits. 
 
 <c 
 
 ζ( 
 
 *^ Fresh troops with ease the weary may repulse 
 *^ With shouts alone, and drive them from our 
 ** ships." 45 
 
 Thus he with great imprudence, for he sought 
 Destruction to himself in this request ; 
 When thus Achilles with displeasure spake : 
 
 ^^ Alas ! my noble friend, what hast thou said ? 
 '^ I know no oracle I have to fear ; 5o 
 
 ^^ Nor has my mother brought command from Jove. 
 This cause of grief doth wring my very soul. 
 That, from his equal, one advanced to power, 
 " Should dare thus rob him of his just reward : 
 This, this the cause; hence bitter griefs arise: 55 
 The captive whom united Greece had given. 
 My just reward for cities overthrown, 
 " Her hath Atrides taken back by force, 
 " As from some outcast of the meaner sort. 
 " But — that is past and gone ; nor is it right 6o 
 " To feed eternal rage. I thought indeed 
 ^' Never to cease from wrath, till at my, ship 
 " The clamour and the shout of war arriv -d. 
 *^ You then, array 'd in all my splendid arms, 
 " Lead on the valiant Myrmidons to war; 65 
 
 " Since the black cloud of, overwhelming Troy 
 *^ Threatens: our fleet: hemm'd in by Ocean s flood. 
 
 u 
 
 (( 
 
 a 
 
 ι m 
 
 
/ 
 
 w 
 
 9* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 kvi. 
 
 THE ILIADL 
 
 9» 
 
 tf 
 §C 
 iC 
 €C 
 ζζ 
 it 
 €C 
 
 ic 
 
 ζζ 
 a 
 tc 
 
 it 
 
 €t 
 
 u 
 u 
 
 The Grecians occupy small space of land; 
 Whilst Troy her numerous forces pours around 
 Fearless, nor dreads the splendour of my casque 
 Advancing. Then their numerous dead had filFd 
 Each hollow of the plain, had Atreus' son 
 Due honour paid ; now they besiege our host. 
 No longer in the hands of Diomed 
 Rages the spear, and wards destruction off; 75 
 I hear no more Atrides' hateful voice ; 
 Hector s alone still bursts upon my ear 
 Encouraging his troops, who shouting loud 
 Fill the whole plain, and slay our routed host. 
 But yet, Patroclus, hasten to repel 80 
 
 The danger which impends, lest they destroy 
 And burn our ships, and cut off all return. 
 Then my advice attend, and note it well , 
 So shall I from the Grecian host receive 
 Honour and praise, and they will safe restore 85 
 The beauteous maid with numerous splendid gifts. 
 Return when thou hast driven them from the 
 
 " ships, ! 
 
 If Jove shall grant success ; but without me 
 Press not the contest with the Trojan force. 
 For thus shalt thou on me dishonour bring: 90 
 Nor in the war exphing, w-ith success 
 
 f 
 
 u 
 
 €C 
 
 i< 
 
 " Flusht, lead thy troops victorious on to Troy ; 
 ^^ Lest from Olympus' height some adverse pow'r 
 " Descend : Apollo much the Trojans loves. 
 *^ The ships once sav'd, lead back the Myrmidons, 
 And on the plain let each maintain the fight. gS 
 Ο pow'rs supreme ! Jove, Pallas, Phoebus, hear I 
 Might every Trojan, every Grecian chief 
 ** Perish, and we alone survive to tear 
 *^ The sacred fillet from the brow of Troy Γ lOO 
 
 Thus they held converse. Ajax prest meantime 
 By numerous weapons, from the fight retir'd : 
 Him Jove by many Trojan arms subdued. 
 Struck by the frequent spear, his glitt'ring casque 
 Rang on his temples, and his plaited mail 105 
 
 Received incessant strokes, whilst with the weight 
 Of his enormous shield his wearied arm 
 Fail'd him. Yet might they not with all their spears 
 Drive Ajax back, or from his station move ; 
 Panting for breath he stood, and from his limbs 1 10 
 The copious sweat distill'd ; no time to breathe. 
 Such complicated evils hemm'd him round. 
 
 Say, heav nly Muse, enthroned the stars among, 
 How first devouring flames the ships assail'd. 
 
 Hector advanc'd, and with his ponderous sword 
 Smote Ajax' spear, and sever'd from the haft ll6 
 
/ 
 
 9β 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 The brazen point: aloft in air in vain 
 Tlie hero brandish'd his now useless spear ; 
 The point lopt off fell tinkling to the ground. 
 
 Then Ajax knew, and shuddVed at the thought ^ 
 That Jove himself had turn'd the tide of war J 20 
 Adverse, and to the Trojans gave success. 
 His station he forsook : victorious Troy 
 With fire invades; thick smoke and bick'ring flames 
 Involve the lofty ship. Achilles saw 126 
 
 The whelming mischief, and with anxious words 
 Exclaim'd : '^ To battle, my Patroclus, haste ; • 
 '^ I see the flames arise : arm, quickly arm, 
 "'Whilst I prepare the Myrmidons ; or we, 
 ^^ Our ships, and our return, all, all is lost/' 130 
 
 He spake. Patroclus arm'd him tp the war. 
 First round his legs the silver-studded greaves 
 He bound ; then cloth'd him with the plated mail 
 Spangled with stars, whilom in battle, worn 
 By great .iEacides ; the mighty sword 135 
 
 He o'er his shoulders hung, with silver studs 
 Embost ; his arm the pondVous shield sustain'd 
 Of huge circumference ; the glitt'ring casque, 
 Whose nodding plume struck terror and dismay, 
 Adorn'd his brow; and in his hands he bOre 140 
 Two spears, ^ell suited to the hero's grasp : 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 V7 
 
 Untouch'd alone the Pelian spear remain'd. 
 Huge, weighty, strong ; among the Grecian chiefs 
 This none might wield but great Achilles' self: 
 Chiron the wondrous gift to Peleus gave, 145 
 
 From Pehon hewn, and fraught with numerous 
 deaths. 
 
 Then to Automedon he gave command 
 
 To yoke the rapid steeds : Automedon, 
 
 Whom after Peleus' son he honour'd most. 
 
 Oft faithful prov'd in war; whoyok'd the steeds 150 
 
 Xanthus and Balius, swift as mighty winds. 
 
 Whom erst to Zephyrus Podarge bore. 
 
 Feeding in pastures large by Ocean's flood : 
 
 The hero joined swift Pedasus to these. 
 
 Which from Eetion Achilles won, 155 
 
 In swiftness equal to immortal steeds. 
 
 Meantime Achilles arm'd his Myrmidons 
 Throughout their sev'ral tents : but they, as wolves 
 Voracious, and with daring courage arm'd. 
 Some larger stag slain in the mountain top 1 60 
 Devour; their jaws still cov'red o'er with blood. 
 In troops they from the pure and cooling stream. 
 Where dipp'd their slender tongues, full gorg'd re- 
 turn ; 
 
 With sides distended fierce they move alono•. 
 
 f\ 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Η 
 
 .^■^j.--^».<u*,- ^ '' ■"■-•'■''■^ΜΜΒίίίΜΜ&ρ-^"^'-•--^-* "jaaiaiaig 
 
9S 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 The chiefs and leaders of the Myrmidons 
 Round the brave friend of swift iEacides 
 Thus mov'd : Achilles urg'd them to the fight. 
 Spearmen and horse, as in the midst he stood. 
 
 Full fifty ships to Troy Achilles led. 
 Each bearing fifty men at arms ; to these 170 
 
 Five leaders were assign'd of valour tried, 
 Who under swift Achilles bore command, 
 He chief. Of these Menestheus, by his mail 
 Of various colour known, led the first band ; 
 Sprung from Sperchius' sacred stream, to whom 175 
 Fair Polydora, Peleus' daughter, bare 
 The warlike youth : yet he by some was call'd 
 Borus, whom Polydora deign'd to wed. 
 
 Eudorus led the second, from his birth 
 Parthenius nam'd, whom Polymela bore, 180 
 
 Skiird in the graceful dance ; her Mercury 
 Beheld and lov'd, as she among the nymph» 
 Of Dian led the sprightly dance along : 
 Nor sued the god in vain ; a eon she bare, 
 Eudorus, swift of foot, and brave in fight. 185 
 
 No sooner had Lucina giv'n him birth, 
 And he beheld the splendour of the sun. 
 When Actor s son, Echecleus, to his house- 
 Conducted, and with ample dow'r enrich'd 
 
 xvi. 
 
 The ILIAD, 
 
 99 
 
 And married Polymela ; but her sire 
 Phylas the child receiv'd, and fojiidly lov'd. 
 
 The third Pisander led, well skiU'd to throw 
 The quiv ring lance ; of all the Myrmidons, 
 Patroclus might alone with him contend. 
 
 Time-honour'd Phoenix held the fourth command: 
 The fifth Alcimedon, Laerceus' son. 196 
 
 These with their leaders all in order rang d, 
 Achilles issued thus his strict commands : 
 
 " Brave Myrmidons, remember now the threats 
 '^ Once uttVed at our ships, what time fell rage 200 
 ^' My breast inflam'd, and I your blame incurr'd. 
 In words like these : * Unhappy Peleus' son ! 
 ^Nurtur'd with gall, implacable, that thus 
 ^ Unwilling you detain us at your ships i 
 " ^ Then to oiir several homes return we back, 205 
 ^ince thus dire anger all thy soul absorbs :' 
 Thus were ye heard to say. Behold, that war 
 '^ Which then you did demand appears in view ; 
 " Yonder the foe ; there be your courage tried : 
 ** Now with the Trojans let the brav? engage." 210 
 With words like these he all their valour rais'd. 
 And ardour for the fight : at his command 
 They clos'd their ranks. As when with polish*d 
 stones 
 
 <c 
 
 u 
 
 €C 
 
 €C 
 
 (C 
 
 Η 2 
 
m 
 
 100 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 xvr. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 101 
 
 The skilful workman builds the solid wall 
 
 Of some proud palace, a defence from storms ; 215 
 
 So close conjoined helmets and shields appeared. 
 
 And shields and helmets clash'd, and man with man; 
 
 And crested cones shone dreadful as they mov'd 
 
 Waving aloft ; so close their martial files• 
 
 Two valiant chiefs in glitt'ring armour clad, 220 
 
 Patroclus and Automedon, advanc'd 
 
 Before the rest, all eager to engage. 
 
 And now Achilles hast ned to his tent. 
 And from the well-wrought chest, by Thetis' care 
 Embark'd, and fiU'd with rich habiliments, 225 
 With mantles furr*d, and splendid tapestry, 
 A cup emboss'd he took, with wondrous art 
 Sculptur'd, from which no mortal man might drink, 
 Nor pour libation to Satumian Jove, 
 Save Peleus* son alone : this from the chest 230 
 He took ; and first with sulphur purified. 
 And wash'd with water; then his hands he cleans'd ; 
 Then fill'd the cup with wine, and in the midst 
 Standing with eyes to heav'n uprais'd he pour'd 
 Libation due, and thus address'd his pray'r : 235 
 
 " Ο great Pelasgian Jove, who dwell'st aloft 
 " High-thron'd, whose pow'r Dodona's wintry realm 
 " Acknowledgeth, where live thy sacred priests 
 
 ζζ 
 
 €C 
 
 « The Selli ; on the ground their humble bed, 
 '' Unwash'd their feet : thou whilom heard'st my 
 " pray'r, 240 
 
 ** And punishing the Greeks, didst honour me ; 
 " Ο hear me now, and grant me this request : 
 
 I at my ships as heretofore remain ; 
 
 My lov'd companion to the war I send 
 " With many Myrmidons : Ο mighty Jove, 245 
 " Give honour to my friend; inspire his soul 
 " With courage undismayed, that Hector own 
 " His valour in the ranks of war, nor think 
 " The spear then only rages in his hand 
 '' When I direct the war. But when repelPd 250 
 " The danger from our fleet, grant he return 
 '' Safe with his arms and all his warlike troops." 
 
 Thus he preferred the pray'r. Jove heard his 
 words. 
 
 And granted part, and part dispers'd in air : 
 
 To save the ships and to repel the foe 255 
 
 He gave ; but to return in safety thence 
 
 He granted not. Libation duly made. 
 
 And earnest pray'r to mighty Jove addrest, 
 
 Achilles to his tent returning, plac'd 
 
 The sacred cup within the chest secure ; 260 
 
 Then issued from the tent with hasty step. 
 
102 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI• 
 
 Eager to view conflicting hosts in arms^ 
 Trojans and Myrmidons in battle joinM. 
 And now around Menoetius' warlike son 
 The Myrmidons alUarm'd to battle mov'd. 26$ 
 
 As pours the numerous swarm of wasps, disturb'd 
 By wanton boys, near to some public way 
 Ever annoy'd ; thus inconsiderate. 
 Their idle sport produces general ill ; 
 Them oft the passing traveller unaware 27O 
 
 Incenses ; him the irritable race 
 Attack courageous, and defend their young : 
 Forth from the ships thus pour'd the Myrmidons 
 With courage fir*d, and noise immense arose ; 
 But thus Patroclus animates his troops ; 2^5 
 
 ^^ Ο Myrmidons ! companions dear in arms 
 ♦^ Of swift Achilles, be your courage known, 
 " Now be ye men indeed ; so shall our chief 
 ^ Achilles, bravest of the Grecian host, 
 " Reap honour, and Atrides' self confess 280 
 
 *^ His fault, who hath the bravest chief disgrac'd." 
 
 Thus saying, he their courage rous'd to arms ; 
 Forth rush'd they to the fight : the shout of war 
 Dreadful resounded from the hollow ships. 
 
 But when the Trojans saw Menoetius' son 285 
 In shining armour clad, astonishment 
 
 XVI, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 lOS 
 
 And terror seiz'd their minds; for well they thought 
 
 Pelides' self advancing to the fight. 
 
 His anger all dismist : on every side 
 
 They fled, if haply they might death escape. 29O 
 
 Patroclus first his well-aim'd jav'lin hurFd 
 Full in the midst where throng'd the numerous foe 
 Tumultuous at the half-burnt vessel's stern, 
 And smote Pyrsechmen, who from Axius' stream 
 And Amydon the Paeons led to war. 295 
 
 The point his shoulder pierc'd ; headlong he fell, 
 Loud groaning : his companions panic-struck 
 Fled sudden when perceiv'd their leader slain : 
 Such fear Patroclus' presence shed around, 
 And drove them from the ships, and check'd the fire. 
 
 The vessel half consum'd the Trojans left : 301 
 The Greeks pursued in numbers, from the ships 
 Forth issuing, and noise and tumult reign'd. 
 As from the lofty mountain's craggy brow 
 Sudden the mighty Thunderer dispels 30* 
 
 The incumbent storm ; each high projecting rock. 
 The woods and headlands burst upon the sight. 
 And all the vast expanse of heav'n appears : 
 The Grecians thus removing from their ships 
 Destructive fire, had time to breathe awhile. 310 
 Nathless, the battle rag'd : for not as yet 
 
104 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 105 
 
 l^B 
 
 Did they entirely from the ships recede ; 
 Routed, resisting still ; fighting they fled 
 Reluctant, prest by hard necessity ; 
 And many fell by valiant heroes slain. 3i5 
 
 Patroclus first slew Areilycus 
 Turning to flight ; the spear his thigh transfix d. 
 And broke the bone : headlong he fell to earth. 
 
 By Menelaus' spear brav^ Thoas fell ; 
 Beneath his shield the unguarded chest receiv-d 32Q 
 The fatal point. Meges Amphiclus slew; 
 The spear preventing check'd his fierce attack^ 
 Pierc'd through the leg and cut the nerves in twain: 
 Amphiclus fell, and darkness clos'd his eyes. 
 
 Then by Antilochus Atymnius fell, 325 
 
 Pierc d through the flank ; when Maris with his 
 lance 
 
 Rush'd on indignant to avenge his death. 
 
 Him Thrasymedes saw, and with his spear 
 Preventing, wounded sore : the brazen point 
 Piercing the shoulder cut the nerves, and broke 330 
 The bone in twain ; and darkness clos'd his eyes : 
 He fell ; his armour rang. Two brothers thus 
 Slain by two brothers, to the shades were sent 
 Of Erebus : Sarpedon's valued friends, 
 The warlike sons of Amisodarus, 335 
 
 Who dire Chimaera, formless monster, bred. 
 Fraught with destruction to the race of man. 
 
 But Ajax Oileus Cleobulus seiz'd 
 Alive ; the throng prevented all escape ; 
 And, smiting on his neck with added force, 340 
 Of life depriv'd : the sword still warm remain'd 
 Reeking with blood : darkness and death ensued. 
 
 Now Lycon and Peneleus forward rush'd ; 
 Their spears they aim'd and threw, but threw in vain : 
 Each with his sword assaiFd : first Lycon smote 345 
 The crested cone of brave Peneleus' casque ; 
 The shiv'red sword fell useless to the ground : 
 Not so Peneleus ; just beneath his ear 
 Lycon the wound received ; his sever d head 
 Scarce to the body holds : he falls, and dies.— 350 
 Meriones with quick pursuit o'ertook. 
 And through the shoulder wounded Acamas, 
 As he his chariot mounted : down he fell. 
 And darkness clos'd his eyes. Then Erymas 
 Fell by the spear of brave Idomeneus : 355 
 
 The brazen point pass'd under to the brain, 
 Displac'd his teeth, and fill'd his eyes with gore: 
 Scarce thro' the nose and mouth gasping he breath'd; 
 And the black cloud of death his eyes o'erspread. 
 Thus by each Grecian chief some Trojan died. 36o 
 
 a^j6rtfc.\ 
 
loG 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvx• 
 
 XVI. 
 
 1ΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 107 
 
 r' 
 
 As wolves destructive or on lambs or goats 
 Infuriate rush, which scatt'red from the fiock. 
 By heedless shepherds left at large to stray. 
 They seize resistless, and at ease devour ; 
 So rush'd the Grecians on the Trojan foe 365 
 
 Through fear disperst, and of their former deeds 
 Forgetful. Still on Hector Ajax press'd. 
 And aim'd his spear : protected by his shield. 
 And skill in battle, Hector still observ'd. 
 And cautious shunn'd the missive weapon's stroke : 
 Full well he knew the fate of battle chang'd ; 37 1 
 Yet did he dauntless stand to save his friends. 
 
 As after calm from high Olympus' top 
 Thick clouds descending blur the face of heav'n 
 When Jove his storm prepares; thus from the ship* 
 With shouts and terror fled they to repass 376 
 
 The fosse in dread confusion : the swift steeds 
 Bore Hector far away, his people yef 
 Within the wall unwillingly detain'd. 
 
 Then many coursers fled, and left their cars 380 
 Within the trench, o'erturn'd and broken down. 
 
 Patroclus still pursued, exhorting loud 
 The Greeks, and meditating ills severe 
 To Troy and all her host : with fear opprest 
 On every side they fled ; in clouds the dust 385 
 
 Uprose as o^'er the plain the coursers raa, 
 Quitting the ships and tents with utmost speed. 
 
 Patroclus where confusion most prevail'd 
 Shouting pursued. Then many heroes fell 
 Beneath the wheels of chariots overthrown, 390 
 Whilst the immortal steeds, by beav'nly pow'rs 
 To Peleus given, with ease. the fosse o'ei-pass'd ; 
 For he intent on Hector urg'd tbem on. 
 Whom far away his rapid coursers bore. 
 
 As o'er the fields the incumbent deluge pours 39^ 
 Its weight of waterf when autumnal storms 
 And tempests vex the earth, by angry Jove 
 From heav'n sent down to punish humankind 
 For laws perverted, sacred rites profan'd ; 
 For crimes like these the rivers overflow, 400 
 
 And wasting torrents from the mountain heights 
 Form the deep chasm and rush into the sea 
 With dashing roar, and blot the works of man : 
 Thus rush'd the Trojan coursers o'er the plain. 
 
 When now Patroclus all escape to Troy 405 
 
 Had intercepted, and hemm'd-in the foe 
 Between the river and the ships and walls 
 Of Troy, with furious onset be renew'd 
 The slaughter. Pronous first the spear receiv'd ; 
 His chest transfixt: he fell, his armour rang. 410 
 
108 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 109 
 
 if#e 
 
 Next Thestor felt his force, brave Enops* son ; 
 He on his chariot seat contracted sat. 
 For much his mind misgave, and from his hands 
 The reins fell useless : when advancing near 
 Patroclus pierc d his jaws and quiv'ring teeth, 415 
 And dragged him from his car. As when a man. 
 Seated on some projecting rock, drags forth 
 From ocean's depths some fish of larger size 
 With line and hook ; so dragg'd he Enops' son. 
 Then shook him from the spear: he falls, and dies ! 
 Next with a stone he smote Eryalus, 421 
 
 And clave in twain the scull within the casque : 
 Headlong he fell, and bitter death ensued. 
 Then in succession fell Amphoterus, 
 Epaltes, Erymas, Tlepolemus 425 
 
 Damastor s son ; Pyren, and Echius, 
 Ipheus, Euippus, Polumelus son 
 Of Argeas : but when Sarpedon saw 
 His friends, distinguish'd by their flowing robes, 
 Despoil'd of life and arms, he thus exclaim'd : 430 
 ^' Shame, Lycians ! shame ! why this disgraceful 
 " flight? 
 " I will this man confront, and know who thus 
 *' Doth conquer and afllict the Trojan host ; 
 '' For many chiefs have fall'n beneath his arm." 
 
 I 
 
 ii 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 (C 
 
 He spake ; and from his chariot leap'd forthwith: 
 When him Patroclus saw, he too leap'd forth 436 
 Eager. As vultures with incurved beaks, 
 And talons sharp, on some high rock contend. 
 Screaming ; so they loud shouting rush*d to war. 
 
 Jove with compassion mov'd the contest saw, 440 
 And Juno thus address'd : " Thus do the Fates, 
 Ah me the while! destine my son to die 
 By Menoetiades : yet doubtful thoughts 
 My mind divide ; to save him and convey 
 To Lycia, or permit him thus to fall." 44s 
 
 Juno replied : « Ο great Saturnian Jove I 
 Why words like these? or why the destin'd time 
 Of man prolong, and bid him live again ? 
 Do so ; yet know, we pow'rs much disapprove : 
 Nay more, and let my words attention meet; 450 
 If thus, to Lycia's realm restored again, 
 Sarpedon live, then other gods may claim 
 Like privilege, and save their sons in war ; 
 •* For many fight round Ilium's lofty walls 
 
 OiFspring of gods, who well might take oflfence. 
 If then thy love be such, and such thy grief, 456 
 " Yet suflTer him in battle thus to fell 
 " By Menoetiades ; and when of light 
 " And life depriv'd, let Death and Sleep convey 
 
 fC 
 
 if 
 
 (C 
 
 €C 
 
 iC 
 
 n 
 
 ζ( 
 
 iC 
 
 i( 
 
110 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 " Thy son to Lycia's realm : th^e 1^ his friends 
 
 " And citizens perforna such sacred rites 461 
 
 *^ Of sepulture as due, and sculptur'd stone 
 
 ** And elevated pillar mark his place 
 
 *^ Of rest ; such honours have the dead alone." 
 
 Thus Juno spake : nor did Saturnian Jove 465» 
 Her counsel disapprove ; but on the earth 
 Show' red drops of blood in honour of his son. 
 Whom much he lov'd, now by Patroclus' spear 
 Fated to die far from his native land, 
 
 ,And now each chief advanced. Patroclus first 470 
 Smote Thrasymelus, friend and charioteer 
 Of brave Sarpedon : the unerring lance 
 Pass'd through his groin, and stretch'd him on the 
 
 plain. 
 And now Sarpedon hurfd his spear, but miss'd 
 Patroclus valiant chief, whose horse receiv'd 475r 
 The fatal wound ; the point his shoulder pierc'd : 
 Then fell swift Pedasus, and in the dust 
 Writhing expir d• Forthwith the immortal steeds 
 Started aside ; the strained axle creak'd ; 
 The traces all confus'd, the leader slain. 480 
 
 Automedon perceived, and quick redressed 
 The mischief; with his sword the entangled trace 
 He cut : when freed from all embarrassment 
 
 : 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Ill 
 
 The immortal coursers stood. The chiefs again 
 Renew'd the combat : first Sarpedon s spear 485 
 Piass'd nigh but miss'd Patroclus ; who with force 
 Superior smote, nor miss'd his foe, but pierc d 
 The region of the heart. As some tall oak. 
 Or pine, or poplar, which the woodman's axe 
 Falls on the mountain top, to be the mast 49D 
 
 Of some proud vessel ; thus Sarpedon fell 
 Beneath his car extended on the plain, 
 Still gnashing, grasping still the clotted dust. 
 
 And as the lion from the herd selects 
 The stately bull of high and generous breed, 495 
 Who groaning dies beneath the monster's jaws ; 
 So by Patroclus fell the Lycian chief. 
 Who thus in agonies his friend address'd : 
 
 '' Glaucus, my friend, companion brave in arms, 
 " Now be thy valour tried ; exert thy strength 500 
 *' And courage in the war: be thy first care 
 The Lycians to exhort, that for their king 
 They bravely fight ; and thou thyself maintain 
 " Fierce combat round thy now expiring friend, 
 " Eternal shame and sorrow will be thine, 505 
 
 *' If in this combat at the ships commenc'd, 
 The Grecian chiefs despoil me of my arms : 
 Encour^e then our host, and bravely dare." 
 
 i( 
 
 «c 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
112 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 4 
 
 He spake : death clos'd his eyes ; he breath'd no 
 more : 
 The victor's heel insults the dying chief: 510 
 
 The spear withdrawn life issued from the wound. 
 Meantime the Myrmidons his coursers seiz'd. 
 
 With deep-felt sorrow Glaucus heard his words, 
 unable to assist : still in his arm 
 Wrankled the wound, and all his pains increas'd : 
 Teucer's unerring shaft had giv'n the wound, 5X6 
 His host defending. Pressing with his hand 
 The place, to Phoebus he addressed his pray'r : 
 ' *^ Hear, potent god, whether or Lycia's realm 
 Or Troy thy presence boast ; for thou canst hear 
 The afflicted soul though distant, and relieve 521 
 Woes great as mine. This heavy wound I bear, 
 ^^ And pains acute, nor may the blood be staid: 
 " All-useless is this arm ; nor can I grasp 
 " My spear, or with the foe contend in arms. 525 
 *' Extended in the dust Sarpedon lies, 
 " Chief of renown, boasting descent from Jove, 
 " Who grants no succour to his helpless son. 
 " But do thou gracious hear : assuage my pains, 
 ** Heal my sore wound ; and all my strength restore; 
 " That I may rouse to arms the Lycian bands, 531 
 " And fighting vindicate his sad remains." 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 iC 
 
 XVf, 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 113 
 
 Thus pray d he ; and Apollo heard his prayV, 
 Assuag'd the pain and heal'd the bleeding wound. 
 And with fresh vigour all his soul inspired. 535 
 
 Glaucus with conscious joy the powV divine 
 Confessed, and granted prayV ; then roused to arms 
 The Lycian force : from rank to rank he strode. 
 Exhorting all the chiefs bravely to fight. 
 And vindicate Sarpedon's sad remains. 540 
 
 Then to the Trojan chiefs he loudly called ; 
 To Panthus' warlike son Polydamas, 
 And brave Agenor, to Anchises' son, 
 To Hector's self in brazen armour clad. 
 Whom near approaching Glaucus thus address'd: 
 
 " Hector, thou dost forget thy brave allies, 546 
 '' Who from their friends, and from their country 
 '' far, 
 
 '' Perish ; nor dost thou give thy promis'd aid. 
 " Extended on the plain Sarpedon lies 
 " Breathless, whose courage and whose virtues rare 
 Did Lycia's realm sustain; him brazen Mars 551 
 Hath by the spear of dread Patroclus slain. 
 " Let then just indignation fire thy breast, 
 '' And let us on, lest these fierce Myrmidons 
 '' Despoil his arms, and treat his sad remains 555 
 
 VOL. II. I 
 
 ii 
 
 fc 
 
114 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 115 
 
 » 
 
 J 
 
 " With mark'd disgrace ; revenging thus the loss 
 " Of many heroes at their ships destroy'd." 
 
 He spake : severest grief each Trojan fir'd 
 With rage unconquerable : much they lov'd 
 Sarpedon, firm protector of their walls, 56o 
 
 Though not of Trojan birth ; by numerous troops 
 Attended^ and excelHng much in war. 
 Then rush'd they to the battle ; Hector led. 
 
 Meantime Patroclus to the Grecian chiefs. 
 To Ajax thus exclaim'd : " Ο now, brave friends, 
 " Let more than usual vigour nerve your arm ; 566 
 " That man is slain who first o'erleap'd our wall ; 
 ^^ Let us then seize the spoil and spurn his corpse, 
 ^^ And slay those Trojans who shall dare oppose." 
 
 He spake: they eager for the war prepar'd. 5^0 
 Now Trojans Lycians, Myrmidons and Greeks, 
 With dreadful shoutings to the onset rush'd ; 
 Dire was the clash of arms : then Jove supreme 
 Pernicious darkness o'er the battle spread, 
 Whilst rag'd the conflict for his much-lov'd son 5/5 
 Sarpedon : first the Trojan arms prevailed. 
 For no mean warrior of the Myrmidons, 
 Epigeus, Agacleus' son, was slain. 
 Who in Budeum well-built city dwelt. 
 
 Where chief command he bore ; till banish'd thence. 
 
 For that his kinsman he had newly slain: 
 
 To Peleus, and his silver-footed spouse] 
 
 Thetis, he suppliant came : they to the walls 
 
 Of Troy, companion to Achilles, sent 
 
 The youth to war; him stretching forth his hand 
 
 To seize the prostrate corpse Hector assail'd, 586 
 
 And with a stone of weight enormous smote 
 
 Full on his casque, and cleft his head in twain : 
 
 Prone on Sarpedon to the ground he fell 
 
 Lifeless himself, for bitter death ensued. 590 
 
 Patroclus sorely griev'd, his friend thus slain. 
 Forth thro' the ranks he rush'd. As the swift-hawk 
 The fearful starling or the daw invades; 
 Thus on the Lycians and the Trojans rush'd 
 Patroclus, for his slaughtered friend enrag'd, 595 
 And hurPd a stone, which Sthenelaus smote. 
 Son of Ithaemenes : the cumbrous mass 
 His neck invading, all the tendons broke : 
 The Trojan chiefs, and Hector's self retir d. 
 Far as the jav'lin s flight when youth contends 60O 
 In sport, or at a foe his weapon hurls, 
 Prest by the Greeks the Trojans back retired. 
 
 But Glaucus, leader of the Lycian force. 
 First turn'd himself from flight, and slew the son 
 
 I 2 
 
116 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 xn. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 117 
 
 S ί 
 
 Of Chalcon nain*d Bathycles, chief of fame ; 
 Who dwelt in Hellas, and in wealth surpass'd 
 The richest Myrmidons : with sudden turn. 
 And quick pursuit, him Glaucus overtook, 
 And pierc'd his chest : he fell, his armour rang. 
 Bathycles slain, grief seiz'd the Grecian host: 610 
 But Troy rejoic'd exulting, and mov'd on 
 Intent to reap the spoil ; nor did the Greeks 
 Give way, but on the foe advancing, fought. 
 Then slew Meriones a Trojan chief, 
 Laogonos, Onetors warlike son, 6l5 
 
 Priest of Idaean Jove, by all rever'd : 
 Between the jaw and ear the weapon pass'd ; 
 Then fled his soul, and darkness veil'd his eyes. 
 
 Now at Meriones iEneas aim'd 
 His brazen spear, as with quick step he mov'd 620 
 Protected by his shield, and hop'd success : 
 He saw, and shunn'd the danger, bending low ; 
 The spear behind him stood infixt in earth. 
 Still quiv'ring ; there its force and fury staid. 
 When thus Anchises son indignant spake : 625 
 
 " Meriones, though skilful in the dance, 
 '' My spear not missing thee had check'd thy speed." 
 
 Meriones replied : " However brave, 
 " iEneas, yet 't were difficult to quell 
 
 
 
 " The force of all who may thy arm oppose ; 630 
 
 " For that thyself art mortal, let this spear 
 
 " But strike thee once ; though great, and in thy 
 
 ^^ strength 
 " Confiding, thou shalt give no small renown 
 " To me ; thy soul to Pluto's gloomy realm." 
 
 He spake : when him Patroclus thus rebuk'd: 635 
 " Meriones, though brave, why this discourse? 
 " My friend, it is not by reproachful words 
 *^ The foe retreats, and leaves the spoil to us, 
 '^ Till some are stretched on earth: in council words, 
 " In war the hand decides : no longer then 640 
 " Use fruitless words, but boldly dare the fight." 
 
 He spake, and led the way: him follow'd -quick 
 Godlike Meriones. As when the noise 
 Of woodmen sounds remote within the depths 
 And hollows of the mountain ; such the sound 645 
 Of brazen arms, of helmets and of shields. 
 From frequent stroke of sword or rapid spear. 
 
 Nor might the most intelligent discern 
 Divine Sarpedon, so defac'd was he 
 From head to feet with wounds and blood and dust. 
 Still round his corpse they throng'd : as the thick 
 swarm 65 1 
 
 Of vernal flies with busy hum surround 
 
118 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 S*r » .- 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 119 
 
 ft 
 
 The vessels fiU'd with milk, so they the corpse 
 Throng'd round tumultuous : nor did Jove avert 
 His penetrating eye, but view'd the fight, 655 
 
 Debating much, whether incontinent 
 Upon the body of his much-lov'd son 
 Illustrious Hector should Patroclus slay. 
 And take the spoil ; or to increase the woes 
 And labour of the field. Thus he resolv'd, 660 
 That the brave friend of Peleus' warlike son 
 The Trojans should repulse, and Hector flee 
 Back to the city after loss severe. 
 
 With this intent he Hector's soul with fear 
 Inspir d, who vaulting in his chariot fled, 665 
 
 And others urg d to flight ; for well he knew 
 Jove's purpose chang'd, and sunk the Trojan scale. 
 
 No longer then the Lycians stood their ground; 
 But fled confus'd, when seen their slaughtered king 
 Pierc'd through the heart,and mingled with the dead; 
 For many with him fell when Jove increas'd 67 1 
 The battle's rage : then of his glitt'ring arms 
 With brass embost, they stript Sarpedon's corpse ; 
 These to the ships Patroclus' friends convey'd. 
 Then cloud-compelling Jove to Phoebus spake : 6^5 
 
 " Haste, Phcebus, much-belov'd; descending, 
 " cleanse 
 
 Ci 
 
 cc 
 
 " Sarpedon, from the battle far remov'd 
 
 *^ And hostile darts, and with pure water wash 
 
 " His blood-stain'd corpse ; then with ambrosial oil 
 
 " Anointed, and in robes divine attir'd, 680 
 
 Let Sleep and Death, twin-born, conductors swift, 
 
 Convey him to his friends in Lycia's realm, 
 *^ Who, after due funereal rites perform'd, 
 " The monumental stone and lofty tomb 
 " Shall raise: such honours claim the dead alone." 
 
 Thus spake he : nor did Phcebus disobey 686 
 His Father's strict command : from Ida's top 
 Descending to the battle, he remov'd 
 Divine Sarpedon far from hostile darts ; 
 Then with pure water wash'd the blood-stain'd 
 corpse ; β^Ο 
 
 And when anointed with ambrosial oil. 
 And in habiliments divine attir'd. 
 To Sleep and Death consigu'd, brothers twin-born. 
 Conductors swift, who quick as thought convey'd 
 Sarpedon to the wealthy Lycian realm. 6y5 
 
 And now Patroclus with Automedon, 
 Encouraging his coursers, still pursued 
 The foe, to his own harm : improvident I 
 Had he observ'd Achilles' strict command. 
 He might have death escap d : but the high will 700 
 
120 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVL 
 
 XVL 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 131 
 
 ρ '% 
 
 Of Jove o'er-rules the purpose of mankind ; 
 Who can with ease disarm the brave^ and turn 
 Success from him whom first he urg'd to war ; 
 As from Patroclus now. Whom first, whom last, 
 When caird thyself by Fate's o'er-ruling powV, γο5 
 Didst thou, Patroclus, slay ? Adrastus first, 
 Autonous, Echeclus, Perimus 
 Of Megas' son : then Menalippus fell, 
 Epistor, Elasus, and Mulius, 
 
 And brave Pylartes : others turn'd, in flight 710 
 Their safety sought. Now by Patroclus* hand 
 The Greeks had taken Troy, so fierce he fought ; 
 But on the well-built tow'r Apollo stood. 
 Betiding ill to him, to Troy success. 
 
 Thrice did Patroclus mount the lofty wall ; 715 
 Him thrice Apollo headlong back repelFd, 
 Striking with hand divine his glitt'ring shield : 
 But when again with more than mortal force 
 He onward rush'd, him thus with stern rebuke 
 The god addressed : " Retire, Patroclus, hence, 7 20 
 
 For not by spear of thine do Fates decree 
 
 The fall of Troy : no; not by him who boasts 
 " Might far superior, Peleus' warlike son.'* 
 
 He spake : Patroclus back in fear retir'd, 
 Shunning the vengeance of the god of day. 725 
 
 But Hector at the Scaean gate detain'd 
 His chariot, doubtful whether to renew 
 The fight, or to collect within the walls 
 His scatt'red forces : him debating thus 
 Apollo near approach'd, in form a youth 730 
 
 Like Asius, and in strength ; to Hector near 
 And Hecuba allied, brave Dymas' son. 
 Who dwelt by Phrygian Sangar's fertile stream ; 
 In form like him thus spake the god of day: 
 
 " Why ceaseth Hector from the battle's rage? 735 
 " It is not well : inferior as I am, 
 
 Did but my strength so much thy force exceed, 
 Thou shouldst for this neglect most dearly pay : 
 Then boldly on the foe thy steeds direct. 
 And hasten to the fight : should Phoebus aid, 740 
 Patroclus falls, and glory will be thine." 
 Thus spake the god, and mingled in the war. 
 Cebriones, so Hector gave command. 
 Drove where the battle rag'd : Phoebus meantime 
 Mov*d onward in the throng, and fear impressed 745 
 On every Grecian mind ; but glory gave 
 To Hector and his host : the Trojan chief 
 Disdaining weaker foes, right onward drove 
 Impetuous, on Patroclus sole intent. 
 Then leap'd Patroclus from his car; this hand 7^0 
 
 (ζ 
 
 ίζ 
 
 it 
 
 iC 
 
 (( 
 
122 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 123 
 
 u 
 
 A spear, and that a stone of larger size. 
 
 Rough, craggy, grasp'd; which, straining every nerve. 
 
 He threw ; nor threw in vain. Cebriones 
 
 From Priam sprung, but of ignoble birth, 
 
 The charioteer of Hector, felt its weight : 755 
 
 Full on his head the cumbrous mass descends. 
 
 Shivers the bone, and from their socket thrusts 
 
 His eyeballs to the ground. As one expert 
 
 In diving, from the lofty car he fell 
 
 Headlong to earth, and life his frame forsook. 760 
 
 When thus Patroclus spake in taunting guise : 
 
 ^^ Heav'ns ! with what rare facility he dives ! 
 
 α Were he at sea, what numbers might he feed 
 
 " Diving for oysters from his vessel's side, 
 
 " As from his horses now ! such men hath Troy." 
 
 Thus saying, on Cebriones he rush'd : 
 As the gaunt lion who the stall invades 
 Dies by those wounds his dauntless soul provokes : 
 Thus eager rush'd Patroclus to the spoil ; 
 With equal haste sprang Hector from his car. 770 
 As lions for Cebriones they mov'd 
 Contention fierce, who in the mountain top 
 By hunger prest, with courage undismay'd. 
 For the slain stag contend ; thus fierce engag d 
 Patroclus and the warlike chief of Troy, 775 
 
 On slaughter bent, Cebriones around : 
 This with firm grasp the prostrate chieftain's head 
 Seizes, and that his feet: with equal rage 
 Trojans and Greeks the conflict dire maintain. 
 
 As when contending winds the forest shake 780 
 Deep in the hollow mountain's side ; or beech, 
 Corneil, or ash, yield to the tempest's rage. 
 And break ; far oflf the dreadful crash is heard : 
 Thus Greeks and Trojans to the battle mov'd 
 Fearless, whilst all around Cebriones 785 
 
 Spears, arrows, numberless infixed stood ; 
 And stones of larger size the shields upon 
 Smote vehement, as for his corpse they fought : 
 Of stature vast he lay all in the dust 
 Extended long, forgetful of his art. 790 
 
 Whilst mov'd the sun to his meridian height. 
 The weapons flew, and equal numbers fell ; 
 But when he westward stoop'd his rapid course. 
 Then against fate the Grecian arms prevail'd ; 
 Then seiz'd they and from forth the battle dragg'd 
 Cebriones, and stripp'd him of his arms. 796 
 
 And now Patroclus on the Trojans rush'd ; 
 Thrice rush'd he on like Mars with dreadful shock. 
 Thrice fell nine Trojan chiefs beneath his sword. 
 But when again like to some god in arms 800 
 
 ..jf..fi.6r..Jh.js»^..^ ..,...- ■■ 
 
 ^^^Mj^^^^uj^^^^^^^g^^^^Lgg^^ 
 
124 
 
 THE lUAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 125 
 
 
 He rush'd, then life's sad end to thee appear'd, 
 
 Patroclus; then approached, with terror clad, 
 
 Dread Phoebus ; yet by thee unseen^ in clouds 
 
 Impenetrable obscur'd as on he mov'd : 
 
 Behind he stood, and with his potent hand 805 
 
 Smote on his back and shoulders ; at the stroke 
 
 Dimm'd were his eyes : then Phoebus from his head 
 
 The helmet cast to earth, which empty roll'd 
 
 With hollow sound beneath the coursers feet. 
 
 And all the crest with blood was stain'd and dust : 
 
 For not till then might dust contaminate 
 
 The crested casque which grac'd Achilles' brow; 
 
 Which now to Hector mighty Jove consign'd. 
 
 Now borne by him, fast verging to his end : 
 
 Then shiv'red fell his spear, huge, pond'rous, strong. 
 
 From his enfeebled grasp ; and from his arm 815 
 
 Dropp'd the vast orb of his enormous shield. 
 
 The angrj^ deity his corselet loos'd, 
 
 Confus'd his sense, and palsied all his limbs. 
 
 He stood aghast ! when sudden from behind 820 
 
 A Dardan with his spear his back transfix'd, 
 
 Euphorbus, son of Panthus, who excell'd 
 
 In horsemanship, in battle, and the race. 
 
 When first essay'd the rudiments of war. 
 
 He from tli^ir seats dismounted twenty youths. 825 
 
 He gave the wound, yet did he not subdue ; 
 But quick retir'd in fear the ranks among. 
 Nor dar'd Patroclus thus disarm'd engage. 
 O'erpower'd by Phoebus, and the sudden wound, 
 Patroclus to the ranks retir'd, if thus 830 
 
 He haply might escape. Hector observed 
 The wounded chief retiring, and advanc'd 
 With hasty stride, and deep infix'd his spear 
 Beneath the heart, and pierc'd his body through : 
 He fell ; then deeply griev'd the Grecian host. 835 
 
 As when the lion and the boar contend. 
 Who in the mountain's height fierce conflict move 
 For some small stream to slake their thirst withal, 
 The lion's strength subdues the foaming boar j 
 So Hector slew Patroclus, who himself 840 
 
 Had numbers slain, and boasting thus exclaim'd : 
 " Patroclus, thou didst think, and vainly too. 
 Our city to despoil, and captive bear 
 The Trojan matrons to thy native land. 
 " Insensate! 'tis for them the Hectorian steeds 845 
 '' To battle speed their way ; for them I wield 
 " This spear, amongst the warlike sons of Troy 
 '' Excelling, to ward oflf that fatal day. 
 " Thee, wretched man! the vultures shall devour: 
 " However brave no aid Achilles lends, 850 
 
 " Who when thou wentest forth did give perchance 
 
 te 
 
 6i 
 
126 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 u. 
 
 
 
 frf 
 
 1*1- 
 
 ce 
 
 C6 
 
 {( 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 This counsel : * Ο return not^ warlike friend, 
 ' To these our ships till thou on Hector's breast 
 ^ The corselet smear'd with gore hast rent in twain.' 
 *^ Thus he ; and thou didst idly believe his words." 
 Fainting in death Patroclus thus replied : 856 
 " Now, Hector, is thy boast, since Jove hath giv'n 
 " And Phcebus victory to thee ; for they 
 ^^ Subdued me first, and stripped me of my arms : 
 Had twenty such as thou but met my force, 86o 
 They all had perish'd by my spear subdued: 
 Me hath pernicious Fate and Phcebus slain, 
 " Next Panthus' son : you lastly reap the spoil. 
 " But this I tell thee, and mark well my words, 
 *^ Not long shalt thou survive : already Death 865 
 " And Fate approach thee near ; destin'd to fall, 
 " And shortly too, by great Achilles' arm." 
 
 He spake ; thick darkness clos'd his eyes; his soul 
 To Hades mournful fled ; youth, vigour, gone ! 
 
 Him dead. Hector address'd : " Why of my fate 
 " Prophetic thus? Who knows but he may fall, 8^1 
 " The son of Thetis, by this self-same spear ?" 
 
 He spake; and from the wound the weapon drew, 
 Spurn'd with his heel, and thrust to earth the corpse: 
 Then on Automedon, Achilles' friend, 8^5 
 
 He rush'd : him far away the rapid steeds 
 Divine, the splendid gift of heav'n, convey'd. 
 
 127 
 
 BOOK XVII. 
 
 JjUT Menelaus, Atreus' son, perceiv'd 
 
 Patroclus' fate, by Trojan arms subdued ; 
 
 And through the foremost ranks all-arm 'd advanc'd,^ 
 
 And stalk'd around him. Thus to guard her young 
 
 The heifer moves, now first essay'd the pangs 5 
 
 Maternal, and the pains which cause her moan. 
 
 Thus Menelaus round Patroclus turn'd 
 
 With spear and shield protecting, well prepar'd 
 
 To slay that Trojan who should dare approach. 
 
 Nor unobserv'd by Panthus' warlike son 10 
 
 Patroclus' fall, whom near advancing thus 
 To Atreus' son he spake : " Cease, valiant chief 
 
 Belov'd of Jove, and leave the spoils to me : 
 
 I first of all the Trojans or allies 
 
 Transfix'd Patroclus in the bloody fight ; 15 
 
 Then let me bear the glory and the praise. 
 
 Lest thou too perish by my spear subdued." 
 
 Indignant, Menelaus thus replied : 
 " Great Jove! high boasting words become not man: 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 iC 
 
 <c 
 
 (C 
 
ii'^^ 
 
 12S 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 129 
 
 •i 
 
 ^^ Not such the panther's or the Hon's pride 
 
 " In fight, or the huge boar s, whose conscious might 
 
 " Swells in his breast and flashes in his eyes; 
 
 " As the proud boast of Panthus' warlike sons, 
 
 *^ No fruits of youth did Hyperenor reap, 
 
 " Who first reproached, then dar'd me to the fight ; 
 
 " Me whom he styl'd the weakest of our host 26 
 
 " In arms ; yet never did he back return 
 
 *^ To glad his friends, his wife or children more. 
 
 " So shalt thou perish if thou dar'st withstand 
 
 ^^ My force. Retire then to the ranks ; begone 30 
 
 " Ere ill betide thee : fools are taught too late." 
 
 He spake : Euphorbus not convinced replied : 
 " Now, Menelaus, thou shalt dearly pay 
 *^ My brother's death; thou who dost make thy 
 
 " boast, 
 " That thou hast caus'd the widow's tears to flow, 
 " And the fond parent's heart to burst with grief: 
 " Some ease to woes like these I might impart 
 " Bearing thy head and bloody spoils, a gift 
 " To Panthus and to Phrontis. But no more : 
 " Nor will I leave this labour unessay'd, 40 
 
 "If courage aught or terror may avail." 
 
 He spake; and smote with vehemence the shield; 
 But pierc'd it not ; the brazen orb repell'd 
 
 The blow, and turn'd the point: then rose the 
 
 strength 
 Of Menelaus, who to Jove supreme 45 
 
 Addressing first his pray'r, full in his throat 
 Infix'd the spear, and pressing on his foe 
 With pow'rful arm, and adding all his weight, 
 Forc'd on the point and pierc'd his tender neck : 
 He fell to earth ; his brazen armour rang. 50 
 
 Then were those tresses which might well adorn 
 The Graces, and those flowing curls with gold. 
 With silver fillets bound, distain'd with gore. 
 
 As when the husbandman tendeth with care 
 The olive, and on some sequest'red spot 55 
 
 Well-wat'red nourisheth the tender plant. 
 Fair, flourishing, with buds of silver white 
 Adorn'd, and mov'd by every softer breeze; 
 When suddenly from heav'n the storm descends. 
 Tears from its deep'ned bed, and lays it low ; 60 
 So Panthus' son, Euphorbus, spearman brave, 
 By Menelaus slain, extended lay; 
 His arms the victor's spoil. The lion thus 
 Fierce, in the mountain bred, invades the herd 
 Feeding ; then separates the fairest beast, 65 
 
 And seizing with his potent jaw o'erpow'rs 
 First, then its entrails tears, and swills the MekkI : 
 
 VOL. II. K. 
 
 ij a a sa t i fl filt - n ??ΐίιϊ itiMTiniigf ■ Ί 
 
m 
 
 130 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Ϊ'Λ 
 
 .-- t ' 
 
 1% "* 
 
 Ν ■ 
 
 Ι-ί> 
 
 Whilst dogs and herdsmen distant clamours raise. 
 Nor dare approach, such terror he inspires. 
 So none dar'd Menelaus' strength oppose : 7^ 
 
 And he had reap'd the spoils an easy prey 
 From Panthus' son ; but Phoebus interposed 
 Envious, and Hector to the combat rous'd. 
 Fierce as the god of war ; in form he seem'd 
 Mentes, Ciconian chief, and Hector thus 7^ 
 
 In haste addressed: "Vain, Hector, thy pursuit 
 " To gain the steeds of Peleus' warlike son ; 
 " Steeds not to be subdued by mortal man, 
 *^ Except Achilles, from a goddess sprung. 
 " Meantime Euphorbus by the daring hand 80 
 " Of Menelaus falls, Patroclus round 
 " Fighting, and quell'd the fire of Panthus' son.'* 
 Thus spake the god, and mingled with the host. 
 Then bitter grief the soul of Hector fir'd : 
 Quick he surveyed the war : the spoiler here 85 
 Stripping the arms he saw, and there the dead 
 Extended ; from the wound fresh flow'd the blood. 
 Then through the ranks, in shining armour clad. 
 Shouting he rush'd, like the unextinguished flame 
 Of Vulcan's smithy. Not unheard his shout go 
 By Atreus' son ; who with his mighty soul 
 Thus cAverse held : " And shall I then- desert 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 131 
 
 '' The spoils, and leave Patroclus lain thus low ; 
 
 *^ And that my injur'd honour to protect ? 
 
 " What anger will not fire each Grecian breast! 95 
 
 '' But should I singly dare the Trojan host 
 
 " And Hector, urg'd by shame ; by numbers prest 
 
 '' I may surrounded fall, for Hector leads 
 
 ^^ His host entire this way. Yet why debate, 
 
 '^ Why commune thus? Whoever dare contend 100 
 
 " With one thus aided by some pow'r divine 
 
 '' Must quickly fall ; nor will the Grecians blame 
 
 " If I from force superior thus retire : 
 
 *' But might I Ajax summon to my aid, 
 
 " We turning would renew the bloody fight, 105 
 
 " Though by some god oppos'd ; if haply thus 
 
 " We jointly might regain Patroclus' corpse, 
 
 '' For Peleus' son ; this least of present ills." 
 
 Whilst thus debating in his mind he stood. 
 The Trojan files advanced, for Hector led. 1 10 
 
 Then he retreated, and Patroclus left. 
 Yet turn'd him oft. As doth the shaggy beast. 
 Lord of the forest, forc'd by dogs and men. 
 With shouting and with spears, to quit the stall. 
 By fear assail'd unwillingly retire ; 115 
 
 So Atreus' son retreating left the corpse 
 Till join'd his friends ; then turning dar'd the foe, 
 
 κ 2 
 
 1 
 
 i- '-'4 
 
 •I 
 
 f τ 
 
 %: 
 
 I I 
 
 fe 
 
132 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 
 And through the ranks with searching eye surveyed 
 If Ajax he might find : him on the left 
 He saw encouraging his friends to arms, 120 
 
 Whom Phoebus had with dread and fear impress'd : 
 With haste he ran, and thus address'd the chief: 
 
 " Ο Ajax, friend belov'd, hither in haste 
 " Repair, that we may save Patroclus' corpse, 
 " And bear him naked thus to Peleus' son: 125 
 " We can no more, for Hector has his arms." 
 
 He spake; and rous'd great Ajax' noble mind: 
 And both advancing in the van appeared : 
 Just then, the body of its armour stript. 
 Hector dragg'd forth, all eager ta strike off 130 
 
 The head, and to the dogs cast forth his limbs; 
 But Ajax with his towVmg shield drew nigh : 
 When Hector vaulting in his chariot fled. 
 Exulting in the spoils, which safe to Troy 
 The Trojans bore, proud trophy of his fame. 135, 
 But Ajax still protecting with his shield 
 Patroclus, firmly stood. As round his young 
 The lion, whom perchance the woods among 
 The hunters meet, them with stern aspect first 
 He views, then knits the terrors of his brow; 140 
 Thus o'er Patroclus Ajax : whilst apart 
 Stood Atreus' son, with bitter grief opprest. 
 
 xvii. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 133 
 
 But Glaucus, chief of all the Lycian bands, 
 Thus followed Hector with rebuke severe : 
 
 " Hector, in form excelling, but in fight 145 
 « Defective ; high in fame, yet base withal : 
 " Consider well how with thy native troops 
 '' Thou best the city and the state mayst guard ; 
 " For not one Lycian more shall dare engage 
 '' To save that city : 'tis a thankless cause 150 
 
 " Thus without ceasing to contend in arms : 
 " Or whom of note inferior wilt thou save, 
 " Base man! since left thy faithful friend and guest, 
 '' Sarpedon, to the Greeks a spoil and prey ? 
 " Him, who whilst living did advantage Troy 155 
 '' And thee, thou dost not from the dogs protect. 
 " If with my Lycians I may aught prevail, 
 '' We go from hence, and leave proud Troy to fate. 
 " Had but the Trojans that determined mind, 
 " That courage which becomes a man engaged 160 
 '* His country to defend, and dare the war ; 
 " We might secure this corpse within the walls : 
 " That once within the royal city lodg'd 
 *' Of Priam, and from conflict far remov'd, 
 " The Greeks would soon Sarpedon's arms restore 
 " In ransom, and him back return to Troy; 166 
 '' For with Patroclus fell the friend of him 
 
 

 134 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 i. »- 
 
 f'Pf 
 
 6 
 
 a 
 
 <ζ 
 
 a 
 
 cc 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 ^^1 
 
 Who boasts amongst the Greeks superior might. 
 
 For thee — thou dar'st not meet with steadfast eye, 
 
 Nor fight with Ajax, braver far than thou.'* 170 
 
 To him^ with angry looks. Hector replied : 
 
 Why, Glaucus, and from thee this deep rebuke ? 
 
 I did account thee wise among the chiefs 
 
 Of Lycia's wealthy realm ; but this thy speech 
 
 Doth argue thee entitled to much blame. 1/5 
 
 Thou say'st I dare not mighty Ajax meet 
 
 In battle : Friend, it is not that I dread 
 
 The clash of arms, or noise of prancing steeds; 
 
 But ever must the will of Jove prevail. 
 
 Who fear impresses on the brave, and turns 180 
 
 The tide of war, though he that war command. 
 
 Come then, my friend, and take thy stand by me; 
 
 And note my deeds, if I from morn to eve 
 
 Am that base coward which thy words import : 
 
 Yea, rather will I check the bravest Greek 185, 
 
 Who for Patroclus dare with me contend." 
 
 He spake ; then to the Trojans loud exclaim'd : 
 
 Trojan and Lycian and Dardanian chiefs. 
 
 Be men, my friends, and bravely dare the fight. 
 
 Whilst I put on the arms of Peleus' son 190 
 
 Won from Patroclus, whom this spear subdued." 
 
 Thus saying, Hector by his varied crest 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 135 
 
 Distinguished, left the field, and with quick pace 
 
 Soon overtook those Trojan friends who bore 
 
 To Ilium's lofty tow'rs Achilles' arms ; 195 
 
 And from the horrors of the fight remov'd. 
 
 His armour chang'd : his own to sacred Troy 
 
 The warlike Trojans (so he bade) convey'd. 
 
 Clad in the immortal arms confest he stood 
 
 Of Peleus ; for on him the powYs of heav'n 200 
 
 The valued gift bestow'd : he, full of years. 
 
 Then gave them to his son, not in those arms 
 
 Destin'd by fate to number length of days. 
 
 Whom when the Ruler of the sky survey 'd 
 Apart, and glorying in Achilles' arms ; 305 
 
 Commiserating much, he wav'd his head 
 And commun'd thus : " Unfortunate of men ! 
 '' Who thinkest not of death though death be near; 
 But hast thyself invested with the arms 
 Of him, the bravest of the sons of men, 210 
 
 " Whom others dread; nay more, hast slain his 
 " friend, 
 
 " Of temper mild as brave, and from his limbs 
 Stripp'd oflf those arms in most unseemly guise. 
 Yet shalt thou brilliant honours reap awhile 
 
 " For this — that thou no more mayst know return 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 <.k\ 
 
 
 M- 
 
 %n\ 
 
 :§» - 
 
136 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 r 
 
 K•* 
 
 I: 
 
 *^ From battle, and Andromache no more 
 
 Unloose ihose arms from Hector's wearied limbs." 
 He spake : a nod confirm'd his fixt resolve. 
 Then fitted he those arms to Hector's form : 
 Dread Mars his soul with strength and vigour filPd, 
 As to his brave aUies he bent his way, 220 
 
 Shouting aloud : to them he seem'd in arms 
 Achilles' self. Thus he each several chief 
 Encouraged: Asteropaeus, Mesthles, 
 Disenor, Glaucus and Hippothous, 
 Thersilochus, Phorcys, Medon, Chromius, 225 
 And Ennomus well skill'd in augury. 
 
 " Hear me, ye brave and numerous allies, 
 " Friends, neighbours! Not to swell the pomp of war 
 " With numbers have I summon'd you to arms 230 
 " Each from his city ; but with willing minds 
 " To aid me in defence of those we hold 
 " Most dear, our wives and children: with this 
 
 " view, 
 ''' In presents, in provision, I exhaust 
 " My people; you meantime the vantage reap. 235 
 " Turn then, my friends, and instant let us on 
 " To die or conquer ; 'tis the fate of war. 
 " He then who shall Patroclus' body drag 
 
 JMfrfJMtiliiraiihltii-liaSlIM^ 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 137 
 
 ^' From them to us, and Ajax shall repulse, 
 « Shall share with me the spoils, the honour share." 
 He spake : they on the Grecians shouting rush'd 
 Their spears advancing, and elate with hope. 
 From Ajax to bear off Patroclus dead : 
 Improvident ! for numbers Ajax slew. 
 Who quickly Menelaus thus address'd : 245 
 
 '' Ο son of Atreus, friend belov'd of Jove, 
 " Scarce from this contest may we safe return : 
 *^ Not for Patroclus are my fears so great, 
 " (To dogs and birds of Troy full soon a prey), 
 '' As for myself and thee. Hector this way 250 
 Rolls on the gath'ring tempest of the war. 
 In clouds obscur'd, and quick destruction low'rs : 
 " Call then the bravest of our host to aid.'* 
 
 He spake ; nor Menelaus disobey 'd ; 
 But to the Grecians loudly thus exclaim'd : 255 
 
 " Friends, counsellors, and leaders of our host, 
 '' Who share with Atreus' sons the genial feast, 
 " And bear command ; whose honour is from Jove ; 
 " I may not well each several chief discern, 
 '' So widely do the flames of war extend : 260 
 
 Let each come forth spontaneous: great our shame 
 Should dogs devour Patroclus' sad remains." 
 He spake : him Ajax Oileus quickly heard, 
 
 a 
 
 fC 
 
 iC 
 
 te 
 
 I 
 
 
m' 
 
 138 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 i^ 
 
 And first advanced ; then came Idomeneug^ 
 And then Meripnes Hke Mars in fight ; ^65 
 
 Then numbers, whom 'twere difficult for man 
 To name, rush'd onward, and the fight renew'd. 
 The Trojans first engag'd, for Hector led. 
 
 As when the swelling surge from ocean's flood 
 The rushing torrent meets, when Jove in storms 2^0 
 Descends, far oflF is heard the dashing roar. 
 And distant shores rebellow with the noise ; 
 Such was the clamour of the Trojan host. 
 But round Patroclus press'd the Grecian force 
 United, shield with shield compacted firm. 2^5 
 
 Saturnian Jove around their glitt'ring casques 
 Thick darkness pour'd ; for he did not abhor 
 Patroclus living, and Achilles' friend ; 
 Him would he less a prey to dogs consign 
 When numb'red with the dead : for this he rous'd 
 The spirit of his friends in his defence. 281 
 
 First o'er the Greeks the Trojan arms prevail'd ; 
 They fled and left the dead : yet not so much 
 For loss sustain'd, the foe alone intent 
 To seize the corpse : but quickly to the charge 285 
 The Greeks return'd, and Ajax led them on ; 
 Ajax, in form in deeds excelling all 
 But him who all excelled, great Peleus' son : 
 
 XVIL 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 139 
 
 Then mov'd he through the ranks like the huge boar 
 In might, who youthful hunters and their dogs 290 
 With ease disperses, bursting through the wood. 
 
 Thus Telamonian Ajax quick dispers'd 
 The Trojan phalanx which had pour'd around 
 Patroclus, hoping thus to bear him oflf 
 To Troy, and share the spoil, the glory share. 295 
 Twas then Hippothous, Lethus' valiant son. 
 Had to Patroclus' feet made fast a thong; 
 Just then was dragging him, and Troy approv'd : 
 When sudden ill, which no one might avert 
 However willing, on himself descends. 300 
 
 Him Ajax, rushing through the thickest ranks. 
 Smote vehement, and pierc'd his brazen casque ; 
 The brain mingled with blood from forth the wound 
 Fast flow'd the spear around: there ceas'd his 
 
 strength. 
 Patroclus' foot fell instant from his grasp, 305 
 
 And stretch'd upon the dead Hippothous lay : 
 Far distant from Larissa's fertile soil 
 He lay ; no kind return to parents made 
 For early nurture ; short his fleeting days, 
 Slain by the mighty Telamonian spear. 310 
 
 Then Hector aiming hurl'd his rapid lance 
 At Ajax, who foreseeing shunn'd the blow: 
 
 
 m 
 
140 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 Jf t 
 
 I", *' 
 
 II 
 
 Schedius, the son of Iphitus, receiv'd 
 
 The fatal point ; in Panope he dwelt. 
 
 City renown'd, of the Phocenses chief; 315 
 
 And numerous subjects own'd his regal sway. 
 
 Him in the throat he smote; the brazen point 
 
 Impell'd with force onward the shoulder pierc'd : 
 
 He fell ; his armour rang upon the plain. 
 
 Then Ajax through the body Phaenops' son, 320 
 Brave Phorcys, pierc'd, as round Hippothous 
 He stalk'd ; the spear his corselet tore, and drank 
 His entrails : prone he fell, and grasp'd the dust : 
 The foremost ranks and Hector back retir'd : 
 The Grecians shouted, and despoil'd the slain. 325 
 
 Then had the Trojans to their city fled 
 In terror, vanquish'd by the Grecian arms. 
 And by their courage and their might the Greeks 
 Had honour reap d beyond the will of Jove ; 
 But Phoebus, like to Periphas in form, 330 
 
 Herald renown'd, the son of ^pytis. 
 Encouraging iEneas, counsell'd thus : 
 
 ^^ iEneas, say how might we Troy protect 
 " Against the will of Jove? Yet I have seen 
 " Men in their valour, strength, and fortitude, 335 
 In numerous forces, strangers all to fear, 
 Confiding, have prevail'd : but Jove to us. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 tc 
 
 tc 
 
 €C 
 
 XVII. THE ILIAD. 141 
 
 *^ Not to the Greeks inclines : Ο be not then 
 '' Remiss in fight ; but manfully contend." 
 
 He spake ; iEneas knew the god confest 340 
 Apollo, and to Hector thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Hector, and ye brave chiefs, allies of Troy, 
 " What dire disgrace, should we be thus repuls'd. 
 
 And driven back to Troy through abject fear ! 
 
 Some deity hath now this truth reveal'd, 345 
 '' That Jove, who governs all, doth aid our cause : 
 " Then let us on ; nor suffer them to bear 
 ^^ Patroclus unresisted, to their ships." 
 
 He spake ; and eager to the foremost ranks 
 Advanc'd : the Trojans tum'd and dar'd the foe. 350 
 iEneas first slew brave Leocritus 
 Son of Arisbas, Lycomedes' friend. 
 Who sorely griev'd his loss ; and from the ranks 
 Forthwith advancing, hurl'd his glitt'ring lance. 
 And Apisaon son of Hippasus 355 
 
 Transfix'd, and stretch'd him lifeless on the plain. 
 From fair Paeonia's fertile land he came ; 
 Next to Asteropaeus, chief in arms. 
 
 Then griev'd Asteropaeus, and mov'd on 
 Eager to fight : yet might he not engage, 36o 
 
 So close around the dead in firm array 
 The Grecians guarding with their shields, oppos'd. 
 
 r* 
 
142 
 
 fftf 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII, 
 
 Ajax on all sides issued his commands. 
 That none dare quit the body, none retreat ; 
 Nor yet before the ranks advance ; but form 365 
 The solid phalanx, and close fight maintain : 
 Thus Ajax gave command. The ground meantime 
 Was wet with gore, for many dying fell, 
 Trojans and brave allies, and Grecian chiefs ; 
 For these too loss sustain'd, though less severe, 37a 
 From mutual succour to each other giv'n. 
 
 Like fire the battle raged; scarce might one 
 deem 
 
 Or sun or moon to hold their usual course. 
 
 So thick a cloud of darkness them involved. 
 
 But in the distant field, Trojans and Greeks 3J5 
 
 Still leisurely engag'd : there in full day 
 
 Shone the bright sun unclouded on the earth : 
 
 Distant these fought, now ceasing, now engag'd. 
 
 And shunn'd each missive spear. But in the midst 
 
 Involv d in darkness rag'd the bloody fight, 380 
 
 And many heroes fell. Two chiefs, the while. 
 
 Of fame illustrious, had not heard the fate 
 
 Of Menoetiades, Antilochus, 
 
 And Thrasymedes : him they thought, engag'd 
 
 Where most the tumult of the battle reign d. 385 
 
 Distant these fought, and distant viewed the deaths 
 
 buMtariSwair"*^•-'--•^"''•***•*-• 
 
 XVJI. 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 143 
 
 Of many Greeks ; so Nestor gave command. 
 When from the ships he sent them forth to war. 
 
 From morn to eve endur'd the battle's rage. 
 And conflict dire ; with labour and with sweat 390 
 Their limbs and feet beneath ; with sweat their eyes 
 And wearied hands were stain'd ; as thus around 
 Patroclus they unceasing fight maintain'd. 
 As tanners round the hide of some large ox. 
 Well soak'd in grease, collect ; and grasping fast 395 
 Each his allotted part, with force extend ; 
 Discharge the moisture, but the grease retain ; 
 And tugging hard, give tension to the whole:" 
 So these in narrow space now here, now there. 
 The body drag, with eager hope elate, 400 
 
 These to the ships, and those to bear to Troy ; 
 And wild uproar prevailed. Nor then had Mars 
 Tumultuous, or Pallas found to blame 
 The conduct of the war, though much incens'd ; 
 Such fatal strife of horses and of men 
 Jove on that day around Patroclus spread. 
 As yet Achilles knew not of his death. 
 For distant from the ships the battle rag'd, 
 Under the walls of Troy: nor did he think 
 Patroclus slain ; but waited his return 410 
 
 When driven back the foe ; nor thought he Troy 
 
 403 
 
 _,-» 
 
 I.• 
 
 LI 
 
144 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII• 
 
 1". i 
 
 4• 
 
 i 
 
 <c 
 
 iC 
 
 Might fall, or with him, or without his aid• 
 For this he oft had heard his mother say 
 Was Jove's decree : but she had not declared 
 This ill, the death of his much-valued friend. 415 
 
 Still round the dead with sharp'ned spears erect 
 Each closely press'd, and equal deaths prevail'd : 
 When thus some Grecian chief was heard to say: 
 " Ο friends, no honour may we gain by flight 
 " Back to our ships : yea rather let this earth 420 
 First op'ning, swallow all : 'twere better far. 
 Than to permit the Trojans to bear oflT 
 " Patroclus, and immortal honour share." 
 And thus some Trojan chief aloud exclaim'd : 
 My friends ! though fate ordain we perish all 4^5 
 This man around, yet shrink not from the frght.'* 
 Thus said he ; and his friends to battle rous'd. 
 So fought they ; to the brazen vault of heav'n 
 The iron clamour pass'd through desert air. 
 
 But now from fight remov'd, the immortal steeds 
 Of Peleus' son wept sore, when heard the fate 431 
 Of Mencetiades by Hector slain. 
 Diores' martial son Automedon 
 Oft urg d them on, and plied the smarting lash j. 
 Now threats and now persuasive accents us'd. 435 
 Yet neither to the ships and Hellespont, 
 
 u 
 
 (C 
 
 XVIi. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 145 
 
 Nor to the battle would they more return : 
 But like some monumental pillar stood 
 Unmov'd, though to the splendid chariot vok'd. 
 Hanging their heads ; whilst fell the frequent tear 
 To earth : so did they for Patroclus mourn. 441 
 Meantime, beneath the yoke their flowing manes 
 Descending swept the dust. Jove saw their grief, 
 And pitying mov'd his head, and commun'd thus : 
 
 " Ill-fated ! why by heav'n to mortal man, 445 
 " Yourselves immortal, giv'n ? Was it for this, 
 " That you might suffer much with suff'ring man ? 
 '' For of all things that live and move on earth, 
 " None is to misery like man expos'd. 
 '' Yet will I not permit that Priam's son, 450 
 
 " By you, and in that car, be borne along : 
 " It is suflicient tliat he reap the spoil, 
 " And make his boast therein. To you meantime 
 " Spirit and strength I will impart, to save 
 " Automedon, and to the ships convey : 455 
 
 '' For yet must Troy prevail, and glory gain, 
 " Till at the ships arriv'd ; and till the sun 
 " Shall set, and sacred darkness cover all." 
 
 He spake; and to the steeds imparted strength. 
 They shaking from their manes the dust to earth. 
 Soon to the Trojans and the Greeks convey'd* * 461 
 
 VOL.. II. , 
 
 ~9 
 
rs 
 
 146 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvn. 
 
 The rapid car, in which Automedon, 
 Borne swiftly to the war, though griev*d, engag'd ; 
 Pursuing as the eagle meaner birds. 
 With ease he fled the tumult of the field : 465 
 
 With ease he rush'd through multitudes to war. 
 Yet might he not pursuing slay the foe. 
 And singly from the chariot hurl his lance ; 
 Hold firm the reins, and guide the fiery steeds. 
 But him Alcimedon Laerces' son 470 
 
 Perceiving thus addressed : ^^ Automedon, 
 " What angry pow'r hath counsell'd thee amiss, 
 " And of thy better sense bereft, that thou 
 Dost singly thus engage the Trojan foe. 
 Thy friend Patroclus slain ? But Hector bears 475 
 And glories in the spoils, Achilles' arms." 
 Whom answVed thus Automedon : " What man 
 " Like thee, Alcimedon, to curb and rein 
 " Immortal steeds, save only whilst he liv'd 
 " Patroclus' self, in counsel like a god? 480 
 
 " Him death and fate possess; take. thou the reins 
 '' And guide the steeds, whilst I prepare the war." 
 
 He spake. Alcimedon the car ascends. 
 And holds the reins. Eftsoons Automedon 
 Leapd from the car : him Hector first perceiv'd, 485 
 And thus Anchises' son in haste bespoke : 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 cc 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 147 
 
 " iEneas, chief illustrious in arms ; 
 " Achilles' horses I perceive approach 
 '' To battle, guided by unskilful hands. 
 " These I may hope to gain if thou assist, 490 
 
 '' And willingly ; for they will scarce maintain 
 " The combat, and contend in arms with us." 
 
 He spake: nor disobey'd Anchises' son 
 Of stature huge : bearing aloft their shields 
 Solid compact with plated brass, they mov'd : 495 
 With them Aretus came, and Chromius, 
 Elate with hope the charioteer to slay. 
 And drive the immortal steeds their prize to Troy : 
 Improvident ! no bloodless contest waits 
 Their vain attempt ; nor may they both return 500 
 From brave Automedon ; who first his pray'r 
 To Jove addressing, felt new courage fire 
 His breast; new vigour all his soul inflame. 
 Who thus his friend Alcimedon address'd : 
 
 " Alcimedon, not distant rein the steeds ; 505 
 " But near, and at my back ; for Hector's force 
 '' Will cease not as I deem, till he ascend 
 " The chariot of Achilles ; having first 
 Slain us, and put to flight the Grecian host : 
 Or foremost perish in the van himself." 510 
 
 L 2 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 
 i rl 
 
 f ti 
 
 1. * ..1 
 
 if 
 
 Ιϊ:>; 
 
 It 
 
148 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 -■f ί 
 
 ft 
 
 i? 
 
 
 Thus saying, he to either Ajax call'd. 
 And Menelaus, vahant chiefs of Greece : 
 
 " My friends, commit Patroclus to the care 
 " Of those who most excell in martial deeds, 
 " That they defend him, and repulse the foe. 515 
 " But now we living claim your better aid. 
 " I see approaching through the ranks of war, 
 " Hector and brave iEneas chiefs of Troy. 
 ** The events of war the heav'nly pow'rs alone 
 " Know, and direct : *tis mine bravely to dare 520 
 " The fight : to Jove supreme I leave the rest." 
 
 He spake, and hurl'd his spear ; and on the shield 
 Smote of Aretus, which resisted not 
 His force : the brazen-pointed spear pass'd on. 
 And through the belt deep in the groin infix'd 525 
 The wound. As when a youth with sharpened axe 
 Smites on the spine some ox of larger size. 
 And through the tendons cuts ; starting he fallsi ^ 
 So fell Aretus : fixt within his groin 
 The spear still quivring all his vitals drank. 530 
 Then at Automedon the chief of Troy 
 HurFd his huge spear : he saw and shunn'd the blow 
 Stooping; behind him in the ground infixt, 
 Still vibrating it stood, there spent its force. 
 
 xvif. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 149 
 
 And now with swords they had to combat rush\l. 
 
 But Ajax son of Telamon with haste 
 
 Advapc d, when heard his friend who calFd for aid. 
 
 With fear assail'd the Trojan chiefs retired. 
 
 And leff the slain. Automedon, like Mars, 
 
 Impetuous seiz'd the spoil, and thus exclaim'd : 540 
 
 " Now feels my soul cessation of its grief 
 " For my Patroclus, though a worse be slain." 
 
 He spake, and in the chariot plac'd the arms 
 Blood-stain'd, and vaulted in his seat ; his hands. 
 His feet, with gore still reeking ; not unlike 545 
 The lion, when devour'd the stately bull. 
 
 And now again the war Patroclus round 
 Rag'd furious, deadly. Pallas urg d them on. 
 Descending from on high to rouse the Greeks : 
 So Joveordain'd when chang'd his sovereign will. 55o 
 
 As when from heav η Jove bends his purple bow. 
 Of war portentous, or of winter's racre 
 Severe ; when cease the labours of the field. 
 And works of men ; and cattle drooping stand : 
 So Pallas in a purple cloud involv'd, ss5 
 
 EntVed the Grecian host, and fir d their minds. 
 
 First Menelaus, Atreus' warlike son. 
 She thus encouraging addressed ; for near 
 Like Phoenix both in voice and form she stood: 
 
 w 
 
 4 11 
 
*1 , 
 
 Κ' 
 
 150 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 χνπ• 
 
 
 ί 
 
 <i 
 
 It would be shame indeed, and deep reproach 
 ** To thee, should dogs beneath the walls of Troy, 
 " Achilles' tried and faithful friend devour: 
 *^ Encourage others then, and bravely fight." 
 
 Her answVed Menelaus : " Phoenix sire* 
 '^ Of age rever'd, might Pallas lend her aid, 565 
 ^^ And from the danger shield, and strength im- 
 
 " part, 
 " I should most willingly stand, and defend 
 " Patroclus ; for his death hath griev'd my soul : 
 ^^ But Hector ceaseth not, with strength like fire 
 ^^ Destroying all : to him Jove honour gives." 5^0 
 
 He spake : Minerva secret pleasure felt. 
 That he had first to her address'd the prayV ; 
 And with fresh vigour all his limbs endued. 
 And fir'd his breast with courage undismay'd ; 
 Which like the fly still perseveres, though oft 5^5 
 Repuls'd ; and tasting thirsts for human blood : 
 With courage thus she filPd his inmost soul. 
 Where lay Patroclus thither hasfned he. 
 And hurl'd his spear. There was a Trojan chief, 
 Podes Eetion s son, valiant and rich ; 580 
 
 By Hector lov'd, at feasts his constant guest ; 
 Him at the cincture Menelaus smote 
 When flight preparing : through the weapon pass'd ; 
 
 XVH. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 151 
 
 He fell, his armour rang : then Atreus' son 
 Dragged him along from forth the Trojan host. 585 
 
 When Phoebus near approadiing Hector thus 
 Address'd ; in form like Phoenops Asius' son. 
 Guest much-belov'd, who in Abydos dwelt. 
 In form like him thus dread Apollo spake : 
 
 ^' Hector, what Grecian shall thy prowess dread, 
 " Since thus from Menelaus you retire, 591 
 
 " Once deem'd of little note ? Yet hath he seiz'd 
 " The spoil from Troy, and slain thy faithfiil friend 
 '' And valiant chief Podes Eetion's son." 
 
 He spake ; when Hector with a cloud of grief 595 
 Opprest, rush'd forward arm'd in shining brass. 
 Now Jove his aegis grasp'd embost with gold 
 Resplendent ; and on Ida s lofty top 
 Gath'red the storm, and dreadful from amidst 
 His lightning pour'd, and thund'red out of heav'n. 
 And shook its utmost base ; of victory 60I 
 
 To Troy portentous ; but of flight to Greece. 
 Peneleus the Boeotian first began 
 The flight. Whilst yet he onward mov'd, the spear 
 Of brave Polydamas his shoulder struck 605 
 
 Lightly, and graz'd the bone ; for near he stood. 
 Then Hector pierc'd the wrist of Leitus, 
 Son of Alectryon, and caused him cease 
 
 J. 
 
 i S.1 
 
 t 1 
 
 r 
 
 H' . 
 
 t ,s 
 
19" 
 
 ΐ.3 
 
 if''* 
 
 152 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII- 
 
 f» 'i 
 
 Γ4 i 
 
 Β 
 
 't 
 
 From battle : trembling he around him look'd^ 
 Without a hope again to dare the fight. 6lO 
 
 Then smote Idomeneus on Hector's breast. 
 Pursuing Leitus ; the brazen mail 
 Resisting broke the spear : the Trojans shout. 
 
 But Hector aim'd, and at Idomeneus 
 His weapon hurPd, as in his car the chief 6l5 
 
 Prepared the war ; yet miss'd. But Coeranus 
 Friend of Meriones, and charioteer. 
 Who followed him from Lyctus, (for on foot 
 Meriones when first he left the ships 
 Engag d, and had occasion'd boast to Troy ; 620 
 But Coeranus his chariot brought, and steeds 
 To his relief, and sav'd his friend from death ; 
 And fell himself by Hector's slaughtering hand.) 
 Him Hector smote the jaw and ear between, 
 Crush'd all his teeth, and cleft his tongue in 
 
 twain; 
 Headlong he fell, anddropp'd the shining reins. 626 
 Them as they fell Meriones in haste 
 Seiz d stooping ; and the Cretan chief address'd : 
 
 " Drive on, till at the Grecian ships arriv d, 
 " Thyself mayst know, the victVy is not ours." 630 
 
 He spake ; when to the ships Idomeneus 
 Drove swiftly on, his mind with fear opprest : 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 153 
 
 Ajax perceivM and Atreus' warlike son. 
 
 That Jove now chang d, to Trojans gave success. 
 
 , When Ajax thus : " The least expert may know 
 
 " That partial Jove to Troy the glory gives ; 636 
 
 " Whose spears, whatever hand may give them force, 
 
 " Or brave or base, scarce ever miss their aim. 
 
 " Jove all directs ; but turns our spears aside. 
 
 " Consult we then, how best we may secure 640 
 
 " Patroclus' sad remains ; and to our ships 
 
 " Return, and gladden all our anxious friends, 
 
 " Who this way looking grieve ; nor think us safe, 
 
 '^ Nor able to resist the Hectorian spear, 
 
 " And hands unconquVed : but prepared to fall 645 
 
 " In dread confusion back upon our ships. 
 
 " Might but some warrior to Achilles bear 
 
 '' The wretched tidings of Patroclus' death, 
 
 " Τ were well ; hul none I see: horses and men 
 
 " Are in one general darkness all involved. 650 
 
 " Jove Father, hear ! Ο save the Grecian host 
 '' From darkness : give but light, and in that light 
 " Destroy us all ; if such thy sovVeign will." 
 
 He spake : Jove pitying heard his earnest pray'r, 
 Dispell'd the darkness, and the clouds remov'd: 655 
 Then shone the sun, and all the war appear'd ; 
 And thus to Menelaus Ajax spoke : 
 
 % -ΛΙ 
 
 I II 
 
*< 
 
 154 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 1 
 •i 
 
 Lif- 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 *^ Look round thee, son of Atreus, if alive 
 Thou mayst Antiloehus the wariike son 
 Of Nestor see ; let him the tidings bear 660 
 
 '' To Peleus' son, that his lov'd friend is slain/' 
 
 He spake : nor Menelaus disobey'd ; 
 But went as doth the lion from the stall 
 After contention fierce with dogs and men. 
 Who will not suffer him to taste the prey, 665 
 
 Watching through night : he, eager to devour, 
 Advanceth oft in vain : thick fly the spears 
 And burning torches thrown from sturdy hands. 
 Which most he dreads : all ^^er though he be. 
 At dawn, reluctant, growling he retires. 6^0 
 
 Thus from Patroclus Menelaus went 
 UnwilHngly, lest some to fear impute 
 That he the spoil relinquished ; and his friends 
 Exhorted thus : '' Ajax, Meriones, 
 ^ Now be our meek and hapless friend your care ; 
 " Patroclus when alive was kind to all, 675 
 
 *^ Of gentle manners, now to death a prey." 
 
 He spake ; and looking round the field with eye 
 Keen as the eagle, fam'd for strongest sight. 
 Who soaring high in air, with ease discerns 680 
 The levVet in the thicket couching low. 
 Then stooping seizes, and of life deprives : 
 
 
 155 
 
 So Menelaus through the ranks survey'd 
 With searching eye, if he perchance might see 
 Antiloehus. Him quickly he discem'd 685 
 
 Far on the left, encouraging his friends. 
 And urging them to fight : approaching near 
 He thus address'd him : " Brave Antiloehus, 
 " Hear the sad tidings which I grieve to name; 
 *' Would it were otherwise ! But thou thyself 690 
 " Must know, I think, that evil this way tends ; 
 *^ So Jove ordains, who gives success to Troy. 
 ^^ Patroclus bravest of our host is slain, 
 ^^ And Greece his fate laments : then hasten thou, 
 " And to Achilles at the ships relate 695 
 
 " The dismal tidings, and implore his aid 
 ^^ To save the body : IJector has his arms." 
 
 He spake : Antiloehus, with horror seiz'd. 
 Stood fixt and motionless, harrow'd with grief: 
 Fiird were his eyes with tears, and his speech fail'd. 
 Yet did he not neglect the enjoin'd command 70 1 
 Of Menelaus, but unbound his arms. 
 And gave them to Laodocus in charge. 
 His charioteer, who near him faithful stood : 
 On foot he hast'ned from the ensanguined field 705 
 With tidings grievous to Achilles' ear. 
 Nor wouldst thou, Menelaus, join the war 
 
 1 1* 
 
 t-i 
 
156 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 i??. 
 
 ?ii 
 
 i 
 
 Where fought Antilochus, though much thy aid 
 The Pylians wish'd. To them the warrior sent 
 Brave Thrasymedes; but returned himself 710 
 
 Patroclus to defend^ and thus the chiefs 
 Who sent him to Antilochus address'd : 
 
 " Your orders are obey'd, and I have sent 
 " To Peleus' son ; but yet^ howe er enrag'd 
 f' With Hector, I yet think he will not come: 715 
 '^ Nor can he all unarm'd attack the foe. 
 " Consult we then how best we may secure 
 " The corpse, and save ourselves from present fate.*' 
 
 To whom the mighty Telamonian chief: 
 " Brave Menelaus, thou hast spoken well : 720 
 " You and Meriones first quick advance 
 " And bear away the body in your arms, 
 " Whilst we with Hector and the Trojans fight: 
 We who the same in courage as in name, 
 Ajax to Ajax, mutual succour lend." 725 
 
 He spake : they lifting from the ground aloft 
 The body bore ; the Trojans shouted loud 
 When seen the Greeks to carry from the field 
 Patroclus: forth right on they rush'd. A5 dogs 
 And youthful hunters eagerly pursue 730 
 
 The wounded boar, first earnest to destroy 
 With speed they run ; but if perchance he turn. 
 
 ct 
 
 cc 
 
 XVI I. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 157 
 
 Confiding in his might ; with fear assail'd 
 
 Quick they retreat, disperst on every side : 
 
 The Trojans thus awhile in troops pursue, 735 
 
 Smiting with sword and spear ; but when perceiv'd 
 
 The mighty Telamonian chief with spear 
 
 Advancing, terror-struck and pale they fly, 
 
 Nor longer for Patroclus dare contend. 
 
 S these bore oflT the body from the war, 740 
 
 In haste conveying to their hollow ships. 
 
 Meantime the battle's rage increas'd. As when 
 A sudden fire some larger town invades, • 
 
 The houses lessen as the flames roll on. 
 By winds increas'd, and spread with ceaseless roar ; 
 So them the noise tumultuous of horse 746 
 
 And man pursued as from the field they mov'd. 
 
 As sturdy mules with patient strength endued. 
 Drag from the mountain through the rugged road 
 Some beam immense, or lofty vessel's mast; 750 
 With persevering labour on they move 
 Groaning, and sweat bedews their weary limbs: 
 So these beneath Patroclus' weight mov'd on 
 Slowly : behind them Ajax Telamon 
 The Trojans staid. As when the woody steep 755 
 Stretching athwart the plain the water dams. 
 And stays the current of impetuous streams, 
 
 I'' 
 I 'Λ 
 
 i 
 
 
 Mr 
 

 Γί 
 
 158 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvir. 
 
 And forces to the plain their refluent course. 
 
 Nor may the weight of waters passage gain : 
 
 Not otherwise the Telamonian chief 760 
 
 Repeird the Trojan force : yet follow'd they^ 
 
 Led by -^neas, and the chief of Troy. 
 
 As when the flight of birds aloft in air. 
 
 Starlings or daws shrill-scream when seen the kite 
 
 Circling, or hawk dread foe to smaller birds ; 765 
 
 From Hector and iEneas thus the Greeks 
 
 Fled ; whilst around and in the fosse their arms 
 
 Lay scattVed, and the war unceasing rag d. 
 
 ft: 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK xvm. 
 
 159 
 
 * - I 
 
 I ,'Ί 
 
 1 hi 
 
 it 
 
 So fought they furious as devouring flames : 
 
 Nathless Antilochus to Peleus' son 
 
 Pursued his way. Him at the ships he found 
 
 Revolving in his mind the fate of war. 
 
 Thus holding converse with his mighty soul : 5 
 '' Alas : why thus tumultuous at the ships ? 
 
 " Why scatt'red and conftis'd the Grecian host? 
 
 ^' I fear, the gods those evils have decreed 
 
 '' Which Thetis erst reveaFd— that he, the best 
 
 '' And bravest Myrmidon whilst I yet liv'd, 10 
 
 " Should perish by the Trojan arms subdued : 
 
 " Too sure Menoetius' warlike son is dead. 
 
 " Unfortunate ! yet much when quench'd the fire, 
 
 " When check'd the foe, I did enjoin return, 
 
 '' And not with Hector to contend in arms." 15 
 
 Whilst thus he mus'd Antilochus drew nigh 
 Still weeping, and the fatal news reveaPd : 
 
 '' Ο son of Peleus, thou must tidings hear 
 '' Most grievous ; would to heav'n it were not so ! 
 
 i 
 * 
 
 L# 
 
i6o 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xviii. 
 
 Hn' 
 
 ^^ Patroclus is no more! for him, despoiPd, 20 
 
 '' Naked, they fight; and Hector has his arms." 
 
 He spake: dark clouds of grief oppresVd the mind 
 Of Peleus' son ; warm ashes on his head 
 He pour'd, polluting thus his face divine. 
 And fragrant vestments ; on the ground he lay 25 
 Extended large, and plucking off his hair. 
 
 Then wept the female captives, whom the sword 
 Of Peleus' or Menoetius' son had won ; 
 With loud lament, with shrieks they smote their 
 
 breasts. 
 And fainting sank to earth : nor with less grief 30 
 Antiloch us, lamenting, weeping stood, 
 And press'd Achilles' hand. Then griev'd his soul. 
 Much fearing for his friend, lest black despair 
 Should urge some act destructive of his life. 
 
 Achilles loudly groan'd : him Thetis heard, 35 
 Sitting in Ocean s depths her sire beside. 
 And rais'd the cry of woe : forthwith the nymphs 
 Assembled who within the depths profound 
 Inhabit frequent. There Cymodoce, 
 Glauce, Thalia, and Nesaea fair; 40 
 
 Spio, and Thoa, and Cymothoe, 
 Amphithoe, Halia with her radiant eyes : 
 There came Actaea, Limnoria there, 
 
 "*"— ■*•^- ^ 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 161 
 
 Agave, Melite, Dunamene, 
 
 Doto, Pherousa, and laira mild ; 45 
 
 Amphinome, Dexamene, were there; 
 
 Proto, Nemertes, Doris, Panope, 
 
 Callianira, Galatea fam'd, 
 
 Apseudes, Clymene, Callianassa, 
 
 Janira and Janassa sister-nymphs, 50 
 
 And Amathia with her beauteous hair; 
 
 Maera and Orithyia thither came. 
 
 And every sister Nereid of the deep. 
 
 And fiird the silver grot : all smote their breasts. 
 
 But Thetis thus gave utterance to her grief: 5b 
 
 '' Hear, sister Nereids, hear! whilst I relate 
 " The deep distresses which afflict my soul. 
 '' Ah miserable me ! to whom a son 
 
 Most brave yet most unfortunate was born ; 
 A son for virtue as for valour fam'd, 60 
 
 Who, like a tender plant in some choice plat, 
 " Grew and increas'd beneath my fost'ring hand : 
 " To Troy I sent him for renown in arms, 
 " Home never to return ! yet whilst he lives 
 " And sees the radiant sun, a prey to grief 65 
 
 Beyond my pow'r to cure : to him I go. 
 If haply I may learn what new distress 
 " Afflicts him, at the ships detain'd from war." 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 (e 
 
 f *i 
 
 ft 
 
 J 
 
 t ; 
 
 ■i 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Μ 
 
l62 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvni. 
 
 i"^ 
 
 K- 
 
 kfi 
 
 She spake, and left the grot : they weeping still 
 Attendant foUow'd through the yielding waves : 70 
 The Trojan shore received the mournful train. 
 Where at his ships Achilles sorrowing lay. 
 Him sorely griev'd his mother near approach'd, 
 Heav d the deep sigh, and touching with her hand 
 His head, thus mournful spake : " Why weeps my 
 •^ son ? 75 
 
 " Whence this affliction ? say ; nor aught conceal. 
 " Jove hath perform'd the wishes of thy heart, 
 '^ And to their ships the Grecians are repuls'd, 
 " Wanting thy aid ; and great is their distress.** 
 
 Achilles deeply sighing thus replied : 80 
 
 " My mother, Jove hath granted all my pray'r ; 
 " Yet thence no pleasure I derive, since slain 
 " Patroclus, whom my soul did most esteem : 
 " Him have I lost, and Hector boasts his arms, 
 " Rare, wonderful, the gift of heav nly powVs 85 
 " To Peleus, when a goddess they bestow'd 
 " On mortal man. Ah ! hadst thou still remained 
 ^' In Ocean's depths a goddess of the sea ; 
 " He to some mortal join d ! now must thou feel 
 ^^ Much sorrow for thy son, who shall no more 90 
 " Return to thee alive ; for not to hve 
 " Desires my soul, nor longer converse hold 
 
 A 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 1C3 
 
 '■? 
 
 u 
 
 iC 
 
 " With man ; till Hector by my spear shall fall, 
 " ^^^ dea•"•/ pay the slaughter of my friend." 
 
 When Thetis weeping: « If thy mind be such, 
 " My son, then doth thy fate approach ; and thee 
 " Stern death awaits, when Hector shall be slain." 
 Achilles thus indignant: « Be it so 
 And instantly ; since to my friend no aid 
 I gave : he perish'd from his country far, loo 
 " Looking for aid, and that in vain from me. 
 " But now, since to my country I no more 
 " Return shall know, nor have I useful prov'd 
 " Or to Patroclus or those numerous friends 
 " By Hector slain ; yea, rather am become 105 
 « On earth an useless load, although endued 
 " With strength in war beyond all other Greeks ; ' 
 
 In council many are superior far. 
 
 Ο might contention cease, and rage, from gods 
 And men ! which often prudent minds inflame ι 
 " As honey to the taste most sweet, yet swell l lo 
 " Within the breast of man like noisome smoke : 
 " Against Atrides such my bitter rage. 
 « Forget we then the past; subduing thus, 
 " Though injur'd much, the fury of our mind. 115 
 " Now seek I him who hath my friend destroy'd, 
 " Hector ; and for myself will meet my fate 
 
 Μ 2 
 
 ii 
 
 <( 
 
 fi- 
 
 •• ϊΙ 
 
 P 
 
 I 
 I 
 

 164 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 iAfe^ ( ! 
 
 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Ci 
 
 Ctf 
 
 cc 
 
 fC 
 
 (C 
 
 " When Jove and other pow'rs of heav'n ordain : 
 *^ For neither Hercules from death escap'd, 
 
 However lov'd by high Saturnian Jove, 120 
 
 But fell subdued by fate, and Juno's rage. 
 '^ I too, like him, since it is thus decreed. 
 Shall sleep in death. Now shall I glory gain ; 
 Soon now shall Trojan widows heave the sigh. 
 Shall wipe from off their cheeks the bitter tear, 
 " And feel how long I have from war abstain d. 126 
 ^^ Then stay me not, however great thy love." 
 
 Thetis replied : " Thy words, my son, are true; 
 " Nor is it evil to protect our friends ; 
 " But with the Trojans are thy splendid arms 130 
 " GlittVing with brass: these Hector boasts to wear, 
 " Nor long shall boast; him death approacheth 
 
 " nigh. 
 " Yet enter not the war, nor dare with Troy 
 " Engage, till you shall see me here again : 
 " To-morrow with the sun I will return, 135 
 
 *^ And bring from Vulcan thy resplendent arms." 
 The goddess spake ; and turning from her son^ 
 Address'd herself to Ocean's sister-nymphs : 
 
 " Nereids, into the bosom of the deep 
 " Descend, and to our venerable sire 140 
 
 '' Within his palace tell what you have seen : 
 
 ■= > ■i. J r> '"^■"■'vSS-" ■Γί'•''/-•'ί"~* - - ■'.- ■ '■■•*^. '.'-■'■:''■ 
 
 XVlil. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 1^ 
 
 ζ( 
 
 IC. 
 
 I to Olympus go, and Vulcan seek, 
 Artist divine, if haply I may gain 
 From him resplendent armour for my son." 
 She spake : they instant plung'd into the deep : 
 Her steps the silver-footed goddess bent 146* 
 
 To high Olympus, from the god of fire 
 Arms to request. The Greeks meantime subdued. 
 In dread confusion fled from Hector's rage. 
 Till at the Hellespont and ships arriv'd : 150 
 
 Nor might they from the battle bear away 
 Patroclus, the lov'd friend of Peleus' son ; 
 For in the rear horsemen and foot pursued. 
 By Hector led, in force like raging fire : 
 Him seizing by the feet thrice Hector dragg'd, 155 
 Shouting tremendous to the Trojan host ; 
 Him thrice the Telamonian chief repell'd 
 With vehemence : he nathless in his might 
 Confiding, now rush'd onward through the crowd. 
 Now firmly stood shouting, nor deign'd retreat. l6o 
 
 As watchful herdsmen may not cause retire 
 The famish'd lion from the carcase slain ; 
 So neither might the Telamonian spear 
 Strike terror and dismay in Hector's breast; 
 Who had prevail'd and gained immortal praise: l65 
 But Iris, winged messenger of heav'n. 
 
 1 ^,1 
 
 i 
 
 f ψ'\ 
 
 I if 
 i- 4 
 
 1 »J 
 
 f 
 
 li 
 f,'- 
 
 $■ i- - ^ 
 
166 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Η" 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 rf ^ . 
 
 m 
 
 is I 
 
 i6 
 
 €( 
 
 Unknown to Jove and other heav'nly pow'rs. 
 By Juno sent, quick from Olympus' height 
 Descending, urg'd Pelides to the war. 
 And thus addressed him : " Peleus' warlike son, 170 
 " Thou that art terrible in arms, arise, 
 '' Assist Patroclus ; ^t th^ ships for him 
 '' Now swells the rage of war, and many die ; 
 These fighting to regain, and those to drag 
 The corpse to lofty Troy. For this they rush 175 
 " With onset furious ; Hector leads the way, 
 " All-eager; to cut off the head intent, 
 " And fix it bleeding on some pointed stake, 
 *^ Arise, nor longer thus inactive stay : 
 " Thine the disgrace, «hould Trojan dogs devour 
 " Patroclus ; thine the shame, should they entreat 
 " With contumely and scorn his sad remains." 
 
 To whom Achilles : " Who amongst the gods 
 " Hath sent thee. Iris ?" The swift messenger 
 Of heav'n thus answ'red : " Juno sent me down. 
 The venerable wife of mighty Jove, 186 
 
 Unknown to him, or to the pow'rs supreme 
 *' Who on Olympus' snow-clad mountain dwell." 
 
 Achillejs thus replied : " How may it be 
 ** That I the battle tempt? they have my arms: igo 
 ** Nor may I, sp my mother gave in charge. 
 
 tc 
 
 (C 
 
 .^^ 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 167 
 
 " To battle .go till she return again 
 
 *^ With arms by Vulcan made ; nor do I know 
 
 " Other than Ajax' sevenfold orb to me 
 
 " Suited ; and he himself, with that I trust I95 
 
 " Arm'd, in the foremost fights to save my friend." 
 
 Iris again : " Full well we know indeed 
 ^^ That they your arms possess ; but at the fosse 
 ^* Do thou appear : the Trojan host, perchance, 
 ^^ At sight of thee, with terror seiz'd, niay cease 200 
 ^* The conflict, and the Grecians breathe awhile 
 *^ From toils ; such breathing-time as war admits." 
 Thus spake she, and to heav'n her way pursued. 
 Then rose Achilles lov'd by mighty Jove ; 
 Pallas her aegis o'er his shoulders spread 205 
 
 Embost, and round his head the goddess pour'd 
 A golden cloud emitting vivid light. 
 
 As when the smoke of some beleagu'red town 
 Ascends the sky from the far distant isle. 
 By numerous foes beset ; all4ie"day the war 210 
 Rages the walls around : but when the sun 
 Declines, then blaze aloft the frequent fires; 
 Far oflf the splendour shines, if seen perchance 
 Some friendly ships the wish'd-for succours bring: 
 So from Achilles' head bright shone the flames. 215 
 Close to the fosse he stood, nor join'd the war. 
 
 f ,'■ 
 
 frf 
 
 1 
 

 l68 
 
 Γ- » 
 
 : ^ I 
 
 
 .Λ 
 
 I 
 
 I "I 
 
 Λ 
 f 
 
 pi 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Such Thetis' strict command ; and raisM his voice. 
 Which Pallas aided, shouting in the rear. 
 Then tumult through the Trojan host prevailed 
 Immense : as when the trumpet sounds to arms, 220 
 When near some city hostile troops appear. 
 Thus shrill the brazen voice of Peleus* son 
 Resounded, and their souls with terror fiU'd. 
 Then back recoiling with their cars, each steed 
 Started, of ill presentient : dread assailed 225 
 
 Each charioteer, when seen the dazzlino- fire 
 Terrific, blazing from Achilles' head : 
 For Pallas' self supplied the incessant flame. 
 Thrice from the trench Achilles rais'd his voice; 
 Thrice fled confus'd both Trojans and allies. 230 
 Then perish'd twelve the bravest of their host. 
 Beneath their steeds, beneath their chariots crush'd. 
 But from the tumult safe the Greeks convey'd 
 Patroclus ; whom the mournful bed received. 
 His friends stood weeping round: Achilles most 235 
 Shedding the frequent tear, when seen his friend 
 A mangled corpse, extended on his bier; 
 Whom to the war with chariot and with horse 
 Array 'd he sent ; far other to return ! 
 
 Now the bright orb of day, so heav'n's high Queen 
 Commanded, sank beneath the western wave 240 
 
 - J V* |. 
 
 xviin 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 169 
 
 Of Ocean s flood reluctant ; from the war 
 
 And tumult of the field then ceas'd the Greeks : 
 
 Nor less the Trojans from the conflict ceas'd; 
 
 Each from his car unyok'd the weary steeds, 245 
 
 And hast'ned to the council : for no thought 
 
 Of necessary food their minds possess'd. 
 
 Such terror reign'd. The crowded chieftains stood, 
 
 And throng'd the council : not the noblest sat, 
 
 Nor dar'd ; Achilles had again appear'd, 250 
 
 After long absence from the battle's rage. 
 
 To them Polydamas of prudent mind 
 
 Thus c-ounseird. He alone the future saw. 
 
 And weigh 'd the past, friendly to Hector most. 
 
 Born the same night ; in council this excelled, 255 
 
 And that in deeds of war : who to the chiefs 
 
 Assembled thus began : " Consider well, 
 
 " My friends, what I advise. Let us retreat, 
 
 " Nor on the plain await the coming morn 
 
 " Thus near their ships, and distant from our walls. 
 
 " Whilst this man cherished rage with Atreus' son, 
 
 " War with the Grecian host was easier far : 
 
 " And oft have I rejoic d, when near their ships 
 
 " We pass'd the night, with hope those ships toburn. 
 
 " But now Achilles I do greatly fear, 265 
 
 " Whose daring spirit will not on the plain 
 
 V ^1 
 
 f *i 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 -I' 
 
,ί,Λ 
 
 ί • 
 
 170 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 , rf > - 
 
 If? 
 
 
 Ϊ1• f f* 
 
 -I : 
 I' f 
 
 i.•• 
 
 %κ\ 
 
 " Delay^ where hitherto Trojan and Greek 
 
 ^* Contending, have maintain'd an equalwar : 
 
 ^* He fights to seize our city and our wives ; 
 
 ^^ Retire we to our walls. Mark but the event; 270 
 
 *^ The sacred night hath caused Achilles cease. 
 
 ^^ Should he here find us at to-morrow's dawn, 
 
 '^ When clad in arms he shall to battle move, 
 
 " (None may mistake him then,) happy the man 
 
 ^^ Who flying shall escape again to Troy ; 275 
 
 ^^ Whilst many fall to dogs and birds a prey : 
 
 ^* Oh ! may such tidings never meet my ear ! 
 
 *^ If then to counsel such as mine, though griev'd, 
 
 *^ You willing listen, let this night's debate 
 
 ^^ Add to our strength : high tow'rs, and lofty gates, 
 
 *^ And solid bars our city will secure : 28 1 
 
 " And on the morrow, line we well our walls 
 
 ** And tow'rs, all-arm'd : should he then leave the 
 
 " ships, 
 ** He at our walls no easy war shall find : 
 " Him wearied with pursuit our walls around, 285 
 " Back to the ships his coursers shall convey : 
 " Nor will he dare the assault : or ere he waste 
 *^ Our city, the wild dogs shall him devour." 
 
 When sternly looking, Hector thus replied : 
 * Polydamas, thy words displease me much, 290 
 
 i< 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 171 
 
 u 
 
 (€ 
 
 Κ 
 tf 
 
 U 
 
 ci 
 ft 
 
 (C 
 
 i( 
 
 (C 
 
 a 
 
 (C 
 
 (ζ 
 a 
 n 
 ic 
 ζ{ 
 (ζ 
 
 C( 
 
 u 
 cc 
 
 Advising flight disgraceful to our walls. 
 Long pent therein even to satiety. 
 Wish ye for more ? Time was when Troy was held 
 In treasures rich, in gold and sculptur'd brass : 
 Now are those treasures greatly minished ; 295 
 To Phrygia, to Meonia's fertile land 
 Bart'red and gone ; so Jove in anger wilPd. 
 But now, since mighty Jove hath granted me 
 Glorious success to drive them to the sea ; 
 Insensate 1 utter not such idle thoughts, 300 
 
 Nor taint the public mind : none will obey ; 
 I will not suflfer them. Hear my advice : 
 Take we refreshment now each troop apart. 
 Then set the watch, to each his several charge : 
 And if there be whom hoarded wealth disturb. 
 Let such make distribution through our host : 305 
 Far better thus, than left a prey to Greece. 
 At early dawn let us all arm'd advance. 
 And at their ships renew the bloody fight. 
 If at the fleet Achilles shall appear, 310 
 
 He may repent him much ; nor will I shun 
 The dreadful conflict ; but will firm oppose ; 
 And I, or he, immortal fame shall reap: 
 In doubtful war the slayer oft is slain." 
 Thus Hector; and the Trojan host approv'd ; 315 
 
 ■» 
 
 i -J 
 
 i-i 
 liCi 
 
 i' i , 
 

 172 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ,'Φ 
 
 
 vt 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 J» 
 
 ;|. 
 
 "'■It 
 
 
 xvm, 
 
 Improvident ! and by Minerva's Jjow'r 
 Of better sense bereft ; vrho Hector's words 
 Though ill, obey'd ; and safer counsel shunn d 
 Of sage Polydamas : and through the camp 
 Refreshment took. Meantime the Grecian host 320 
 Mourn'd through the night around Patroclus' bier : 
 Achilles most, with hands to slaughter us'd 
 Embrace his friend, and heav'd the bitter sigh. 
 
 As the gaunt lion, of his whelps bereft, 
 Urg'd on by grief too late, and mad with rage, 325 
 Through the thick wood pursues the hunter's step ; 
 If haply he may find— not less incens'd. 
 And deeply groaning, thus Achilles spake : 
 
 " How vain, alas ! those words I rashly us'd, 
 " Encouraging Menoetius, when at home 330 
 
 " I promis'd to restore his noble son 
 '' To Opoeons, rich with spoil from captured Troy: 
 " But Jove regards not the vain thoughts of man. , 
 " Yet are we destin'd both to stain with blood 
 " The Trojan soil : for never shall my sire 335 
 " Receive me in his house from Troy return 'd. 
 Nor Thetis more ; destin^ to perish here : 
 But thou Patroclus first, I after thee. 
 " Nor will I solemnize thy fun'ral rites, 
 ^' Till I shall bring the head and glitt'ring spoils 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 • I 
 
 XVIII• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 173 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Of him thy fierce destroyer, to the pyle ; 
 And to thy manes immolate twelve youths 
 Of noble birth, in anger for thy death. 
 " Thou at the ships meantime shalt thus remaiti, 
 " Whilst Trojan and Dardanian females weep 345 
 '' Around thee; captives whom our swords have won 
 " From wealthy cities taken and destroy'd." 
 
 Thus spake he ; and the attendants bade prepare 
 A tripod large, to cleanse from clotted gore 
 Patroclus : they obedient, on the fire 350 
 
 Plac'd the capacious tripod to the brim 
 With water fill'd, and copious wood supplied: 
 Surrounded by the flames the water boil'd. 
 Then wash'd they, and with oil anointed him. 
 And to his wounds ointment matur'd by age 355 
 Applied ; then on the mournful bed they laid 
 The corpse, with finest linen cov'red o'er ; 
 And with Achilles through the tedious night 
 The Myrmidons wept sore Patroclus' death. 
 
 But Jove his wife and sister thus address'd : 360 
 '' At length thou hast to arms Achilles rous'd, 
 " Juno: well might theGreeks be call'd thy sons,"-^ 
 
 The venerable goddess thus replied : 
 " Saturnian Jove severe, what hast thou said ? 
 " Such service man to man might well perform, 365 
 
 II i-i 
 
 i' • I 
 
 . tl 
 
 i 
 
 ■til 
 
174 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 1ΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 175 
 
 " However mortal, and confin'd his views ; 
 
 " And can it be that I, goddess supreme 
 
 " In heav'n, by birth superior, and the wife 
 
 *^ Of him who rules alone all heav'nly pow'rs, 
 
 ** Want means to wreck my vengeance upon Troy?" 
 
 Thus they held conference. Thetis meantime 37 1 
 To Vulcan's palace came, splendid abode, 
 Star-pav'd, incorruptible ; e'en to gods 
 Work of astonishment ; of solid brass 
 The structure rose, which Vulcan's self had made* 
 
 Him labouring at his forge the goddess found. 
 Sweating with toil : just then with art divine 
 Tripods he form'd his palace to adorn, 
 In number twenty ; each with secret wheels 
 Furnish'd to go spontaneous, or return 380 
 
 Through heav'n self-mov'd, all- wondrous to behold : 
 Thus far perfected he prepar d to fix 
 The handles wrought with art, and aptly join 
 With golden studs. Immerst in thought he stood. 
 The silver-footed Thetis near approach'd. 385 
 
 Her Charis saw ; Charis for beauty fam'd, 
 White-veil'd, whom Mulciber had erst espous'd : 
 She saw, and taking by the hand address'd : 
 
 " Why, goddess venerable, much-belov'd, 
 " Thus early here ; to us no frequent guest? 390 
 
 " Enter, if aught our hospitality 
 
 « May offer grateful." Saying this, she led 
 
 The goddess by the hand, and on a throne 
 
 Of silver, curious, of rare workmanship, 
 
 Caus'd her to sit, and underneath her feet * 3g5 
 
 A footstool plac'd, and thus to Vulcan spake : 
 
 " Haste, Vulcan ; Thetis wishes much your aid," 
 
 To whom the skilful artist thus replied : 
 
 " Then is a goddess whom I much revere 
 " And love within my house ; who sav'd me once, 
 " When by my mother thrown from highest heav'n 
 " My lameness to conceal : much I endur'd 
 " Till Thetis and Eurynome receiv'd, 
 " (Eurynome, daughter of old Ocean,) 
 " And in their bosoms cherish'd me : for them 405 
 " Nine years I fabricated curious works, 
 " Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and twisted chains, 
 " Within the hollow grot, by Ocean's flood 
 " Encompass'd round, foaming with hideous roar : 
 " Nor gods nor men knew where conceal'd 1 lay, 
 " Thus sav'd by Thetis and Eurynome. 411 
 
 " For life preserv'd to Thetis much I owe ; 
 " Receive her then with courtesy as due, 
 " Whilst I put up my various implements." 
 
 He spake; and from his anvil huge uprose 415 
 
 I ti 
 
 Je'rliteltiMiiiiriBMiiiiitiiiaMiliW-nnniltrfK•^ 
 
176 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvin. 
 
 With gait uncouth, and knees that ill sustained 
 His awkward weight ; and from the fire reinov'd 
 The bellows, and within a silver chest 
 Put by his various implements of work : 
 Then with a sponge his visage first he clcans'd, 420 
 His neck robust, and hands, and swarthy chest ; 
 Then robed him, and with sceptre in his hand 
 Limping he hast'ned. Him attendant near 
 Two female forms assisted as he mov'd. 
 Resembling life, though fram'd of ductile gold ; 425 
 With voice, intelligence, and strength endued, 
 Instructed by the gods in various works ; 
 These mov'd beside their king : with limping gait 
 He to the throne where Thetis sat approach'd. 
 And touched her hand, and naming thus address'd : 
 
 " Thetis rever d and lov'd, why com'st thou here? 
 
 To us no frequent visitor : declare 
 
 Thy wish, and deem it granted if it stand 
 " Within the compass of my pow'r to do." 
 
 Him Thetis answ'red weeping: " Lives there then 
 " In heav'n a goddess so distrest as I ? 436 
 
 " On whom great Jove hath heap'd such mighty 
 
 " ills. 
 " Of all the Nereids me alone to man, 
 " To Peleus gave he : thus a mortal bed 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 177 
 
 f( 
 
 Reluctant I endur'd ; (worn down with age 
 '' Peleus still lives;) yet adds he greater ills. 
 " A son indeed he gave of heroes chief, 
 " Who as a plant grew up to manhood's prime ; 
 ^^ A tender plant in some selected plat 
 " Rear'd by my fost'ring hand ; him did I send 445 
 " To Troy, that he might gain renown in arms; 
 " But never to return ! now whilst he lives 
 " And sees the radiant sun, a prey to grief 
 " Severe beyond my pow'r to remedy. 
 " The captive whom the Greeks his prize assign'd, 
 ^^ Her hath Atrides taken : griev'd for her 451 
 
 " He pines in thought : meantime the Trojan host 
 Repels the Greeks, shut up in narrow space. 
 And at their ships hemm'd-in : the Grecian chiefs 
 " Then seek his aid, and oflTer numerous gifts ; 455 
 " These he rejects: but in his armour clad, 
 " Patroclus sends. He at the Scaean gate 
 " Victorious fought, and then had taken Troy, 
 *^ But that Apollo slew Menoetius' son 
 " Bravely contending in the foremost ranks, 460 
 '* And honour'd Hector. Therefore unto thee, 
 
 Vulcan, I suppliant come, if on my son 
 " Short-liv'd alas ! you kindly will bestow 
 " Resplendent armour; corselet, shield, and casque. 
 
 i€ 
 
 iC 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Ν 
 
 ί 
 
 ί II 
 
 
 ή 
 
 ί• 
 
 r 
 
178 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvm. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 iC 
 
 tc 
 
 And greaves with silver clasps; for with his friend 
 When by the Trojans slain, he lost his own ; 466 
 And now lies on the ground opprest with grief." 
 Vulcan replied : *^ Be comforted, nor let 
 " Uneasy thoughts molest. Ο could my art 
 " Guard him from death's approach, come when it 
 *^ may, 470 
 
 " As it shall armour give, such as may strike 
 " All eyes with wonder and astonishment !" 
 He spake ; and to his work again repaired. 
 The heaving bellows to the fire he turn'd, 
 Whose twenty mouths so many blasts supplied 475 
 To different furnaces, when need requir'd, 
 Gentle or strong, as Vulcan gave command. 
 
 Now stubborn brass and tin, and costly gold 
 And silver ; these into the fire he cast : 
 Then the huge anvil fix*d : this hand supports 480 
 A weighty hammer, that the tongs applies. 
 
 And first the shield's vast weight with curious art 
 He fram'd ; and round a triple border pour'd 
 Resplendent, by a silver chain upheld ; 
 Fivefold the plates : on these with skill divine 485 
 The heav'nly artist various wonders wrought. 
 
 There made he Earth, and Heav'n ; and there the Sea ; 
 The Sun unwearied, and the Moon's full orb ; 
 
 1/9 
 
 And there each star which heav'n's high arch adorns, 
 Pleiads and Hyads, and Orion's strength, 490 
 
 The Bear or Wain, which to Orion looks 
 Circling, nor dips his beams in Ocean's waves. 
 
 There sculptur d he two cities of renown : 
 In one gay feasts, and hymeneal rites 
 And song; whilst from their chambers issue forth 
 The brides, conducted through the spacious streets 
 By torch-light : sportive youths meantime lead on 
 The jocund dance in airy circles round. 
 To merry pipe and harp ; whilst at their doors 
 The matrons gaze with wonder and delight. 500 
 
 A forum next he made, where in debate 
 Two men the fine dispute for murder due; 
 This to have paid ; that not to have receiv'd. 
 Contending loud ; yet each content to leave 
 To reference the issue of his caus^ : 505 
 
 The citizens now this, now that applaud. 
 There busy heralds range in order due 
 The citizens : the elders seated round 
 On polish'd stones, with sceptres in their hands 
 Rising alternate, each his judgement gives : 5 10 
 Two golden talents in the midst are seen, 
 The recompense of just and fair award. 
 A city next appear'd by pow'rful foes 
 
 Ν 2 
 
 tH 
 
 * .] 
 
 Ml 
 
 ί 
 ■I 
 
 1 
 .1 
 
 fmi 
 
 i' 1 
 
180 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XVIII, 
 
 Invested ; some to burn ; to plunder some 
 Incline, and equally the spoil divide, 515 
 
 And treasures rich ; for different sentiments 
 By turns prevail'd. The citizens meantime 
 Prepare the ambuscade : the walls they line 
 With women, children, and the aged sires ; 
 'I'hen sally forth : Pallas and Mars lead on, 520 
 Sculptur'd in gold ; of stature large they seem'd. 
 In golden robes array'd and glitt'ring arms. 
 As gods amongst the folk of meaner size*. 
 
 Now at the place for ambuscade arriv'd 
 The river near, where cattle oft resort; 525 
 
 There cov'red by their arms conceal'd they lay : 
 Two spies they send before, who might descry 
 When sheep or oxen to the ford approach : 
 Soon they appear ; two shepherds lead them on 
 With jocund pipe, nor think of danger near. 530 
 Forth rush the troops conceal'd, and seize the prey 
 Secure ; fat beeves, and sheep with snowy fleece 
 In numbers fall, and with their shepherds die. 
 
 Beneath the walls in council sat the chiefs 
 Besieging, when the noise of lowing herds 535 
 
 Assaird their ears : to horse forthwith they rush'd, 
 And at the ford arriv'd with onset fierce 
 Engaged and hostile spears : Discord the while. 
 
 Λ 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 181 
 
 Pernicious Fate, and Tumult, in the midst 
 
 Rag'd dreadful. This a captive wounded held ; 540 
 
 That one yet free from wounds ; whilst by the feet 
 
 A third, still holding, dragg'd a bleeding corpse. 
 
 Clad in a vesture steep'd in human gore ; 
 
 Like living forms they toil'd and mov'd and fought, 
 
 Or seem'd; and dragged by turns the slain along. 545 
 
 There sculptur'd he a field of large extent. 
 Thrice laboured, rich, by numerous ploughmen 
 
 work'd; 
 Now here now there they guide the labouring teams. 
 Turning the yokes adown the furrow'd land 
 Athwart the headland ; there they quaff sweet wine 
 Brought by some fav'ring hind : again they turn 
 Joyful, and at the upland cease their toil : 
 Like glebe fresh tum'd still black the furrows show'd 
 Through wrought in gold, all-wondrous to the sight. 
 
 Here rich with corn a field to view appear'd, 555 
 Where harvestmen, their sickles in their hands. 
 Reap the full grain ; the furrows rang'd along 
 It falls ; three binders following tie the sheaves 
 By youths collected, bearing in their arms 
 The swarths: amidst them with his staff in hand 
 The master silent stands, elate with joy : 56l 
 
 His servants now beneath a spreading oak 
 
 i «1 
 
 I 
 
 ' fl 
 
 1; 
 
 
Ι8ί2 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvni. 
 
 II! 
 
 Repast prepare, and slay tlie fatted ox, 
 
 Meet sacrifice ; whilst mixt with purest meal 
 
 The women supper for the reapers dress. 565 
 
 A vinyard there he made in gold, with fruit 
 Of purple hue by silver props upheld : 
 Black show'd the deepened trench ; the paling round 
 Bright tin : within, one winding path appeared 
 Us'd by the gathVers. Now, the vintage ripe, 
 Virgins and youths of yet untainted minds 57 1 
 
 In osier baskets bear the luscious fruit : 
 To them a youth attunes the sounding lyre, 
 Hymning to Linus old with slender voice ; 
 They follow, beating still with measured time 575 
 The ground, and the full song in chorus join. 
 
 There sculptur'd he a herd of beeves high-neck'd, 
 Part wrought in gold, part tin : forth from the stall 
 Lowing they hasten to the river side 
 To pasture, where the stream the reeds among 5^0 
 Shrill-sounded ; them four shepherds walk beside 
 Sculptur'd in gold : nine dogs the herd attend. 
 Two dreadful lions seize the stately bull 
 The foremost oT the herd, and drag along 
 Loud bellowing: the dogs and men pursue: 685 
 Nathless they tear the carcase, and devour, 
 And riot in the blood. The shepherd youths 
 
 ■jwaMJwait^t^t^ 
 
 udSMIiilhjMHUM 
 
 XVIII• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I8S 
 
 Encouraging their dogs pursue in vain ; 
 
 They bite not, trembling at the lion's force ; 
 
 Yet bark incessant, but avoid the fight. 590 
 
 There grav'd he on a pleasant valley's side. 
 Skirted with cots and shepherd tents and huts, 
 A meadow fair, with flocks of silver hue. 
 
 There pictur d he a dance, such as of old 
 For Ariadne Daedalus prepar'd 595 
 
 In Cretan Cnossus, where the beauteous nymphs 
 And youths all hand in hand lead on the dance : 
 These clad in finest linen robes, and those 
 In well-made tunics, glossy as with oil : 
 These with fresh garlands crown d ; those bearing 
 swords 600 
 
 Of gold adorn'd with belts of silver white : 
 With skilful feet they form the mazy dance 
 Circling, as when the potter tries his wheel. 
 And sitting, turns it lightly in his hands. 
 Now nimbly changing sides they bound along ; 6o5 
 The multitude around with wonder gaze 
 Delighted ; whilst two tumblers in the midst 
 Turn light in air, and join the festive song. 
 
 Then sculptur'd he the strength of Ocean's flood 
 Rolling his waves the well-wrought shield around. 
 
 When finish'd thus the vast and solid shield, 61 1 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
i 
 
 184 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xvm 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 'i 
 
 He form'd the corselet beaming bright as fire ; 
 
 The helmet next well fitted to his brow 
 
 He made, weighty, of curious workmanship, 
 
 A golden crest still nodding from the top : 6l5 
 
 And last, of ductile tin he made the greaves. 
 
 Thus Vulcan finished all with art divine. 
 And by the mother of Achilles plac'd : 
 She, like a falcon, from Olympus' height 
 Descended, bearing the resplendent arms. 62Q 
 
 185 
 
 BOOK XIX. 
 
 4 
 
 X HE morn, in robe of saffron hue attir'd. 
 
 From Ocean's bed arose, and light diffus'd 
 
 O'er mortals and immortals : to the ships. 
 
 Bearing the gifts of Vulcan, Thetis came. 
 
 There weeping o'er Patroclus with his friends 5 
 
 Her son she found : the goddess near approach'd. 
 
 And touched his hand, and naming thus address'd : 
 
 '^ My son, though griev'd, here let us leave awhile 
 " Patroclus, slain as heav'nly powers decreed : 
 " Receive these arms from Vulcan, splendid, rare, 
 ^^ Such as were never borne by mortal man." 1 1 
 
 She spake ; and near Achilles, on the ground 
 The shrill-resounding arms the goddess plac'd. 
 
 Fear seiz'd each Myrmidon ; nor any dar'd 
 With steadfast eye behold : Achilles saw, 15 
 
 And anger fir'd his mind : beneath his brow 
 His eyes gleam'd dreadful as the lightning's blaze:' 
 With transport he beheld the splendid gift ; 
 And turn'd them in his hands, with secret joy 
 Elated ; and his mother thus bespoke : 20 
 
 in 
 
 
 -I* 
 
 ■' ••-'" '«^.ϋΊ-^ί^ι 
 
186 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 xix. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 187 
 
 " My mother, wortliy of immortal gods 
 " Vulcan hath arms bestow'd beyond the art 
 *^ Of mortal to perform : now will I arm 
 
 " Yet much I fear for brave Menoetius* son, 
 " Lest flies obscene entVing his ghastly wounds 
 " Should taint his flesh, which soon must worm» 
 " produce 26 
 
 " Polluted thus, since life is fled and gone." 
 
 The silver-footed goddess thus replied : 
 " My son, let not such thoughts thy mind disturb : 
 " I will keep oflf the busy swarm of flies, 30 
 
 " Which on the slain in battle often feed : 
 *^ Although he should a year unburied lie, 
 " Yet shall his flesh untainted still remain. 
 " Do thou assemble all the Grecian chiefs, 
 " And with Atrides all thy rage renounce ; 35 
 
 " Arm to the war, and put on all thy might." 
 
 She spake; and with new courage fir'd his mind. 
 Then in Patroclus' nostrils she infused 
 Ambrosia and red nectar, and secur'd 
 The body thus embalm'd from all decay. 40 
 
 Meantime Achilles by the sounding shore 
 Hastened loud shouting, and the Grecians rous'd. 
 Ev'n they who whilom busied at the ships 
 Guided the helm, or plied the sturdy oar ; 
 
 They to whose care provisions were consigned ; 
 All throng'd to council, since again in arms 
 Achilles rose, who long had ceas'd from war. 
 
 Supported by their spears, and lame from wounds, 
 Ulysses and illustrious Diomed 
 Early to council went, and took their seats ; 50 
 
 Them followed Agamemnon, king of men. 
 Wounded, whom Coon, brave Antenor s son. 
 Had in the conflict with his spear attain'd : 
 When now assembled, to the chiefs of Greece, 
 Achilles rising, thus his speech addressed : 55 
 
 *^ Atrides, better had it been for us. 
 Both you and me, (since not unmixt with grief 
 We long such bitter wrath have entertained 
 For fair Briseis,) if by Dian's shafts 
 " She at our ships had perish'd on that day 60 
 
 " When I destroy^ Lyrnessus ; nor had Greece 
 " SuflfVed such loss severe, such numbers slain 
 " By Trojan foes; and my revenge the cause. 
 " Hector and Troy have this advantage gain'd ; 
 " But Greece shall long remember with regret 65 
 ^^ Our fierce contention, or I much mistake. 
 " Yes ; though much griev'd let us forget the past, 
 *' Bending our wills to strong necessity. 
 " Here endeth all my wrath ; for ceaseless rage 
 
 (C 
 
 (( 
 
 iC 
 
 I ύ 
 
 Ρ 
 
 ι ' 
 
 I' Η 
 
Ϊβ8 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 tc 
 
 Doth ill become me : quickly then to arms ; 
 Call forth the Grecians and commence the fight ; 
 That I may know if yet they dare contend 
 With me, and pass the night thus near our ships. 
 '^ Yea, rather shall that man with joy repose 
 " Who flying shall escape my vengeful spear." J 5 
 Thus spake Achilles : through the Grecian host 
 Much joy prevail'd that he had ceas'd from wrath. 
 To them Atrides from his loftier seat. 
 Not standing in the midst as custom bade. 
 These words address'd : " Friends, Grecian chiefs, 
 *^ attend, gO 
 
 " Nor interrupt whoe'er may rise to speak : 
 " It is not well : where noise and tumult reign 
 " In large assemblies, or to hear or speak 
 " Is difliicult for those the most expert ; 
 " And the best orator unheeded stands, 85 
 
 " I to Pelides now address myself. 
 " Call then to mind, and mark what now I say. 
 Often hath Greece reproach'd, oft censur'd me. 
 And loudly blam'd as now ; yet without cause : 
 " Not I, but Jove himself, and Fate, and she 90 
 " Who stalks by night, Erynnis, is to blame. 
 " These hurt my mind, and fiU'd my soul with rage, 
 *' When from Achilles I his gift reclaim'd. 
 
 €C 
 
 tc 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 I* 
 
 " What could I do ? Great Jove directed all. 
 *^ Ate from Jove descended, who of ill 95 
 
 *^ Proves ever source ; to man pernicious most : 
 " Not on the ground she condescends to tread 
 " With tender feet, but o'er the heads of men 
 " Destructive stalks, and binds with iron chains 
 *^ The victims of her rage. Not man alone, 100 
 ^^ But Jove himself, of gods and men supreme, 
 " She hurt, by Juno's subtlety deceiv'd, 
 " What time Alcmene should bring forth a son 
 " In Thebes, the strength of mighty Hercules ; 
 *' For Jove amongst the gods thus boasting spake: 
 " ' Hear, all ye pow'rs of heav'n, attend my words, 
 " ^ Whilst I the dictates of my mind declare : 
 " ^ This day to light doth Ilythia bring 
 " * A hero, born with sov'reign sway to rule 
 *^ * The nations round, who boas^descent from me.•" 
 " Juno replied deceitful : * Tis not so, 111 
 
 * Nor is it thy intent ; but if it be, 
 
 * Swear then by that irrevocable oath, 
 ^ Olympian Jove, that he who shall this day 
 
 " ^ Be born of woman shall bear sov'reign rule 115 
 " * O'er nations round, who boasj^ descent from thee.' 
 " She spake : nor Jove her subtle craft perceiv'd, 
 "^ But sware the oath, and hurt himself withal. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 (C 
 
 ic 
 
 
 ■ I- 
 
 r ■' 
 
 \ 
 
 k 
 
 I '11 
 
190 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 191 
 
 « 
 
 <C 
 
 (C 
 
 " Swift from Olympus Juno hast'ned down 
 " To Grecian Argos, where the noble wife 120 
 " Of Sthenelus then dwelt, from Persius sprung. 
 " Scarce seven months she numbVed, yet the birth 
 " Juno advanc d, and brought a son to light 
 " Before due time ; and stay d Alcmene s pangs. 
 " Herself to Jove the unwelcome message brought: 
 " 'Jove, mighty Thund'rer, hear what I relate; 
 " *That hero's bom who shall in Argos rule, 
 'Eurystheus, son of mighty Sthenelus 
 ' Thy race, of Argos rightful sovereign,' 
 She spake : affliction sore his mind overwhelmed. 
 " Ate he seiz'd, concealed within his hair 131 
 
 " Ambrosial, and forthwith by oath confirmed, 
 " That never more she should to heav'n return, 
 " With mischief ever fraught ; then with his hand 
 " Whirling, from highest heav η he cast her down 
 " To mar the works of men. Yet griev'd he much 
 '' To see that son he lov'd such ills endure, 
 " Such labours from Eurystheus' hard commands. 
 " So could not I, when Hector at the ships 
 " Destruction dealt, forget my great offence, 140 
 " By Ate urg*d, impelled by angry Jove : 
 " Yet did I offer gifts, and sued for peace. 
 " Rise then in arms, and lead our forces on. 
 
 it 
 
 cc 
 
 ¥= 
 
 " The gifts which wise Ulysses at your tent 
 
 " But yesterday did offer, I will give, 145 
 
 " If you can wait, though eager for the war ; 
 
 " Those from the ships my people here shall bring, 
 
 " That all may know my words are most sincere." 
 
 To whom Achilles swift of foot replied : 
 
 Illustrious Atrides, king of men, • 150 
 
 The presents or to give or to retain 
 " Shall rest with you. But let us to the fii^ht 
 '' Without delay, nor waste in idle words 
 " The time for action : we have much to do ; 
 " Nor this the least, that in the foremost ranks 155 
 " You see Achilles with his spear destroy 
 " The Trojans ; and from him your conduct learn." 
 
 Prudent of mind, Ulysses thus replied : 
 " Great as thou art in arms, that may not be, 
 " Godlike Achilles, that you urge to war 160 
 
 " The Grecians fasting distant at the walls 
 
 Of Troy ; when once engag d, and by the gods 
 
 Inspired, the conflict cannot well be short. 
 
 First order at the ships proportion due 
 " Of food and wine ; for these will courage crjve, 
 " And strength : but to contend from mom to nio'ht 
 " Without refreshment, no man may suffice ; 
 " Tho' prompt his mind, fatigue must needs oppress. 
 
 <c 
 
 u 
 
 a 
 
 * ;ώ1 
 
192 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 u 
 
 Λ 
 
 X 
 
 And thirst and hunger weaken all his limbs. 
 *^ Not so the man with food and wine renew'd; 170 
 ** He through the day may well the fight maintain 
 ** Till night approach and all the battle cease ; 
 " Daring in mind and unfatigued his limbs. 
 *^ Dismiss the people then, and at the ships 
 " Order repast; and let Atrides next 175 
 
 ** The gifts produce in presence of us all, 
 *^ That all may see, and thou thyself rejoice ; 
 " And let him swear before the assembled chiefe, 
 " That she returns unspotted as she came : 
 " So shall thy mind be calm and satisfied. 180 
 
 ^' Then let Atrides feast thee at his tent, 
 " That thou mayst nothing want of due return. 
 " And you, Atrides, learn with equal hand 
 " To hold the scale of justice ; for no blame 
 " Attaches to a king who stoops to heal 185 
 
 " Those wrongs which pow'r hath prompted hjm 
 " to do." 
 Atrides answered : " I rejoice indeed, 
 " Son of Laertes, hearing what thou say*st ; 
 " For well hast thou arranged, well settled all. 
 *^ What is prppos'd 1 willing am to swear ; 190 
 
 " Nor Btefore heav'n shall this my oath be false. 
 " Then must Achilles stay, though of delay 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 193 
 
 tc 
 
 (( 
 
 i< 
 
 " Impatient ; and let all the chiefs remain, 
 " Till from my tents the presents shall be brought, 
 " And the firm compact of our peace be made. I95 
 " Thine be the task those persons to select, 
 " The choicest of our youth, who may convey 
 " Those presents from my ships which yesterday 
 We promised ; and with them the captives bring. 
 And let Talthybius a boar prepare, 200 
 
 To Jove and to the Sun an offering due." 
 Achilles thus replied : " Illustrious king 
 " Atrides, these perchance may better suit 
 " Some other time, when from the war awhile 
 We breathe, and my resentment something cease. 
 Our slaughtered friends lie scatt'red on the fields 
 " Whom Hector slew, whilst Jove success bestow'd. 
 " Then hasten to repast : yet might my voice 
 " Direct, I would march instant to the fight, 
 " Unfed and unrefresh*d; and, when the sun 210 
 *^ Shall set, prepare the supper, when reveng d 
 " My deep-felt injury. For me— no food 
 
 Shall pass these lips, since I have lost my friend. 
 Who at my tent extended lies ; his feet 
 Turnd to t^e vestibule; pierc'd through with 
 . " wounds. 315 
 
 VOL. Π. η 
 
 i( 
 
 fC 
 
 iC 
 
 u 
 
 ίζ 
 
 Ml 
 
194^ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 SLIX. 
 
 XIX• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 195 
 
 u 
 
 ίζ 
 
 t( 
 tc 
 i( 
 (ζ 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 it 
 
 66 
 
 (C 
 66 
 66 
 
 Whilst all around the Myrmidons lament^ 
 I nothing seek but slaughter, groans, and blood." 
 Ulysses, sage in counsel, thus replied : 
 Achilles, bravest of the Grecian host. 
 To me superior in no small degree 22Θ 
 
 In deeds of war ; yet may I justly claim 
 In prudent forethought greatly to excel 
 Thy youth; from age, and by experience taught: 
 Then bend thy will to what I shall advise. 
 War quickly brings satiety to men, 22d 
 
 Who fall most like to straw in harvest time 
 Abundant ; but the grain is scant indeed. 
 When Jove in anger turns the scale of war. 
 TTis not by fasting to lament the slain 
 In battle ; numbers fall on every side 230 
 
 Of high renown : such grief would never cease. 
 Funereal rites, and one sad day of tears. 
 Alone they claim : but we who still survive 
 Must due refreshment take, that with our foes 
 We may unceasing fight, nor quit the field, 235 
 All clad in shining arms. No second call 
 Expect : woe then to him who basely sculks 
 Our ships among : let our collected force 
 Pour on the Trojans the whole storm of war.** 
 
 He spake : and taking with him Nestor's sons, 
 Meges, and Thoas, and Meriones, 241 
 
 And Lycomedes Creon's warlike son. 
 And Menalippus ; to Atrides' tent 
 They went, and at a word the gifts received. 
 
 First seven tripods from the tent they brought. 
 Twenty resplendent vases ; horses twelve ; 246 
 
 Seven captive females of excelling form. 
 Well skiird in various works ; to these the eighth. 
 They add Briseis, beautiful and fair. 
 
 Ulysses led the way, and in his hand 250 
 
 Ten golden talents bore : the Grecian youths 
 Before the assembled chiefs in order rang'd 
 The various gifts. Atrides from his seat 
 Now rose : Talthybius, bearing in his hand 
 The boar for sacrifice, stood near the king. 255 
 
 Atrides then unsheath'd the knife, which hung 
 His sword beside, and from the victim cut 
 The sacred bristles ; and aloft in air 
 To Jove Satumian held the oflT'ring meet ; 
 Confirming thus his oath : strict silence held 260 
 The assembly mute, attentive to their king ; 
 Who thus with lifted hands his prayV addressed : 
 '^ Witness, great Jove, of heav'nly pow'rs su- 
 
 (6 
 
 preme; 
 
 ο 2 
 
 i ^1 
 
196 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 197 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 " Earth, Sun, and Furies who beneath the earth 
 *^ Punish mankind who dare their oaths profane, 
 
 That spotless as she came the maid returns : 266 
 
 If what I swear be false, may Heav'n on me 
 " Pour down those ills reserved for perjur'd man Γ 
 
 He spake ; and with the knife the victim slew : 
 Talthybius seiz'd and hurFd into the sea 1270 
 
 The slaughtered victim, food to fish consigned, 
 
 Achilles rose, and said : " »Saturnian Jove I 
 " Severest ills from thee afflict mankind : 
 *^ Nor had Atrides so my rage inflam'd, 
 " Nor forc'd Briseis from me, but that thou 275 
 
 Didst multiplied deaths for Greece prepare. 
 
 But go, take short repast ; and then to arms.'* 
 
 Thus saying, be dismissed the council, caU'd 
 In haste : each Grecian to his ship repaired. 
 The Myrmidons, or at the tent, or ship 280 
 
 Of Peleus' son, the gifts in order plac'd ; 
 And led the captive females to their seats ; 
 And in their stalls the foaming steeds secured. 
 Briseis, fair as Venus to behold. 
 When first she saw Patroclus pierc'd with wounds. 
 Embracing him, pour'd forth the mournful cry, 286 
 Her bosom smote, and all her beauteous face 
 Deform'd ; and sorely weeping thus exclaim'd : 
 
 iC 
 
 <i 
 
 " Patroclus! whom my soui did much esteem, 
 ^' I left thee living when from forth this tent 290 
 *^ I went; now find thee a cold lifeless corpse. 
 " Ο chief rever'd ! thus grief to grief succeeds, 
 " Ill-fated as I am ! Before our walls 
 " I saw my husband fall, and with him fell 
 '^ Three brothers whom I lov'd : one mournful day 
 " Seal'd all their fates. Nor when Achilles slew 296 
 " My husband, and the city fair destroyed 
 " Of Mynes, wouldst thou suffer me to weep ; 
 " But promised I should be Achilles' wife, 
 " If thou mightst aught prevail ; and in thy ship 
 *^ Safe conduct give, and nuptial feast prepare. 301 
 " Thee, mildest friend, I must unceasing mourn." 
 
 Thus spake she weeping: with responsive tears 
 Each captive wept ; but inly for herself. 
 
 The assembled elders press Achilles round 305 
 Entreating him to eat ; but he rejects 
 Deep-sighing: '^ Ο my friends, if you regard 
 " My wishes, I request you urge me not 
 " To take repast, for bitter is my grief; 
 " Till the sun set I patient will endure." 310 
 
 He spake; and to their tents the chiefs repair'd. 
 But still Ulysses, and the warlike sons 
 Of Atreps, Nestor, and Idomeneus, 
 
 t 
 
 ι > 
 
 'Ml 
 
ψ- 
 
 198 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XIX. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 199 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 And Phoenix staid ; if haply they might sooth 
 His grief: in vain ; no pleasure might he know 315 
 Till ent'red in the jaws of bloody war ; 
 But still lamenting thus his grief express'd : 
 
 ^^ And thou, unfortunate, but dearest friend, 
 " Wert wont within my tent to spread the feast, 
 ^^ Attentive ever, when the Greeks prepared 320 
 The Trojans to assail : now thou art gone, 
 Piere'd through with wounds ; not food, though 
 *^ near at hand, 
 " But thee my soul desireth ; thee, whose loss 
 " All other far exceedeth. Greater this 
 
 Than the sad tidings of my father's death, 325 
 Who now perhaps in Phthia pours the flood 
 Of grief for such a son ; but I the while 
 " Far distant, wage, for hated Helen's sake, 
 " Destructive war with Troy: or, of my son, 
 ^^ If yet in Scyros Neoptolemus 330 
 
 " Still liveth. Once fond hope I entertain'd 
 " That I alone should perish in this land, 
 " From Argos far ; whilst thou, returning hence 
 " To Phthia home, shouldst safe conduct my son 
 " From Scyros in thy ship, and show him all 335 
 My fair possessions, servants, and abode 
 Spacious and large ; for never can I think 
 
 ec 
 
 u 
 
 cc 
 
 te 
 
 ct 
 
 « 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 SI 
 
 i 
 
 " Peleus still lives :— but and if yet he live, 
 
 " Worn down with grief and age, expecting still 
 
 *^ The mournful tidings of his son's decease." 340 
 
 Thus spake hie weeping : the attendant chiefs 
 Wept each a father, son, or country left. 
 
 Jove saw their grief, and pitying thus address'd 
 Minerva : ^^ Why dost thou, my child, forsake 
 
 That mighty chief? or is Achilles now 345 
 
 No more thy care ? Still at his ships he weeps 
 " His lost Patroclus : whilst the host prepare 
 " Refreshment, he alone all food rejects. 
 '* Go, and with nectar and ambrosia 
 " His soul refresh, that he no want may feel." 350 
 
 Urg'd by these words, with no unwilling mind. 
 Like shrill-voic'd harpy with extended wing, 
 Through aether down she flew, what time the Greeks 
 To battle arm'd; and in Achilles' breast 
 Sweet nectar and ambrosia instill'd, 355 
 
 Lest pressing hunger should his limbs invade. 
 
 Minerva to high heav'n, her father's throne, 
 Return'd ; and from their ships the Grecians pour'd. 
 As when thick clouds of driving snow, congeal'd 
 By northern blasts, descend ; so from the ships 36o 
 The glitt'ring helmets pour'd, and orbed shields. 
 The hollow corselets, and the ashen spears : 
 
 "HI 
 
200 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 r s , 
 
 .A 
 
 To heav'n the light ascended : from the gleam 
 Of polish'd brass rejoic'd the gladdening fields. 
 Resounding from the frequent foot of men. 365 
 
 Achilles in the midst put on his arms. 
 Gnashing his teeth with rage, whilst from bis eyes 
 Flashed lightning ; anger scarce to be endur d 
 Ent'red his heart, and fell revenge to Troy. 
 
 Then put he on his arms, the splendid gift 3^0 
 Of Vulcan : first the greaves with silver clasps 
 His limbs invested ; on his chest he bound 
 The corselet; and the sword his shoulders grac'd : 
 Then the huge shield he took, massy and strong, 
 Beaming with light as doth the moon s full orb. 375 
 As when to mariners the distant fire 
 Kindled by shepherds on the lonely mount 
 Appears, whilst them the impetuous winds convey 
 Reluctant from their friends o'er boundless seas ; 
 So from Achilles' well-wrought shield to heav'n 380 
 The splendour shone: then lifting high, he plac'd 
 The helmet on his brow, whose crested cone 
 Blaz'd like a star, waving with golden hair, 
 By Vulcan's art. Then he essay'd his arms. 
 If well adapted to his martial frame : 385 
 
 Like wings they lifted up the chief of men. 
 
 Last, the paternal spear huge, weighty, strong. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 201 
 
 He from his arm'ry took, which none might wield 
 Save Peleus and his son ; the wondrous spear 
 Chiron had shap'd when from the lofty top 390 
 Of Pelion hewn, fatal to num'rous chiefs. 
 Automedon and Alcimus prepar'd 
 The steeds, with goi^eous trappings richly dight ; 
 And to their mouths the curbing bit applied. 
 Extending to the well-compacted car 395 
 
 The reins: then grasping firm the shining whip^ 
 Automedon the glitt'ring car within 
 Ascended : near, and dazzling as the sun. 
 In burni$h'd arms Achilles stood, and thus 
 The immortal coursers of his sire addressed : 400 
 
 " Xanthus and Balius, from Po^rge sprung 
 " Illustrious, far other be your care, 
 ^^ Him to bring back in safety to the fleet, 
 " Whom now you bear, when satiate with the fight; 
 " Nor leave him yonder, as Patroclus, slain." 405 
 
 With drooping head, and with dishevell'd mane 
 S>yeeping the ground, thus from beneath the yoke 
 Xanthus replied, for Juno utterance gave : 
 
 ^^ This day in safety through the ranks of war 
 We bear thee, warlike chief; yet doth thy end 
 Approach, but through no fault of ours ; for Jove 
 " Hath thus ordain'd, and overruling Fate. 
 
 ic 
 
 cc 
 
 r; 
 
 
i"t 
 
 202 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ■•t 
 
 ^^i 
 
 XIX. 
 
 ce 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 '^ Yet not from slowness, not from our neglect, 
 ** The Trojans from Patroclus tore the spoil : 
 " That pow'rful god who from Latona sprang 415 
 " Slew him, and gave to Hector all the praise. 
 Though we outstrip the swiftness of the winds. 
 Of things most swift ; yet art thou doomed to fall 
 By mortal hands aided by pow'r divine." 
 Thus Xanthus ; when the Fates for ever clos'd 
 That voice. Achilles thus, indignant, spoke : 421 
 
 *^ Why of my fate prophetic ? It doth ill 
 " Become thee, Xanthus. Well indeed I know 
 " That from my parents I shall perish far I 
 ^^ Then be it so : yet will I nothing cease 425 
 
 « Till Troy with war be more than satisfied." 
 He spake ; and shouting urg'd his coursers on• 
 
 fciliiWiMiilli'iBillfti' itt1iilfffilfit-f>i['illliilllll lil 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE aiAD. 
 
 203 
 
 BOOK XX. 
 
 1 Hus at their ships, of war insatiate 
 The Grecian host around Achilles arm'd ; 
 And opposite the Trojan force array'd 
 Stood on an eminence ; when mighty Jove 
 Bade Themis call the high immortal pow'rs 5 
 
 To council on Olympus : she forthwith 
 All summon d to the lofty seat of Jove. 
 No river god, old Ocean's self except, 
 Nor nymph, or of the grove, or fountain pure, 
 Or flow'ry mead, was absent : all appeared lo 
 
 On polish'd seats arranged, by Vulcan made 
 For Jove supreme : thus they assembled were 
 
 Before the throne of cloud-compelling Jove. 
 
 Nor Neptune disobey'd : from Ocean's depths 
 
 He came, and thus to Jove his speech addressed: 15 
 
 '' Why, mighty Thunderer, hast thou convened 
 *' The gods ? doth Troy, or Greece, thy thoughts 
 
 " engage? 
 ^' For now the flames of war are lighted up." 
 
 •til 
 
ϊ¥« 
 
 ί-Ύ 
 
 204 
 
 Τ»Ε ILIAD. 
 
 XX• 
 
 it- » 
 
 ίίΤ 
 
 Μ 
 
 CC 
 
 (C 
 
 Το him thus cloud-compelHng Jove replied : 
 " Neptune, my purpose thou hast well divin'd 20 
 ^^ Why thus convened the gods : Trojans and Greeks, 
 ^^ Destin'd to fall, do yet demand my care. 
 
 I, on Olympus' lofty top enthron'd, 
 
 Viewing the war, will thought indulge awhile : 
 *^ You all descending, or to Troy or Greece 25 
 
 ** Assistance give as inclination leads: 
 " For should Achilles with the Trojans fight 
 " Unaided, they will scarce the attack sustain 
 ^^ Of him, whose sight alone such dread inspir'd : 
 " But now I fear, since angry for his friend, 30 
 *' Lest he the city storm ; though Fates forbid.** 
 
 Thus Jove ; and kindled all the rage of war 
 In heav'nly minds, on different sides engaged• 
 
 Juno and Pallas to the Grecian ships. 
 And Neptune, shaker of the earth ; with them 35 
 Hermes, inventor of all useful arts ; 
 And Vulcan, glorying in his rugged strength, 
 Mov'd on with knees that ill his weight sustain'd. 
 
 But Mars distinguish *d by his varied crest, 
 Phoebus, and Dian with her winged shafts, 40 
 
 The Trojans join'd ; with them Latona came, 
 Xanthus, and Venus ever crown'd with smiles. 
 Whilst still apart the heav'nly pow'rs remain'd^ 
 
 XX• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 206 
 
 The Grecians gloried in Achilles' might 
 Exulting, for he long had ceas'd from war ; 45 
 
 And fear and trembling seiz'd the Trojan host 
 When Peleus' warlike son in arms they saw 
 Resplendent, dreadful as destructive Mars. 
 
 But when the heav nly pow'rs the battle join'd. 
 Then madd'ning Tumult rear'd her monstrous head. 
 Pallas, now at the fosse without the wall, 51 
 
 Now at the sounding shore, her voice uprais'd 
 Tremendous : opposite, tempestuous Mars 
 From Ilium's tow'rs the Trojans rous'd to arms 
 Shouting; and now by Simois, on the hill 55 
 
 Callicalone nam'd. To battle thus 
 The gods each host impell'd, and loos'd the reins 
 Of havoc fell : the Sire of gods and men 
 Thund'red terrific ; Neptune from beneath 
 Shook earth and seas : then trembled Ida's top 6o 
 E'en to its lowest base, and Ilium's tow'rs 
 Extensive, and the distant fleet of Greece. 
 Then trembled Pluto in his dark abode. 
 And fearful started from his ebon throne 
 Shouting ; lest Neptune rend the solid globe 65 
 Of earth, and all his dreaiy realms disclose 
 To view ; by heav'nly pow'rs themselves abhorr'd. 
 Such was the noise when gods to battle mov'd. — 
 
206 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Μ- 
 
 XX• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 207 
 
 ':- ^' 
 
 mMi 
 
 Apollo with his arrows stood oppos'd 
 
 To Neptune ; and to Mars the blue-ey'd maid 70 
 
 Pallas ; to Juno, Dian with her shafts 
 
 Huntress the woods among : but Mercury, 
 
 Of arts inventor, check'd Latona's rage : 
 
 Oppos'd to Vulcan stood the river god 
 
 Xanthus in heav'n, on earth Scaraander callU 75 
 
 Thus gods opposed gods : but Peleus' son 
 
 Sought Hector only; eager with his death 
 
 To satiate Mars, and glut his thirst of blood• 
 
 Now Phoebus urg'd iEneas, and with strength 
 Inspired, against Achilles to contend : 80 
 
 Like Priam's son Lycaon he appeared 
 In form and voice, and thus the chief addressed : 
 " iEneas, Trojan chief, where now the threats 
 '* Which erst you uttVed at the genial feast, 
 ** That with Achilles you would dare the fight?" 85 
 iEneas answVed : '' Why, Lycaon, thus 
 Dost thou impel me, nothing so inclin d. 
 To fight with Peleus' son ? His matchless force 
 '' I from experience know, what time he seiz'd 
 " Our cattle, and from Ida chas'd me down 90 
 " Pursuing with his spear ; and Pedasus 
 " Took, and Lyrnessus. Me protecting Jove 
 " Sav'd, and endued with swiftness to escape. 
 
 €( 
 
 fC 
 
 '' Or I had perish'd by Achilles' hands, 
 
 *^ And Pallas, who preceding him, success 95 
 
 ** Against the Leleges and Trojans gave : 
 
 *^ Therefore with him no mortal dare engage : 
 
 ♦^ Each winged shaft some fav'ring deity 
 
 " From him averts, or to his rapid spear 
 
 *^ Gives force, and guides it to its destin'd mark. 100 
 
 " Might Heav'n but grant me aid, he should not find 
 
 " An easy war, though clad in panoply/' 
 
 Phcebus replied: " You then, illustrious chief, 
 *' To Heav η address the pray'r. Report doth say 
 " You are from Venus sprung, daughter of Jove ; 
 " He from a goddess of inferior note, 106 
 
 " From Thetis boasts descent, and Ocean's flood. 
 " On then with spear advance, and dare the fight; 
 " By threats, by sounding words nothing dismay'd.*^ 
 
 He spake ; and all his soul with courage fir'd : 
 Onward he mov'd all-clad in shining brass. ill 
 
 Juno perceiv'd Anchises' martial son 
 Advancing with Achilles to engage, 
 And quick convening thus the gods add ress'd : 
 
 " Say Neptune, Pallas say, how this may be; 115 
 *^ iEneas now all-arm'd in shining bras^ 
 " Advanceth, with Achilles to contend, 
 '* Urg'd on by Phoebus : let us then forthwith 
 
208 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX• 
 
 'r 
 
 €6 
 
 <C 
 
 tc 
 
 €( 
 
 ** Cause him retire again ; or to the son 
 ^ Of Peleus by our presence courage give, 1 20 
 
 *^ And mind exempt from fear ; that he may know 
 Of heav'niy powVs the mightiest aid his cause. 
 Whilst they who Troy assist are nothing worth. 
 " We therefore join the war this day from heav'n 
 ** Descending, lest he suffer aught from Troy. 1 25 
 " Hereafter he must patiently endure 
 *^ Whatever at his birth stern Fate decreed, 
 *^ Weaving the web of life : not wam'd of this 
 By voice divine, he might with terror see 
 Some adverse deity the ranks among, 130 
 
 ** Then dreadful most when manifest tci view." 
 
 The god whose trident shakes the earth replied : 
 ^[ Juno, intemperate rage becomes thee not ; 
 " I wish not to contend with other pow'rs 
 " Of heav'n, to us inferior ; but apart 135 
 
 ** Let us retire, and leave the war to men. 
 " Yet should or Mars or Phoebus first begin 
 *^ The conflict, or impede Achilles' force, 
 " Nor suffer him to fight, we will ourselves 
 " Commence the war : full soon, or I misdeem, 140 
 " They gladly will rejoin the heav'nly choir, 
 ** Subdued perforce by our superior might." 
 He spake ; and led the way to that high mount 
 
 Λ afmHii jaffife Ϊ wriiiiiiliiBata 
 
 ■hMmriiiiiiHiiWtJM? 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 209 
 
 In haste thrown up, which erst the Trojans rais'd 
 
 With Pallas' aid, for mighty Hercules 1 45 
 
 Sure refuge, when the monster of the deep 
 
 Pursued him flying to the distant plain. 
 
 There Neptune, and the deities retir'd 
 
 In clouds involv'd impenetrable, sat. 
 
 Whilst on the hill Callicalone nam'd, 150 
 
 The pow'rs in aid of Troy, Phoebus, r«und thee 
 
 And Mars collected sat, in counsel deep 
 
 On either side engag'd ; but yet averse 
 
 To join the conflict, though impell'd by Jove. 
 
 The plain was fill'd, and shone with glitt'ring brass 
 Of men and steeds ; and as they mov'd to war 156 
 The earth resounded from their numerous feet. 
 
 Two heroes, bravest of their host, advane'd, 
 Prepar'd to fight ; iEneas, and the son 
 Of Peleus. But with threat'ning aspect first 160 
 iEneas forward came ; his crested cone 
 Nodded terrific : with his pond'rous shield 
 High rais'd, and brandishing his spear, he mov'd. 
 
 Then rose the might of Peleus' warlike son : 
 As the gaunt lion, whom the village hinds 165 
 
 Collected fierce assail ; in scornful guise 
 Onward he moves, till wounded by some youth 
 Of hardihood he turns, and, gaping wide, 
 
 VOL. II. β • 
 
 t , 
 
210 
 
 THE ILIAD, 
 
 XX. 
 
 η -. 
 
 The terrors of his foaming jaws to view 
 
 Presents, and growling from his inmost soul 170 
 
 Lashes his sides, and calls up all his ire ; 
 
 And looking furious rushes to the w«r, 
 
 Intent on slaughter, or resolv'd to die. 
 
 Achilles not unconscious of his mighty 
 Thus to the cqnflict with iEneas mov'd 175 
 
 Dauntless : when near approaclVd, Achilles first 
 The Trojan chief address'd : " Why thus advanced, 
 *^ iEneas, in the van dost thou appear? 
 " Doth thy mind urge thee to contend with me, 
 " That thou mayst reign in Troy, and honour share 
 " Equal with Priam ? Shouldst thou slay me then, 
 " Yet will not Priam grant thee to succeed, 
 " For he hath sons, and is not light of mind : 
 ^^ Or have the Trojans promised in reward 
 
 Some large and pleasant field for tillage meet. 
 
 If thou shalt slay me ? difficult the task ; 186 
 ** For thou hast fled ere now from this my spear, 
 " Hast thou forgotten when from Ida's mount 
 
 I chas'd thee down, thy cattle left behind ? 
 " Not daring to look back thou fled'st amain, 190 
 
 Escaping to Lyrnessus : I destroyed 
 " That city by the aid of mighty Jove 
 " And Pallas, and their females captive led : 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 cc 
 
 a 
 
 iC 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 211 
 
 a 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 t 
 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 a 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 Aided by heav'nly pow'rs thou didst escape; 
 Vain is the thought that they will save thee now. 
 Retire then, nor oppose thy strength to mine, 
 Ere ill betide thee : fools are taught too late." 
 ^neas answVed : "' Think not, mighty chief, 
 Achilles, to affright me as a child 
 With words ; I too might use reproachful words. 
 Report hath taught us of each other's birth, 201 
 Known far and wide ; yet have I never seen 
 Thy parents, nor have mine been seen by thee. 
 They say, indeed, thou art from Peleus sprung. 
 And fair-hair'd Thetis goddess of the sea : 205 
 I from Anchises chief of high renown. 
 And Venus, boast descent. Our parents then 
 Or yours or mme, this day shall mourn a son; 
 For not by childish words must end our strife. 
 But wouldst thou learn, (many there are who know 
 My lineage,) Dardanus from mighty Jove 211 
 Boasted descent : (he first Dardania built ; 
 Ere sacred Troy on yonder plain appear'd. 
 Our sires at Ida's foot securely dwelt :) 
 From Dardanus sprang Ericthonius, 215 
 
 Wealthiest of mortals ; in his pastures graz'd 
 Three thousand mares, each joyful with her foal : 
 Boreas of these enamour'd changed his form, 
 
 Ρ 2 
 
 141 
 
 * <l 
 
212 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX• 
 
 
 w. 
 
 " A horse confest^ and bounding o'er the meads 
 " Twelve foals begat, in swiftness like the winds : 
 '^ These, when o'er fields they urg d their rapid 
 " course, 221 
 
 '' Nor hurt the blade nor bruis'd the tender ear ; 
 '' Nor when they skimm'd the surface of the main, 
 ^^ Dipp'd in the frothy surge their airy feet. 
 *^ To Ericthonius succeeded Tros, 225 
 
 " His son: to Tros were born three sons; Ilus, 
 ^^ Assaracus, and Ganymede of men 
 " The fairest, whom the gods to heaven rais'd^ 
 *' To dwell with them, and bear the cup of Jove. 
 *^ From Ilus sprang Laomedon : from him 230 
 
 'SFive sons deriv'd ; Tythonus, Priamus, 
 ^^ Lampus, and Clytius, and Hycetaon 
 " Like Mars in fight : but from Assaracus 
 
 Capys, from whom Anchises boasts descent, 
 *^ And I from him: from Priam Hector sprang. 235 
 " Such is the lineage, such the race I boast. 
 
 But Jove at pleasure courage gives to man, 
 " Or minisheth ; to him all pow'r belongs. 
 *^ But come, no longer let us parley thus 
 ^^ Like children, standing in the midst of war 24d 
 
 Idle ; reproaches heaping on reproach, 
 " We might soon fill a barque of larger size 
 
 .t€ 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 213 
 
 " To sinking; for the tongue is voluble 
 " Of man, nor wanteth words or subject meet, 
 *' So wide indeed the range ; and as you speak 245 
 '' Of others, you shall surely hear yourself. 
 '' But why should we with contumelious words 
 " Reproach each other, as the custom is 
 " Of women oft, who, when engaged in strife 
 " Pernicious, still persist in language harsh 250 
 " E'en in the public streets, and, true or false, 
 ^' Pour forth whatever anger may suggest ? 
 '' Not then with words shalt thou subdue a mind 
 " With courage arm'd like mine ; our spears alone 
 *' Must end the conflict : let us then begin 255 
 " The fight, and quickly taste each other's spear." 
 Thus spake he ; and with vehemence the shield 
 Smote with his spear, whose point resounded shrill 
 On the vast orB, which with a powerful hand. 
 Not unalarm'd, Achilles quick advanc'd 260 
 
 Before him ; for he thought the rapid lance 
 Hurl'd by iEneas might with ease pass through : 
 Vain thought indeed ! nor did he once reflect. 
 And in his mind consider, that the gift 
 Of heav'nly pow'rs may not by mortal man 265 
 
 With ease be pierc'd, or yield to human force. 
 For not the spear of great Anchises' son 
 
 -'1 
 
214 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX. 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 215 
 
 
 Might passage find ; the gold its fury staid : 
 
 Two plates it pass'd, three yet untouched remained ; 
 
 For nve had Vulcan made : two were of brass, 2^0 
 
 And two of tin ; and one of solid gold 
 
 The centre held, which staid the rapid lance. 
 
 Then rose Achilles, and his massy spear 
 HurPd vehement, and smote ^Eneas' shield ; 
 And through the outer rim, where thinnest folds 
 The orb embraced, there pass'd unchecked its flight. 
 The Pylian spear: shrill-sounded from the stroke 
 The well-pois'd shield, ^^neas stooping shunn'd 
 The fatal stroke, yet trembling at its force : 
 Above the chief the stormy weapon flew, 280 
 
 And spent its force in earth : through two thin folds 
 It burst : untouch'd he stood, not without fear 
 And grief, so near the deadly weapon pass'd. 
 
 Forthwith Achilles with his sworfl rush'd on. 
 Shouting terrific; when iEneas seiz'd 285 
 
 A stone of wondrous size ; not two might lift 
 Its weight enormous such as men are now. 
 Degenerate; he alone high pois'd^in air. 
 
 Then had ^neas on Achilles' shield 
 Or helmet smote in vain, or with his sword 290 
 Him had Achilles soon of life depriv d ; 
 But Neptune quick perceiv'd^ and thus addressed 
 
 The present deities : '' Much am I griev'd 
 
 *^ For brave JEnesiS, who must soon descend 
 
 *^ To Pluto's realm, by Peleus' son subdued, 295 
 
 " Urg'd on by Phoebus to the unequal fight ; 
 
 " Improvident ! No aid Apollo gives. 
 
 " Yet why for others' crimes» guiltless himself, 
 
 " Should he thus suflTer? he whose pious care 
 
 To all the heav'nly pow'rs due oflT'ring pays. 300 
 *^ Let us then save him from impending death, 
 " Fearful lest Jove himself be much incens'd 
 *^ Should he now perish, destin'd to escape ; 
 " Lest the whole race of Dardanus should cease 
 ^* And be extinct, whom above all he loves 305 
 '^ Of woman born, boasting descent from him. 
 ^^ The sons of Priam doth Saturnius hate ; 
 " And to iEneas, and his future race, 
 " The sceptre and the throne of Troy descends." 
 
 Juno replied : " Neptune, be that thy care, 310 
 " Either to save ^neas, or permit 
 " That he now perish by Achilles' sword : 
 " Just though he be, Pallas and I have sworn 
 '^ (And all the pow'rs of heav'n can witness bear) 
 *^ Never from Troy to ward the fatal day, 315 
 
 " Not when with bick'ringflames encompassed round 
 " She falls, just victim to the arms of Greece." 
 
 When Neptune heard, he hasfned to the fight 
 
 J si 
 
 «if 
 
216 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX, 
 
 %x. 
 
 
 And tumult of the field ; and where the chiefs 
 iEneas and Achilles stood prepar d 320 
 
 For onset, interpos'd ; and with thick clouds 
 Achilles' sight impeded, and the spear 
 Pluck'd from ^Eneas' shield, and on the ground 
 Plac'd at Achilles' feet : then high in air 
 UpHfting, bore iEneas oer the ranks 325 
 
 Of horsemen and of foot with hand divine ; 
 Till in the rear of all the host arrived, 
 Where the brave Caucons arm'd them to the 
 fight : 
 
 Him near approaching Neptune thus addressed : 
 " What hostile powV, ^neas, urg'd thee on 330 
 
 '' To fight with Peleus' son, braver than thou ; 
 
 " Mor^ favour d by the gods ? Retire from him 
 
 '^ If thou ag?in shouldst meet, nor tempt thy fate. 
 
 " When he shall be no more, then boldly fight ; 
 
 *' Secure no Grecian chief shall lay thee low." 335 
 
 He spake ; and full instructed left him there : 
 Then from Achilles he the cloud remov'd: 
 Who clearly seeing thus indignant spake : 
 
 " What do my eyes behold ! Here on the ground 
 ^' My spear I see, but do not see the chief 340 
 ^' At whom I hurFd it with intent to kill ; 
 ^^ iEneas then is favoured of the gods, 
 '' Though vain I thought his boast: perish he then! 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 217 
 
 ^' Yet will be not again contend in arms 
 ^^ With me, glad thus to have from death escap'd : 
 " I then, encouraging the Grecian host, ' 346 
 
 ^^ Will try what Trojan dare with me contend." 
 He spake, and rush'd to war, exhorting loud 
 Each Grecian chief: '' No longer stand aloof, 
 ^' But man to man oppos'd renew the fight. 350 
 " However brave, it cannot be that I 
 ^' With all contend, or all pursue ; not Mars, 
 ^' Not Pallas, all immortal as they are, 
 '' In battle so extensive might maintain 
 *' Conflict like this, and labour through the whole: 
 " Yet will I nothing cease as far as strength 355 
 ^' Ajlmit, wbate'er my hands and feet can do 
 '' Labouring hard ; nor may that Trojan chief 
 ^' Rejoice, who shall approach this fatal spear." 
 
 Thus he encourag'd them. Hector meantime 36o 
 Exclaiming loudly to his host, declared 
 The purpose of his mind : " Illustrious chiefs, 
 ^' Fear not this son of Peleus : if with words 
 '' We fought, indeed, I might with gods contend ; 
 " Not so with spear, for they are mightier far. 364 
 " Nor may Achilles all his vaunting boasts 
 ^' Fulfil ; if he in this succeed, in that 
 ^^ He needs must fail : I will myself oppose 
 
 iiliiiilfif [niit--ft<Sffii-iftifin•''— - • ■— ^-■^■-''«" 
 
218 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 219 
 
 It 
 
 "i 
 
 '' This boaster, though like fire his hands; his hands 
 " Like fire, and heated iron all his heart." 370 
 
 Thus he : when onward niov'd the Trojan force 
 With lifted spears, and mingled in the fight ; 
 And clamour loud prevailed. Apollo now 
 Approaching Hector, thus the chief addressed : 
 
 ^^ Hector, advance not foremost in the ranks 3;^5 
 '' With Peleus' son to fight ; but by thy host 
 " Supported, with united force engage. 
 
 Lest he should wound thee or with sword or spear." 
 He spake; and Hector to the ranks retir'd 
 Not without fear, when heard the voice divine. 380 
 
 Then on the Trojans rush'd Achilles' might 
 With shout terrific, and Iphition slew. 
 Son of Otrynteus, chief of high renown• 
 Him whilom Nais to Otrynteus bore 
 In Hyda, under Tmolus' lofty mount 385 
 
 ^now-clad : him eager rushing to the war 
 Achilles smote : his front received the blow ; 
 The impetuous spear his forehead cleft in twain ; 
 Sounding he fell : the victor thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Son of Otrynteus, mighty chief, die there. 390 
 What though possessions fair by Gyge's lake 
 Thy lineage boast, where Hyllus' fishy stream 
 And gulphy Hermus pour their rapid floods Γ 
 
 if 
 
 fc 
 
 C€ 
 
 Thus he exulting: darkness clos'd the eyes 
 Of falPn Iphition ; him the Grecian steeds 395 
 
 Roird in the van beneath the blood-stain'd wheels. 
 
 Then on Demoleon warrior brave he ruslrd, 
 Antenor's son ; the rapid spear transfixed 
 His brazen casque, and pierc'd his temple through. 
 And broke the bone ; and onward to the brain 400 
 Pass'd vehement, and quench'd the hero's fire. 
 
 Next in his back, as from his car he leap'd 
 Preparing flight, Hippodamas he slew: 
 He pants, he groans, and dies. As doth the bull 
 In Helice, to Neptune ofFVing meet, 405 
 
 Dragg'd by the youths along ; with secret joy 
 The god accepts ; so groaning loud he dies. 
 
 Now Polydorus he pursued, the son 
 Of Priam youngest born, and most belov'd. 
 The fathers care forbad the dang'rous war, 410 
 
 Though swiftest in the race. Improvident ! 
 Exulting in his speed he scour'd the plain. 
 And in the van appeared ; there ceas'd his course : 
 Him as he pass'd, Achilles with his spear 
 Smote in the loins, where cross'd the well-wrought 
 belt 415 
 
 With golden clasps united, and oppos'd 
 A double guard : the brazen point pass'd on 
 
220 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX. 
 
 11•^ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 €C 
 
 Quite through : prone on his knees he fell; his hands 
 The wound compress'd: thick darkness clos'd his 
 eyes. 
 
 But Hector, when perceiv'd his brother slain, 420 
 His entrails gushing forth, a cloud of grief 
 Oppress'd his mind ; nor could he more endure 
 The distant fight; but brandishing his spear. 
 Like flames advanc d, and dar d the mighty foe. 
 
 Achilles saw him, and elate with joy 425 
 
 Exclaimed : " That man is near who hath my soul 
 Most deeply wounded; who that friend hath slain 
 Whom most I lov'd : no longer shall we now 
 ^' Avoid each other in the ranks of war." 
 
 He spake ; and sternly viewing Hector, said : 430 
 " Approach, that thou mayst quickly meet thy fate." 
 
 Hector replied, and with undaunted mind: 
 *' Think not with empty words, Ο warlike son 
 " Of Peleus, to affright me as a child : 
 ^' I too could use harsh and reproachful words; 435 
 " I know that thou art mightier far than I : 
 " Events of war the gods alone dispose. 
 
 This spear of mine, though from a weaker arm. 
 May lay thee low perchance, if Heav η permit ; 
 '' For it doth bear a sharp ned point before." 440 
 He spake, and hurFd his spear, which with a breath 
 
 XX^ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 221 
 
 €i 
 
 4C 
 
 Minerva from Achilles turn'd aside, 
 And plac'd at Hector's feet : Achilles now 
 Eager rush'd on with slaughterous intent. 
 Shouting tremendous. But Apollo sav'd 445 
 
 Hector with ease, and in a cloud involved. 
 Thrice rush'd Achilles with his lifted spear ; 
 Thrice smote the air in vain : but when again 
 He rush'd to war with more than mortal force, 
 With clamour loud he thus his rage expressed : 450 
 
 ^^ Dog as thou art, thou hast again escap'd ; 
 " Yet danger was at hand : Apollo now 
 " Hath sav'd thee ; for to him thy votive pray'r 
 
 " Is paid when ent'ring mid the shock of arms. 
 
 « 
 
 " If I but meet thee once again, thou diest, 455 
 
 " Should any favVing god my cause assist : 
 
 " Now other Trojans shall my vengeance feel." 
 
 He spake ; and with his spear full on the neck 
 Smote Dryops, whom he left upon the plain ; 
 And piercing through the knee Philetor s son 460 
 Demuchus, stay'd him ; then with his huge sword 
 Of light and life depriv d. Next Bias* sons, 
 Laogonus and Dardanus, he slew ; 
 This with the sword ; that perish'd by the spear. 
 Then Tros, Alastor's son : he sued for life, 465 
 
 Embraced the victorls knees, and pity claim'd 
 
αύ!2 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XX. 
 
 XX. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 223 
 
 
 From youth, for as Achilles' such his years : 
 
 Improvident ! nor knew his suit was vain : 
 
 Nor mild nor gentle was Achilles' mind, 
 
 But fierce in the extreme. His knees he touch'd, 
 
 And urgd his pray'r; nathless the rapid swoixl 471 
 
 Deep in his side infix'd the ghastly wound : 
 
 Lifeless he fell, and darkness clos'd his eyes. 
 
 Next Mulius died: the lance through both his ears 
 Pass'd vehement, for near Achilles stood. 475 
 
 Echeclus then he slew, Agenor s son ; 
 The pondVous sword his forehead cleft in twain, 
 Warm'd was the sword with blood ; and purple death. 
 And fate inevitable, clos'd his eyes. 
 
 Deucalion in the elbow, where unite 480 
 
 The tendons, next he smote : the brazen point 
 Pass'd through the arm : arrested by the wound 
 He saw his fate: incontinent the sword 
 Descending, from the trunk his head lopp'd off. 
 And helmet ; from the sev'red spine the life 485 
 Issued : extended on the plain he fell. 
 
 Rhigmus he now invades, the blameless son 
 Of Pireus, who from fertile Thraci a came: 
 Fixt in his bowels stood the fatal spear: 
 Headlong he fell. Next, as he turn'd to flight 490 
 His coursers, Areithous receiv'd 
 
 The spear between his shoulders ; prone he fell 
 From off his car : the fright'ned steeds recoird. 
 
 As when the rage of all-destructive fire 
 Burns in the deep'ned glen, within the side 495 
 Of some high mountain, and the forest roars 
 As onward roll the flames by winds increas'd ; 
 So on all sides Achilles with his spear 
 Rag'd furious, and the blood in rivers flow'd. 
 
 And as the steers, broad-fronted, lowing loud, 500 
 Upon the level floor the barn within 
 Tread the light grain, and separate with ease ; 
 So the immortal steeds of Peleus' son. 
 O'er shields, o'er arms and bodies of the slain 
 Trampled: with blood the axle, and the wheels 505 
 With blood are stain'd, dashed from the frequent foot 
 Of prancing steeds; as thirsting still for fame, 
 And cov'red o'er with gore, Achilles rush'd along. 
 
XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 225 
 
 I^PiM^ 
 
 BOOK XXI. 
 
 But when they c^ine to Xanthus' rapid stream 
 From Jove derived, there separated he 
 The flying foe, and o'er the plain pursued 
 The routed host to Troy, by the same way 
 Where erst the Grecians fled from Hector's rao-e : 6 
 For there they pour'd along. Juno meantime 
 Shed darkness round them to impede their flight : 
 Whilst others in the deep-ingulfed stream 
 Sought refuge, plunging in with dashing noise ; 
 The waters sounded and the winding shores, id 
 As clamorous and loud, in eddies tost, 
 They swam : thus from the raging element 
 The locust flies, when sudden flames burst forth 
 Extending far: they fearful seek the stream. 
 
 Thus the deep bed of Xanthus' rapid tide 15 
 With horse and men promiscuous was fill'd 
 By Peleus' son : hid in a tamarisk 
 ilis spear he left, and plung'd into the flood 
 Grasping his sword, on deeds of death intent : 
 
 VOL. Π. α 
 
 ■.•«r• l-xWj 
 
 ■ajL«i..aaaMBi»i 
 
226" 
 
 ΊΜΕ ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Ttt£ ILIAD. 
 
 Μ/ 
 
 w 
 
 ■Ά 
 
 ii•• 
 
 w 
 
 p..• 
 
 I 
 
 On every side the rapid strokes descend, 
 
 Deep groans are heard ; the stream is red with blood. 
 
 As from the dolphin fly the smaller fish 
 To the safe creek, or haven's winding shores, 
 Fright'ned ; for many greedy he devours : 
 So in the hollow banks of Xanthus' stream 26 
 
 The Trojans lay conceal'd. And now, his arm 
 With slaughter tir'd, twelve youths he from the flood 
 Alive selected, victims to the shade 
 Of slain Patroclus ; these he dragg'd along, 
 Trembling as fawns, and bound with thongs their 
 hands ; 3q 
 
 Thongs which their own habiliments supplied ; 
 And sent them to the ships with conduct safe. 
 Then rush'd he onward, still on slaughter bent ; 
 There met he, as from forth the stream he fled, 
 Lycaon, Priam's son ; whom captive erst S§ 
 
 He had surpris'd and taken unawares. 
 As in the garden of hrs rofU sire 
 He from a fig-ti-ee cut the tender shoots 
 For chariot rings : him there, ill-unforeseen! 
 Achilles seiz'd, and sold to Lemnos* isle : 40 
 
 The son of Jason paid the stated price : 
 Imbrius his guest again the youth redeem'd 
 For ransom large, aud to Arisbe sent ; 
 
 From thence he fled ; and gain'd his father s house, 
 From Lemnos safe return'd. Eleven days 45 
 
 He gave to joy and pleasure with his friends; 
 But on that day, the twelfth, ο erruling Fate 
 Threw him again into Achilles' hand; 
 Yet never to return ; to death consigned. 
 And Pluto's realm! .Him when Achilles knew, 50 
 Though naked, without helmet, shield or spear, 
 (For these he cast away with labour spent 
 Contending with the stream,) indignant thus 
 He commun'd with himself: " Ο gracious heav'n! 
 " What prodigy is this my eyes behold ? 55 
 
 " Soon then will all the Trojans I have slain 
 " Rise from their dark abode, since he whom late 
 " I sold in Lemnos hath from thence escaped ; 
 " Nor hath the depth of oc^n kept him there> 
 *• Though many all-unwilling it detain. 66 
 
 ** But he shall taste this spear, that I may know 
 ** If yet he may escape ; or whether earth 
 " May hold this man, which many braver holds.** 
 Thus commun'd he: with fear the youth ap* 
 proach'd 
 Trembling, all-eager to embrace his knees, ^f 
 
 If so he might prevail. With lifted arm 
 Achilles aim'd his spear; the suppliant proa• 
 

 ^^1*^1 
 
 228 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 229 
 
 Fell and embrac'd his knees : fixt in the ground 
 Above his back the weapon trembling stood 
 Thirsting for blood : one hand his knees embrac'd, 
 One held the spear; and thus his humble suit J I 
 Lycaon urg'd : *^ Let me thy pity move, 
 " Achilles ; at thy knees I suppliant bend, 
 ^^ And claim thy mercy, Ο illustrious chief Γ 
 " Whilom thy guest I feasted at thy board, 75 
 
 " And did eat bread with thee on that same day 
 " When in the garden captive made, and sent 
 ^^ To Lemnos' isle, far from my native land, 
 " Far from my friends. For me thou didst receive 
 " A hundred beeves; now shall my ransom be 80 
 That sum thrice told. This morning is the twelfth 
 Since I return d again to sacred Troy, 
 " From trials most severe : now cruel Fate 
 " And angry Jove have giv'n me to thy hands. 
 '^ A son short-liv'd indeed my mother bore, 85 
 
 " Laothoe, from ancient Altha sprung ; 
 " Altha chief captain of the Leleges, 
 " From lofty Pedasus by Satnius' stream. 
 " Her Priam married, one of many wives ; 
 ^^ Of whom two sons were born, destin'd by thee 90 
 " To perish : one thou hast already slain 
 " Advancing in the ranks, for by thy spear ^ 
 
 cc 
 
 (6 
 
 cc 
 
 a 
 
 " Transfixt, the godlike Polydorus fell : 
 
 " Now me stem fate impends ; nor from thy hands, 
 
 *' If right I deem, may I again escape. 
 
 " Yet slay me not ; but hear what I affirm : 9^ 
 
 " Not to Laothoe doth Hector owe 
 
 " His birth, who slew thy mild and valiant friend." 
 
 Thus Priam's son with supplication urg'd 
 His suit — rn vain ; for harsh was the reply.: 
 
 " Talk not of ransom at a time like this : 101 
 " Before Patroclus fell I could myself 
 
 Show mercy, and had pleasure in the deed ; 
 
 And numbers have I captur'd, numbers sold : 
 ^^ But now, of all whom fate within my pow'r 105 
 
 May bring before these walls, not one shall death 
 
 Escape ; and least of all thy hated race. 
 " Die then, my friend : why vainly thus lament ? 
 " Patroclus, braver far than thou, is dead. 
 " Seest thou not me, in stature and in strength 110 
 *^ Pre-eminent ? A goddess gave me birth, 
 " And Peleus was my sire : yet after thine 
 
 My death will also come : or in the morn 
 
 Or even, or mid-day, the spear will fly, 
 " Or arrow from the hand that seals my doom." 115 
 
 He spake : palsied with fear Lycaon stood ; 
 Quitting his hold, he trembling sank to earth 
 
 (( 
 
 (( 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 *,ss^^isis^:.^^*.a^ 
 

 d30 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XZI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 231 
 
 
 te 
 
 u 
 
 €< 
 
 With hands extended ; quick the rapid sword 
 
 Descending; on his neck the fatal wound 
 
 Inflicts : extended on the plain he falls ; 120 
 
 The warm blood issuing forth bedews the soil. 
 
 Him stern Achilles seizing by the feet 
 
 HurFd in midstream^ and thus exulting spoke : 
 
 '^ Lie there, and let the fishes lick thy wounds 
 ^^ Secure ; nor shall a mother mourn thy fate 125 
 ** Stretch -d on thy bier ; but in his gulfy stream 
 " Scamander shall convey thee to the sea; 
 
 There, gliding through the surface of the deep. 
 
 Fish shall devour Lycaon s noble limbs. 
 
 Thus perish ye till we shall capture Troy ; 130 
 '^ You flying, I pursuing in the rear 
 ^' With slaughter : nor may aught this river aid 
 ^* And all his streams, with sacrifice of bulls 
 " Invoked, or living steeds in the deep gulf 
 '' Immerst; but that you Ml shall perish'thus, 135 
 ^^ In just revenge for my lamented friend 
 *^ Patroclus, and those chiefs who at the ships 
 *' Contending fell, whilst I from war abstain'd." 
 
 Thus spake he : but the river god incens'd. 
 Sought means to quell the rage of Peleus' son, 140 
 And turn frona Troy his desolating course. 
 
 Meantiq^e Achilles with uplifted spear 
 
 Rush*d on Asteropaeus, warlike son 
 Of Pelegon ; whom Periboea bore 
 To Axius stream divine : she eldest born 145 
 
 Of Acessamenos : him Peleus' son 
 Attacked. Asteropaeus from the stream 
 Uprising, dauntless stood ; and in each hand 
 A spear he grasp'd : Scamander s potent god 
 Fir'd him with courage ; angry that his stream 150 
 Was fiird with slaughtered yoi^ths, whom Peleus' son 
 Had pitiless destroyed. When near approach'd, 
 Achilles thus : '^ Who, and from whence art thou, 
 " That dar'st my force oppose ? Unhappy they 
 ^* Whose sons with me contend." Him answVed then 
 The son of Pelegon : " Illustrious chief 156 
 
 Achilles, why my lineage dost thou ask ? 
 From feir Paeonia's fertile land I come, 
 « Whose bands I lead : this the eleventh day 
 *^ Since I arriv'd to aid the cause of Troy. 
 " From Axius' ample flood I boast descent ; 
 " Axius, who pours along the purest stream 
 " That waters earth : brave Pel^on from him, 
 <^ And I from Pelegon, so fame reports, 
 " My birth derive : now fight we, chief renown d." 
 Thus spake he threat'ning: quick the Pelean spear 
 Achilles rai&d ; when from each hand a lance 
 
 4C 
 
 <i 
 
 l6o 
 

 
 232 THE ILIAD, «„, 
 
 Asteropaeus threw : this on the shield 
 Smote vehement, yet pierc'd it not ; the gold 
 Check'd all its force, the present of a god : . 170 
 That with light wound Achilles' elbow gra/d. 
 The blood forth started; fixt within the ground 
 Thirsting for blood the spear still quiv 'ring stood. 
 Achilles now his mighty weapon hurFd 
 Eager Asteropaeus to destroy ; ij^ 
 
 But miss'd him ; deep within the bank infixt 
 The Pelean spear remain'd : drawing his sword 
 Achilles onward rush'd. Meantime the chief 
 Intent to gain the Pelean spear, in vain 
 Thrice from the bank to pluck it forth essay'd ; 18Q 
 Thrice fail'd his strength: but when he now pre- 
 par'd 
 
 To break the spear, Achilles with his sword 
 
 Of life depriv d him ; in his belly fixt. 
 
 The reeking weapon all his entrails torer 
 
 And darkness veil'd his eyes : Achilles seiz'd 1 85 
 
 The spoil his arms, and thus exulting said : 
 
 " Lie thus : 'tis not for such as thou to dare 
 " Contend with those who boast descent from Jove: 
 " Thou saidst, indeed, a river gave thee birth ; 
 " I mine derive from Jove. Peleus my sire, 19Q 
 f' Chief of the Myrmidons from iEacus ; 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 233 
 
 ^' And iEacus from Jove his lineage boasts : 
 
 ^^ From Jove, superior fer to every stream 
 
 ^' That pours his flood ; and rushes to the sea^ 
 
 ^^ The race of Jove all rivers doth excel; 195 
 
 '^ Nor may this river near thee aught avail, 
 
 " Or dare contend with high Saturnian Jove : 
 
 " Not Achelous may with Jove compare, 
 
 " Of mighty rivers chief: not Ocean's self, 
 
 " With all his floods ; from whom all streams their 
 
 u 
 
 source. 
 
 200 
 
 " All springs, all fountains, and all seas derive ; 
 " Yet doth he fear the thunderbolt of Jove, 
 •" And tremble when from heav'n the crash de- 
 " scends." 
 He spake; and from the bank drew forth his spear, 
 And left him on the sands of life depriv'd ; 205 
 
 Wash'd by the waves, to fishes now a prey ; 
 Who in the waters all his limbs devour'd. 
 Xhen rush'd he on the fam'd Maeonian horse, 
 Who by the margin of Scamander's stream 
 Stood trembling, when they saw their valiant chief, 
 Ifhus by Achilles' slain : these he assail'd. 210 
 
 Then Mydon and Thersilochus he slew. 
 And Ophelestes, and Astypylus, 
 Mnesus and Thrasius, and ^Enius ; 
 
IM 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 xxr. 
 
 mE ILIAD. 
 
 sai 
 
 ^ 
 
 (C 
 
 ζζ 
 
 And more had slain; when the indignant streana. 
 In form a man, Pelides thus addressed : ai6 
 
 " In courage and in bold injurious acts, 
 ** Ο first of men Achilles, by some god 
 " Assisted ever ; if it be that Jove 
 " Hath destm'd every Trojan chief to fell ^20 
 
 By thee, yet far from hence thy victims drive; 
 
 With slaughtered heaps my pleasant stream is fiU'd; 
 * Nor may I bear my tribute to the sea 
 *^ EncumbVed thus : such numbers thou hast slain, 
 " I stand amaz'd: Ο cease, illustrious chief!'' 225 
 
 Achillas answ'red: " Even as thou say'st, 
 " Scamander, stream divine ; yet cease I not 
 " To slay the Trojans till within their wdk 
 ** I shut them up, and with their mighty chief 
 " Hector contend for victory, or death.** 230 
 
 Thus he ; and angry rush'd upon the foe. 
 To Phcebus then the gulfy river spake: 
 
 ** Ο son of Jove, god of the silver bow, 
 " Dost thou neglect the counsel of high Jove 
 " To thee addressed, that thou shouldst aid the cause 
 •^ Of Troy, till evening shade the fertile earth r** 5^ 
 
 He spake : when from the bank Achilles arm'd 
 Leap'd in midstream : the indignant flood \^ith rage 
 Boiling, his various waters pourd around 
 
 With bellowing noise, and cast forth all his dead 
 Slain by Achilles ; but the living sav'd, 341 
 
 Hid in the hollows of his gulfy shore : 
 The pointed wave high rais'd around the chief 
 Dash*d on his shield ; nor found he where to rest 
 His feet, so swelFd the flood : an elm he grasp'd. 
 His last support ; the lofty tree to earth 246 
 
 Fell prone by root uptom, and damm'd the stream. 
 From bank to bank extended as a bridge. 
 Upsprang the chief from forth the whelming floods 
 Not unalarm'd, and sought the distant plain : 250 
 Nor ceas'd Scamander, but with force increas'd 
 His black'ning wave roll'd onward to repress 
 Achilles' might, and turn him back from Troy. 
 Forth sprang Pelides distant as the flight 
 Of well-thrown spear, darting with eagle's force. 
 The strongest and the swiftest bird of air: f 56 
 
 So rush'd he : on his chest the radiant arms 
 Rang dreadful as he fled with course oUique ; 
 Him foUow'd thundVing on the swelling flood. 
 
 As when the husbandman conducts a stream s6o 
 From fountain clear his tender plants among ; 
 Scoops with his spade the channel, and TiemovQa 
 Each obstacle, still onward as it flows 
 
236 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 237 
 
 
 Γ ' 
 
 % 
 
 ^'H 1 
 
 1^ 
 
 I 
 
 MurmVing the pebbles o'er; now swift it pourg 
 Down the steep bank, nor waits his guiding hand : 
 So the swift stream out-strippd Achilles* speed. 
 Though swift; for man may not with gods con- 
 tend : 
 Oft as he turn'd to stem the opposing flood. 
 And learn if all the powVs of heav η combind 
 Adverse, so oft the foaming water pour'd 270 
 
 His shoulders o'er : upward he sudden sprang 
 Hopeless; the whelming mischief all his strength 
 Subdued ; the slimy ooze his feet deceived. 
 Then mournful thus to heav'n he urg'd his pray'r: 
 " Ο mighty Jove! and do I thus in vain 275 
 " Seek refuge from the flood ? All other ills, 
 " Save but from this, I patient will endure. 
 " Yet of the pow'rs above I none may blame 
 " But Thetis, who her son hath thus deceivd, 
 '^ Foretelling death beneath the Trojan walls 280 
 " By PhcBbus' shafts. Ο might I rather fall 
 " By Hector's spear than thus inglorious die, *l 
 " Like some mean peasant in«a ford overwhelmed, 
 " By sudden tempest swoln beyond its bounds!" 
 He spake: him Neptune, him Minerva heard ; 
 And near approaching in the form of men, 286 
 
 With b^nds upheld^ and comforted with words : 
 The potent god of ocean thus began : 
 
 " Let not or fear or dread thy mind assail, 
 " Pelides, such assistance we will give^ 290 
 
 *^ Pallas and I ; for Jove that aid approves t 
 " 'Tis not decreed that thou shouldst perish here 
 '^ A wat'ry death ; soon shall Scamander c:ease, 
 *^ Thyself shalt see it : but attend our words, 
 " And prudently obey. Cease not from war 295 
 " Till thou shalt have enclos'd within their walls 
 " The flying Trojans, and have Hector slain 
 *^ In combat : then in safety to thy ships 
 " Thou mayst return ; such honour we will give." 
 
 Thus having said^ the friendly pow'rs return d 300 
 The gods among : then onward mov'd the chief 
 Encourag'd by their voice divine, and sought 
 The distant plain, now fiU'd and cov'red o'er 
 With waters deep, and arms of chieftains slain. 
 And bodies numerous : inspir'd with strength 305 
 He stemm'd the opposing flood, and urg'd his course. 
 Nor ceas'd Scamander, but with added rage 
 Incens'd, still higher rais'd his swelling flood ; 
 And thus his speech to Simois address'd : 
 
 " Brother, united we may check perchance 310 
 " This chief, ere he demolish sacred Troy ; 
 
ί^ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILlADi 
 
 •*'*!: 
 
 ;; i 
 
 t€ 
 
 U 
 
 if 
 
 tc 
 
 * The Trojans novr no more his force resist. 
 
 Then quickly lend thy aid ; and from their source 
 Thy torrents and thy various streams collect : 
 '' Raise all thy floods ; the rocky fr^ments roll, 
 ^^ And trees uprooted, till we queU the might 
 " Of this dread chief, who with success elate 
 *' Dares with immortals to contend in arms. 
 Nor shall his strength, nor arms, nor form divine 
 Avail : but soon within my oozy bed 320 
 
 " He shall, for ever lost and covVed o'er, 
 " Sink in the depth of sand ; nor shall the Greeb 
 " Collect his bones : there buried shall he lie ; 
 « There make his grave ; there find his sepulchre: 
 *' Nor other funeral rites shall Greece beatow." 325 
 
 He spake ; and on the chief his roaring flood 
 With foam and blood and bodies of the slain 
 High-swoln, indignant pour'd : the purple wave 
 Uprais'd in air bore swift the chief along. 
 
 Then Juno shrieking trembled, lest opprest 330 
 Achilles perish in the gulfy flood. 
 And thus hfer son addressed : '' Vulcan, my son, 
 " Exert thy powV ; for to thy arm oppos'd 
 '' Xanthus contends in war: haste, lend thy aid 
 '' With utmost speed, and light the blaze of fire : 
 I from the sea will summon every blast 336 
 
 2SS 
 
 " Quick from the stormy south, that ikr and wide 
 " The flames miay spread devouring, and consume 
 " The Trojans and their arms ; then on the banks 
 " Of Xanthus rage, and burn each lofty tree; 340 
 " And let him feel thy force ; nor suffer him 
 ** By soft and soothing worlds, or threats, to chtngb 
 " The purpose of thy iuind : cease not thy force, 
 " Till urg'd by me to stay the raging flames." 
 
 She spake : and Vulcan kindled all his fires. 345 
 First on the plain they buirht, and many dead 
 Consum'd, whom fierce Achilles whilom slew : 
 Dried was the plain, and check'd the rising wave. 
 As when forth issuing from the parching north. 
 The autumnal blast the watered garden dries, 350 
 Gladd'ning the husbandman ; thus the whole plain 
 Was parch'd, and all the slain by fire consum'd. 
 Now Vulcan to the river tum'd the flames ; 
 And elms and willows burn'd, and tamarisks. 
 Alder and lotus, and the cypress tall, 356 
 
 Which numberless the pleasant stream adorn*d : 
 Scorch'd were the finny tribes which wont to sport 
 Within the stream, subdued by Vulcan's force : 
 The river laboured too, and thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Vulcan, no pow'r may well thy force withstand; 
 '' No longer I contend : cease then thy flames, S6\ 
 
 ρ 
 
 
 '^\ 
 
 % 
 
 l-'-i ! 
 it * , 
 
 Λ % 
 
 ... f 
 
 fi 
 
240 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ψ" 
 
 mif•' 
 
 xxt. 
 
 Μ. 
 
 ^' Add let Achilles from the city drive 
 
 " The routed Trojans : I henceforth nor move 
 
 " With thee contention, nor their cause assist." 
 
 Thus Xanthus burning spoke ; and all his streams 
 Boird from the heat intense. As on the fire 366 
 The helated cauldron melts the lard within 
 Of the well-fatted boar, whilst on all sides 
 Surrounding flames suflScient heat supply, 
 Fed by cleft wood well dried ; thus urg d by fire 
 The bubbling stream boil'd vehement, nor held 371 
 Its usual course, impeded by the rage 
 Of Vulcan potent god: when thus his pray'r 
 To Juno he addressed : ^' Why doth thy son, 
 " Juno, my stream invade, and pain me thus SJS 
 ^^ Above all others ? nor have I incurred 
 " Peculiar blame ; for many aid the caus^ 
 " Of Troy : but speak the word, and I desist. 
 ^' Stay then thy son : I with an oath Confirm 
 " Never from Troy to ward the fetal day, 380' 
 
 " Tbo' Greece surround her with devouring flames.** 
 Well pleas'd the goddess heard, and thus her sori 
 Bespoke : " Vulcan, my son, desist ; nor let 
 " A god such ills endure for mortal men." 
 
 She spake: when Vulcan all his fires suppress'd. 
 And the fair stream his wonted course pursued. 386 
 
 β^ 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 2U 
 
 Thus Xanthus ceas'd subdued ; and Vulcan staid 
 His fires, by Juno, though incens'd, constrain'd. 
 
 Now fell contention sway'd the immortal pow'rs. 
 To different sides inclined : with dreadful noise Sgo 
 They rush'd to arms : earth trembled at the sound ; 
 The brazen clangour rent the vault of heav n. 
 Jove heard the conflict on Olympus' height 
 Sitting; and joy'd to see the battle rise. 
 Nor long the interval ; tempestuous Mars 395 
 
 Thus with reproachfiil words Pallas addressed: 
 
 '' Detested insect ! why dost thou again 
 " Audacious thus the gods incite to war ? 
 " Or dost thou now forget that thou didst urge 
 " Tydides to assail me with his spear; 400 
 
 '' And openly didst guide the weapon on, 
 i' And a deep wound inflict ? Now shalt thou pay, 
 '' And dearly too, the wrongs thy rage hath done.- 
 
 He spake ; and on the dreadful aegis smote. 
 Which not the lightning of Saturnian Jove 405 
 Might pierce: on this blood-stained Mars with spear 
 Smote vehement: but Pallas stepping back 
 A stone uprais'd huge, craggy, ponderous. 
 Of dusky hue, which men of ancient days 
 Had fix'd a landmark ; this high pois'd in air 4lo 
 On Mars she hurl'd ; the rocky fragment struck 
 
 VOL. II. R 
 
242 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 «* ί 
 
 His neck^ and instant levell'd to the ground 
 His wondrous length o*er many an acre stretch'd ; 
 And all his hair polluted in the dust : 
 His armour rang terrific. Pallas smil'd, 415 
 
 And thus exulting: " Know'st thou not as yet, 
 ^^ Insensate! that my strength thy force exceeds? 
 " Yet me thou dar'st oppose : the Furies thus 
 " Revenge thy mother's anger for the aid 
 " Thou giv'st to perjur'd Troy, deserting Greece." 
 She spake ; and turned the brightness of her eyes 
 To other views : but Venus by the hand 
 Conducted Mars apart; scarce breathing yet. 
 And labouring hard; so vehement the stroke. 
 Juno perceiv d, and Pallas thus address'd : 42S 
 
 " And dost thou notice with what shameless mien 
 '• She from the conflict leads destructive Mars, 
 " Not the first time ? But do thou follow her." 
 
 Thus spake she ; nor Minerva disobey'd. 
 But gladly followed ; and with pow'rful hand 430 
 Smote Venus on the breast : the goddess fell 
 Fainting; so both lay stretch'd upon the ground. 
 When Pallas thus with taunting words : " May all 
 '^ Meet the same fate who aid the cause of Troy, 
 " Warring with Greece! Were they as bold withal 
 " As Venus, and as kind and gentle too 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ί•: 
 
 243 
 
 fC 
 
 " In aid of Mars 'gainst my superior force, 
 '^ We had long since desisted from the war; 
 '' The Trojan city taken and destroy'd." 
 She spake : the Queen of heav'n with smiles ap- 
 Prov'd. 440 
 
 Neptune meantime Apollo thus bespoke : 
 " Why stand we thus apart ? It is not well, 
 " When others have begun, that we return 
 " To heav n's high seat the contest unessay'd : 
 
 Begin, for thou art younger far than I ; 445 
 
 " Jt were in me unseemly, who in years 
 " Exceed and wisdom. Doth no sense of wrongs, 
 '^ Wrongs which we only of the heav nly pow'rs 
 ^^ Endur'd, by Jove to proud Laomedon 
 " Made subject ; do not these thy anger move; 450 
 '' When through the year we labour'd, and for hire? 
 '' I built the city and the walls of Troy, 
 •* Impregnable and fair, at his command ; 
 '' Whilst thou, Apollo, 'midst the fertile vales 
 " Of wooded Ida numerous flocks didst feed : 455 
 " But when the grateful hours brought on the time 
 " Of payment, then Laomedon dismiss'd 
 " With menaces and mulct'd us of our hire. 
 *^ Thee bound he threat'ned in some distant isle 
 " To sell ; and of our ears both to deprive. 460 
 
 R 2 
 
 *. ί 
 
 . if 
 
 I it ■ 
 
 3'i 
 
i|f - 
 
 244 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 
 ii 
 
 Ci 
 
 (e 
 
 " Back we return'd, indignant that our pay 
 
 " And due rewards were wrongfully withheld. 
 
 " Dost thou for this defend the Trojan cause; 
 
 *^ Nor with us strive to punish this offence, 
 
 " And utterly destroy the perjur'd race f" 465 
 
 Phoebus replied : " Imprudent you would deem 
 " Me^ Neptune, if for miserable men 
 " I should with you contend ; men, who as leaves 
 Now gaily flourish and consume the fruits 
 Of earth, now fade and die : desist we then 470 
 " From battle, and to them contention leave." 
 
 Thus saying he retir'd ; nor with the pow'r 
 Of ocean's god the contest dar'd withstand. 
 When thus Diana, huntress of the wood». 
 Her brother with severe rebuke address'd: 475 
 
 " And dost thou fly, Apollo, and resign 
 To Neptune unessay'd the victor's prize ? 
 Why dost thou bear in vain thy botv and shaft } 
 " Fool ! let us hear no more such idle boast, 
 " That thou with Neptune wouldst in arms con- 
 « tend." 480 
 
 Thus she : but Phoebus answer none return'd. 
 Then Juno angry, with reproachful words 
 The goddess huntress of the woods address'd : 
 " Impudent wretch ! how dost thou dare oppose 
 
 <c 
 
 <c 
 
 XXI. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 245 
 
 '' My powV ? It were a task full difiicult 
 
 ^' For thee to cope with me, though arm'd with bow 
 
 " And shafts: though mighty Jove hath giv'n thee 
 
 ^^ pow'r 
 " At pleasure to destroy the female world : 
 *' Far easier is it in the mountain heights 
 '' To slay the forest stag, or beast of prey, 49Q 
 
 " Than with superiors to contend in arms. 
 " But wouldst thou try the contest, near approach, 
 '^ And feel that strength you vainly dare oppose." 
 
 She spake; and seiz d her hands with potent grasp, 
 And took the bow which from her shoulders hung 
 Suspended, and with stroke unseemly smote 496 
 Each side her face, still laughing as she struck. 
 Oft as she turn'd herself to shun the blow. 
 The winged arrows from her quiver fell : 
 Then fled she weeping. As the timid dove, 500 
 Which from the falcon to some hollow cave 
 Escapes secure, not destin'd yet to die ; 
 Thus fled she weeping, and her arrows left. 
 But Mercury Latona thus address'd : 
 I with the wives of cloud-compelling Jove 505 
 Fight not: go then and make thy boast that thou 
 By force of arms hast conqu'red Mercury." 
 He spake : meantime Latona, from the ground 
 
 cc 
 
 iC 
 
 i( 
 
 
 I 
 
 -i 
 
 ^ I ■ 
 
 % 
 i - 
 
 ξ, ^ » 
 
 Iff- ' i 
 
 i -*■. 
 
 ;,.»:» 
 
 "O 
 
246 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxr.- 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 The bow and arrows scatfred in the dust 
 Collecting for her daughter, went her way. 510 
 
 But Dian at the sacred seat of Jove 
 Weeping arriv'd, and fearful touched his knees : 
 Her vest ambrosial trembled as she spake 
 In supplicating mood. Saturnian Jove 
 Embracd, and with a smile thus questioned her: 
 
 " Say who, my child, of all the heav nly pow'rs 
 '' Hath wrought thee ill, as having done amiss ?" 
 
 To whom the huntress crescent-crown'd replied: 
 " Father, thy wife Juno hath injur'd me; 
 " From whom all strife in heav'n and discord come.'* 
 Thus they held converse. But to sacred Troy 521 
 Apollo hastened, to defend her walls 
 V His care ; lest on that day the Grecian host. 
 Though Fates themselves forbad, should storm the 
 
 town. 
 The other deities, these much displeased ; 325 
 
 Exulting those, went to Olympus' height, 
 And took their seats by cloud-compelling Jove. 
 
 With undistinguished rage Achilles mov'd, 
 And men and horses fell. As when the smoke 
 Of some large city overwhelm'd in flames 53d 
 
 Ascends the skies— a punishment from heav'n,*- 
 Sore labour all aflilicts and various ilk ; 
 
 XXI• 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ^41 
 
 cc 
 
 ic 
 
 So ills and labours every Trojan mind 
 Oppressed, when mov'd Achilles o'er the plain. 
 
 But Priam from the sacred tow'r descried 534 
 Achilles, and the routed host of Troy 
 Flying resistless saw : from the high tow'r 
 The monarch quick descending hast'ned on, 
 And sorrowing, at the gates the guard address'd : 
 '' Open the gates that our afflicted host 540 
 
 May come within the walls : Achilles near 
 Approacheth ; much I dread some dire event : 
 " When safe within our walls the royted troops 
 '' Shall breathe awhile ; with bolts make fi^t the gatey 
 " Lest that most terrible of men burst through." 
 
 He spake ; and they the massy bars remov'd ; 546 
 The open gates gave refuge to the host. 
 Then issued forth Apollo to the plain 
 To aid the Trojans ; who with toil fordone. 
 Wearied with thirst, the dusty plain along 550 
 
 Fled tow'rd the city. Them with lifted spear. 
 Panting for glory, and with vengeance fir'd, 
 Achilles still pursued : and then had Troy 
 Perish'd, but Phoebus to the battle rous d 
 Antenor s valiant son, and fir'd his breast 555 
 
 With more than wonted courage. Near the youth 
 Apollo took his stand, in clouds involv'd 
 
 
 ^1 
 
 mm- 
 
 If 
 
 t 
 
 11 
 
 :'%'mh 
 
 it 
 
 ,t ^ «It*- # 
 
 f« 
 
4 
 
 
 1 
 
 248 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxr. 
 
 56o 
 
 <c 
 
 565 
 
 To ward destruction oflF: when seen from far. 
 And known Achilles terrible in arms, 
 Agenor staid his course ; and in his heart 
 Debating much, indignant commun'd thus : 
 '' What ! because others fly confus'd, shall I, 
 '' Fearing Achilles, turn me to base flight. 
 
 And fall inglorious by his conqu'ring arm ? 
 " Or leaving these all-routed as they are 
 To perish by his sword, shall I fly hence. 
 And refuge seek in Ida's thickest woods ; 
 " And in the river bath'd, at eventide 
 ^^ Return in safety to the Trojan walls ? 
 '' But why such abject thoughts? Shall he not quick 
 " Perceive, and swifter far arrest my flight ? 571 
 " Then should I not escape disgraceful death 
 " From him whose strength exceeds the strength of 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 man. 
 
 '' What and if here before the city walls 
 " I dare the attack ; is he not mortal too ; 573 
 
 " To wounds obnoxious, with one soul inspired, 
 '' Though now by partialJove with glory crown'd?" 
 
 He spake; and all his force collecting stood. 
 And darM his mighty foe. The panther thus 
 Forth rushes from her den in covert thick, 580 
 
 And dares the hunter, nor regards nor fears 
 
 ■- 1 
 
 XXT. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 249 
 
 The clamour of the hounds; nor pierc'd with wounds 
 Abates her force, but seeks revenge, or death. 
 
 Thus brave Antenor's son all flight disdain d. 
 But stood prepared to meet Achilles' force : 585 
 With shield advanced before him, and with spear 
 High pois'd in air, he loudly thus exclaim'd : 
 
 ^^ This day and idly too, illustrious chief, 
 " Thou dost anticipate the fall of Troy : 
 " Yet ere she fall much woe must be endur'd; 590 
 " For we are many who inhabit there 
 " Valiant and brave, who for our parents, wives, 
 '^ And children, will her sacred walls defend : 
 ^' Now meet thy fate, all-dreadful as thou art.'' 
 
 He spake ; and hurPd with vehemence his spear; 
 Nor miss'd his aim, but smote Achilles' knee : 595 
 The well- wrought greaves resounded from the stroke: 
 The weapon back recoil'd, nor pierc'd the chief 
 In arms divine secure, the gift of heav'n. 
 
 Then rose the might of Peleus' warlike son, 600 
 Who on Agenor rush'd. The god of day 
 Swift interposed, and in a cloud involv'd 
 The Trojan chief, and safe convey'd away : 
 Then with deceitful art to turn aside 
 Achilles far from Troy, himself the form 6o5 
 
 Assumed in all things of Antenor's son, 
 
 1 
 
 if 
 
 '■r f-, ' 
 
 hi-'f 
 
 i* 
 
 *>Α 
 
 51 9 
 
 If W 
 
 :r,: 
 
 i Sp 
 
τ- 
 Λ ' 
 
 "ι ϊ* 
 
 
 25α 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 . i= 
 
 And feign'd retreat : Achilles onward rush'd. 
 Whilst he thus eager follow'd o'er the plain. 
 Declining towards Scamander s gulfy stream, 
 Phoebus mov'd on deceitful just before. 
 Tempting pursuit, and luring with false hope• 
 
 Meantime the Trojans to the city fled 
 Confus'd in numbers, joyful to repose 
 Within the walls, which hardly might contain 
 The fugitives ; scarce one remained without. 
 Such terror reign'd ; nor any dar'd inquire 
 Who fled, who fell : but pour'd into the town. 
 Joyful whose swiftness might ensure escape, 
 
 XXI. 
 
 6io 
 
 6l5 
 
 XXII« 
 
 THE ILIAI>. 
 
 251 
 
 BOOK XXII. 
 
 So fled they fearful as the timid fawns 
 
 To Troy; and, cleansing off the sweat and dust. 
 
 Lean d on the battlements and took repast. 
 
 The Greeks meantime, well cov'red with their shields 
 
 Press'd onward to the walls : but adverse fate 5 
 
 Fix'd at the Scaean gate the chief of Troy. 
 
 When to Achilles thus Apollo spake : 
 
 '' Why dost thou, son of Peleus, swift of foot. 
 Mortal thyself pursue immortal speed; 
 Nor dost perceive that all thy rage is vain K> 
 
 " Against a god ? or dost thou not regard 
 " The flying Trojans, now within their walls 
 " Secure ; whilst thou hast turn'd aside to slay 
 " Me, nothing subject to mortality f" 
 
 With indignation Peleus' son replied : 15 
 
 '' Thou hast deceiv'd me, Phoebus, of the gods 
 " Most hostile ever, from the Trojan walls 
 Hither my course diverting ; or no few 
 ^^ Had bit the ground or ere at Troy arriv'd : 
 
 <c 
 
 ζζ 
 
 f. 1 ΓΛίΙ 
 
 
 j MfcBsujffla^rr #11 iii^fflf fr ■-•^- — I 
 
252 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxu. 
 
 'f; 
 
 
 ί.%•• 
 
 " My honour thou hast stain'd; and these hast sav'd 
 
 '^ With ease, unapprehensive of revenge. 
 
 " Had I the pow'r thou shouldst not so escape.** 
 
 He spake ; and to the city took his way 
 With lofty strides. As in the chariot race 
 The victor steed flies to the distant goal 25 
 
 Eager; thus o'er the plain Achilles rush'd. 
 
 Him Priam first perceiv'd. Like to that star 
 Autumnal, at midnight resplendent most 
 The stars among, by men Orion's Dog 
 Nam'd, of disease portentous, and of ills 30 
 
 To miserable man ; thus glitt'ring shone 
 Achilles' radiant arms as on he mov'd, 
 
 The venerable king with lifted hands 
 Smote on his reverend head, and deeply groan'd, 
 A suppliant to his son ; who at the gate 35 
 
 Unmov'd remain'd, and dar'd the doubtful war 
 With Peleus' son : him with extended hands. 
 And words of bitter woe, his sire address'd : 
 
 " Hector, my son belov'd, wait not this man 
 ** Alone, unaided ; lest you meet your doom, 40 
 Slain by Achilles mightier far than thou. 
 Unhappy 1 did alas the heav'nly pow'rs 
 *' Esteem him but as I, full soon the dogs 
 " And vultures should devour his prostrate corpse; 
 
 €C 
 
 cc 
 
 xxu. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 ^53 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 {ζ 
 
 ίζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 And Ι should be reliev'd from mighty woes ; 
 For many brave and valiant sons of mine 
 By him were slain, or sold to distant isles. 
 Nor Polydorus, nor Lycaon now 
 These eyes behold, escap'd within our walls, 
 " Whom fair Laothoe first of women bare : 50 
 
 If in the Grecian camp they live ; with brass, 
 With gold we joyful will their ransom pay, 
 With treasures which the venerable sage 
 Altes in dow'r with fair Laothoe gave. 
 " But if already slain, and to the realms 55 
 
 " Of death consign'd, then must we grieve indeed, 
 " His mother and myself: but less by far 
 
 The grief of Troy shouldst thou from death escape. 
 Oh ! enter then, my son, our walls, and save 
 The Trojan people ; nor to this dread foe 60 
 Thy life expose, and swell the victor's fame. 
 Pity thy father still to keenest sense 
 Of ills alive, whom, on the extremest verge 
 Of life, Saturnian Jove hath giv'n to feel 
 " And perish under trials most severe : — • G5 
 
 Sons slain in battle ! daughters captive made ! 
 The nuptial bed profan'd by Grecian hands I 
 " And infants in the dreadful contest slain, 
 " And dash'd upon the ground ! Me last the dogs 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζί 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 f 
 
 Ί' 
 
 fe.C ;' 
 
 m 
 

 254 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Sf . '' 
 
 
 
 
 ki-i 
 
 If» . 
 
 cc 
 
 £tf 
 
 c^ 
 
 €ζ 
 
 " Shall at our gates devour, of life deprived 
 By sword or spear. Dogs, fed and nourished 
 Within my palace to defend the doors, 
 *^ Shall lick their master's blood, to madness urg*d 
 The spacious courts around. When young to fall 
 In battle, by the sword or spear transfixt, 75 
 
 " Doth well become, is honourable death ; 
 " But when the hoary head of age lies low 
 *^ Unseemly slain, cast to his dogs a prey ; 
 " Most wretched this to miserable man!*' 
 
 Thus Priam spoke, and from his hoary head 80 
 Pluck'd off the hairs ; yet might he not prevail. 
 Next his fond mother pour'd the flood of tears. 
 And bared her breast, and by that breast implor'd; 
 And weeping thus : ^* Hector, my son, revere 
 " This breast which oft hath luU'd thy infant cries. 
 " Remember, and have pity on my tears ; 86 
 
 Thy mother hear. Ο come within our walls 
 And guard us there ! nor brave this dreadful foe. 
 Unhappy I should he slay thee; nor thy wife 
 ^' Andromache, nor I, o'er the sad bier 90 
 
 Shall mourn thy youth : but far, ah! far from us, 
 Dogs will devour thee at the Grecian ships." 
 Thus wept they, and with pray'rs their much- 
 lov'd son 
 
 (C 
 
 iC 
 
 C( 
 
 f( 
 
 iC 
 
 XXII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 255 
 
 Implor'd ; but all in vain— still firm he stood. 
 And waited his approach. As in his cave 95 
 
 The mountain-serpent, with the baneful juice 
 Of noxious herbs full-gorg'd, and fell with ire. 
 The traveller awaits, with hideous looks 
 Terrific, coiPd within his lurid den ; 
 So Hector's mighty soul disdain'd retreat. 100 
 
 Resting his shield against the battlements 
 Thus commun'd he, indignant : '' Shall I then 
 '' Retire within the walls, and meet the taunts 
 " And keen reproaches of Polydamas ; 
 '' Who first advis'd to lead the Trojan host 105 
 ^' Back to our city, on that fatal night 
 " When rose the might of Peleus' warlike son, 
 " And I refus'd ? Yet better had it been. 
 " But since my folly hath destructive prov'd, 
 '' I fear this deep rebuke from one less brave : 1 10 
 « ' Hector's self-confidence hath lost us all ;' 
 Thus they will say. Then is it better far 
 To fight, if haply I Achilles slay ; 
 Or in the glorious conflict greatly fall. 
 " What if I throw aside my glitt'ring arms, 1 15 
 " My shield and spear, and go to meet this chief 
 " Achilles, and agree to render back 
 " Helen, and all the treasures which to Troy 
 
 (( 
 
 <c 
 
 a 
 
 
 ;; -I 
 
 -Ik,• 
 
 .. Λ>-^.^. -'^,^ΛΜΛΝίίΛ^ Λ. !> 
 
3V' ;• 
 
 Β•??-•: 
 
 256 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧΠ. 
 
 xxn. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 it***' 
 
 *^ Paris convey d, the cause of this dread war! 
 
 " These to the sons of Atreus : to the Greeks 120 
 
 *^ Besides, whate'er our city may contain 
 
 " In just division ; by an oath confirm'd 
 
 ^^ That nothing of our treasure is concealed ? 
 
 *^ But why these idle thoughts ? He will not hear 
 
 *^ What I entreat ; he will not pity me, ^ 1 25 
 
 *^ But slay me unresisting, all-unarm'd. 
 
 *^ No time for parley now ; as from the cave, 
 
 ^^ Or oak, the nymphs and swains sweet converse 
 
 " hold ; 
 " For nymphs and swains hold mutual converse oft: 
 " War then, fierce war be ours ; that we may know 
 " To which great Jove gives glory and renown." 
 Thus thoughtful commun'd he: meantime ad- 
 vanc'd 
 
 Achilles, like the impetuous god of war. 
 High brandishing the dreadful Pelean spear. 
 Whose point resplendent shone like lightning's blaze, 
 Or burning fire, or as the orient sun. 136 
 
 Then trembled Hector, nor his near approach 
 Sustain d ; but fled, and left the Scaean gate : 
 Achilles swift pursued. As doth the hawk. 
 Fleetest of birds, pursue the fearful dove ; 140 
 
 Oblique she flies, he screaming forward springs. 
 
 257 
 
 Eager to seize : thtls rush'd Achilles on ; 
 
 Thus Hector fled ; and by the Trojan wall 
 
 Mov'd swiftly on. The watch-tow'r now they pass ; 
 
 Now by the fig-tree gain beneath the wall 145 
 
 A road of public use ; now to the head 
 
 And sources came they of Scamander's stream : 
 
 Two springs burst forth ; this warm, and as with fire 
 
 Steaming ; but that in highest summer cold 
 
 As hail, or gelid snow, or ice congeal'd. 150 
 
 Near these were form'd two cisterns large and fair. 
 
 Of polish'd stone, where erst their splendid robes 
 
 The Trojan females wash'd, ere yet arriv'd 
 
 The sons of Greece, when peace possess'd the land. 
 
 By these one fled though brave, and one pursued 
 
 Still braver far : no mean reward the prize, 155 
 
 Victim for sacrifice, or fatted beeve, 
 
 As usual in the race,— but Hector's life. 
 
 Swift as contending steeds they lightly ran, 
 
 When at some funeral game the tripod rare 160 
 
 Or captive damsel is the glorious prize. 
 
 Thrice circled they the walls of sacred Troy 
 With rapid feet ; the pow'rs of heav'n look'd down 
 Attentive : and thus spake Saturnian Jove : 
 
 " Ah me ! I see pursued yon walls around l65 
 
 VOL. II. α 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 %, 
 
 'SM ti& ri Bi ^liiSO i ^s iMitiSiBUam 
 

 * Μ 
 
 i 
 
 338 
 
 i 
 *.- % 
 
 J* " 
 fl-i' 
 
 i. ' 
 
 1 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXI!. 
 
 u 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <6 
 
 A man much-lov'd; for whom my heart doth 
 " grieve. 
 
 Hector ; who oft due sacrifice hath paid 
 
 On Ida's top, or in the citadel : 
 " Him doth Achilles swift of foot pursoe 
 " The city walls around. Consider then, 170 
 
 ^ Ye sovereign powVs, how best we may preserve 
 " From death, or slay him by Achilles' hand." 
 
 Pallas replied : " Ο Father ! from whose arm 
 *' The lightning flies, whose pow'r the storm con- 
 " trols, 
 
 " What hast thou said? Wouldst thou a mortal man 
 " Destin'd to die release again from death ? 176 
 " E'en so, if such thy will : yet know that we 
 The pow'rs of heav'n cannot but disapprove." 
 Her answ'red thus the Sire of gods and men : 
 " Fear not, Tritonia, daughter much-belov'd : 180 
 " Not such the purpose of our mind, to thee 
 " Kind and indulgent ever: be it then 
 " Even as thou wilt, and that without delay." 
 Thus Jove urg'd Pallas, of herself prepar'd ; 
 Who hasfned from Olympus' lofty top. 183 
 
 Achilles still the Trojan chief pursued 
 With unremitting force. As when the dog - 
 
 C6 
 
 XXtl. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 259 
 
 Pursues the fawn along the mountain's side, 
 Rous'd from her lair ; through wood and vales she 
 flies; 
 
 Now trembling seeks the covert of the brake, 190 
 Conceal'd awhile : he still each step pursues 
 Secure, nor aught remits till seiz'd his prey : 
 Thus might not Hector from the swift pursuit 
 Of Peleus' son escape ; oft as the gates 
 And well-built tow'rs the Trojan chief approach'd, 
 If friendly shafts perchance their aid might lend. 
 Him oft Achilles with preventive speed 
 Forc'd to the plain again, and turn'd aside; 
 Though ever bent the city to regain. 
 As when in slumbers men with pain pursue, 200 
 And fly with pain ; with diflSculty this 
 Pursues, and this flies with diflSculty : 
 So might not this o'ertake, nor that evade. 
 How did the chief thus long escape from death ? 
 Apollo interpos'd with aid divine, 205 
 
 His last kind oflSce; and his limbs with strength 
 Inspir'd, and added swiftness to his flight. 
 Meantime Achilles to the Grecian host 
 Made signal, nor permitted them to aim 
 Their hostile weapons at the Trojan chief, 210 
 
 And rob him of the fame and honour due. 
 
 s 3 
 
 ^r 
 
 ^^^W, ' 
 
 ■| 'i.f 
 
 
 
 f ^1 
 
 ^ --f 
 
 I fii 
 
f %■'.'. 
 
 
 ri Ϊ-* ■ 
 
 f. ' 
 
 26o 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 ϊ- 
 
 
 ff 
 
 But when again they to the fountains came, 
 
 Then mighty Jove his golden scales prepared : 
 
 Two lots therein presage of death he plac'd, 
 
 Of Hector and Achilles ; and the beam 215 
 
 With even hand suspended ; but the day, 
 
 The fatal day of Hector sank to earth, 
 
 To Hades ; and Apollo left the chief. 
 
 Then Pallas near approach'd, and to the son 
 Of Peleus thus in winged accents spoke : 220 
 
 " Now may we hope, indeed, illustrious chief, 
 " Safe to our fleet, and crown'd with endless fame, 
 " Victorious to return, great Hector slain. 
 *^ Nor may he now escape ; though at the feet 
 
 Of Jove Apollo should his suit prefer 225 
 
 Prostrate, and with repeated prayV entreat. 
 *^ Stop thou, and breathe awhile : I thither go 
 " To stay his flight, and urge him to the war." 
 
 Thus Pallas : her with joy Achilles heard. 
 And stay'd pursuit reclin'd against his spear. 230 
 Meantime the goddess Hector near approach'd. 
 In form and voice most like Deiphobus, 
 And thus the chief address'd : " Brother belov'd, 
 
 Prest by superior speed our walls around 
 
 By Peleus' warlike son, stay now thy flight ; 255 
 " And let our force united brave the foe." 
 
 (ζ 
 
 fS 
 
 <ζ 
 
 (C 
 
 XXII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 261 
 
 Hector replied : " Deiphobus, most dear 
 ^^ Of all my brothers, and by this kind act 
 ^^ Still more endear d ; who singly from the walls 
 '* Hast ventured forth, while others rest secure!" 240 
 
 Minerva answ'red : '' Much our father, much 
 ^^ Our mother did entreat me to remain, 
 ^^ So dreaded they Pelides : but my mind, 
 ^' Severely griev'd for thee, hath urg*d me forth. 
 ^^ Then let us on ; and, trusting to our spears, 245 
 ^^ Or bravely die, and yield our bloody arm» 
 " The victor's spoil; or slay our darings foe." 
 
 She spake ; and mov'd deceitful on before. 
 And now with hostile weapons near advanced 
 The chiefs ; when mighty Hector thus exclaim'd : 
 
 ^^ No longer, son of Peleus, do I fly. 251 
 
 ^' Thrice have I cours'd the Trojan walls around, 
 " Nor dar'd thy onset fierce ; but now my mind 
 ^* Bids me stand firm, and slay thee, or be slain. 
 " Attest we then the powVs of heav'n, the best 
 ^^ And surest witnesses ; — should Jove supreme 
 " Grant in this diflicult emprise success, 
 " No foul dishonour shall thy corpse pollute 
 " When fairn : thy glitt 'ring arms once made my 
 
 " spoil, 
 ^' Achilles, to the Grecian host again 260 
 
 " I will restore thee ; and do thou the same.'* 
 
 f 
 
 r 
 
262 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 f( 
 
 Achilles sternly looking, thus replied: 
 " Talk not to me of oath or covenant. 
 
 Thou whom my soul abhorreth : lions thus 
 With men, and wolves with lambs such compact 
 "hold, 
 
 " Who bear inveterate and eternal hate : 266 
 
 " So between us no friendship may subsist, 
 " No compact, till one fall, and with his blood 
 '' Satiate the god of war. Thy utmost skill 
 " Exert, for thou hast need ; and all thy strength 
 " Put on ; and summon all thy daring soul : 27 1 
 " Thou mayst not now escape ; for Pallas guides, 
 " Pallas directs my spear : now shalt thou pay, 
 '' And dearly too, my friends in battle slain." 
 
 He spake, and hurl'd his spear : the chief of Troy 
 Perceived, and shunn'd the stroke i the brazen spear 
 Pass'd over, and stood deep infixt in earth. 
 Pallas, by Hector unobserved, restor'd 
 To Peleus' son his spear ; but Hector thus 
 His mighty foe addressed : " Illustrious chief, 280 
 " Thy spear hath err'd. And is it thus the gods 
 " Inform'd thee of my fate ? for such thy speech : 
 " Or dost thou think by vain and boasting words 
 " To frighten me, that I forget to bear 
 " A soul undaunted ? Not in Hector's back 285 
 " Shalt thou inflict an ignominious wound ; 
 
 % - 
 
 m 
 
 XXII: 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 263 
 
 " Full in my bosom aim the deadly blow, 
 
 " If such the will of heav'n I But first this spear 
 
 " Avoid. Ο were it fix d within thy heart, 
 
 " Then would the toils of war be light indeed 290 
 
 " To Troy: thee slain, her great, her deadliest foe." 
 
 He spake, and hurl'd his spear : full on the shield 
 It smote, yet pierc'd it not ; but back recoil'd. 
 Hector, indignant that his spear in vain 
 Fled from his hand, stood motionless awhile ; 295 
 Then to the chief known by his whit'ned shield, 
 Deiphobus, exclaiming, ask'd a spear: 
 But no Deiphobus was near to aid. 
 Then knew he well, and said: " Ye pow'rs of heav'n, 
 " Now do ye summon Hector to his fate ! 300 
 
 " I thought, indeed, Deiphobus was near ; 
 " But he within our walls remains ; and I 
 *^ By Pallas am deceived. Now bitter death 
 " Comes on with hasty stride ; no refuge left ! 
 *^ Yet was I erst to Jove and Phoebus dear ; 305 
 " Who oft benevolent have interposed, 
 " And sav'd me from that fate which now impends. 
 
 Yet no ignoble death shall Hector meet. 
 
 Nor basely perish ; but some glorious act 
 *^ Shall mark his end ; and future times record." 
 
 Hie spake, and drew his sword which at his side 
 
 (ζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 |£ 
 
 I- 
 
264 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧΠ. 
 
 •4", - '■■ 
 
 Huge, pondVous hung, and turn'd himself around 
 Sudden. As stoops the lofty bird of Jove 
 Through the dark low'ring tempest to the plain. 
 And seizes or the lamb or timid hare ; 315 
 
 So Hector to the onset rapid mov'd. 
 
 Nathless Achilles, all his soul with race 
 Inflam'd, rush'd on, bearing his well- wrought shield 
 High-pois'd; whilst from his glitfring helmet shone 
 The waving crest of gold by Vulcan made 320 
 
 Resplendent. As that star the stars among 
 Hesperus, beaming through the midnight gloom. 
 Fairest of heav'n shines forth ; so glittVing shone 
 The spear his right hand aim'd. Achilles view'd 
 With searching eye where vulnerable most 325 
 Hector; but him the radiant arms, erewhile 
 Torn from Patroclus, covVed ο er secure ; 
 Save where the shoulder and the neck unite. 
 And surest death ensues : with certain aim 
 Just there Achilles fix'd the deadly wound, 330 
 And all his neck transfix d ; but utterance left 
 And pow'r of speech, though in the dust he Uy 
 Extended ; when the victor thus exclaim'd : 
 
 " Hector, secure thou didst esteem thyself, 
 " Clad in the spoils from brave Patroclus won; 335 
 '' Nor didst thou think of me : yet at the ships 
 
 XXII. 
 
 <c 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 265 
 
 I his avenger but remained awhile ; 
 ^' And I have slain thee, whom the dogs shall tear, 
 '' And birds ; him Greece united shall entomb." 
 
 With fainting spirits Hector thus replied: 340 
 " Ο hear a suppliant's prayV ! By thine own life, 
 " By thy lov'd parents I entreat thee, hear ! 
 " Nor give me at the ships to dogs a prey. 
 " Accept the gifts my venerable sire, 
 '' My mother will bestow ; gold, sculptured brass : 
 " Restore me to my friends : give me to share 346 
 ^' Those sacred rites which grateful Troy will pay." 
 
 Achilles sternly thus : " Entreat me not, 
 " Wretch as thou art, nor claim a suppliant's boon. 
 " Ο that the fury of my mind were such 350 
 
 " That nought but to devour thee could appease 
 '' My great revenge ! such mischief thou hast 
 
 ^^ wrought. 
 " Trust me, no pow'r shall save thee from the dogs: 
 " No ; should they offer twenty times so much, 
 " And promise more : would Priam give thy weight 
 " In gold, yet on thy melancholy bier 356 
 
 " No mother shall the son she bare lament; 
 " But dogs and birds shall all thy limbs devour," 
 
 Hector now dying, faintly thus replied : 
 " Too well indeed I knew, no pray'r of mine 360 
 
 i 
 ft 
 
 f 
 
 f. 
 
 ■fl- 
 
ii66 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 ^ 
 
 tc 
 
 <c 
 
 <c 
 
 " Could pity move in thy relentless breast : 
 Beware lest Heaven in revenge of me 
 Repay this wrong ; when Phoebus by the hand 
 Of Paris shall thy boasted strength subdue, 
 " And stretch thee breathless at the Sc^an gate." 
 
 He spake ; and darkness clos'd his eyes in death : 
 His spirit to the gloomy mansions fled, 
 
 To Pluto's realm ; health, vigour, beauty gone ! 
 
 Him dead thus Peleus' mighty son address'd: 
 " Die thou ! When Jove and other powVs of heav η 
 " Ordain, I bravely too will meet my fate.'* 371 
 He spake ; and from the dead drew forth his spear. 
 And plac'd it on the ground ; then seiz'd the arms 
 Blood-stain'd. The Grecian youth collected round. 
 The stature and the manly form admire 375 
 
 Of Hector ; then inflict unseemly wounds. 
 And thus are heard to say : " How gentle now 
 " Hector! how mild, to him who fir'd'our ships!" 
 Thus did they say, and gave the unmanly wound. 
 
 And now the son of Peleus seiz d the spoil, 380 
 And thus the Greeks address'd : " Friends, coun- 
 
 ^^ sellors, 
 " And mighty chiefs of Greece, that man is slain, 
 " So heav*n ordain d, who greater ills hath wrought 
 '^ Than Troy collected : let us at their walls 
 
 'S .-r 
 
 s^i»jai.tat!^iiL...-i. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 267 
 
 JU 
 
 u 
 
 ge 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 €ζ 
 
 All-arm'd demand, whether they still defend 
 The city. Hector slain ; or to our arms 
 The citadel yield up.— Yet, Ο my soul! 
 Why commune thus ? Unwept, unburied lies 
 " Patroclus at our ships ; whom whilst I hve 
 ^' And move on earth I never may forget : 390 
 
 '' And though amongst the dead in Pluto's realm 
 
 Oblivion holds her sway, yet even there, 
 " My valued friend, I will remember thee. 
 ^' Return we to our ships, and bear our prize, 
 *^ And joyful paeans sing. We have achiev'd 395 
 Great glory ; we have slain the chief of Troy 
 Hector, by Trojans honoured as a god." 
 Thus spake he ; and unworthy ills prepar'd 
 For Hector. First the tendons of his feet 
 He pierc'd, then bound with thongs, and to the car 
 Tied fast; his head still trailing on the ground. 
 Then seated in his car, where plac'd the spoils. 
 He urg'd along his not unwilling steeds : 
 The dust in clouds uprose : then all his hair 
 And head were cov'red o'er in shameful guise, 405 
 So comely once ; till Jove in anger gave 
 To meet dishonour in his native land : 
 Thus was his head polluted in the dust. 
 Then his fond mother tore her hair away, 
 
 Λ 
 ■Λ 
 
 
268 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxir. 
 
 
 4 
 
 cc 
 
 <( 
 
 cc 
 
 Threw ofFher veil, and rais'd the cry of woe. 
 When view'd her son : his aged father wept ; 
 Nor less the people through the city mourn'd 
 With loud lament ; as though devouring flames 
 All Ilium with her lofty tow'rs involv'd. 
 
 But chiefly Priam : him within the walls 415 
 Scarce might his friends detain ; prostrate he lay 
 Roird in the dust, and each by turns addressed : 
 " Ο now forbear ! Ο suffer me alone 
 To pass the gates, that at the Grecian ships 
 I may entreat this harsh and daring man! 420 
 He may perchance have pity on my years ; 
 ^' For such his father Peleus, who hath rear'd 
 " This mighty mischief, this our deadly foe; 
 ^' To me most fatal ! Many sons I mourn 
 ^' Slain by his ruthless hand : yet I for none 425 
 ^' Such bitter grief endure— grief which must soon 
 ^^ To Pluto's realm this aching heart consign,— 
 ^' As I for Hector bear. Ο had he died 
 ^' But folded in these arms ! then had we mourn'd, 
 " His mother and myself, our dearest son ; 430 
 ^' And giveq to Sorrow all her sacred rites !" 
 Weeping he spake ; and all the city wept. 
 Then Hecuba her woe severe expressed : 
 ^' Ο why, my son, after such dreadful ills 
 
 -^ .β 
 
 ΧΧΠ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 4,i 
 
 269 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 " Endur d, do I still live now thou art gone, 
 " Pride of our house and guardian of our walls ! 
 
 Whom the fair daughters and the sons of Troy 
 
 Almost a god esteem'd ; for when alive 
 " Thou didst protect them all : now bitter death, 
 '^ And fate hath torn thee from our longing arms Γ* 
 
 Thus spake she weeping. But his blameless wife 
 Had not yet heard that at the Scaean gate 
 Hector remained : she in the deep recess 
 Retired of her high palace, plied the loom 
 Framing a vesture beautiful and large, 445 
 
 Twofold, adorn'd with work of various hue. 
 Just then the tepid bath she bade prepare. 
 When Hector from the battle should return : 
 Improvident ! no bath her Hector waits, 
 Slain by Minerva and Achilles' arm ! 450 
 
 Sudden she heard the piercing shriek of woe ; 
 Then trembled every limb ; and from her hand 
 Instant the shuttle fell ; and faintly thus 
 She to her maidens spoke : " Hither in haste 
 '' Attend me, two of you; I go to learn 453 
 
 '^ What this may be : my mother's voice I heard, 
 " The shriek οί woe. My heart leaps to my throat, 
 " And a cold chilling damp bedews my limbs; 
 " Some dreadful ill impends^ Ο be it far. 
 
 ί• 
 
 i 
 
 t- 
 
 ti 
 
270 
 
 THE ILIAU 
 
 ΧΧ1Ϊ• 
 
 
 
 
 't 
 
 " Far from me ! Yet I fear lest Peleus' son 
 
 " Hath Hector slain unaided and alone, 
 
 " Check'd all his force, and staid his brave career ; 
 
 " Accustom'd as he was to lead the war, 
 
 " And foremost dare the dangers of the field." 
 
 Thus spake she to her maidens ; and as one 465 
 Bereft of sense forth rush'd she from her house 
 With palpitating heart. Now at the tow'r 
 And throng arriv d, eager she look'd around : 
 Him she beheld unseemly dragg'd along 
 By the swift coursers to the Grecian fleet : 470 
 
 A sudden darkness swam before her eyes j 
 Backward she fell, and fainting sank to earth. 
 Then fell the radiant fillet from her head 
 The golden band and braid, the diadem 
 And veil, rare gift of Venus, on the day 475 
 
 When Hector led her from her father s house 
 With ample dowV enrich'd : around her stood 
 Her weeping sisters, whose assiduous care 
 Her fainting spirits scarce recalFd from death ; 
 When mingled sighs and words thus utterance found: 
 " Ah, miserable me! in evil hour, 48O 
 
 Hector, we both were born : in sacred Troy 
 In Priam's palace thou ; but I, alas! 
 In Hypoplacian Thebes, nurtur'd with care 
 
 iC 
 
 €C 
 
 (ζ 
 
 s ., 
 
 . Μ 
 
 XXIL 
 
 THE ILIAD* 
 
 271 
 
 iC 
 
 (( 
 U 
 
 CC 
 
 is 
 
 tc 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 ii 
 
 (C 
 C( 
 
 c< 
 
 iC 
 
 ζ( 
 (ii 
 
 C( 
 Ci 
 iC 
 
 (ζ 
 
 Ci 
 
 (( 
 *( 
 
 In the rich palace of Eetion : 
 Most wretched of the wretched ! would to heav η 
 I never had been born I since thou art gone 
 To Pluto's gloomy realm in earth's abyss : 
 Whilst in thy house with bitter grief fordone 
 A widow I remain ; and this thy son, 490 
 
 An infant born of parents most distrest. 
 Whom now thy arm no longer may protect ; 
 Nor may he sooth thy cares, since thou art dead! 
 Should he escape the vengeful sword of Greece, 
 Yet will unnumb'red ills thy child await 495 
 Reft of his fair possessions ; destitute 
 Of guardian, parent, friend: to grief a prey. 
 And unavailing tears — then will he seek 
 His father's friends, and move his humble suit; 
 Hang on their garment, and implore their aid : 
 Compassion may extend the partial cup, 50I 
 
 Moisten the lip alone, unsatisfied the soul. 
 Some youth who never felt a parent's loss. 
 Striking shall thrust him from the board, and say, 
 ' Begone ; thy father feasteth not with us.' 505 
 Then shall he weeping seek these widow'd arms : 
 He whom with choicest viands thou wert wont 
 To cherish on thy knees ; who on soft couch 
 When tir'd with play, or in his nurse's arms 
 
 Φ' [' 
 

 Ι4ί ί 
 
 ι* 
 
 272 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 txn. 
 
 u 
 
 4C 
 
 Reposing, lull'd his sated soul to rest. 
 Deprived of thee, severest ills await 
 Astyanax, thus nam'd by grateful Troy ; 
 " For thou alone didst all her tow'rs defend. 
 '^ Severe reverse ! now distant at the ships 
 *^ Dogs shall devour, and worms thy limbs consume, 
 '' Far from thy parents ; whilst thy splendid robes 
 " Of finest texture, wrought by female hands, 
 " Remain within thy palace. But with fire 
 *^ I will consume them, useless as they are 
 ^^ To thee, nor may invest thy martial limbs : 520 
 " And Troy shall know how much I honour'd thee." 
 Weeping she spake ; and every female wept. 
 
 ΧΧΠΙ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 273 
 
 BOOK XXIIL 
 
 Thus mourn'd they through the city. But the 
 Greeks, 
 
 When at the ships and Hellespont arriv'd. 
 Each to his several ship in order went. 
 All but the Myrmidons ; them Peleus' son 
 Dismiss'd not, but detaining thus address'd : 5 
 
 '' Brave Myrmidons, companions dear in arms, 
 " Unyoke we not as yet our foaming steeds: 
 " But let us in our chariots near approach, 
 '' And to Patroclus pay those funeral rites 
 " Which custom bids ; such honour have the dead: 
 When satisfied our grief, release we then 
 Our coursers, and the genial feast prepare." 
 Achilles gpake, and rais'd the cry of woe. 
 Thrice circled they with chariot and with horse 
 The dead : Achilles led the mourners on, 15 
 
 And Thetis mingled with the sorrowing train. 
 With tears the earth was dew'd, with tears their 
 arms; 
 
 > 
 
 VOL. II. τ 
 
 (( 
 
 (C 
 
 i4 > 
 
 I 
 
 h 
 
 -f, ' 
 

 
 1 
 
 iw 
 
 CM) 
 
 Lf - 
 
 274 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧίίΙ. 
 
 So griev d they o'er Patroclus' sad remains : 
 Pelides most ; who with his blood-stain'd hands 
 His friend embracing, thus his grief expressed : 20 
 
 " Hail, my Patroclus! though within the realm 
 " Of Pluto, hail ! Thus I my vow perform, 
 " My sacred promise : hither dragg'd along 
 ^' I to the dogs consign the chief of Troy; 
 " And dedicate to thee twelve Trojan youths, 25 
 " A sacrifice my vengeance to apj>ease.** 
 
 He spake ; and meditated His severe 
 To Hector, in the dust extended prone 
 Before the bier. Meantime each chief unbound 
 His glittVing arms, unyok'd his foaming steeds, 30 
 And to Achilles*^ tent frequent repaired 
 There to partake the feast : the fatted beeves 
 Yield to the slaughtering knife, and sheep and 
 goats 
 
 In numbers fall : and the well-fatted swine 
 
 Are slain, to be extended o'er the flames 35 
 
 Roasting ; the blood flows copious round the dead. 
 
 Now to Atrides' tent the Grecian chiefs 
 Conduct Achilles ; angry for his friend. 
 Unwillingly he went: they gave command 
 Tliat the shrill heralds should the bath prepare 40 
 Forthwith ; if haply so they might persuade 
 
 
 XXUl. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 275 
 
 Achilles from his hands to cleanse the gore : 
 He stern refus'd, and with an oath confirm'd : 
 
 " By mighty Jove! highest and best in heav'n, 
 *V I will not wash away these bloody stains 45 
 
 " Till I have lain Patroclus on the pyle, 
 " And rais'd the tumulus; and from my head 
 " Sever'd the sacred lock ! for never more 
 '' Shall grief like this Achilles' mind invade. 
 " Yet, though reluctant, I attend the feast. 50 
 
 '' Do thou, Atrides, at the morrow's dawn 
 " Issue thy orders to prepare the weod, 
 " And rear the lofty pyle ; that to the shades 
 " Obscure he may return, as well becomes 
 " The dead ; and when by fire consumed, and far 55 
 " Remov'd from sight, we may our work resume." 
 
 He spake : they heard and willingly obey'd. 
 Joyful prepar'd, then all partook the feast. 
 And each due share receivd. Hunger allay 'd 
 And thirst, they to their sev'ral tents repair d. 60 
 
 But on the shore of the deep-sounding main 
 AchiUes groaning lay ; (his faithful bands. 
 The Myrmidons, around him still remain'd:) 
 On the clear beach where broke the frequent wave. 
 There in sweet sleep, the soother of his cares, 65 
 He sank to rest, and eas'd his weary limbs, 
 
 τ 2 
 
 .•A r 
 
Ii{. 
 
 t'iG 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 *-v 
 
 
 i; έ 
 
 rf* 
 
 
 ΧΧΙΙΓ. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 (( 
 
 ti 
 
 Tir'd with pursuit the Trojan walls around. 
 Twas then the shade of his departed friend. 
 In size, in countenance, in shape the same, 
 Cloth'd in the same habiliments appear'd ; 70 
 
 Stood at his head, and thus address'd his speech: 
 " Why of thy friend forgetful dost thou sleep, 
 Achilles t once thy care, why slighted now ? 
 Give me due funeral rites, that I may pass 
 ^* To Pluto's realm : the unemhodied shades 75 
 " Drive me far thence, nor suffer me to cross 
 *^ The sacred slream ; there wander 1 forlorn 
 " The dread abode around. Give me thy hand, 
 " I do implore ; when once to flames consign d, 
 ** From Pluto's realm I no return may see : 80 
 
 No separate counsel when alive we held ; 
 Now cruel Fate, so Heaven at my birth 
 " Ordain'd, hath sev red. Thee too death awaits, 
 " Godlike Achilles, at the walls of Troy. 
 " Then listen to my words, and patient hear : 85 
 •' Suffer my sad remains with thine to rest : 
 " And as we both were nurtur d in thy house, 
 " What time Menoetius from Opoens brought 
 " My early youth to Pthia, having slain 
 
 Improvident, in childish play, the son 90 
 
 Of brave Amphidamas : Peleus received 
 
 <c 
 
 <( 
 
 l< 
 
 cc 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 277 
 
 " And nourish'd me, companionof thy youth, 
 *' And nam'd thy friend ; then grant me this re- 
 " quest : 
 
 ** Let the same urn our sacred relics hold ; 
 
 ^* That urn thy venerable mother gave." 95 
 
 Achilles answ 'red : '' Dear departed friend ! 
 " Is it for this alone that thou art come 
 " Each circumstance to tell ? All thy request 
 '' I surely will perform. Ο then approach, 
 " Indulge our grief, and grant one last embrace." 
 
 He spake ; and stretching forth his longing arm», 
 Grasp'd at the visionary shade : in vain ! 
 Like smoke it vanish'd with a mournful crv. 
 Amaz'd Achilles burst the bands of sleep. 
 And smote his hands, and thus in sorrow spake: 105 
 '' Ο heav'ns ! then is there in the realm of night 
 Spirit, and soul, and unsubstantial form : 
 This night Patroclus to my view appear'd 
 '' In mournful guise: the strong resemblance struck 
 " My sense with wonder, as each word he spake." 
 
 He said ; and caus'd again their tears* to flow 
 ITie corpse around : the rosy-fing red Morn 
 Witness'd their grief. And now a chosen band 
 By Agamemnon from the tents w ere sent 
 The necessary wood on mules to brinij : 115 
 
 <c 
 
 ec 
 
 Ή. 
 
 
 tfMniiiaftn 
 

 278 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 ΧΚΙΙΙ. 
 
 fe." 
 
 
 i., ■■ 4 ' 
 
 
 if 
 
 And to Meriones that charge was giv'n. 
 With axes arm'd, with cords each load to bind. 
 Onward they mov'd, and drove the mdes before : 
 O'er the rough road, obhque, aslant they go, 
 Through deep descents, and over abrupt steeps 120 
 Slowly. At Ida's wooded base arriv'd. 
 The lofty oaks yield to the sharpened axe. 
 And urg'd on every side with fearful crash 
 Fall sudden ; then when cleft in useful lengths 
 They bind them on the mules, who with sure step 
 Pursue their way the rugged road along: 126 
 
 Nor less the woodmen bear their equal load, 
 (For thus Meriones in order gave,) 
 And place it on the shore; where for his friend 
 The tomb, and for himself, Achilles rais'd. 130 
 
 The wood now all arrang d, frequent they sat 
 Attentive to his words : he gave command 
 To the brave Myrmidons quickly to arm. 
 And yoke their steeds. They willingly obey'd. 
 Each chieftain with his charioteer advanced, 135 
 And foremost mov'd; then march'd the numerous 
 
 foot; 
 And in the midst borne by his friends along 
 Patroclus lay, his body cov'red o'er 
 With consecrated hair : Achilles next 
 
 4 •# 
 
 ψ \ 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD: 
 
 279 
 
 The head supporting of his valued friend, 
 
 In deep affliction followed, and with tears 
 
 Gave him sad conduct to the realms of night. 
 
 Now at the destiriM place arrived, they stay 
 
 The bier, and build around the lofty pyle. 
 
 Put anxious thoughts Achilles' mind engag'd : 145 
 
 Apart he stood, and sevVed from his head 
 
 The golden ringlet, to Sperchius' stream 
 
 A votive oiF'ring: bending then his view 
 
 Ο er Ocean's flood, indignant thus he spake : 
 
 *^ Sperchius ! other was the votive pray'r 150 
 " Of Peleus, who to thee, his son from Troy 
 " Return'd, this lock a grateful oiF'ring vow'd ; 
 '^ And sacrifices meet full fifty rams ; • 
 " A sacred hecatomb besides, where rise 
 ^' Thy springs the court and fragrant altar near. 155 
 " Thus vow'd my sire : but fruitless all and vain ! 
 " I shall not now return ; but to my friend 
 " Patroclus' care consign the sacred gift." 
 
 He spake ; and in his hand the votive pledge 
 Depositing, their bitter grief renew'd. 160 
 
 Nor ended with the day, but that the chief 
 Achilles thus the king of men address'd : 
 
 " Atrides, whom the Grecian host obeys, 
 ^' Enough to grief 15 given ; let these disperse. 
 
 έ'Ί..] 
 
280 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxm. 
 
 ν, - 
 
 Κ' 
 
 'Ai-f 
 
 -tr. 
 
 
 
 ι 
 
 " And take repast ; but we will here remain, 
 " And with the chiefs attend our painful task." 
 
 Atrides then the people to their ships 
 Dismiss'd : the mourners now thfe wood prepar^d^ 
 And rais'd the lofty pyle a hundred feet 
 In length and breadth, and on the summit placed 
 The corpse : then slew they many fatted beeves. 
 And sheep ; and o'er the corpse Achilles spread 
 The choicest ofFVings ; and around dispos'd 
 The numerous victims, and large vessels filPd 
 With honey and with oil. Then in the pyle 175 
 Four generous steeds they cast, still groaning loud ; 
 And add to these two of nine faithful dogs. 
 Whilom their master's care : twelve Trojan youths 
 Next in revenge they slew; such evil mind 
 Achilles bore them. Now devouring flames 180 
 The pyle invading, deeply groaning thus 
 Achilles spake: "All hail, Patroclus, hail! 
 Though in the realms of death. Lo! 1 perform 
 My promise ; and twelve noble sons of Troy 
 " The flames with thee devour. But not to flames 
 " Do I give Hector, but to rav'nous dogs." 186 
 Thus threat ned he. No dogs the chief devour'd ; 
 Him Venus guarded through the day and night. 
 With roseate oil anointing, that no scar 
 
 te 
 
 (C 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 281 
 
 I 
 
 The body might deface though dragg d along ; 190 
 And o*er the spot where Hector's body lay 
 Thick clouds Apollo spread, and from the heat 
 Shielded, and parching influence of the sun. 
 As yet no flames embrac'd the lofty pyle : 
 Achilles saw, and to the Winds his prayV, 195 
 ΊΌ Zephyrus and Boreas, addressed. 
 Due rites he promised, and libations pour'd 
 From the rich goblet, and their presence sought 
 The flames to kindle, and consume the dead. 
 Swift Iris heard, and to the Winds convey'd 200 
 Achilles' vow. They in the lofty dome 
 Of Zephyr held the feast. Swift Iris stood 
 On the firm threshold. They with courtesy 
 Invite her to partake the genial rites. 
 She her refusal thus in gentle terms 205 
 
 Excus'd : " I may not stay ; o'er Ocean's flood 
 " To utmost Ethiopia's bounds I go, 
 " Where sacrifices meet whole hecatombs 
 " The gods attend ; I hasten to partake : 
 " But thus to Boreas and Zephyrus 210 
 
 " Achilles vows, with sacred rites to pay. 
 
 If at Patroclus' pyle, where Grecia mourns, 
 " Your breath shall kiudle all the latent flames." 
 
 Itbus spake she, and departed : but the Winds 
 
 I 
 
 ψ 
 
282 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧΙ1Γ• 
 
 ''' 4 
 
 % 
 
 i: 
 
 "if 
 
 H. 
 
 ,,■•1 
 I; t 
 
 ll" 
 
 Rush'd forth with mighty noise; before them roIFd 
 The clouds tumultuous: old Ocean heav'd 216 
 
 His swelling surge as vehement they blew, 
 Quick passing on to Troy. They on the pyle 
 Turn'd every blast ; the bickVing flames arose. 
 And through the night blaz'd high the sacred fire. 
 Achilles through the night libations pour'd, 221 
 And from the golden goblet dew'd the ground 
 With wine^ invoking sad Patroclus' shade. 
 
 A father thus his much-lov'd son laments 
 Newly betroth'd, whom dead in early prime 2*25 
 His parents mourn ; so his much-valued friend 
 Achilles mourn'd, and heav'd the frequent sigh 
 Circling the pyle as burji'd his sad remains. 
 
 Now Lucifer arose, day's harbinger. 
 And the bright Morn, in saffron robe attir'd, 230 
 O'er ocean shed her light ; then ceas'd the flames : 
 Each wind o'er Thracian Pontus to his home 
 Returned ; the swelling surges mark'd their course. 
 Achilles distant from the pyle, in sleep 
 Forgot awhile his cares. The Grecian chiefs 235 
 Caird by Atrides, hast'ned to the place 
 Not without noise: Achilles waking, rose 
 Quickly, and thus the assembled chiefs addressed: 
 «^ Atrides, and ye potent chiefs of Greece, ' 
 
 . 'A 
 
 ΧΧΙΙΓ. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 283 
 
 '' Extinguish we with wine the dying flame, 
 
 " And carefully collect Patroclus' bones, 
 
 '' Which occupy the centre ; while around 
 
 '' Promiscuous, horse and men the sides possess. 
 
 " These wrapt in fat, within the golden urn 
 
 ^' Let us dispose, till I shall be entomb'd ; 245 
 
 And raise a tumulus of smaller size : 
 '' The Greeks may this enlarge, who at our ships 
 '' May still survive when I shall be no more." 
 Thus spake Achilles ; and the chiefs obey'd. 
 First they with wine the glowing embers quench'd. 
 And weeping, gath Ved up the whit'ned bones 25 1 
 Of his mild friend, and clos'd within an urn 
 Of gold, and all their bitter grief renew'd: 
 Then to the tent conveying, o'er the urn 
 A linen veil of finest texture threw. 255 
 
 Then round the pyle the deep foundation laid, 
 And high uprear'd the tumulus : there ceas'd 
 Their labour and their toil.-^Achilles now 
 The funeral games prepar'd; and on the plain 
 The various prizes, from the Grecian ships 260 
 
 In ord^r brought, and in the centre plac'd ; 
 The people seated round attentive view'd. 
 
 The golden goblets, and the tripods rare ; 
 Horses and mules, and oxen ; sculptur'd brass. 
 
 ■ il 
 
■•^;: 
 
 284 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 X2III. 
 
 Iron well wrought, and female captives, form'd 
 
 The various prizes. First the chariot race 
 
 Attention claim'd ; and these the victor's meed : 
 
 A beauteous female skill'd in \ arious works 
 
 Of art ; a tripod of capacious size ; 
 
 These to the first : the second claims a mare 2^0 
 
 Unbroken, big with foal ; and for the third 
 
 A polish'd cauldron bright, unstain'd with fire : 
 
 A golden talent to the fourth remains ; 
 
 And to the fifth and last a double vase. 
 
 Then rose Achilles, and the chiefs address'd : 2^5 
 
 " Atrides, and ye chiefs of Greece, behold 
 " The prizes of the race : did other cause 
 *^ The contest move, I should the victor's meed 
 *^ Demand ; for well ye know my steeds excel, 
 *^ Since they immortal are : to Peleus erst 280 
 
 *^ Them Neptune gave, and Peleus gave to me. 
 " But we the lists decline : opprest with grief 
 <^ My coursers stand, and mourn their charioteer, 
 " Of manners mild ; who oft their flowins: manes 
 ^^ With oil anointed, or in copious streams 285 
 *' Their limbs refreshed : afflicted now they gtand 
 ^^ Sweeping the pavement with their drooping 
 
 " manes. 
 ** Let others, skill'd to guide the rapid car. 
 
 xxni. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 285 
 
 ^' And rein their foaming steeds, this contest 
 " try." 
 He spake : then rose each skilful charioteer : 290 
 Eumelus first, Admetus' warlike son ; 
 Then Diomed arose, and to the race 
 With Trojan coursers from iEneas won. 
 Who scarce escap'd by Phoebus' aid, advanc'd : 
 The son of Atreus, Menelaus, rose 295 
 
 The next ; his chariot by Podargus drawn. 
 And the Agamemnonian courser iEthe nam'd; 
 Which to Atrides Echepolus gave. 
 His warfare to excuse, and dwell at ease 
 In Sycion fair, blest with possessions large, 300 
 The gift of Jove ; JEthe for swiftness fam'd. 
 And last sage Nestor's son Antilochus 
 Prepar'd his steeds, in sandy Pylos bred ; 
 When thus the prudent sire his son address'd. 
 Prudent himself: " Antilochus, of Jove 305 
 
 ^' Belov'd and Neptune, taught by them to guide 
 " The rapid car, not much advice you need ; 
 " For well you know to turn around the goal : 
 But slow your hoi-ses, theirs are swift of foot ; 
 Therefore I well may apprehend disgrace. 310 
 But yet, though swift their steeds, in skill, in art 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 re 
 
 
266 
 
 THE iLLAD. 
 
 U. 
 
 -li. 
 
 
 Bs> 
 
 F' .'Ϊ. 
 
 
 •4 
 
 tc ^ 
 
 txiit. 
 
 C( 
 
 €{ 
 
 <C 
 
 iC 
 
 They άο, my son, in nothing you excel : 
 Then let address and skill be all your aim 
 Of every sort, lest you should miss the prize. 
 By skill the woodman, not by strength succeeds ; 
 By skill the pilot through the boist'rous deep3l6 
 " Guides the swift vessel, though the storm assail : 
 " Skill to the charioteer must give success. 
 " He who imprudent to his horses trusts, 
 *^ Nor keeps his course, nor checks their wandVing 
 '' steps; 320 
 
 '' Whilst one experienc'd in the race, albeit 
 *^ His horses are inferior, still with eye 
 *' Observant kens the goal, and curbs the rein 
 " Turning, and marks the foremost in the race. 
 " Observe thou well as I point out the goal. 325 
 " There stands an aged trunk of oak, or fir, 
 ** Three feet above the ground ; as yet by rain 
 ^' Unperished : on either side are seen 
 •'Two whitened stones plac'd in the narrowest road; 
 Round these the course is plain; some monument 
 " Of antient days I deem, some hero's tomb, 331 
 " Or then as now the limits of a course, 
 " For so Achilles hath appointed it: 
 '^ Near this press on thy chariot and thy steeds; 
 
 xXiit. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 287 
 
 <c 
 
 tc 
 
 iC 
 
 « 
 
 ■ 
 
 '' And bending forward to the left incline, 
 
 Whilst thy whip urges on the right-hand horse. 
 And cheering voice and yielding rein assist. 
 " But curb the left, and closely turning round, 
 " Touch not, scarce missing ; lest the broken car 
 " And horses maim'd, thy want of skill declare, 340 
 " And some rejoice : then be thy caution great. 
 If haply thus thou first shalt turn the goal, 
 None may ο ertake thee, none may pass thee by; 
 '' Not though he drove Adrastus' rapid steed 
 " Arion, from immortal coursers sprung; 345 
 
 '^ Or those the boast of proud Laomedon, 
 " For swiftness fam'd, in Trojan pastures fed.** 
 Thus spake the Pylian sage, and to his seat. 
 His son in all things well informed, returned : 
 And fifth and last Meriones arose, 350 
 
 And his bright coursers and his car prepared. 
 Each chief his car ascending, cast the lot. 
 Achilles drew, Antilochus the first 
 Obtain'd : the next Admetus' warlike son : 
 Then Menelaus skill'd to hurl the spear : 355 
 
 Near him Meriones his chariot plac'd : 
 And fifth and last, and bravest of the chiefs, 
 Illustrious Diomed his station took. 
 
 When duly rang d, Achilles mark'd the goal 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 I 1 
 
 •f 
 

 288 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 , J- 
 '. .i 
 
 
 1$ 
 
 II. -f 
 
 Far in the plain : there Phoenix umpii*e stood. 
 Companion of his youth, his father's friend. 
 To note the race, and all the truth report. 
 
 Now each his whip high lifting, with the lash 
 His coursers smote, encouraging with voice 
 Eager : they quickly stretch the plain along, 365 
 And distant leave the ships ; beneath their feet 
 The dust in clouds uprose, and in the wind 
 Floated their manes : now on the level ground 
 They glide along, now bound aloft in air : 
 Each charioteer stands firm, elate with hope, 370 
 And panting for renown, whilst cheering voice 
 Renews their speed as o'er the dusty plain 
 They press with eager pace. Now at the goal 
 Arriv'd^ they turn, and hasten to the sea ; 
 Then all their virtue, all their speed appear d. 3/5 
 
 And now Eumelus by Pheretian steeds 
 Borne swiftly, foremost flew : him close behind 
 With Trojan horses Diomed pursued. 
 Which almost seem'd to climb within his car. 
 And with their breath his back and shoulders warm'd. 
 So near their heads, so rapid was their speed : 381 
 And now had passed, or doubtful left the prize ; 
 But Phoebus angry, Tydeus' son approach'd. 
 And sudden pluck'd away and threw to earth 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 289 
 
 % 
 
 His whip: then tears and bitter grief ensued, 
 When seen Eumelus' steeds with added speed 
 Flying before, whilst his neglectful ran 
 With slack'ned pace ; no whip to urge them on. 
 Apollo's fraudful rage Minerva saw^ 
 And to her favoured chief approaching near, 390 
 His whip retum'd, and vigour fresh inspir'd : 
 And then indignant, to Admetus' son 
 The goddess near advancing, from the j^oke 
 The broken chariot sever'd : to the ground 
 The pole fell useless, and on either hand S95 
 
 The horses turn'd aside. Himself the while 
 Roll'd headlong from his seat the wheel beside. 
 With elbows, mouth, and nose, unseemly bruis'd; 
 And forehead sorely wounded : and with tears 
 His eyes were fill'd, and grief his voice suppress'd. 
 Tydides turn'd aside, then pass'd right on 401 
 
 Swift flying: Pallas strength and speed supplied, 
 And gave to him the honour of the day. 
 But Menelaus held the second place. 
 When to his steeds thus spake Antilochus : 403 
 " Run now, and all your utmost strength exert : 
 " Not that I urge you to contend with those 
 " The coursers of Tydides ; for to them 
 "' Pallas gives speed, and victory to him : 
 
 • 1 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 υ 
 
Γ•ί 
 
 290 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxiir. 
 
 ξ^< 
 
 '•'g^l. 
 
 «s 
 
 '■5• 
 
 cc 
 
 ec 
 
 €C 
 
 *^ But let not Menelaus bear the prize, 
 ^^ Nor iEthe win ; that would indeed disgrace 
 ^^ You who excel ; then note what I declare : 
 No provender will Nestor's care supply ; 
 But soon his sword shall slay you on the plain, 
 If through neglect we gain the lowest prize. 415 
 " Strain every nerve, now put forth all your 
 
 " strength ; 
 " Mine be the task, where narrow is the road 
 " To guide with skill, and pass securely by." 
 
 He spake : they fear'd their master s chiding voice. 
 And hastened on: Antilochus observed 420 
 
 The narrow pass ; for there the winter's rain 
 Had the deep gully form'd, and torn the soil : 
 There to avoid the shock of clashing; wheels 
 Atrides steer'd his course. Declining still. 
 And edging down, Antilochus his way 425 
 
 Pursued : Atrides fearing, thus exclaim'd : 
 '' Drive not so rashly, rein your coursers in, 
 " Narrow is the road ; when wider you may pass ; 
 " If we but touch, destruction both awaits." 
 
 Thus spake he : but Antilochus the more 430 
 Press'd on; and feign'd as though he heard him not; 
 Far as the disk by youthful vigour thrown 
 Trial of strength, so far he passed before : 
 
 m 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 291 
 
 Atrides check'd his rein, and stay'd his speed. 
 Lest horse and chariot in the narrow road 435 
 
 Clashing, should overturn, and in the dust 
 They both should fall, whilst eager for the palm. 
 But with reproachful words Atrides spake : 
 
 '' Now do I hate thee much, Antilochus ; 
 " This savours not of wisdom, once thy boast 440 
 " Amongst the Greeks : but not without an oath 
 
 Shalt thou still bear away my juster prize." 
 
 Then to his horses with exhortincr voice 
 He loudly call'd : " Ο let not grief retard 
 " Your speed : their feet, their wearied limbs shall 
 " fail 445 
 
 " Ere yours : long since their youth is passed by." 
 
 He spake; when they press'd on with added speed. 
 And nearer still approach'd. The Greeks meantime 
 Seated, beheld the race as o'er the plain 
 They wing'd their rapid way. The Cretan chief 450 
 Idomeneus, whose $eat advantage gave; 
 Who heard Tydides as with clieering voice 
 He urg'd his steeds, and knew the victor horse. 
 His colour, and the blaze which mark'd his front, 
 Round as the orb of night : he from his seat 455 
 Rising, the assembled Grecians thus address'd : 
 
 " Ye chiefs and princes of the Grecian host, 
 
 υ 2 
 
393 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxtii. 
 
 Wi 
 
 
 ft» 
 
 IS* 
 
 
 i 
 ■ i 
 
 6C 
 
 (C 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <C 
 
 cc 
 
 ^ Do I alone, or do ye all perceive ? 
 *^ Far other steeds now first to me appear ; 
 " A diff Vent charioteer. It may perchance 460 
 " That they have fail'd which lately took the lead. 
 " Tis true, 1 saw them, turn the distant goal ; 
 " Yet now I see them not, although the plain 
 Around I careful look with searching view : 
 Or he hath dropt his reins, or lost his seat 465 
 As round the goal he turn d with hapless speed : 
 " There fallen I conceive he lies, beneath 
 
 His broken car. But look yourselves ; my eyes 
 Distinguish not, perhaps : yet, as I think, 
 " The chief now first commands the iEtolian bands ; 
 *^ Great Tydeus' son, illustrious Diomed." 4/1 
 
 Him Ajax Oileus in severest terms 
 Rebuk'd : ^^ Idomeneus, this idle talk 
 " Doth ill become ; they follow far behind 
 ** Whom you think first. Your eyes are surely dim ; 
 *^ And you too mugh indulge ii^ idle words 
 " Before those chiefs who claim superior note : 
 " Eumelus'' steeds still hold the foremost place." 
 
 Idomeneus, indignant, thus replied : 
 " Prone ever to <Jontention and reproach, 480 
 
 Ajax, in many things inferior far ; 
 Revengeful always, and of angry mind: 
 
 cc 
 
 u 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 293 
 
 iC 
 
 it 
 
 " A goblet rich, or tripod be the stake ; 
 
 " And let Atrides say whose horses now 
 
 *^ Are foremost ; payment may perhaps convince." 
 
 Thus spake he ; when with anger all-inflam*d 
 Oileus arose, and fierce contention mov'd : 
 And now to serious length their words had gone; 
 But thus Achilles quickly interpos'd : 
 
 " Ajax ! Idomeneus ! with bitter words 490 
 
 No longer move contention ; 'tis not well : 
 And you would be the first to censure those 
 '^ Who should be guilty of the like offence. 
 *^ Be seated then, and patient view the race ; 
 *^ Hither all^ager for the prize they fly: 495 
 
 '^ Then shall ye know whose horses are the first." 
 
 Thus spake the chief; when Diomed approached. 
 Urging his coursers on with frequent lash ; 
 Whose airy feet scarce seem'd to touch the ground, 
 So quick they mov'd along : and with the dust 500 
 UpraisM the charioteer was cov'red o'er : 
 The bright and splendid car so lightly mov'd. 
 That scarce a track the rapid wheels impress'd 
 On the light sand, as o'er the plain they flew. 
 
 Now in the midst arriv'd, the victor chief 505 
 His coursers stay'd : the sweat in copious streams 
 From their strain'd limbs the dusty soil bedew'd. 
 
 .-4-j 
 
294 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIIl. 
 
 i'L•. 
 
 4' 
 
 Forth leaped Tydides from his ghtt'ring car. 
 And laid his whip aside : with prudent care 
 Attentive^ Sthenelus the prize receiv'd, 510 
 
 The female captive, and the tripod rare ; 
 Which to the ships his faithful friends convey'd : 
 But Sthenelus unyok'd the foaming steeds. 
 Him next Antilochus his coursers drove, 
 Who pass'd Atrides by address and art, 515 
 
 Not swiftness in the race. Near and more near 
 Atrides still advanced, till scarce the space 
 The wheel and horse between, when utmost stretch 
 Conveys the chieftain in his rapid car. 
 The course decides ; while as the flowing tail 520 
 Waves on the smoking wheel, and streams behind. 
 As o'er the dusty plain they foam along: 
 Such the small space contending chiefs between. 
 Though first as distant as the disk might fly : 
 And now had overtaken, for her strength 525 
 
 Swift JEthe and her former speed renew'd : 
 And had the race but further time allow'd. 
 Had pass'd him by, nor doubtful left the prize. 
 
 Next followed them Meriones, the friend 
 Of brave Idoraeneus ; yet distant far 530 
 
 As the spear's cast, for slowest were his steeds, 
 Himself unskilful in the chariot race. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 295 
 
 Eumelus last of all, and far behind 
 
 With broken car, scarce drove his coursers on. 
 
 Achilles with compassion view'd the chief, 535 
 And thus address'd the Greeks: " He comes the last, 
 *^ Whose skill, whose coursers claim the foremost 
 
 " place: 
 ^^ Let him from us the second prize obtain, 
 " Since Diomed hath now the first receiv'd." 
 
 Thus spake Achilles, iand the Greeks approv'd : 
 And now Admetus' son had gain'd the prize, 541 
 A mare unbroken, for the Greeks approv'd ; 
 But thus his claim Antilochus preferr'd : 
 
 *^ Achilles, this decision I oppose, 
 " And must resent, if you revoke my claim. 545 
 " You think indeed Eumelus doth excel 
 " In skill, in speed ; though broken is his car, 
 " And foil'd his steeds by some superior pow'r : 
 " But had he to that pow'r address'd his vow, 
 " He had not been the last. If then he move 550 
 Your pity, and if such your pleasure be. 
 Gold at your tent you have, and sculptur'd brass. 
 And sheep, and captive maids, and gen'rous steeds i 
 A better prize you may hereafter give. 
 Or even now, and all will praise the deed ; 555 
 
 fC 
 
 tc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 <ζ 
 
 **. 
 
296 
 
 ./- 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 rv. 
 
 i**• 
 
 i»' 
 
 " But this I will not give ; but will retain 
 ** Against the bravest who shall dare contend.'* 
 Thus spake he : when Achilles with a smile 
 Approving, thus addressed Antilochus 
 His valued friend : " If with some other gift, 56o 
 " Antilochus, you bid me now reward 
 " Eumelus, I with pleasure will comply: 
 " His be the brazen corselet edg'd with tin, 
 " The spoil from brave Asteropaeus won ; 
 " No mean reward." He spake, and to his friend 
 Automedon gave orders from the tent 566 
 
 The gift to bring : he willingly obeyed. 
 And to Eumelus' hand the corselet ffave : 
 Who glad receiv'd this token of regard. 
 But Menelaus with indignant rage 570 
 
 Arose ; for Nestor's son his anger mov'd : 
 The herald in his hand the sceptre plac'd. 
 And silence loud proclaim'd ; when thus the chief: 
 *^ Antilochus, once prudent deem'd, why jbund 
 " Deceitful now ? My skill you have debas'd, $75 
 " Disgrac'd my horges, now surpass'd by yours, 
 " Though of inferior speed. Judge then, ye chiefs 
 "* And princes of our host ; nor favour show ; 
 ^' Lest some hereafter say. By falsehood's force 
 
 iiiiimiiitiWifiif-^'>"«=^*^-*• i'-o^-'^.-^^-sa^^siiJSakesisliiia/aSieiaiisaaiim^^ 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 297 
 
 (C 
 
 C( 
 
 iC 
 
 " Hath Menelaus from Antilochus 
 " His prize obtain'd, though slower far his steeds ; 
 " Yet hath his power, and influence prevail'd. 
 " Yea, I myself will judge; nor do I think 
 ^^ The Greeks will blame the sentence I shall give, 
 " For it is just Come then, Antilochus, 585 
 
 Stand by thy horses, and thy chariot touch. 
 Holding thy whip; and, as becomes a man, 
 " By Neptune swear, whose flood the earth sur- 
 '^ rounds. 
 That you eld not by fraud my course impede." 
 Antilochus with prudence thus replied : 5go 
 
 Forgive my youth, Ο venerable chief. 
 And pardon my oflTence ; thou who in years 
 Dost much excel ; for youth is prone to err ; 
 Quick in perception, but in judgement weak. 
 *^ My prize the mare I willingly resign, 595 
 
 " And more will add if such thy pleasure be, 
 " Rather than thus to fall in your esteem, 
 " Most noble chief, and against heav'n oflfend." 
 
 He spake ; and to his hands the mare restor'd. 
 Such joy Atrides felt as when the dew 600 
 
 Of morn the rip'ning com with moisture fills. 
 Bristling the furrow'd land ; so joy'd the chief 
 Atrides, and Antilochus addressed : 
 
 i( 
 
 ic 
 
 ti 
 
 ii 
 
 ♦^ 
 
298 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧΙΠ. 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 ?%1 
 
 
 (C 
 
 ce 
 
 t( 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 tc 
 
 " I too, Antilochus, though much incens'd. 
 Will in my turn submit, since heretofore 605 
 Nor light nor idle hath thy conduct been ; 
 But youthful heat thy better sense betray 'd. 
 Yet might I but advise, you will avoid 
 
 " Deceit with those who claim superior sway. 
 
 " None other had my wrath so soon disarmed. 6lO 
 
 " But you have much endur d, and suffVed much. 
 Your father and your brother, in my cause: 
 I yield the prize though mine; that all may know 
 I bear a mind that can such wrongs forgive." 
 He spake; and to Noemon's care, the friend 6l5 
 
 Of brave Antilochus, the mare resign'd ; 
 
 Content himself the cauldron to receive. 
 Meriones the golden talent gain'd. 
 
 The fifth unclaim'd remain'd, a splendid vase 
 
 Twofold. Achilles through surrounding chiefs 620 
 
 To Nestor bore it, and benignant thus : 
 
 " Accept this gift, Ο venerable sire, 
 
 " Memorial of Patroclus' fun'ral rites. 
 
 Whom never more, alas ! thou mayst behold : 
 Accept from me this token. Tis not thine 625 
 With caestus to engage, or hurl the spear, 
 
 " Or in the race contend, opprest with age." 
 
 He spake ; and plac'd the vase within his hands ; 
 
 cc 
 
 tc 
 
 iC 
 
 iirtojiyntoaiiiiiifrtiiaiiiiftafai 
 
 xxni. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 299 
 
 Ϊ 
 
 Which Nestor glad received, and thus his thanks 
 Expressed : " True are thy words and just, my son ; 
 " No longer are my limbs with strength endued, 
 ^^ Nor can my hands or feet with swiftness move. 
 '^ Ο that my youth were such, and such my strength, 
 *^ As when the Epeians with funereal rites, 
 ^^ In fam'd Buprasium, Amareunx entomb'd 635 
 
 Their king; and regal games his sons ordain d! 
 
 Epeian, Pylian, or iEtolian chiefs 
 
 Might not in skill, in strength, with me contend. 
 
 In wrestling I Anca^us overthrew ; 
 
 In fighting, Clytomedes Enops' son ; 640 
 
 And pass'd the swift Iphiclus in the race. 
 
 Throwing the spear I Polydore surpassed. 
 
 And Phyleus : in the chariot race alone 
 ^^ The sons of Actor gain'd the larger prize, 
 '^ Envious that I all others bore away : 645 
 
 '' Twin bom they were; this held the shining reins: 
 " This held the reins, and that the whip applied. 
 *^ Such was I once : now younger men succeed 
 " To feats like these, whilst I submit to age. 
 " Continue then in honour of thy friend 650 
 
 " To celebrate the games : this I receive 
 
 With grateful mind, well pleas'd that thou art kind 
 
 And courteous to me ; and that honour pay 
 
 ίζ 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 lii 
 
 u 
 
300 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 ϊ'9 
 l?i 
 If 
 
 ■91 
 
 €C 
 
 ζζ 
 
 " To reverend age, which I amongst the Greeks 
 May justly claim : and may the heav nly powVs 
 Amply repay this kindness shown to me!" 
 Thus Nestor ; and Achilles to his seat 
 Through circling chiefs return'd, when heard the. 
 
 praise 
 Which Nestor grateful for attention paid. 
 
 And now the prize of pugilistic fame 66o 
 
 Achilles to the Greeks proposed. A mule 
 Patient of labour, difficult to tame : 
 A goblet to the vanquish'd. From his seat 
 Achilles rose, and to the Grecians thus : 
 
 " Let two this prize dispute, men skilPd to wage 
 " Fierce combat with their fists and lifted arms : 
 " Let him who claims by Phoebus' aid the prize, 
 " Back to his tent this hardy mule conduct ; 
 ** The goblet to the vanquish'd I award." 
 
 He spake. Then rose of stature vast and size, 670 
 And limbs enormous, Panopaeus' son 
 Epeius, fam'd for pugilistic skill : 
 Instant the mule he seiz'd, and thus exclaim'd : 
 " His be the goblet who shall dare advance ; 
 '' But for the mule, no one that prize shall claim 
 " Till he hath vanquish'd me, who in this art 676 
 " Boast me the first : suflice it that in war 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 301 
 
 €ζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 " No excellence I claim ; I grant it so,— 
 " No man in all things is pre-eminent: 
 
 But this I say,— Whoever dare contend, 680 
 His body I will bruise, and break his bones ; 
 " Then let his numerous friends attendant wait, 
 " To bear him beaten hence, subdued by me." 
 
 He spake : still silence reign'd : at length arose 
 One chief, Euryalus, Mecisteus' son, 685 
 
 Who erst at Thebes, when (Edipus deceas'd, 
 Vanquish'd the brave Cadmeans. To the fight 
 Him Diomed impell'd, and wished success ; 
 Gave him the cincture, and the thongs that bound 
 The caestus on his hands. Each now prepar'd, 690 
 Stood firm, and rais'd aloft his sinewy arms ; 
 Then join'd the combat. With the frequent stroke 
 Their crackling jaws resounded ; from their limbs 
 Sweat flow'd profuse. Epeius now advanced 
 Sudden, and on the face with blow severe 695 
 
 Smote him as round he gaz'd : then fell to earth 
 Euryalus. As when the northern blast 
 Casts on the weedy shore some larger fish, 
 Soon cov'red by the deep returning wave ; 
 Euryalus thus bounded from the stroke. 700 
 
 The victor's hand uprais'd him from the ground : 
 His friends attendant led him from the field. 
 
 
302 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΧΠΙ. 
 
 
 tft 
 
 Dragging his limbs, and vomiting thick blood. 
 
 Hanging his head, as quite of sense bereft: 
 
 And with them took the goblet, his reward. 705 
 
 And now Achilles other gifts prepared. 
 The wrestlers' prize: to him who should excel, 
 A larger tripod suited to the fire. 
 Twelve beeves the value : to the vanquish'd chief 
 A female skilFd in various works of art ; 710 
 
 Nor less in value than four fatted beeves ; 
 And rising thus he spake : " Let two stand forth 
 " Who will for these contend." First Ajax rose. 
 And then Ulysses fertile in resource. 
 
 Now girded, to the contest in the midst 715 
 
 Each chief advanced ; and each with hand robust 
 Grasp'd his opponent's arm. As when the beams 
 Of some fam'd palace built by skilful hands 
 Creak, when incumbent winds with fury rage ; 
 So creak 'd their limbs, by pow'rful arms constrain'd; 
 And sweat bedew'd their limbs, and frequent weals 
 Their sides and shoulders mark'd, while as each chief 
 For conquest eager, sought the tripod rare. 
 Nor might Ulysses from the ground uplift. 
 And Ajax throw ; nor Ajax him displace, 725 
 
 So firm his strength. The tir'd spectators view'd 
 The tedious contest with no small regret ; 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 303 
 
 730 
 
 735 
 
 When Ajax thus : " Or me, Ulysses, lift, 
 '' Or I lift you ; let Jove determine which.'* 
 He spake, and lifted him : but of his skill 
 Ulysses mindful, at the knee behind 
 Smote, and relaxed the joint ; then Ajax fell. 
 And with him fell Ulysses on his chest : 
 With wonder all beheld. Ulysses now 
 Ajax just from the ground upraised, nor long 
 The weight sustain'd, but with inserted knee 
 Entangling threw him : both fell prone to earth. 
 And side by side were covVed o'er with dust. 
 Quick rising, they a third essay of strength 
 Prepar'd ; when thus Achilles : " Noble chiefs, 740 
 " Contend no further, lest some ill betide ; 
 As both have conquVed, both divide the prize : 
 But now let other chiefs their prowess try." 
 He spake, and they obe/d ; and from their limbs 
 
 Wip'd off the dust, and put their vestments on. 745 
 Now other gifts Achilles for the race 
 
 Prepar'd : a silver cup embossed, of size 
 
 Capacious, and in elegance of form 
 
 Surpassing ; by Sidonian artists made : 
 
 Phoenicians o'er the sea to Lemnos' isle. 
 
 To Thoas, had conveyed the valued gift : 
 
 This cup Euneus to Patroclus gave. 
 
 Ci 
 
 (C 
 
 750 
 
304 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 te- 
 
 ■4- 
 
 The ransom of Lycaon, Priam's son ; 
 
 Which at the games, in honour of his friend, 
 
 Achilles gave, the swiftest runner's prize. 755 
 
 A fatted ox the second : to the third. 
 
 Just half a golden talent he assign d : 
 
 And thus Achilles : " Who contends for these i" 
 
 Then rose Oilcus Ajax swift of foot ; 
 
 Ulysses rose, and Nestor's warlike son 760 
 
 Antilochus, excelling in the race. 
 
 When duly rang'd, Achilles mark'd the goal : 
 
 Then started they ; but Ajax shot before ; 
 
 Ulysses followed near: such space between. 
 
 As from the bosom of the cinctur'd dame 765 
 
 The distaff occupies, when with neat hand 
 
 Twisting the flax she draws the finer thread : 
 
 So near Ulysses ran ; and ere the dust 
 
 Was rais'd around his feet, his footsteps press'd, 
 
 Still breathing on his back, so close behind 770 
 
 He flew : the Greeks encourag'd with applause 
 
 His ardour for the prize. When now the end 
 
 Of the swift course appear'd, Ulysses rais'd 
 
 The secret pray'r, and sought Minerva's aid : 
 
 " Ο goddess, hear, and to my feet impart 775 
 " Swiftness." Thus pray'd he; and Minerva heard ; 
 And lightness gave, and swiftness to his limbs. 
 
 ,1 
 
 &1ί«ίί«>ϋ^.^»ΜΒ 
 
 xxiir. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 305 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 When now almost arriv'd, and seiz'd the prize, 
 Ajax slipp d down, for Pallas gave the fall : 
 Where lay the ofFal of some new-slain beasts 7 80 
 In sacrifice to fall'n Patroclus' shade. 
 There fell he, cov'red o'er with filth and o-ore: 
 Ulysses first arriv'd, and gain'd the prize, 
 A goblet : Ajax second, took the ox. 
 And holding by the horn, and wiping off* 785 
 
 The filth, thus spake : " Ah, me unfortunate ! 
 By Pallas foil'd : to her Ulvsses owes 
 Success, who guards him as a mother's son." 
 Thus spake he, and surrounding heroes smil'd. 
 
 Antilochus the meaner prize receiv'd, 790 
 
 Well pleas'd tho' last ; and thus was heard to say : 
 '' I speak, my friends, what all here present know. 
 The gods still favour those of riper years : 
 Ajax is something more advanc'd than I : 
 *^ But this man to another age belongs, 795 
 
 " And other times ; yet so robust in age, 
 " None but Achilles might with him contend." 
 Thus spake he; ending with Achilles' praise: 
 Who thus replied : " Not fruitless are thy words, 
 " Antilochus ; a talent be thy prize." 800 
 
 Thus spake he: Nestor's son with joy receiv'd. 
 Next in the midst a spear Achilles plac'd, 
 
 VOL. II. X 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 l«i 
 
506 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 it 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 ie 
 
 With shield and helmet, brave Sarpecfon's arms. 
 Slain by Patroclus ; and thus spake the chief: 
 
 " Let two the bravest of our warrior host 805 
 " Make trial of their skill, and with their spears, 
 " In glittVing armour clad, this prize dispute. 
 '^ Who first his brave antagonist shall wound, 
 " And cause the blood to flow, his be this sword 
 
 Of Thracian workmanship, a spoil I took 810 
 From bold Asteropaeus : for the rest. 
 Let them these arms divide ; and at my tent 
 " Partake that banquet which their valour claims/* 
 
 He spake : first Telamonian Ajax rose. 
 And then the strength of mighty Diomed. 815 
 
 Now they retiring, arm'd them to the fight ; 
 And in the midst advancing, with stern looks 
 Provok'd the war : with wonder all beheld. 
 Thrice each rush'd onward, thrice the onset dar'd : 
 Now Ajax smote, and pierc'd Tydides' shield, 820 
 Yet wounded not ; the corselet staid its force. 
 Then Diomed above the sev'nfold orb 
 Of Ajax smote, and in his neck infixed 
 The dangerous wound, still pressing with bis spear ; 
 The Greeks alarm'd, suspend the doubtful fight, 825 
 Lest Ajax fall: to Tydeus* warlike son 
 The sword and well-wrought belt his meed remain'd : 
 
 [> f 
 
 5CXIII. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 307 
 
 ic 
 
 u 
 
 cc 
 
 Achilles gave the prize. Next from the forge, 
 Unform'd and rude, an iron mass he brought : 
 The same Eition wont to hurl in air: 830 
 
 Eition slain, Achilles in his ships 
 With other spoils the cumbrous mass conveyed : 
 And thus the chiefs address'd : « Who will for this 
 Contend ? Though distant far his lands, five years 
 It may suffice : nor shall his shepherd want, 835 
 Or ploughman, iron for his implements." 
 Thus spake the chief. First Polypoetes rose; 
 LeonteUs next ; then Ajax Telamon ; 
 And last divine Epeius : rang'd they stood• 
 Epeius seiz'd the mass, and hurl'd aloft; 840 
 
 Then laugh'd the gazing throng : Leonteus next : 
 Then Telamonian Ajax the crude load 
 Hurl'd from his stronger arm, and passed them both: 
 But when brave Polypoetes took the disk. 
 Far as the drover at his straggling beasts 845 
 
 Throws his rude staflT, so far he pass'd them all : 
 tlis friends with shouts applaud ; and to the ships 
 Rejoicing, bear the cumbrous mass along. 
 Next iron for the barbed arrow's point. 
 Of archery the meed ; with double edge 850 
 
 Ten axes ; ten with single he propos'd. 
 Then rais'd he on the distant sands a mast 
 
 X 2 
 
 I 
 
308 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 *1' ί 
 
 ex 
 
 ■t 
 
 Of some tall vessel ; and thereon a dove. 
 
 With slender string fast by the foot he tied. 
 
 At which to aim the shaft. «He who the dove 855 
 
 " Shall kill, the double axes to his tent 
 
 " Victorious bears ; but who the string shall touch, 
 
 " Missing the bird, the single axes gains." 
 
 He spake : when Teucer, youthful prince, arose ; 
 Then rose Meriones, the faithful friend 86o 
 
 Of brave Idomeneus. And now the lots 
 Each chief within the brazen helmet cast: 
 Teucer the first obtained. Instant he shot 
 With force superior : but to Phcebus vow'd 
 No firstling of his flock : the god averse 865 
 
 Success denied: his arrow miss'd the bird. 
 But cut the string which tied her by the foot ; 
 Then flew she far away, and to the ground 
 Down fell the string : then shouted all the Greeks. 
 Now seiz^d Meriones, from Teucer's hand, 8/0 
 
 The bow : an arrow ready in his own 
 He held ; and to Apollo vow'd the gift, 
 A hecatomb the firstlings of his flock ; 
 And viewing her while as she lightly skimm'd 
 Beneath a cloud, and circling wheel'd around, 8Γ5 
 Under the wing he aim'd, and pierc'd her through : 
 The shaft returning, near him in the ground 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 309 
 
 Stood fixt; and to the mast the wounded bird 
 Her flight directed ; but scarce settled there. 
 Her head declin d, — now hang her drooping wint»^. 
 She falls, and dies ! the host with wonder gaze. 881 
 Meriones the better prize obtained ; 
 The inferior Teucer to his ships convey 'd. 
 
 Achilles now a spear of wondrous length ; 
 And a new cauldron, rich with flowers inwrought ; 
 The worth a fatted beeve : these in the midst 88G 
 He plac'd ; the prize of him who should excel 
 To hurl the spear. Atrides first uprose, 
 Mycenae's king; then brave Meriones: 
 Whom thus Achilles swift of foot addressed : 890 
 
 " Atrides, well we know thou dost excel 
 " In strength, in skill, to hurl the rapid spear ; 
 " Receive this prize, and to your ships convey : 
 " The spear we to Meriones adjudge, 
 " If such thy pleasure be, for such is mine." 895 
 
 He spake : nor did Atrides disapprove ; 
 But to Meriones he gave the spear ; 
 And to Talthybius' care the cauldron, new 
 And beautiful, his valued prize, consigned. 
 
XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 311 
 
 
 BOOK XXIV. 
 
 ϊ* ' 
 
 f ' 
 
 1 HE games now ended, to their ships the Greeks 
 
 Repair d, and of the genial feast partook ; 
 
 And then retir'd to rest. But Peleus' son 
 
 Still wept Patroclus : all-subduing sleep 
 
 His eye-lids elos'd not : restless oft he turn'd, 5 
 
 Still musing on his dear departed friend. 
 
 What griefs they sufF'red, and what toils endur'd ; 
 
 What wars they wag'd ; what dang'rous seas they 
 
 pass'd : 
 Remembering these, he shed the frequent tear. 
 Now on his side, and now supine he lay, 10 
 
 Tossing ; then starting up he sought the shore. 
 Not unobserved the Morn her influence shed 
 O'er earth and sea ; when to the rapid car 
 He yok'd his steeds, intent to drag the corpse 
 Of Hector: thrice around Patroclus' tomb IS* 
 
 He drove, and then again retir'd to rest. 
 But Hector in the dust extended lay. 
 Apollo saw, and with compassion mov'd, 
 
312 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 m• 
 
 v- - 
 
 Him dead from all disfigurement preserv'd ; 
 
 And with his golden aegis covVed ο er, qq 
 
 Lest wounds unseemly should the body taint. 
 
 Nathless Achilles further ills design d. 
 Such his revenge : but pitying gods beheld, 
 And counselled Mercury to steal him thence, 
 For such the will of other heav nly powVs ; 25 
 
 But Juno, Neptune, Pallas disapproved, 
 Mov'd with revenge implacable to Troy, 
 To Priam and his people ; Paris sole 
 The cause, when at his shepherd hut convened 
 He slighted them, and gave the prize to her 3o 
 Who to his baser passions ministVed. 
 
 When now the twelfth resplendent morn arose, 
 Apollo thus the assembled gods address'd : 
 '' Ye heav nly powVs, both cruel and unjust 
 '' Your conduct seems.: due victims Hector paid, 
 " Oxen and goats ; yet none of you will save 36 
 His corpse : or to his mother, wife, or son. 
 To Priam and his people him restore. 
 That they may rear the pyle, and pay those rites. 
 Of sepulture he wants. Doth Peleus* son 40 
 " All care engross ? he who of mind severe, 
 '' Inflexible, no pity knows. Tis thus 
 '' The lion, in his fierceness and his strength 
 
 cc 
 
 <c 
 
 ie 
 
 it 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 1ΉΕ ILIAD. 
 
 313 
 
 ^' Confiding, wastes the fold, and feasts in blood. 
 
 " Thus hath Achilles pity lost, and shame, 45 
 
 " Of ills most fruitful, or of greatest good 
 
 " To humankind. A dearer some may lose, 
 
 ^^ A brother, or a son : due rites performed 
 
 *^ Their grief abates, since fate hath giv'n to man 
 
 " A patient mind : this man hath Hector slain, 50 
 
 " And now doth drag him at his chariot wheels 
 
 *' Around Patroclus' tomb. Nor right is this, 
 
 " Nor well : let him beware how he incur 
 
 ^' Our anger, vengeful thus on senseless clay." 
 
 Juno displeased, replied : " Such is thy mind, 55 
 " God of the silver bow ; thou who to both 
 " Dost the same honour give : yet mortal this, 
 " And of a mortal born. But Peleus' son 
 " Springs from a goddess, my peculiar care, 
 " By me to Peleus giv'n, whom all the gods 6o 
 " Esteemed ; all grac'd his nuptials ; even thou 
 " With harp in hand, all-faithless as thou art." 
 To her Saturnian Jove thus mild replied: 
 Juno, thy anger cease ; nor blame the gods ; 
 Their honour is not, cannot be the same : 65 
 
 But yet, of all within the walls of Troy, 
 " Hector was most belov'd ; at least by me : 
 " Punctual and just in sacrifices due, 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 cc 
 
 m 
 
314 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 m 
 
 
 '' My altars smok'd with ofTrings duly paid, 
 
 '' And choicest gifts : such honours we receive. 70 
 
 " Yet steal we not brave Hector's body thence ; 
 
 '' Nor may it be ; for Thetis night and day 
 
 " Attends her son : but let some messenger 
 
 '' Speed hither Thetis, that I may impart 
 
 '' Such counsel as may move Achilles' mind 75 
 
 '' To take the gifts, and Hector to release." 
 
 He spake ; when Iris borne on rapid winds 
 Arose, and in midway, Samos between 
 ^ And rocky Imbpfus, plung'd into the deep, 
 
 Which far resounded : to the bottom quick 80 
 
 She sank as lead, which circled round with horn 
 Sinks, to voracious fish with mischief fraught. 
 There Thetis in a hollow grot she found 
 Surrounded by her nymphs : she in the midst 
 Still wept the fate of her illustrious son, 85 
 
 Destin'd to fall beneath the Trojan walls. 
 Far from his native land. Iris approach'd 
 Swift-footed, and the goddess thus address'd : 
 " Thetis, arise ; great Jove thy presence waits." 
 The goddess answ'red : "Why doth mighty Jove 
 Require my presence ? Worn with bitter griefs 
 I fear to mingle with the heavnly powers. 
 Yet I will go ; no word of his is vain.'" 
 
 u 
 
 <ζ 
 
 i( 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 315 
 
 Thus having said, the goddess took her veil 
 Of sable hue, (none darker might be found,) 95 
 And hast'ned on : swift Iris led the way ; 
 The waves divided as they onward pass'd. 
 Now on the shore they stood, and darting thence. 
 At heav'n they soon arriv'd. Saturnian Jove 
 Surrounded by the pow'rs of heav'n they found: 100 
 Pallas retir'd, and Thetis sat by Jove : 
 When Juno in her hands the goblet plac'd. 
 With courteous words ; which tasting, she return d. 
 But thus the Sire of gods and men began : 
 
 '^ Thetis, to high Olympus thou art come, 105 
 ^' Though bitter griefs oppress : this well I know : 
 ^^ Learn then the reason I have sent for you. 
 " Nine days contention hath the gods disturb'd, 
 " Hector and Peleus' warlike son the cause : 
 " Some wishing Mercury to steal the corpse : 110 
 ^^ But I this honour to Achilles give, 
 " That he himself restore it ; well assured 
 ^^ Hereafter of esteem and love from thee. 
 " Quick to the Grecian army, to thy son 
 " Descend, and say : The gods, and chiefly I 115 
 " Am much incens'd that Hector at the ships 
 ♦^ He still detains through anger and revenge ; 
 
 Ρ 
 
3l6 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 
 
 
 tit.*»» 
 
 XXiV. 
 
 <c 
 
 €C 
 
 " He must release him, or beware my wrath. 
 " But I to Priam will swift Iris send, 
 " That he redeem his son, and with him take 120 
 Such presents as may all Achilles' rage 
 Appease." He spake ; nor Thetis disobey'd ; 
 But hasf ned from Olympus to the tent 
 Of her lov'd son. Him deeply griev'd she found. 
 His friends with busy care around him press'd ; 125 
 The feast prepared, and in the tent a sheep 
 Of larger size had slain for sacrifice. 
 His mother near approached and touch'd his hand, 
 Caird him by name, and thus her mind express'd : 
 
 " My son, Achilles, why doth bitter grief 130 
 " Thus long thy soul devour; of food, of rest 
 " Forgetful, soother of our every pain ? 
 
 Not length of days, my son, is thine ; stern fate 
 Approacheth thee, and death is near at hand : 
 " Then listen to my words : From Jove I come 135 
 " To tell thee that the gods are much incens'd, 
 " And chiefly Jove himself, that at the ships 
 '' Hector thou dost detain; yielding to wrath 
 " And to revenge implacable the reins: 
 " Release him then, and take the splendid gifts." 
 Achilles answVed: "Who will pay the price, 141 
 
 te 
 
 (C 
 
 m^ % 
 
 ^m 
 
 fl 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 Sir 
 
 " And take him, let him come, since Jove com- 
 ^^ mands." 
 
 Thus at the ships the mother and the son 
 Held converse, and in mutual speech indulg d. 
 But Jove to sacred Troy sent Iris down. 145 
 
 " Hasten, swift Iris, from Olympus' height 
 " To Troy, and bear to Priam my command, 
 " That he redeem his son, and to the ships 
 " Such presents take as shall the mind appease 
 " Of Peleus' son : but let him go alone, i5o 
 
 " No other chief: a herald must attend 
 
 Of graver years, who may the car and mules 
 
 Guide on their way, and thence the body brino- 
 
 Of Hector, by Achilles slain, to Troy. 
 
 Let him no fears, no terror entertain, 155 
 
 '' Such conduct we will give: Hermes himself 
 " Shall to Achilles' tent the monarch guide. 
 " Nor will Achilles do him violence, 
 " Nor suffer others ; being, as he is, 
 '' Neither unwise, nor rash, nor prone to err; iGo 
 " Humane to spare the suppliant, and forgive." 
 
 He spake : and Iris borne on rapid winds 
 To Priam went. There loud lament she found, 
 And deep affliction. Sons around their sire. 
 Within the spacious hall, with tears bedew'd 1G5 
 
 ic 
 
 (C 
 
 (ζ 
 
-y 
 
 318 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 ■iti 
 
 •Ji. 
 
 (C 
 
 <c 
 
 Their vestments ; in the midst, of reverend age. 
 His face conceaPd, and mantled in his robe. 
 Sat Priam : copious ashes on his head 
 And neck he pour'd, with trembling hand profuse. 
 His daughters through the palace^ weeping sore, 170 
 Wand Ved ; and matrons with remembrance wept 
 Of those who numerous and brave had falln 
 Beneath the force and conquering arms of Greece. 
 
 Iris approach'd, and thus in soothing terms 
 Priam address'd: he trembled as she spake: 175 
 " Dardanian Priam, let not fear or dread 
 Thy mind assail : no messenger of ill 
 To thee, but good, from Jove supreme I come> 
 '' Who distant yet regards and pities thee- 
 " He bids thee thy lov'd son Hector redeem ; 180 
 " And take such gifts with thee as shall appease 
 " Achilles' mind : none other chief may go ; 
 " Thou only: but a herald must attend 
 " Of graver years, who may the mules direct, 
 *' And car funereal, and the body bring 185 
 
 " Of Hector, by Achilles slain, to Troy. 
 *^ Do thou no fears, no terrors apprehend, 
 " Such conduct he will give: Hermes himself 
 (His words were such) shall guide thee to his tent 
 Nor will Achilles do thee violence, 190 
 
 u 
 
 <ζ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ai9 
 
 '' Nor suffer others ; being as he is, 
 
 " Neither unwise, nor rash, nor prone to err ; 
 
 " Humane to spare the suppliant, and forgive.'' 
 
 Thus Iris spake, and vanish'd into air. 
 But Priam bade his sons prepare the car, I95 
 
 Harness the mules, and bind the coffer on. 
 He to the lofty chamber then repair'd 
 Of cedar, stor'd with treasures manifold, 
 And calling Hecuba, these words address'd : 
 
 " Ο woman most unfortunate ! e'en now 200 
 The messenger of Jove hath ord'red me 
 My son to ransom ; and such presents bear 
 As shall appease Achilles, to the ships. 
 Tell me what thinkest thou : for me — my mind, 
 My every thought impels me to comply, 20^ 
 '' And venture to the Grecian tents and ships." 
 He spake : with cries thus Hecuba replied : 
 Ah! whither is thy sense, thy wisdom fled, 
 " By Troy acknowledged, and by nations own'd ? 
 " What! to the ships alone, and dare the sight 21 ο 
 Of him who hath thy num'rous sons destroyed ? 
 No feeling canst thou have ; an iron heart ! 
 •' Should he discover thee, and seize thee there, 
 " Savage and faithless as he is, no grace, 
 " No pity will he show. Here stay we then, 21. «> 
 
 tc 
 
 fC 
 
 iC 
 
 it 
 
 tc 
 
 iC 
 
 tc 
 
 *( 
 
320 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 321 
 
 m 
 
 
 ,\ ■ 
 
 If- 
 
 " And in our palace weep : imperious fate 
 " Thus wove his thread of life ; since him I bore 
 " To satiate dogs with that most cruel man, 
 " Far from his parents. Ο might I devour 
 « His entrails, clinging to his hateful side, 220 
 
 " Then should my Hector's wrongs be all reveng'd! 
 " Yet did he bravely fall, defending still 
 " The wives and daughters and the sons of Troy ; 
 " Nor gave a thought to flight, nor shunn'd his foe." 
 Priam replied: " Detain me not, I pray; 225 
 ^^ Nor be thyself a bird of omen dire 
 " Within my house ; thy words dissuade me not : 
 " Had mortal man this enterprise enjoin'd, 
 " Prophet, or soothsayer, or sacred priest, 
 " I might have deem'd it false, and have despis'd : 
 I heard the god myself; these eyes beheld. 231 
 I go, nor go in vain : should fate decree 
 " That I amid the Grecian ships expire, 
 " Then be it so ; and let him slay me, thus 
 " CIas])ing my son, and satiated with grief." 235 
 
 He spake ; and opening many curious chests. 
 Twelve mantles thence he took of texture rare ; 
 Twelve single vests : twelve carpets next he chose : 
 Tuniiis and finer robes, of each the same : 
 Of gold ten talents ; polish'd tripods two ; 240 
 
 ce 
 
 (( 
 
 fc 
 
 Four caldrons, and a cup of rare device ; 
 Thracia the gift bestow'd ; of public worth 
 And amity the pledge: this spar'd he not 
 In ransom for his son. Then from the porch 
 In angry mood he drove the Trojan youth : 24^ 
 " Vile and unprofitable as ye are. 
 Away ! Have ye no griefs at home, that thus 
 " Ye trouble me ? or do ye lightly deem 
 '' Those ills which Jove inflicts ? Tve lost a son, 
 " The bravest and the best ; and 'tis a loss 250 
 " Yourselves must feel, an easier prey to Greece 
 " Now he is dead : but ere these eyes behold 
 *' My city plund'red, desolate, destroy'd, 
 " May I to Pluto's gloomy realm descend !" 
 
 He spake, and drove them oflf: they quick with- 
 drew, 255 
 
 Rebuk'd. Then angry to his sons he spake ; 
 
 To Paris, Helenus, and Agathon ; 
 
 Polites, Pamraon, and Hippothous ; 
 
 Dios, Antiphonus, Deiphobus; 
 
 Nine sons : " Idle and most disgraceful race ! 260 
 
 " Make haste. Oh! had ye perish'd at the ships 
 
 " Instead of Hector, wretched as I am ! 
 
 " The bravest of my sons, nor braver Troy 
 
 '' Might boast, are dead : Mester and Troilus, 
 
 VOL. II. V 
 
 
 rTriflhl»itiffiHJIkilriili^iliiir--i^''~'--|iriirt itn ι ■—'--'"^^ttifelll Γπ [ 
 
32ύ 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 χχίν. 
 
 1% 
 
 *;? 
 
 
 If 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 " And Hector, as a god by all esteetn'd. 
 
 War h^th destro/d them, but hath left behind 
 A base disgraceful set ; felse, frivolous, 
 " To dance and song, to thefts and feasts devote. 
 ^^ Will ye not hasten and prepare the car, 
 " And bind the treasures on, and speed my way?" 
 He spafee. His sons alarmed at his rebuke, ajt 
 The car prepared, splendid and beautiful. 
 And tied the coffer on: : then from the peg 
 They took the boxen yoke, fitted with rings : 
 Harness and traces next nine cubits long 2^5 
 
 They on the polished pole bound on, and fix'd 
 Upon the rings ; and thrice with thongs secur'd. 
 And fastened well the ends, and tied them close : 
 And bringing from the chamber, safely plac'd 
 The treasures Hector's ransom on the car, 280' 
 
 And yok'd the mules accustom'd to the draft, 
 A gift the Mysians erst to Priam sent : 
 Then led they forth the horses : these the kin» 
 Was wont himself to feed ; and now himself. 
 The herald aiding, to the chariot yok'd. 285 
 
 But Hecuba, still anxious, near approach'd : 
 Rich wine she in a golden goblet brought, 
 Libation meet, ere they should venture forth : 
 Standing before the horses, thus she spake l• 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 323 
 
 KC 
 
 i6 
 
 ζ( 
 
 a 
 
 tc 
 
 ^^ With this, libation make to Jove, and pray 
 Return from yonder foes ; since to the ships. 
 With no consent of mine, you still will go: 
 Pray then to mighty Jove in clouds enthron d, 
 " Idaean, who on us, on Troy looks down, 
 *' That he vouchsafe a messenger to send, 295 
 
 *' His favoured bird, the strongest of his kind. 
 Propitious, that thyself mayst see, ^nd know ; 
 And boldly to the ships pursue thy way. 
 '' Should Jove this sign refuse, then be it far 
 ^' From me such journey to the Grecian ships 300 
 ^' To suffer, or advise, though much thy wish!" 
 
 Priam replied : " What you enjoin, Ο queen, 
 " Shall no refusal meet: it must be right 
 " To raise the hands to Jove, and pity claim." 
 
 He spake ; and bade the attendant maiden pour 
 Pure water on his hands ; for which prepared 3o6 
 She ready held the bason and the ewer : 
 When wash'd, he from the queen the cup received ; 
 Then standing in the midst libation pour'd. 
 And with uplifted eyes this prayV address'd : 3 IQ 
 
 " Ο Jove supreme in Ida ! greatest, best, 
 '^ Grant that I pity and acceptance meet 
 " With Peleus' son ; and send thy favour'd bird, 
 ^' Swift messenger, the strongest of his kind, 
 
 γ 2 
 
 m 
 
 vm\ 
 
324 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV• 
 
 
 i'Ti. 
 
 in 
 
 " Propitious down, that these my eyes may see ; 
 *^ So shall I to the ships with better hope." 
 
 Thus pray'd he : mighty Jove his pray'r receiv'd 
 And his own eagle sent, swift bird of air. 
 Black, fierce, voracious, signal from high Jove ; 
 Wide as the portal of some lofty dome 320 
 
 His wings extended : on the right he seem'd 
 To rush upon the city ; all beheld 
 The favourable omen ; all rejoic'd. 
 Then Priam in his chariot took his seat. 
 And through the vestibule and sounding porch 325 
 Mov'd on : but first the four-wheel'd car advanced, 
 Dragg'd slowly by the mules ; the herald drove : 
 And after them the monarch's chariot mov'd ; 
 Him all his friends conducted through the town 
 Lamenting, as though doomed to certain death. 330 
 When now through lofty Troy they had pass'd on. 
 And to the plain descended, all his sons. 
 And sons-in-law, to Ilium back returned. 
 
 Not unobserved by Jove's all-seeing eye 
 They mov d along the plain : them he beheld, 335 
 And pitying Priam, thus to Hermes spake : 
 
 " My son, since more than others thou dost hear, 
 ^^ And aid mankind familiar, quick descend, 
 " And Priam to the Grecian ships conduct. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE lUAD. 
 
 325 
 
 " That none may see, or observation make, 
 " Till you have plac'd him in Achilles' tent." 
 
 Thus spake he : nor did Hermes disobey. 
 The glitt'ring sandals on his feet he bound 
 Ambrosial, golden, which o'er sea and land 
 Convey him with the swiftness of the winds. 345 
 His wand he took: with this sweet sleep he sheds 
 O'er mortals, or from slumber deep awakes ; 
 This in his hand he bore, and rapid flew 
 To Troy's fair city, and the Hellespont : 
 Some favour'd youth he seem'd, of princely race. 
 Of early promise, and in beauty's prime. 350 
 
 They had already pass'd by II us' tomb. 
 And at the river stay'd their beasts to drink. 
 And Night her sable mantle o'er the earth 
 Threw; when Idaeus saw the near approach 355 
 Of Hermes, and in haste to Priam said : 
 
 ^^ Think, son of Dardanus, for prudent thought 
 " Behoves thee much : I see a man approach, 
 " And danger is at hand : say, shall we fly, 
 '' Or suppliant at his knees for mercy plead?" 36o 
 
 He spake : pale fear the monarch's heart assail'd, 
 His spirit sank within him ; on his limbs 
 Bristled the hair ; amaz'd he stood with fear 
 
 
 i 
 
326 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 i 
 
 |.l5 
 
 ■J- 
 
 ic 
 
 a 
 
 <c 
 
 ic 
 
 €ζ 
 
 Motionless. The god meantime drew ni^h • 
 His hand caress'd, and thus in accents mild : 365 
 ^^ Whither, Ο father, through the shades of night. 
 When mortals sleep, dost thou direct thy course? 
 Or fear'st thou not the Grecian host, thy foe 
 Implacable, and near, that in the night 
 " Thou dost convey such treasures? If but seen, 370 
 ' What hope, what expectation couldst thou form f 
 
 Thou art not young, nor may this aged man 
 " Assistance give should violence assail. 
 '' I will not harm thee: no; nor suffer man 
 " To harm thee ; such as thou my father is.** 375 
 
 The venerable monarch thus replied : 
 " Just are thy words, my son, indeed, and true ; 
 " But still some god protects me with his^jiand, 
 " Whose kindness gives me to encounter thus 
 '' A guide benignant, both in form and mind 380 
 ^ Excelling: happy they who call thee son." 
 When Hermes thus: «Well hast thou spoken, 
 " sire, 
 
 « Of age revered ; yet say, and tell me true, 
 " Dost thou these treasures to some foreign land 
 " For safety thus convey? or have you all 385 
 
 " Forsaken Troy's devoted tow'rs through fe^r. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 327 
 
 « 
 
 " Since he, the bravest and the best, thy son, 
 '' Is dead ; in battle equal to the Greeks?" 
 
 " And who art thou?" Priam in haste replied, 
 ^' Thou best of men, and from what parents 
 
 " sprung, 
 '^ Who dost so justly tell my Hector's fate?" 390 
 
 Hermes return'd : " Ο venerable sire, 
 " Of Hector you inquire to try my faith ; 
 " Him have I often seen in glorious fight : 
 *■ When at the ships he slew the routed Greeks 395 
 " With fatal spear, these wond'ring eyes beheld : 
 " Yet fought I not; Achilles had forbid, 
 *^ Incens'd with Agamen^pon. Him I boast 
 " My friend ; one ship convey 'd us both to Troy. 
 " I am aJMyrmidon, my father's name 400 
 
 " Polyctor ; rich, and muph as you advanced 
 *^ In years : of seven, the youngest son am I ; 
 *^ And the lots cast, to me alone it fell 
 *^ In warfare to engage : here on the plain 
 " Far from the ships I come. At early dawn 405 
 " The Grecians will the city round invest, 
 '^ Impatient of delay ; nor may the chiefs 
 " Repress their ardour for the bloody fight." 
 
 Him answ'red Priam : " If thou be the friend 
 " Of Peleus' son, oh! then this truth declare, 410 
 
 54 
 
328 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 
 iff. 
 
 ti . 
 
 
 (ζ 
 
 €i 
 
 <c 
 
 ic 
 
 u 
 
 ίζ 
 
 Is Hector at the ships ; or to the dogs 
 Hath fierce Achilles thrown his mangled limbs?• 
 The messenger of Jove thus answer made : 
 Ο king, nor dogs nor birds have him devourd : 
 Near to the ships, and at Achilles' tent 4 1 5 
 
 Unnotic'd he remains : this the twelfth morn, 
 Nor yet hath taint or worms his corpse defil'd. 
 Yet true it is, around Patroclus' tomb 
 Each morn the victor drags him at his car: 
 Yet is he not defac'd; thou wouldst admire 420 
 How fresh he lies, the blood all wash'd away; 
 No stains; the wounds (for many wounds he bore) 
 Clos'd by some friendly hand : thus have the gods 
 Preserv'd thy son, whom living they esteem'd." 
 This Priam heard with joy, and thus replied: 425 
 Ο son ! to pay j ust offVings to the gods 
 Is right indeed : nor was my son of them 
 Forgetful whilst he liv'd ; therefore it is 
 That they remember him, though now no more. 
 Come then, and from my hands this cup receive; 
 Guard and conduct me, if the pow'rs of heav'n 
 Permit, in safety to Achilles' tent." 
 
 When Hermes thus : « Tempt not my youth to 
 " err: 
 
 It may not be that you persuade me thus 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 • i 
 €C 
 €C 
 
 ic 
 
 (ζ 
 
 329 
 
 " To take the gift, unknown to Peleus' son : 
 " But reverential fear forbids deceit 
 " With him, lest ill hereafter should betide. 
 " I would to Argos safe conduct thee hence, 
 " By sea or land, nor through contempt of me 
 *^ Thy guide, should any dare with thee contend."' 
 
 Thus Hermes spake ; and in the chariot leap d. 
 And seiz d the reins and whip ; then in the mules 
 And horses strength and vigour he infus'd. 
 
 Now to the fosse and battlements they came. 
 Just then the guard evening repast prepared ; 
 The potent wand of Hermes clos'd their eyes 446 
 In sleep : then open'd he the massy gates, 
 And all the bars remov'd ; conducting thus 
 Priam, the presents, and the loaded wain. 
 Now at the tent of Peleus' son arriv'd, 450 
 
 Which for their king the Myrmidons had made 
 With trunks of lofty pine, and cov'red o'er 
 With reeds the marsh supplied ; and form'd around 
 A spacious court, with palisadoes strong 
 Secur'd : of fir a bar of larger size 455 
 
 The door made fast ; three youths might scarce \ 
 Or close or open it ; Achilles clos'd alone. 
 This Hermes for the king with ease remov'd. 
 And to him and the gifts safe entrance gave ; 
 
330 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 ■is 
 
 <c 
 
 <( 
 
 Then from the chariot quick descending, thus 
 Began : '' A pow'r immortal you behold, 
 " Hermes, a guide to you sent down from Jove: 
 " Now I return ; nor shall I meet the view 
 " Of Peleus' son ; it were unseemly quite 
 " That an immortal powV such favour show 465 
 " To man familiar: enter thou his tent, 
 " Embrace his knees, and move thy humble suit ; 
 " Entreating him by father, mother, son, 
 And every softer tie that melts the soul." 
 He spake; and to Olympus wing'd his way. 470 
 But Priam from his chariot to the ground 
 Descending, left Idaeus ; who remained 
 The mules and horses to attend j^ the king 
 Ent'red the tent, where sat belov'd of Jove 
 Achilles ; there he found the godlike chief. 475 
 Apart he sat : near him his faithful friends 
 Automedon and Alcimus, employ 'd 
 In various offices, attendance gave. 
 Scarce had he finished repast, the board 
 Still unremov'd remain'd ; when unobserved 480 
 The monarch entVed, and Achilles' knees 
 Embrac'd, and kiss'd his hands inur'd to blood. 
 Dreadful! which had so many sons destroy d. 
 As when a man by crime of deepest dye 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 331 
 
 <i 
 
 « 
 
 i< 
 
 iC 
 
 ίζ 
 
 Impeird, by murder, in a foreign land 
 Seeks refuge at some lofty palace gate, 
 Conscious of wrong ; all view him with amaze: 
 Not less amaz'd Achilles Priam view'd. 
 And all-astonish'd seem'd, all-wondVing gaz'd. 
 
 When Priam thus his humble suit preferr d : 49O 
 " Ο Peleus' son ! think of thy father now. 
 
 Like me with age fordone, on the extreme verge 
 Of life trembhng ; it may perchance that him 
 '' Some neighb'riug powVs now with united force 
 .* Oppress ; no friend, no son to bring relief! 495 
 Yet he this comfort hath — the joyful news 
 That thou still livest, hoping day by day 
 '' To see his much-lov'd son from Troy return 'd. 
 " But I, most wretched of mankind, had sons 
 ^* Many and brave in Troy: now none remain ; 500 
 '' None worthy note : when first the sons of Greece 
 " Arriv'd, I numb'red fifty ; and of these 
 '' Nineteen one mother bore : pernicious Mars 
 " Hath most of them destroyed. One— one I had, 
 Alas ! the pride and the defence of Troy ; 505 
 Him, bravely fighting in his countrv's cause, 
 *' My Hector, thou hast slain ; for him I come, 
 " And bring large gifts the price of his release. 
 " Oh! then, Achilles, reverence the gods. 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 

 332 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 '' And pity, for thy father pity me, 
 
 '' More wretched far; for ne'er before was man 
 
 '' Constrain'd to kiss the hand which slew his son." 
 
 Thus Priam ; and awakened all his grief 
 And filial love. He gently with his hand 
 Priam repress'd. Then did remembrance dear 5i5 
 Cause tears to flow as at Achilles' feet 
 Prostrate he lay : and now Achilles wept 
 His father, now his friend ; and through the tent 
 The cry of woe was rais'd : but when enough 
 To tears was giv'n, when satisfied the soul, 520 
 
 Achilles rose, and gently fi-om the ground 
 Priam uprais'd, compassionating much 
 His reverend age, and kindly thus address'd : 
 " Thou hast, indeed, severest ills endur'd 
 '' Most wretched man! Yet say, how hast thou dar'd 
 " To venture here, and to behold that man 526 
 " By whom so many brave and valiant sons 
 " Have been destroy'd ? All iron is thy heart. 
 " Come, sit thee down, and let us for awhile 
 Forget, if it may be, our mighty griefs ; 530 
 
 No profit, no advantage can they bring. 
 Yet thus the gods, exempt themselves from care, 
 " Ordain a life of misery to man. 
 '' Fast by the throne of Jove two vessels stand. 
 
 333 
 
 iC 
 
 (C 
 
 iC 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ic 
 
 ζζ 
 
 u 
 
 ζζ 
 
 (ζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 β( 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 This fill'd with good, and that with evil stor'd : 
 To whom a mingled cup he doth dispense, 536 
 Chequ'red his life, alternate good and ill 
 Complete the measure ; but and if unmixt 
 The bitter draught, to contumely and scorn 
 From gods and men obnoxious, through the 
 " world 
 
 Outcast he roams, by famine scourg'd along. 541 
 
 Thus at his birth the gods to Peleus gave 
 
 Riches and wealth beyond the lot of man : 
 
 King of the Myrmidons, and though himself 
 
 Of mortal race, a goddess for his bride : 545 
 
 Yet did the gods to these add much of ill. 
 
 No sons, no heirs, his wealth, his kingdom knows. 
 
 One son he had, short-liv'd, alas ! But I 
 
 No comfort to his age, no solace give. 
 
 Here distant, fraught with ills to thee and thine. 
 
 Yet, venerable king, report doth say 551 
 
 Thou too wert rich ; in wealth surpassing far 
 
 What Lesbos or what Phrygia may contain. 
 
 Or the wide Hellespont ; in treasures these, 
 
 In sons thou didst excel. Since then the gods 555 
 
 Have heap d on thee the dire calamity 
 
 Of tumult and of war thy walls around : 
 
 Yet cease awhile, nor endless grief indulge ; 
 
334 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Hf 
 
 IS, 
 
 ll 
 
 η 
 
 €t 
 
 €C 
 
 it 
 
 " Ere unavailing tears thy son recall, 
 
 " Thou mayst thyself still sorer ills endure." b6o 
 
 Priam replied : " Ο cause me not to sit, 
 " Illustrious chief, whilst Hector at thy tent 
 " Unburied lies ; but to my longing sight 
 *' Restore him ; and accept the gifts I bring. 
 And may you, to your native land returned, b6b 
 Enjoy them long, since you in pity spare 
 My life, and give me still to view the sun !" 
 Achilles mov'd with anger thus replied : 
 " Importune me no more: it is my mind 
 *' Thy Hector to restore ; for to that end 5;o 
 
 '' My mother, daughter of old Ocean, came, 
 '' Sent down from Jove : yet do I know thee welL 
 
 Priam, for thee some god conducted here : 
 ^' None else would dare to enter thus our camp, 
 " And pass the guard ; none else might move the^ 
 " bars, 5J.5. 
 
 ^' Of weight enormous, which secure my gates. 
 " Then stir not up that grief which sleepeth now, 
 " Lest I no longer spare thee, in my tent 
 " Though suppliant, but transgress Jove's high 
 " command." 
 Thus spake he : Priam trembled and obey'd. 580 
 Achilles like a lion from his tent 
 
 xxir* 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 335 
 
 Rush'd forth, but not alone ; his faithful friends 
 Automedon and Alcimus his steps 
 Attended, whom Pelides honoured most, 
 Patroclus now no more : they from the yoke 585 
 Unloos'd the steeds and mules, and in the tent 
 The aged herald plac'd ; then they unbound 
 The treasures. Hector's ransom ; leaving still 
 Two linen cloths without, and mantle rich 
 To wrap the body in, when thence convey'd. 590 
 A<ihilles to his servants gave command 
 To wash aiid to anoint the corpse with care. 
 Lest Priam see his son, and at that sight 
 Give way to wrath, and wake Achilles' ire 
 To slay him, and transgress the will of Jove. 595 
 When wash'd, anointed, and with mantle cloth'd, 
 Achilles lifting, plac'd him on the bier. 
 Which in the wain his friends with care disposed ; 
 Then sigh'd he, and by name his friend address'd : 
 
 " Be not displeas'd, Patroclus, shouldst thou hear, 
 '' Though in the shades of death, that I relent, 601 
 " And to the father's arms restore his son : 
 *^ Great is the ransom ; great shall be thy share." 
 
 Achilles spake, and to his tent returned ; 
 And seated opposite to Priam, thus 
 His speech resumed : « Thy son is now releas'd, 
 
336 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 xxir. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 \ί:ί 
 
 Β'•' 
 
 
 ii 
 
 ce 
 
 tc 
 
 a 
 
 ^^ Priam, and on his bier ; him thou shalt see 
 " At morrow dawn, and back to Troy convey. 
 " But let refreshment now assert her claim. 
 " Not bright-hair'd Niobe her food forgot, 6lO 
 
 " Though slain six daughters, and six youthful sons; 
 " These Phoebus, angry, with his shafts, and those ' 
 " Diana huntress slew ; for that herself 
 " She equaird to Latona, having borne 
 ^^ Twelve children, but Latona only two : 6l5 
 
 The avenging hands of two those twelve destroy'd. 
 Nine days they lay unburied, none were found 
 To bury ; Jove the people turn'd to stone : 
 The gods themselves gave burial on the tenth. 
 *^ Yet she sated with tears remembVed food : 620 
 " And still amongst the rocks and deserts wild 
 *^ In Sipylus, where nymphs their couches strew, 
 ^^ And lead the dance on Achelous* banks, 
 " A stone she stands, and pours the flood of woe. 
 ^^ Then let us also, venerable chief, 625 
 
 '^ Refreshmei^ttake: then mayst thou weep thy son 
 " In Troy ; for there he will be greatly mourn'd." 
 
 He spake ; and rising, slew a fatted -sheep 
 With snowy fleece, which his attendants skinn'd, 
 And into parts divided ; and on spits 630 
 
 Fixing, well roasted ; then again removed. 
 
 337 
 
 635 
 
 Automedon the glitt'ring canisters 
 
 Of bread distributed ; Achilles carv'd : 
 
 All of the feast partook. Hunger and thirst 
 
 Appeas'd, Dardanian Priam with surprise 
 
 Achilles view'd, such and so great he was ; 
 
 He seem'd a god : nor less Achilles view'd 
 
 The venerable king of aspect mild, 
 
 And graceful speech. Each chief with wonder gaz'd 
 
 Long time ; Dardanian Priam first began : 640 
 
 " Permit that I retire, illustrious chief, 
 " And let us now partake the gift of sleep ; 
 " For never yet have these my eyelids clos'd 
 Since my lov'd Hector fell, subdued by thee: 
 All night I groan, and cherish bitter grief 645 
 " Within my courts ; and ashes all my bed : 
 " Now I have tasted food, and gen'rous wine 
 " Hath pass'd my throat, untasted both till now." 
 
 He spake. Achilles bade prepare two beds 
 Within the portico, and on them spread 650 
 
 The purple rugs, and tapestry, and cloaks 
 Of warmest wool. Obedient to his word 
 The servants went with torches in their hands. 
 And with all diligence the beds prepared ; 
 When thus with feign 'd alarm Achilles spoke: 655 
 " Rest thou without the tent, Ο sire rever d, 
 
 VOL. II. 2 
 
 cc 
 
 (C 
 
 ϋίΐί«ιίί«<ΒΜ«^-^~^"* 
 
338 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 ΧΑ IV. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 339 
 
 Β 
 
 iC 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 cc 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 " Lest some observe ; for hither oft they come, 
 '' Or counsellors, or chiefs, to hold debate ; 
 And seeing thee they should report the same, 
 And Agamemnon thy return delay, 660 
 
 And stay the ransom. Yetl pray you, tell 
 What time the rites of sepulture demand; 
 So long we stay, so long detain our host." 
 Priam replied : " If that we duly pay 
 Just rites to Hector, and if such thy will, 665 
 Achilles, most indulgent thus to me, 
 '' And kind ; thou knowest that within our walls 
 '' We are shut up, and distant on the hills 
 '' Materials lie ; and fear doth much prevail. . 
 Nine days we give to sorrow; and the tenth 670 
 To rites of sepulture, and public feast ; 
 " On the eleventh we will raise the tomb ; 
 'r And war again the twelfth— if Heav'n ordain !*' 
 
 Achilles answVed : " Be it even so, 
 " Priam : so long we will abstain from war." 675 
 
 He spake ; and Priam's hand within his own 
 Press'd kindly, to dispel each latent fear. 
 Then Priam in the vestibule to rest 
 Retired, his herald near, with doubtful thoughts 
 Perplext: Achilles slept within his tent, 680 
 
 And near the chief repos'd Briseis fair. 
 
 ζζ 
 
 ζζ 
 
 Now gods and men' subdued by soothing sleep 
 Rested through night : not so the watchful care 
 Of Hermes, friend to man ; him thoughts engag'd 
 How Priam he might safe conduct to Troy, 685 
 Unnotic'd by the guard. Him standing near. 
 He thus bespoke : " And dost thou, Priam, sleep 
 *' Surrounded by thy foes ; nor fearest ill 
 " From others, since unhurt by Peleus' son ? 
 " By mighty gifts thou hast thy son released ; 690 
 " Three times those gifts thy sons who still remain 
 " For thee must give, should Agamemnon know, 
 " Or other Grecian chiefs, that thou art here." 
 
 He ended : Priam much alarm'd awoke. 
 And call'd his herald : Hermes yok'd the steeds 695 
 And mules, and tli rough the camp secure they 
 
 pass'd. 
 Arrived where Xanthus pours his stream along, 
 There Hermes to Olympus wing'd his way, 
 What time the Morn in saffron robe attir'd 
 Her light diffused. With loud lament to Troy 700 
 They mov'd, bearing the dead ; all unperceiv'd 
 By men, or cinctur d matrons : but alone 
 Cassandra from the top of Pergamus 
 Her father in his chariot soon discern'd, 
 And knew his herald , Hector too she saw 
 
 ζ 2 
 
 705 
 
 ' ! t 
 
340 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 341 
 
 On his sad bier, by mules conveyed along : 
 
 With piercing cry she through the streets proclaim'd : 
 
 " Ye daughters and ye sons of Troy, go forth, 
 " Your Hector comes : if ever from the war 
 ^' You greeted his return whilst yet he liv'd 710 
 ^^ Your guardian and delight, go forth." She said ; 
 And Troy her numbers pour'd; none staid behind. 
 Such was their grief. Him near the Scaean gate 
 They met, and foremost of the throng his wife 
 And mother: plucking off their hair they rush'd 
 The wain upon, and touch'd their Hector's head ; 
 And thus lamenting had consumed the day. 
 But Priam to his people loud exclaim'd : 
 
 " Suffer the mules to pass ; and when arriv'd 
 " Our gates within, then let your sorrows flow." 720 
 
 At Priam's word the multitude divide ; 
 Then to the palace sad and slow they move. 
 
 And now, on bed of state the body plac'd. 
 Attendant minstrels chant the song of woe. 
 And weeping matrons sigh responsive round : 725 
 Folding her Hector in her fond embrace, 
 Andromache the mournful plaint began : 
 
 " My husband ! thus cut oiF in early prime ! 
 " Thou leav'st me desolate, and this thy child, 
 " Fruit of our hapless love ; whose future growth 
 
 " To manhood these my eyes shall ne'er behold ; 
 " For Ilion, Ilion falls, her guardian gone! 
 *^ Thou who didst wives and children all defend. 
 ^^ Them Grecian ships from hence shall soon convey, 
 " And me with them: thee too perchance, my child, 
 ^^ Companion of my woes, some lord severe 736 
 " Shall to unseemly toil with anger drive ; 
 " Some ruthless Grecian seizing by the hand 
 *^ Shall hurl thee from the towV; avenging thus 
 *^ A brother, father, son, by Hector slain ; 7 40 
 
 " For many Hector slew : and then alone 
 " When battle rag'd thy father was not mild : 
 " Therefore it is that Troy entire laments. 
 *^ Much woe to thy fond parents thou hast caus'd, 
 ^^ Hector ! but woes to me still more severe : 745 
 " No hand thou gav'st me from thy dying bed, 
 " No prudent word, to be by day, by night, 
 " At once the source and solace of my tears!" 
 
 Thus spake she weeping; and the matrons wept. 
 Then Hecuba her bitter woes express'd : 750 
 
 " Hector I of all my sons to me most dear ; 
 *^ Belov'd whilst living by the gods themselves ; 
 " Nor have they in thy death neglected thee : 
 " Other my sons hath swift Achilles sold, 
 " When captive made, to Lemnos' rocky isle, 755 
 " Samos, or Imbrus, o'er the stormy main t 
 
 aiyi^«S.t.ilftiaiMtJBatl8ia-li 
 
342 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 cc 
 
 u 
 
 <c 
 
 <c 
 
 cc 
 
 ^' But thee he draggd Patrochis' tomb around, 
 " Whom thou didst slay; yet rais'd him not again. 
 " Fresh art thou now and fair, as newly falln 
 " By no rude hand, but Phoebus' milder shafts." 
 Weeping she spake, and all their grief renew'd : 
 But Helen thus expressive of her grief: 
 Hector, of all whom brothers I may name 
 Far dearest to my soul ; by Paris, now 
 My husband, near allied to Priam's line : 765 
 Oh 1 had I perish'd first! Since here I came 
 From Sparta I have numb'red twenty years, 
 " Yet never did I hear reproach from thee ; 
 And if from others of thy num'rous house 
 Harsh language I receiv d, (but not from him 770 
 Thy father, as a father always kind,) 
 Yet did thy gentler spirit interpose 
 " With mildness ever, and benignant words : 
 *^ Lamenting thee, I for myself lament, 
 " For none remain in the extent of Troy 775 
 
 " Friendly and kind ; I stand abhorr'd by all.'' 
 
 Thus Helen ; and the people wept around, 
 Concourse immense; whom Priam thus addressed: 
 " Now, Trojans, to our city bring the wood, 
 *^ Nor fear attack ; for thus Achilles spake, 7 80 
 *^ When he dismissed me from the ships to Troy :^ 
 ^' ' Till the twelfth morn I from the war abstain.' " 
 
 (C 
 
 iC 
 
 i< 
 
 4C 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE ILIAD. 
 
 345 
 
 He spake : then mules and oxen to the wains 
 They yok'd, which from the town collecting, pour'd 
 The plain along. Nine days from Ida's mount 
 The wood they brought; when the tenth morn ap- 
 peared, 786 
 Then bore they Hector forth with loud lament, 
 And on the summit placing lit the pyle• 
 
 When now the rosy-fingVed Morn arose. 
 All Troy round Hector's tomb assembled stood, 790 
 In order duly rang'd : first they with wine 
 The fire what yet remain'd in every part 
 Extinguish'd ; then collecting his remains, 
 (Brethren and friends still weeping all around,) 
 They in a golden urn secure enclos'd, 795 
 
 And cov'ring o'er with robe of purple hue. 
 Deposited in earth ; and over them 
 Heap'd stones of larger size, and quickly rais'd 
 The warrior's tomb ; and plac'd a guard around. 
 Lest foes advancing should their rites disturb. 800 
 
 Thus having rais'd the lofty tumulus. 
 They back return'd to Troy; and duly call'd, 
 (So custom bade,) partook the genial feast 
 By Priam at his lofty palace giv'n. 
 
 Thus they were occupied at Hector's tomb. 
 
 THE END. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 Book Line 
 
 i. 371. /w A humble rwi An humble 
 
 403. for ^geaa read M^Qon 
 
 ii. 381. ^r orbid rearf orbed 
 
 617. after Cteatus a semicolon 
 
 iii. 218. for rev'rence read reverence 
 
 V. 555. for lofty read statefy 
 
 vii. 137. f»r Jordan read Jardan 
 
 X. 183. after forest a semicolon 
 
 zi. 778. for too read two 
 
 787. afoer said a colon 
 
 16. after severe a servicolon 
 
 1 16. afier fleet a semicolon 
 
 # 
 
 xu. 
 
 Book Ijine 
 
 xviii. 210. 
 
 Txi. 501. 
 
 xxiv. 79. 
 
 456. 
 
 457. 
 
 VOL. IL 
 
 dele tlie 
 
 for cove read cave 
 for Imbrius read Imbrus 
 after scarce add or close 
 after or dele close or 
 
 PRINTED BY 
 RICHARD TAYLOR and CO., 
 
 5UOE LANE. M.DCCCIX, 
 
ftm^^' 
 
 Τ-Ίΐΐ ι ρ ΐ ί J i 'J i-; " '"^yjgii 
 
 « ; 
 
 i ih^ '*2-l^ 
 
 ■.*wl& 
 
 
 
 If ίΜ1Μ3δδ7 
 
 CULUM8iA UNiVERSfTV LIBRARiES 
 
 8^HS 
 
 Homerus 
 
 The Iliad of Homer 
 
 ^r^ 
 
 
 'Λ'* ^ 
 
 ' ", " 
 
 .I^M 
 
 >. -"■.«? 
 
 ' ."'t^EpS^ 
 
 ||,J 
 
 .. .'V.V* 
 
 
 •^ . ■ ; — . 
 
 '" . ^ΊΜ' 
 
 >-' 
 
 «" ■^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 jjix-' t 
 
 T^^ 
 
 %J 
 
 ,t;-ia 
 
 t « 
 
 ^SH^H 
 
 > ir=; 
 
 ^^^Hi 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
 "f^m 
 
 '■M^^ 
 
 it ^ 
 
 Jf "^ 
 
 ..•^■.- ΐ^Λ Η 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 ...< 
 
 ^^' 
 
 . -» v^ ΐ^ΗΒ^Μ -%• "^ '^"«'^fi ji'*V ^^'i 
 
 
 
 I ' ^** ;. V* , -£££ i